The Solo Travel Guide To Australia (2024)

A solo trip to Australia’s vast landscape of energetic cities, wild terrain, and wavy shores is a dream idea for most people! The country is known for being a bucket list destination, and many of those who turn their Aussie travel dreams into reality are solo backpackers, looking for an ultimate adventure.

I’ve had the pleasure of spending extensive time in Australia thanks to a working holiday visa which allowed me to stay in the country for 2 years. During this time, I travelled A LOT. Australia is the world’s sixth-largest country and I wanted to explore as much as possible before my time ran out. Locations imprinted in my memory the most from my trip down under include Melbourne, Kakadu National Park, Magnetic Island, and Byron Bay.

Exploring various countries as a solo female traveller has boosted my confidence and belief in myself tenfold. From the moment I step foot on a plane, I know I’m about to make incredible memories, learn about a new culture, and immerse myself in an unfamiliar environment meeting incredible people along the way. My solo Australia trip allowed me to fly to the other side of the world, trusting my adaptability and travel experience to guide me through each day. 

Everything You Need To Know Before A Solo Trip To Australia

My biggest tip before an Aussie solo trip is to be prepared! I don’t mean to have every second of your travels mapped out, but at least have a good idea of the must-visit places on your list, a rough daily budget, insurance, and accommodation arranged for some of your days. Being prepared will help you feel more relaxed when the plane touches down in Australia and you know what you’re getting up to on your first day. 

How To Get To Australia As A Solo Traveller

Coming from the UK, Australia is FAR to travel to! This typically means expensive flights and at least one layover, but trust me when I say the travel faff of reaching the continent is worth it. Australia has over 600 airports, so you can only imagine the number of possible flights available to reach the country and the potential layover destinations.

There’s no secret; flying to Australia can cost a lot, with the biggest expense of an Aussie trip being the transport to and from the country. The flights are also known for being notoriously long. This is something I like, as I find it gives me time to sit back on the plane, journal about my imminent adventure, and visualise my solo trip coming to life. To cut back on costs, it’s worth looking into routes with more than one layover. In some ways, layovers seem inconvenient, but if you have several hours to wait, layovers are a bonus for a spontaneous adventure!

Tips For Finding Cheap Flights To Australia

The ability to find cheap flights to Australia is a game-changer, cutting down initial costs as much as possible so you have the maximum budget left for in-country experiences. After extensive solo travelling over the last few years, I’ve compiled my tips for finding cheap flights so you can cut down travel costs and reach Australia with plenty of dollars still to hand.

Be Flexible 

I know what it’s like when you have a goal destination, arrival and departure dates, and exact ideas about what you’ll do when you reach your desired country of travel. This isn’t the wrong way to travel, as different things work for different people! Over time, however, I’ve found remaining as flexible as possible to be a great way of keeping costs down. Being open to various destinations and travel dates will help comparison sites give you the best range of deals. 

Fly Off-Peak

Travelling during holiday periods is a big no for me as I’m usually exploring on a budget, and these are the times companies hike their prices up. Instead of journeying across the water at popular times, I always travel off-peak, and usually early in the morning as long as I’ve got a coffee in hand! Early morning flights tend to be cheaper and generally quieter than busier times of the day, so it’s worth setting your alarm clock and saving some pennies. 

Compare Prices

I always turn to Skyscanner when I’m looking for flights, as they take the hard work out of price comparison for me. The website is easy to use and details the cheapest flights along with airlines, layover details, and total flight time. Flight comparison is a must when you’re looking to keep costs down. You’d be surprised how much prices can fluctuate depending on the airline and company you book through!

Pack Light

I always think it’s wise to pack light as it means there’s less to worry about during your travels and you can have a little space to bring some special items home with you. It’s also a good move for avoiding surprise baggage fees which are commonplace with budget airlines. Weigh your bag before travelling to the airport and double-check the size you can bring on the plane without additional charges. 

Sign Up For Flight Deals

Along with searching for flight prices on comparison websites, you can also find amazing deals by signing up to websites and online memberships to access more deals. Collecting air miles is something I would highly recommend to anyone travelling regularly. The miles you accumulate while travelling can be used towards a flight in the future; maybe even on your solo trip to Australia.

Do I Need A Visa For My Trip To Australia? 

It doesn’t matter if your goal is to spend a few days, weeks, or months in Australia; it’s essential to obtain a valid Australian visa. This will allow you to enter and stay in the country legally, whether you’re going for a short holiday, planning on working abroad, or studying. For my trip, I needed to work to afford everything I wanted to do in Australia, so I applied for a working holiday visa. This gave me 12 months to explore the country, and I could then apply for a second working holiday visa once my 12 months were coming to an end.

If you don’t plan on working during your solo travel Australia adventure, you can apply for an eVisitor visa which allows up to 3 months travel. Unlike the working holiday visa which costs a few hundred Aus dollars, the eVisitor visa is free and allows you to visit Australia as much as you like during 12 months, as long as each visit is less than 3 months long.

Working Holiday Visa in Australia

Australia is one of the most popular locations for Brits to head to on a working holiday visa. I actually spent 2 years living Down Under and loved it – what an experience! It allowed me to travel Australia extensively while experiencing work and travel alongside each other and I highly recommend for anyone who is 18-35 and considering backpacking or a move abroad. Finding a job in Australia on a working holiday visa isn’t hard as there are so many different roles available! Think of everything from fruit picking and waitressing to sales jobs and temporary admin positions. My biggest tip would be to head into potential workplaces such as hotels, hostels, and bars, and hand in your CV. You can read more of my backpacker tips for finding jobs in Australia in my guide here. 

For those who would like extra help with arranging their working holiday visa in Australia, why not book a package with Global Work and Travel? They’ll help you with flights, travel insurance, accommodation, visa applications and even job hunting. Plus you can get support 24- hours a day Mon-Fri from your own Trip Coordinator and make friends before you land using their app.

How Do I Book A Solo Trip To Australia?

There are many ways to book a solo trip to Australia, and whether you’re planning to map out your entire solo trip, create a group trip to meet other solo travellers, or only want to book a flight and first night’s accommodation, there’s an Aus adventure to suit you! 

Entire Planned Trip:

Booking an entire planned trip is feasible, but I find planning every aspect of a trip to be quite stressful when I arrive, as I’m always checking the time to make sure I’m not late for an activity or hotel check-in. Suppose this is your preferred way to travel. In that case, it’s worth looking at comparison websites that pair flights and hotels together as these can save money and time searching for booking availability.

A Group Trip:

Booking a group trip with close friends is a great way to kick off your Australian adventure, and if you all head in different directions and meet up in a few months, just think how exciting it will be to tell each other everything you’ve gotten up to! If you’re taking a solo trip to Australia, joining a group tour is a great way to meet other backpackers and solo adventurers where you can make friends, share tips, and potentially split costs on excursions, in-country transport, and hostels.

Flight and 1 Night Accommodation:

Simply booking a flight and your first night’s accommodation is an exciting way to kick off your trip. I always think it’s wise to have at least your first night’s accommodation planned, as after a long flight you’ll likely want to freshen up and get some rest before heading out into the city. 

How To Book Hostels and Hotels in Australia

Booking hostels and hotels in Australia has never been easier thanks to websites such as booking.com and Hostelworld. These websites display accommodation within the parameters set by the user, such as price, rating, location, etc. This means you can source the best accommodation at the most affordable price, offering exactly what you want! I particularly pay attention to the reviews from other travellers about the hotel or hostel as I find this gives me more of an accurate indication of what it will be like when I arrive. 

Currency, Language, Plugs, and the Best Ways To Get Around Australia When You’re There

Australia’s currency is the Australian Dollar, so it’s best to have some cash to hand, along with a travel card or similar so you can spend money hassle-free. As for plugs, at first Australian plugs may look the same as UK plugs, but they aren’t! Australia uses plug type 1 which has 2 flat pins and 1 ground pin in a close triangle shape. 

The national language of Australia is English, but the country is also home to 250 Indigenous languages including 800 dialects. With English being the predominant language spoken, it makes things easier for English speakers to navigate around the country. It’s vital to still be aware of the Indigenous population in Australia, and recognise their history and importance in the country, especially when travelling to areas such as the Northern Territory. 

I’ve already touched upon how big Australia is, and to give you a better indication, the best way to get around is by flying! Travelling from city to city or throughout the various regions and territories can entail miles, and the quickest way to reach destinations is by flying. To cover shorter distances, you can jump on a bus, train, tram, or even rent a car and go on an epic road trip. Be sure to check out my girls’ packing guide for Asia and Australia so you bring all the essentials along and pack light for your solo Australia trip.

SIM Cards in Australia

Stay connected during your solo trip to Australia with an eSIM from Airalo – they’re my favourite company and offer digital data packs for over 200 countries worldwide. Save yourself the hassle of trying to find wifi everywhere you go and set it up before you fly so that when you land you have instant connection to mobile networks when you arrive. It’s a lifesaver when it comes to navigating to your hotel or hostel, or figuring out public transport when you’ve been travelling for two days. Pick up an Airalo eSIM data package for Australia and save yourself from getting caught out by expensive roaming fees.

Best Travel Insurance For A Solo Trip To Australia 

Having travel insurance is something I didn’t always prioritise, but a decade of solo travel experience has taught me that being prepared for any situation is a good thing. I’ve tried and tested different insurance from various companies and found these three travel insurances to be the best options.

Safety Wing

There are a few key reasons why I trust Safety Wing for travel insurance while adventuring abroad. Safety Wing offers Nomad Insurance which is ideal for those exploring various destinations during a trip. Conveniently, travellers can sign up for this insurance either before setting off on their trip, or at any point while they are away, with coverage in over 180 countries. 

Find out more about Safety Wing

Outbacker

With 24-hour, 365-day emergency assistance, Outbacker Insurance understands the needs of travellers abroad, with coverage of 230 activities and sports, and instant online policy delivery, so there are no days or weeks spent waiting for an insurance letter in the post. Medical expenses are covered up to £15 million outside of the UK, which reassures travellers that they are in safe hands, with a reliable security blanket to fall on as and when needed.

Find out more about Outbacker insurance

World Nomads

The spectrum of coverage available with World Nomads Insurance is outstanding, ranging from baggage insurance and overseas medical, to coronavirus-related cover, pregnancy, travel accidents, and more. The scope of coverage and 24/7 support make World Nomads a great choice for any solo trip. There’s the option to also give a micro-donation to one of their chosen charities when you take out a plan, so you can help others while World Nomads helps you.

Find out more about World Nomads 

Should I Go To Australia On My First Solo Trip?

I’ve been travelling solo for nearly a decade and I stand by Australia as one of my favourite destinations to date. The continent’s land mass is simply EPIC, and it’s hard to describe until you’ve touched down. The diversity of culture, landscape, and cuisine across Australia makes it a wonderful place for solo travelling. 

Backpackers from all over the globe head to Australia seeking adventure, a hot climate, and to experience everything the country offers. You’ll undoubtedly stumble across other solo travellers in hostels, hotels, bars, and activity tours. This will make you feel less like you’re travelling solo and more like part of a wide community of people soul-searching just like you!

As the main language spoken is English, this makes it easy to explore during a solo trip to Australia, as English speakers can read road signs, speak with locals, and ask for help without dealing with a language barrier. This can be especially helpful if you lose your bearings when returning to your hostel, or want to find a tasty but affordable place to eat. You can find out more about my time in Australia by checking out my ultimate Australia travel guide with tips for all budgets.

How Much Does A Solo Trip To Australia Cost?

After many years of solo female travelling, I’ve found flights and accommodation to take the biggest chunk out of my budget. For Australia, this is what I found to be most expensive, but I saved in other ways by using public transport, refraining from eating out too often and choosing budget accommodation such as shared hostel rooms. You can check out more of my top money-saving travel tips here.

1 Month in Australia:

This is an estimate for what one month in Australia can look like in terms of budget. This can vary greatly depending on location, time of travel, and the activities you choose to do. To help plan your trip, check out my ultimate budget guide for a month on the East Coast which will provide you with a better indication of the expenses you’ll be faced with when travelling down under.

Saving money while travelling doesn’t have to feel impossible, and with some small changes, you’d be surprised how much of your budget can remain intact for longer! Especially when planning a gap year, keeping costs down is often at the forefront of the mind, and when travelling to a destination such as Australia which is notorious for being on the pricey side, it’s easy to see why!

Is Australia Safe For A Solo Female Traveller?

With nearly 10 years of solo female travelling experience, I’ve gained such confidence to keep adventuring around the globe. Safety is something I always prioritise when travelling, and something I’ve learned over time is to trust my gut above anything. As Australia is predominantly an English-speaking country, I found this helpful as I knew I could communicate with anyone if I needed help or advice. 

There are also so many backpackers flocking to experience a solo Australia travel adventure, and this means there’s a high chance of meeting other travellers during your trip. In terms of safety, I find this comforting as travelling in a group brings a layer of security and comfort that’s not always there when travelling alone. 

Regardless of the location I’m adventuring to, there are a few things I always do to make sure I’m putting my safety first. You can read these tips in my resources for solo female travel and be sure to bookmark the tap to keep the details fresh in your mind before you set off for your trip.

Where Are The Best Places For Solo Travel In Australia?

Narrowing down the best places for solo travel in Australia is tough, but a few locations stick in my mind as though I were there yesterday. You can find such different vibes depending on where you travel to in Australia. Cities such as Melbourne are bursting with life and provide the perfect setting for socialising, while the East Coast is the ideal place for crossing paths with other backpackers.

Cities

Sydney

The city of Sydney doesn’t need an introduction. It’s an iconic location in Australia, and home to some of the country’s well-known landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, and Sydney Harbour Bridge. There is so much to see and do in the city, it also provides the perfect foundation for finding work if you have a working holiday visa. Sydney is ideal for meeting other backpackers also in the area, and staying in one of the city’s popular hostels.

Best Budget Hotel: The Ultimo Sydney

Best Hostel: WakeUp Sydney

Melbourne

Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria, and when I reflect back to my time in the city, I’m transported to the heart of the cultural capital, surrounded by independent bars, coffee shops, and excitement in the air. The city is a backpacker’s oasis, offering food stalls, vintage shops, and hostels to rest weary feet after a long day of discovering the city’s streets.

Best Budget Hotel: The Victoria Hotel

Best Hostel: Flinders Backpackers Melbourne

Cairns

Cairns is a special place in Australia, home to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree and Wet Tropics Rainforest. If you’ve pictured scuba diving through clear waters and vibrant coral, Cairns will satisfy your imagination with its stunning natural beauty. The best way to enjoy Cairns is to venture through the city’s unique natural environment, invigorating all of the senses with the offerings of the rainforest.

Best Budget Hotel: Oaks Cairns Hotel

Best Hostel: Gilligan’s Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns

East Coast 

All across Australia’s East Coast, you’ll find plenty to fill your days and meet backpackers along the way! There’s a variety of environments from sandy beaches and lively high streets to rainforests and dramatic landscapes. Taking part in activities is one of the best ways to get a feel for what the East Coast is all about, so get ready to have some fun and make memories!

Best Budget Hotel: The Waterloo Bay Hotel, Brisbane

Best Hostel: Summer House Backpackers, Brisbane

Where Are The Best Places To Visit In Australia?

There are simply so many different places to travel and explore across Australia. From the epic pink lakes in Western Australia to the tranquil shores of the Gold Coast, you won’t be short of things to do! I loved visiting various locations in Australia, and I’ve picked a few that I feel are must-visits for a solo trip to Aus.

Melbourne 

A visit to Melbourne isn’t complete without a drive down the Great Ocean Road. Expect to see the wild ocean in all its glory while you drive alongside rugged cliffs, with some of the most breathtaking scenery I’ve seen in my recent years travelling solo. Wilson’s Promontory National Park is also worthwhile for its abundance of beautiful trails and swimming opportunities in pristine clear waters.

Best Budget Hotel: Mantra 100 Exhibition

Best Hostel: Bev and Mick’s International Backpackers

East Coast

The East Coast is so full of sights and activities that I could have spent my whole visa time slowly travelling along it! Both Fraser Island and Magnetic Island are two standout locations for me as they both offer such diverse natural scenery; imagine clear lakes, enormous rainforests, and the everlasting sounds of wildlife. Byron Bay is a coastal town that’s also worth investing some time in as it’s such a bustling place of energy with plenty of travellers too! 

If you love to surf or would like to learn, look no further than Noosa. This surf-lovers destination is stunning and globally recognised for its vast beaches and impressive waves. With such proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, a trip to the Whitsundays has also got to be on your list for Australia. Think of everything from sailing and diving to snorkelling with underwater wildlife in some of the most breathtaking waters the world can offer.

Best Budget Hotel: Glen River Resort, Byron Bay

Best Hostel: Vali by Village, Byron Bay

Northern Territory 

When I think back to exploring the Northern Territory, my mind instantly travels back to the Litchfield and Kakadu National Park. Magical cascading waterfalls, palm trees, and expansive wetlands make this park a wonder for the eyes and soul of anyone travelling through. 

Best Budget Hotel: Desert Palms, Alice Springs

Best Hostel: YHA Alice Springs

Western Australia 

The port city of Fremantle is the perfect location for a relaxed vibe, where you can sit back and enjoy treating yourself to dinner in a seafood eatery, heritage pub, or independent cafe. Save some of your budget for a couple of days in Fremantle where you can snag something special from a boutique to take home and remember your adventure. 

Ningaloo Reef is similar to the Great Barrier Reef, but it’s a far more affordable and accessible way of interacting with all the magic beneath the water. Snorkelling here is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in some of the country’s wildest and most breathtaking scenery. Another hot spot in Western Australia, providing glistening golden sand and convenient amenities such as toilets and snack bars for an all-day visit.

Hotel: Esplanade Hotel Fremantle

Hostel: YHA Fremantle Prison

Sydney 

Manly Beach is one of Sydney’s iconic beaches, offering impressive surfing opportunities for those eager for an adrenaline rush! For a more relaxing, quieter trip, take a stroll along the Bondi to Coogee Walk. Explore the dramatic sights of Bondi Beach and the immediate coast for 6 km, basking in the sun and dreamy blue skies.

Hotel: Park Regis City Centre

Hostel: Nate’s Place Backpackers

What Are The Best Road Trips In Australia?

It’s hard to fathom the grand size of Australia until you’re standing in a city, planning a route to several destinations and realise just how long it takes to get there! This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, however, as a slow road trip around Aus gives you the time to take in every bit of scenery and chat with newfound friends along the way. 

East Coast

Taking a road trip along the coast can start and end anywhere, but I think there’s no better route for a few days on the road than Sydney to Brisbane. The total driving time is around 10 – 11 hours, so this is a perfect split across 3 days, stopping along the way to explore Newcastle, Guy Fawkes River National Park, and the Gold Coast before arriving in Brisbane. This is a drive full of epic coastal scenery following stints of the Brunswick River, Jinangong Nature Reserve, and Cudgera Creek Nature Reserve.

West Coast

I found the hardest part about my road trip around the West Coast of Australia to be choosing the start and finish points! Depending on the types of roads you’re planning on exploring, you may need a 4WD, so keep this in mind when looking at car rentals. My time driving along the West Coast was full of great memories, from making it all the way from Fremantle to Darwin, to ending up with a 10-person convoy at the end of the trip!

Great Ocean Road 

The Great Ocean Road is a popular route to take for travellers looking to fill their souls with endless views and experience quaint coastal towns like a local. This was an unforgettable part of my solo trip to Australia and ending our journey in Port Fairy was the best possible way to round off the adventure and talk in awe of the incredible sights we saw along the way. 

Tasmania 

During my time in Australia, I spent nearly a whole month exploring Tasmania, partly because the delicious local produce tasted so good, and partly because it was one of the most enjoyable places I have ever taken a road trip! My time road-tripping around Tasmania instantly fills me with memories of tent camping on pure white sand and venturing to 11 national parks. 

How Do I Make Friends When Solo Travelling Australia? 

One of my most commonly asked questions is how I make friends when I’m travelling solo. I’ve written a full guide about this topic that you can read here to learn in-depth about some of the key ways I meet people when I’m out on the road alone. During my time in Australia, I found it easy to make friends, maybe because there were backpackers and tourists seemingly at every corner! When I first land in a country and I don’t know anyone, there are a few fundamental things I do each time.

1. Be Confident

Even if I feel butterflies in my stomach and sweat beading in my hands, I try to convey confidence when I’m meeting new people. I know what it’s like to want to crawl back into your shell, but this won’t help you bond with other solo travellers on your Aussie adventure! Smile, take a deep breath, and approach the group of backpackers sitting at the bar – they could be the gateway to learning more about Australia and even the perfect group for a road trip.

1. Initiate Conversation

I always have a handful of questions in my back pocket to initiate conversations with new people. Topics around travel always get backpackers talking, so think about questions such as “is it your first time here?”, “what are your plans for your time in Australia?”, or “how long are you staying at this hostel?” to help push past any initial awkwardness you may be feeling about talking to someone new.

1. Suggest A Group Activity

There are so many possible activities to do in Australia, from sailing, surfing, and snorkelling, to attending festivals or taking a boat trip. Doing an activity together is a great way for people to gel and get to know one another in a friendly, open environment. This is one of the best ways I’ve found for meeting people when I’m travelling solo, as anyone who’s up for a spontaneous group activity, is likely someone who is also up for a chat too!

Australia has such a place in my heart, and the moments I captured during my time in the country are some I will never forget. Where are you thinking of heading to in Australia? I’d love to know!