Find Freedom: Best Destinations for Solo Travel in Australia

Australia is a solo traveller's dream. Not only is it filled with diverse landscapes, incredible cities and breathtaking natural beauty, but it is also safe, clean and welcoming for visitors from far and wide.

For travellers seeking solitude and slow days in beachside towns or a road trip adventure through the outback, Australia provides endless inspiration and opportunities to find friends and make memories in new places.

From hiking through National Parks, sleeping under the stars, spotting native wildlife and joining tours to learn about the history and culture of the country, to wandering city streets - all of this and more awaits. Pack your bags and get ready to explore the best destinations for solo travel in Australia. 

Sydney

When traveling solo in Australia for the first time, there is no denying that Sydney is an East Coast icon that should be on any must-visit list. Not only is it our poster child thanks to the glistening harbour framed by the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, but it is a vibrant metropolis, with an endless list of things to see and do.

Uncover history at The Rocks, wander down Pitt Street Mall for some retail therapy, jump on a ferry to the Northern Beaches or unwind at one of the many spectacular bay beaches, from Bronte to Rose Bay.

Get your steps in walking from Bondi to Coogee on the popular coastal walk, visit art galleries, venture to the Royal National Park or enjoy a solo picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens with its gorgeous harbour views.

From Sydney, you are well-placed to road trip north to the picturesque Central Coast, or inland for wines and country charm in the Hunter Valley. 

Sitchu Tip: From Bondi Beach to the Manly Ferry, Sydney is filled with icons, including dining destinations. Get the full Sydney experience with our guide to the most iconic restaurants in town.

Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a dreamy beachside town oozing laid-back charm. With a dramatic coastline, crashing surf swells, lush hinterland and a laid-back village vibe, the surfie town has a zest for life that’s all-embracing, extending to all visitors.

Extremely popular for those travelling solo, Byron Bay offers a community like no other, where hostels house digital nomads and backpackers, and yoga and wellness retreats transform lives for those seeking change.

Bursting at the seams with eateries, shopfronts, markets, festivals, and one of the best surf beaches in Australia, coastal walks are also in abundance, with some taking you up to the iconic Byron Bay Lighthouse and others through national parkland that gives way to a pristine stretch of coastline.

An oasis awaits in this boho chic destination. 

Sitchu Tip: Start your morning with a coffee and a chat at Byron Bay General Store, and Light Years has Asian fusion perfected come dinner. 

Gold Coast

Less than a two-hour drive north of Byron Bay, make your next solo stop at the glistening Gold Coast, a playground for all. A fun-loving destination with easy-going vibes – it is as much a party destination as a place to relax and unwind.

From Surfers Paradise to Palm Beach, the Gold Coast is one of Queensland's most desirable destinations: irresistible beaches, premium shopping spots, elevated dining, cafe culture, Australia's best theme parks and buzzy tourism attractions are all found along this stretch of coast. 

A brilliant place to meet new friends, the bars and nightlife of Surfers Paradise are way up there. Cavill Avenue attracts tens of thousands of visitors during peak times, while Broadbeach is home to The Star Casino. Head to Burleigh Heads and Palm Beach or inland to Hope Island and Robina for a much more local feel.

Sitchu Tip: If you have an interest in wildlife conservation, don't miss the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, home to koalas, dingoes, and kangaroos, as well as some international animals, namely lemurs, capybaras and red pandas! If you time your visit right, you can enjoy their night markets, too, held every Friday from 4 pm. 

K'Gari (Fraser Island)

The largest sand island in the world, K'Gari (Fraser Island) is a mecca for solo travellers who seek adventure. K'Gari is an Indigenous word meaning paradise... and that couldn't be more spot on.

75 Mile Beach on the world heritage-listed island is where most of the action happens, packed with 4WDs enjoying a beach drive. The island is flush with rainforests, birds, wildlife, and over 100 brilliantly blue freshwater lakes, including popular swimming spots Lake Mackenzie and Champagne Pools. Check out the Maheno Shipwreck and Sandy Cape Lighthouse, then head down to Sunset Bar for a beachfront aperitivo.

Fun fact: it’s the only place where rainforest grows on sand!

Sitchu Tip: The best way to see the island solo is by joining a tag-along group tour. They go for 2 or 3 days allowing you to soak up the beauty as you follow the leader in a 4WD.

Whitsunday Islands

Australia is well known for its spectacular beaches and crystal clear water, but nothing quite prepares you for the beauty of the 74 islands that make up the Whitsunday Islands. And, even though Whitehaven Beach doesn't technically have the whitest sand in Australia (you can find that on the other side of the country at Lucky Bay in Cape Le Grand, WA), the sight of this stark white sand, turquoise water and uninhabited rainforest is nothing short of spectacular.

When travelling to this part of the world solo, finding a base in Airlie Beach will be your best option, acting as a coastal gateway to incredible marine parks. From here, you can hop on a cruise, sailing or kayak tour to the Whitsunday Islands, visit Day Dream and Hamilton Island and snorkel and swim in Australia's pride and joy and the world's largest coral reef system: The Great Barrier Reef.

Sitchu Tip: Boathaven Beach is one of the best spots for swimming in Airlie Beach, with the man-made beach protected by nets for safe swimming. 

Uluru

An unforgettable experience awaits anyone lucky enough to witness the spiritual grandeur of Uluru in Australia's Red Centre, and good news for solo folk - getting there is easy. Fly into Ayers Rock Airport (Yulara) with direct flights from major cities, then there’s a quick shuttle to your accommodation. If you prefer the scenic route, drive from Alice Springs (around 5 hours), taking in the outback’s raw beauty.

You can explore the area with guided walks around the base, hearing Dreamtime stories and discovering ancient Aboriginal rock art from the Anangu People, who have long regarded Uluru as their most sacred site. A sunrise viewing is a bucket-list-worthy experience, with changing light and multi-coloured skies casting reflections on and off Uluru that are well worth the early wake up call.

Sitchu Tip: For accommodation, stay at the Ayers Rock Resort, offering everything from luxury stays to budget-friendly options and guided tours.

Exmouth

Famed for its azure waters and pristine beaches, Exmouth is the perfect destination for coastal enthusiasts. If you're taking a solo road trip from Perth, this is one of the most scenic drives in Australia. The glistening West Coast and its beachy towns are your picturesque companions on the 13-hour drive north. Alternatively, a flight from the capital will have you there in 2 hours.

Buzzing with activity yet only home to 3000 residents, this is the sort of place you can do a lot or nothing at all. Snorkel over the coral reef filled with colourful fish, chat with locals over a beer at the pub or try your hand at a surf lesson.

If you're visiting from October to April, the Coral Coast transforms into a turtle breeding ground, with hundreds of turtles making use of the reef's warm waters in one of nature's most jaw-dropping spectacles. Just ensure you follow the strict protocols that have been put in place to protect these endangered creatures.

Sitchu Tip: Exmouth is the gateway to the world heritage-listed Ningaloo Coast and Ningaloo Marine Park. If you've ever wanted to tick swimming with whale sharks off your bucket list, this is the place to do it from March to August!

Margaret River

Approximately 280 kilometres south of Perth, the beautiful Margaret River Region encompasses Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup, Eagle Bay, Cowaramup, Gracetown, Prevelly, Augusta, and Margaret River Township. Glorious any time of the year, the region is famed for its wines, world-class produce, beaches, surfing, forests, festivals and breathtaking beauty.

One of the state’s most cherished tourist regions, Margaret River burgeons solo travellers seeking a slow sojourn in the west and families looking for a weekend escape, making it safe and welcoming year-round.

The influx of holiday-makers is well catered for with a range of accommodation options, and the compact population of around 8,000 has adapted accordingly, many of who have invested in or work for the hospitality industry. 

Long story short, you go to Margaret Riverfor some sun, sand and surf — with a side of incredible wineries, of course.

Sitchu Tip: The heritage-listed Busselton Jetty is one of the most iconic attractions in the region, and stretching for 1.84km into Geographe Bay, it’s also the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. One of the world's six underwater observatories is at the end of the jetty, easily reached by foot or the cute train that chugs along throughout the day.

Kangaroo Island

You only need yourself and a car to discover the best of Kangaroo Island. Perfect for a chilled escape, whether it be a weekend or a day trip from Adelaide, you can surround yourself with wilderness, rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, cute wildlife (hint: it isn't called Kangaroo Island for nothing), great food sourced locally and some of the best cellar doors and wines you could ask for.

Drive along winding roads in Flinders Chase National Park or directly on the sand at Emu Bay Beach, enjoy lunch with a view at Dudley Wines, grab a drink at Kangaroo Island Spirits or Bay of Shoal Wines, watch the sea lions at Seal Bay and frolic in the lavender fields at Emy Bay Lavendar Farm. 

When it comes time to rest, multiple camp spots make it tempting to sleep under the stars, while luxury awaits at Stowaway or CABN. 

Sitchu Tip: Experience the unexpected beauty of Stokes Bay, crowned Australia's best beach in 2023. Tucked away on Kangaroo Island's secluded North Coast, this hidden gem starts with a mysterious entrance, leading through massive boulders to reveal a tranquil beach with pounding surf and a protected rockpool.

Melbourne

A city known for its top-notch coffee, thriving arts and culture scene, booming sports calendar, impeccable food, fabulous markets, and an impressive selection of wine bars can only mean one thing - solo travellers are welcome here.

Whatever your budget, there is something for you in Melbourne. From exploring the street art scene and joining State Library and Parliament House tours that don't cost a thing, to spectacular theatre shows and fine dining experiences that may set you back a few dollars, Melbourne effortlessly adapts to fit your travel style.

Eat fresh oysters at the South Melbourne Market, catch a pop-up exhibition at Federation Square, shop til you drop along Bourke Street Mall or in the suburbs at Chadstone, catch an AFL game or cricket match at the MCG, walk around The Tan at the Botanic Gardens or find new friends at a jazz lounge or rooftop bar in the funky inner-city suburbs from Fitzroy to South Yarra. For a city as diverse as this - you may need to set aside more than just a couple of nights.

Sitchu Tip: The CBD is only the beginning. Take a road trip to the Mornington Peninsula for wineries and beach days, visit the little penguins at Phillip Island, or go west to visit Geelong before driving along the Great Ocean Road, stopping along the way to snap a photo of the 12 Apostles. 

As you explore the best destinations for solo travel in Australia, you'll need to find comfortable places to stay. From cute and cosy motels to the best tiny cabins perfect for one, our guides have you covered.