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Read my budget solo female travel Australia-focused guide for local info on the safest and best solo female travel destinations: including Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. I travelled Australia alone for more than a year and I’m going to share all my secrets for staying safe while travelling down under.
According to US News, Australia ranked as the fifth-best country to travel alone, just behind our close neighbour New Zealand. As a widely-travelled Australian digital nomad, I can assure you that my home country has a lot to offer adventurous women travellers. From the tropical rainforests in the North to the sandy beaches of the East Coast and the snow-capped mountains of Tasmania in the South; Australia is a solo female travel paradise.
I did my first solo trip around Australia in 2005, after my first big heartbreak. Taking the train from my hometown of Sydney for as far as I could, I planned on leaving for only a few days. But a conversation over one too many beers with a group of German backpackers lead me to an 18-month adventure that truly inspired my love of travel. 35,000km later, I’d navigated the entire coastline of the continent (Australia is BIG, mate)!
In 2022, I made another (smaller) trip during the pandemic when our borders closed to international travel… but they are now back open again and I wanted to share with other women who want to see the country alone some of the things that I learned along the way. If you follow my local’s guide to when to visit, where to go and how to travel safely and cheaply – you’ll be be travelling alone in Australia in no time.
Australia can be expensive, so I’ll be giving you tips to save money while down under, but if you want even more information, see how I travelled Australia for a year (2022) for only $5000 (AUD) / ≈$3300 (USD).
Australian Facts For Solo Female Travellers
| Language(s): Time Zone(s): Capital City: Currency: Power Outlets: WIFI Speed: Crime: COVID-19: | English (UK English) UTC+8 (AWST) to UTC+10 (AEST) Canberra (ACT) Australian Dollars ($AUD) 3-flat-pin plug (Type I) + New Zealand. (Buy adapter here). 55 Mbp/s (Average). Higher in major cities. Low-Moderate. 27th most peaceful country (2022). Here is the latest information. |
You must have a valid Australian Visa to enter the country (unless a citizen of Australia or New Zealand).
Read more about Australian visas here. The most common visas are the eVisa/Visitor Visa (up to 3 months) or the Working Holiday Visa (up to 3 years) for eligible travellers under 35.
Solo Female Travel Australia: When To Visit
When you choose to visit Australia will depend on the type of weather that you prefer and the activities that you’d like to do. Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, so seasons are the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere.
Summer: December to February
Autumn: March to May
Winter: June to August
Spring: September to November.
Australia has four main climate zones:
Tropical (Hot and Wet): Darwin, Cairns.
Sub-Tropical (Warm and Wet): Brisbane, Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Perth.
Temperate (Cool/Warm ): Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart.
Desert/Arid/Semi-Arid (Hot and Dry): Alice Springs.
In the tropical north of the country, there are two distinct seasons: The Wet Season (October to April) and Dry Season. The Wet Season brings very high rainfall and humidity.
Here are the main travel seasons:
High Season (December to February), Australia’s Summer months are when most Aussies have their annual holidays. Tourist destinations are at their busiest and prices are at their highest during this time, although things become a little quieter in February when children return to school. Australian summers are hot, “from about 20°C to 37°C (68°F to 99°F) in the major capital cities“, but have been recorded up to 50.7°C (123.3°F)!
Low Season (June to August) is winter and when you’ll find the lowest prices for flights and accommodation. For those who enjoy cooler weather, this might be perfect. Remember, Australia is a relatively hot country year-round, with average temperatures “from 11°C (52°F) in the south to 30°C (86°F) in the north” in winter.
Shoulder Seasons (March-May) and (September to November) offer the mildest temperatures and average prices. Spring and Autumn temperatures in Australia are between “17°C and 35°C (63°F and 95°F)“.
For more information on the annual weather and rainfall in each capital city, click here.
Best Solo Female Travel Destinations
Australia is so large and filled with so many different things to do that, again, a lot of where you decide to go will be based on your interests. Here are the best solo female travel destinations based on popularity and budget.
…but before you even start planning your journey, consider a subscription to the HerHouse app. It makes it easy for solo women travellers to connect with background-checked female hosts, so they have safe places to stay and save money while travelling. There is a large but ever-growing number of members now in Australia. You’ll get all the local info, and make local connections and friends for life. Use my code: OHNOMAD for 10% off.
Australia is one of the safer countries to start your sole female travel adventure, ranking far below other English-speaking countries like the United States and the United Kingdom by crime rate. I’ll give you a bit of local info on how to stay safe in each city, but I also highly recommend this article from SmartTraveller.
East Coast of Australia: Cairns to Melbourne (Popular/Beaches)
Australia’s three largest cities – Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne – are all along the East Coast and are part of the most popular route for travellers: Cairns to Melbourne. If you’re looking for a social and action-packed adventure, this is it. They are also good first-time solo female travel destinations. You can purchase a Whimit ticket with Greyhound that will let you move between any of the 68 stops along the route for between $265-$415 (AUD) – including Fraser Island, Rainbow Beach and Byron Bay.
Solo Female Travel Cairns
Cairns (Pop. ≈150,000), the northernmost ‘large’ town in Queensland, is a popular arrival and departure destination for travellers along the East Coast. Alongside nearby Rockhampton and Townsville, it does have a higher crime rate than the southern cities, so travelling women should avoid walking alone at night and watch valuables carefully. Both Cairns Central YHA (Budget) and Coral Tree Inn (Mid-Range) are well-reviewed by lone travellers and are close to transport and CBD for safety. Green Island and Kuranda Scenic Railway are highlights.
Solo Female Travel Brisbane
Brisbane (Pop. ≈2.3 million), the capital city of Queensland, is about halfway between Cairns and Melbourne. The city offers a larger airport with greater international connections and is a good option for those with limited time. Selina Brisbane (Budget) and George Williams Hotel (Mid-Range) are both centrally located for safety. While Brisbane is relatively safe, solo females should be cautious when walking alone in the Fortitude Valley and CBD area, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. The Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Byron Bay are all just a few hours from Brisbane and the weather is less hot and humid than in the northern parts of the state.
Solo Female Travel Sydney
Sydney (Pop. ≈5.3 million) is currently in a close race with Melbourne for the title of Australia’s largest city. With world-famous landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach, it is an ever-popular travel destination for soloistas. It also ranks the highest for safety of the three major cities, but the Kings Cross and CBD areas can be pretty disorderly on the weekends, so use your common sense. Sydney Harbour YHA (Budget) and The Ultimo (Mid-Range) are well-reviewed and conveniently located accommodations rated highly by solo guests.
The Blue Mountains (Katoomba) is a must-see natural wonder only a few hours from the city and one of New South Wales’ most popular attractions. The state also contains some of Australia’s biggest ski fields, so if snow is your thing, it might be the most attractive city to launch your trip from.
Solo Female Travel Melbourne
Melbourne (Pop. ≈5.1 million) is known as the nation’s ‘arts and culture’ city, with excellent live music venues and restaurants. Selina Central Melbourne (Budget) and lyf Collingwood (Mid-Range) are top accommodation picks by solo travellers. Be cautious with your belongings in Flinders St Station, as there have been reports of pickpocketing here, and stay aware when in inner city suburbs (like St. Kilda) on the weekend. The Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island are nearby ‘must sees’ in Victoria.
Tasmania (Budget/Hiking)
If, instead of the sun and sand of the East Coast, you’re more into hiking and National Parks – Tasmania is for you. You can catch a ferry from Geelong to Devonport from $99 (each way) or find a flight from Melbourne to the capital Hobart from ≈$56 (one way). Flights and accommodation are much cheaper during Low Season (June-August) and real bargains can be found at this time. Solo women should let someone know where they are going if hiking in the remote parts of the state, as some tracks are very isolated. Port Arthur and Wineglass Bay are perennial favourites for travellers alone in Tasmania.
Solo Female Travel Hobart
Hobart (Pop. ≈206,000) is one the best cheap places to travel solo as a female. If you like hiking, history and art, you’ll be very happy here. Hobart is one of Australia’s safest cities, but it is still wise for lone females to take care at night. Narrara Backpackers (Budget) and Mövenpick Hotel Hobart (Mid-Range) are both popular solo options in the city centre. See the world-renowned Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) or the seals on Bruny Island.
West Coast of Australia: Perth to Darwin (Peace/Nature)
On the opposite side of the country lies the West Coast, a sparsely populated stretch of country that couldn’t be more different from its Eastern cousin. Wide open deserts and clear blue oceans await you, far from the bustle of the major Australian cities. Nature lovers and those interested in Indigenous culture will find this an amazing opportunity for a serene and off-the-beaten-track solo female adventure.
Solo Female Travel Perth
Perth (Pop. ≈1.98 million), the Western Australian capital, is a small city surrounded by red soil and one-of-a-kind forests. Hostel G (Budget) and Quay Perth (Mid-Range) are central, solo-friendly accommodations. With a high safety index comparable to the other major cities, solo travellers should use the same level of care and concern as on the East Coast. Rottnest Island and The Pinnacles are two amazing natural local wonders.
As Western Australia is so large and there is no Greyhound bus service, you may want to consider hiring a car or campervan to make a trip along the West Coast. Be aware that the north of the state towards Darwin is tropical and roads may be flooded during the Wet Season (October to April). Crocodiles can be dangerous, so check for signs before swimming in streams and rivers in the northern regions.
Solo Female Travel Darwin
Darwin (Pop. ≈130,000) is Australia’s northernmost city and it almost feels like a completely different country. Hot, humid weather and palm trees could easily be mistaken for South-East Asia. Yet, the town is distinctively Australian, and as close to a real-life Crocodile Dundee as you’re ever going to get. The Youth Shack Backpackers (Budget) and Quest Palmerston (Mid-Range) are the best-rated solo accommodation options in town.
Be aware that Darwin does rank high for crime with high rates of vandalism and theft. Alice Springs, home to the famous Uluru (Ayers Rock) is 1500km south of the capital and is known as Australia’s most unsafe town. So while the state is well worth visiting, exercise greater caution while alone and secure valuables.
Solo Female Travel Australia: Stay Safe
If you’re wondering “What is it like travelling to Australia as a single woman?“, it’s a comparatively safe country with a huge diversity of wildlife, nature and cosmopolitan cities. Yes, it pays to be cautious at night and theft does occur – but if you follow the tips in this guide – you can travel to Australia alone safely. You’ll never forget it.
Mega-Guide to Australia for Digital Nomads.
Complete Guide to 50+ Digital Nomad Visas.
Want digital nomad support? Get in touch.
Kate is a teacher, writer and CEOh of ohnomad.com and teachenglishonline.com.au. After travelling for years, she became a digital nomad/house sitter in 2019. Offline, she’s patting every dog at the park. Online: Twitter/LinkedIn.
