The Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel to Australia: Tips & Tricks for Your Adventure Down Under
Want to solo travel to Australia? Here is the ultimate guide to solo travel in Australia!
Gorgeous sandy beaches, unbelievable marine life, and top-notch surfing, plus English is the national language. This literally SCREAMS, “Take a solo trip to Australia.” In fact, the country offers so much you’ll be hard-pressed to find a reason not to visit Australia.
As someone who loves a fun solo vacation, I’m giving you everything you need to know for your solo trip to Australia.
You’ll learn about the best places for solo travel in Australia, how to get around, and more tips and tricks for traveling alone in Australia.
After reading this post, you’ll be well-prepared for your adventure to the Land Down Under!
This post is all about solo travel to Australia.
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Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel to Australia
Best Time to Visit Australia
The best seasons to visit Australia are spring and fall. Not only are flights and lodging more affordable during these seasons, but the weather is also much more pleasant. Plus, the crowds are smaller than in summer.
As Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are opposite from those in the US. So, spring is from September to November, and fall is from March to May. Therefore, these months are the most ideal for visiting Australia.
Is Solo Travel in Australia Safe?
Safety is the top priority when traveling, especially for solo female travelers. So, you may wonder, “Is Australia safe for solo female travelers?” And the answer is YES, ABSOLUTELY!
Australia is one of the safest countries in the world for solo travel. In fact, it’s probably safer than most cities in the US.
Because of this, I highly recommend Australia to first-time solo female travelers. You get to see a beautiful country without fearing for your safety.
Note: Yes, Australia is safe. However, crime is everywhere. So be aware of your surroundings, and trust your gut.
Also, check out my top tips on traveling alone as a woman to prepare for your solo trip to Australia.
Best Places for Solo Travel in Australia
Australia is a large country with much to see. Here is a breakdown of the best places to visit in Australia.
East Coast Australia
If you plan to travel solo on the east coast of Australia, then Cairns is where you want to be. You especially want to visit Cairns to see the famous Great Barrier Reef, which is considered a gateway to the reef.
On top of the insane marine life, Cairns also has several waterfront bars, top restaurants with fresh seafood, and abundant water activities. With so much to do, there is no excuse for boredom.
Water, wildlife, delicious food, and endless fun. What more could you ask for on a solo trip?
Brisbane & The Gold Coast
Next is Brisbane & the Gold Coast. Miami is America’s equivalent of Brisbane.
If you want to party and have a little fun, Brisbane is the city for you. The nightlife is jumping! With several clubs and pubs, you most definitely won’t be bored.
But nightlife is not all Brisbane & Gold Coast offer. The beaches on the Gold Coast are some of the most beautiful in all of the world. And I am not exaggerating.
So, if you enjoy a nice beach day, you’ll want to visit the Gold Coast.
Also, if you love wildlife, you MUST visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Not only do you get to hold a koala, but you can also feed a kangaroo and meet all kinds of Australian wildlife at the sanctuary. Trust me; this is an experience you don’t want to miss.
Victoria
Melbourne is Australia’s second-largest city and capital of Victoria (a state in Australia). In Melbourne, you can taste different parts of the world, as the city is well-known for its diverse population.
The city happens to be home to people from roughly 200 different countries, with a little over 250 languages spoken. Talk about a small world.
Besides the numerous cultures, Melbourne is known as Australia’s sports capital. Australian rules football (AFL), basketball, soccer, cricket, race car driving, and even more are played year-round in Melbourne. So, no matter when you visit, you can always catch something.
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New South Wales
Next is Sydney, Australia’s largest city and the capital of New South Wales. And I’m sure if you’ve heard anything about Australia, you’ve most likely heard about Sydney.
There is much to do and see in Sydney, like visiting the famous Sydney Opera House, kayaking to Goat Island, or spending a day at one of the endless beaches. In addition, the cuisine is exceptionally delicious and offers a diverse range of cultural options.
If you’re visiting Australia, stopping in Sydney is a MUST!
South Australia
As often in the south, South Australia has a beautiful country-town feel. Adelaide is South Australia’s capital and the perfect city to experience the slower, small-town vibe. This vibrant city is full of gorgeous beaches, rolling hills, and unique wildlife; an ideal start for a trip to Australia.
Plus, Adelaide is the wine capital of Australia. Just 20 minutes away, you can taste Australia’s finest wine selections at Adelaide Hills.
More fun places include Glenelg, Adelaide’s favorite beach, Adelaide’s Central Markets, and Kangaroo Island.
Western Australia
Lastly is Perth, the capital of Western Australia. The gorgeous city of Perth is known to get more sunshine than any other capital city in Australia.
Perth is the ideal location for solo travelers wanting a relaxing experience. While it’s not a party-goer city like Brisbane, there is still much to do and see.
The best things to do in Perth include lying on one of the gorgeous beaches, exploring the city, or cruising on the Swan River.
How to Get Around in Australia
There are several ways to get around the large country of Australia.
Flying
Flying from city to city in Australia is the quickest mode of transport, although usually the most expensive. However, there are several domestic airlines to choose from, so if you book in advance, you might find a cheaper price.
Bus
Traveling by bus is one of the cheaper ways to travel throughout Australia. The only downside is that it takes longer to reach your destination. But you get to see some incredible views on the way. So, taking the bus is the way to go.
Car
Next is traveling by car. This mode of transportation is ideal for travelers that want to go on a road trip. This option can be pricey, but it’s well worth the experience if you’re planning a road trip through Australia.
Rideshare
Australia offers a couple of rideshare options perfect for solo travelers trying to stick to a budget.
Trains
Traveling by train is the last popular method to get from city to city in Australia. This option is more expensive but well worth it as you get wined and dined on board. While the cozy atmosphere on the train is perfect for couples, it’s also very relaxing for solo travelers.
How Much Time Should You Spend in Australia?
How much time you spend in Australia depends on how many places you want to see. Australia is quite a large country, so I recommend spending a minimum of three weeks to see the whole country. And you still might want to come back to savor everything.
However, if you’re just visiting 2-3 cities, I recommend anywhere from 3-5 days per city. So, you could get away with spending a week to ten days in Australia and still see a lot.
How Much is it to Travel to Australia?
The famous question: Is Australia expensive to visit? Sadly, Australia is a costly place to visit.
For a week in Australia for 1 person, you can expect to spend roughly $1,300. This includes public transport, food, lodging, and activities you might want to do.
That price doesn’t include airfare to & from Australia. A roundtrip flight will likely cost you around $1,400 to fly out of any major city in the US.
While Australia is more on the expensive side, it is definitely possible to visit on a budget. Solo travelers on a budget might consider staying in a hostel instead of a hotel, cooking or purchasing cheaper food options, and picking the most affordable way to get around Australia.
Those minor adjustments can save you hundreds, and you still enjoy Australia’s beauty!
Should I Get Travel Insurance for Australia?
YES, most definitely, yes. It’s in your best interest to purchase travel insurance anywhere you travel.
Even if you plan your trip down to the very minute, THINGS HAPPEN.
And you don’t want to be in a situation where you need medical attention (or who knows what else) and you have to pay an arm and two legs for it. All because you didn’t purchase the travel insurance. Don’t be that person.
Protect yourself & get travel insurance.
As you have read, there are so many reasons to visit Australia. It is one of the most beautiful, exotic wonders of the world. And definitely an excellent option for a solo trip.
Sending you much love and wishing you safe & happy travels.
This post is all about solo travel to Australia.
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