It’s been almost a decade since my life-changing trip to Australia, but I still answer questions about my experience there constantly. I traveled almost completely solo, apart from a few periods with my then-boyfriend and on a group tour.
It’s not considered to be a “dangerous” place or all that different from much of the Western world, but I still found a number of differences that I didn’t expect. It’s the first place I got sick from unclean water or food (not in Mexico!).
But with that said, it’s a fantastic destination for solo travelers because of the friendliness of both local and travelers and the ease of transportation. Many of these questions and answers could be adapted to multiple destinations. I’ve done my best to answer these questions, but if you have any more, please leave them below in the comments.
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How can I travel there without spending all my money?
In case I haven’t said this before, Australia is EXPENSIVE. While the exchange rate is on par with the United States, each item will cost you more there. But with that said, they have higher pay rates as well to even out with the cost of living. This doesn’t help travelers, though.
Keep your budget under control by taking advantage of cheaper transportation methods like buses over planes, hostels over hotels, and cooking your own meals. If you can, take advantage of the working holiday program, which allows you to work as you travel for a year.
Should I book tours rather than traveling independently by rail or bus?
There are many different ways to travel around Australia, depending on your budget and time. Flying is expensive, but the fastest way to traverse the country. The hop on hop off bus combines the social atmosphere of a tour without the commitment, taking travelers around the East Coast. You can also rent a car or buy and rent campervans for even more flexibility.
Tours aren’t the only way to get around, so don’t feel like you have to do this to see the places you want. There are plenty of ways to go independently, but sometimes it can be cost-effective, especially when it comes to Uluru and the national parks. If you want a combination of the two, take advantage of day tours. Companies I recommend are Groovy Grape Getaways and Wayoutback, as well as Urban Adventures, who I went kayaking with in Melbourne.
But what about the backpacker murders? And jellyfish and crocs and sharks?
Australia is a very safe place. But of course, there are exceptions. In the 1980s and 90s, serial killer Ivan Milat killed a number of backpackers in Belanglo State Forest, which became the inspiration for the horror film Wolf Creek. This is one of the rare situations that affected travelers and this is not common. Like in many countries, hitchhiking not recommended.
More realistically, you might have heard about the deadly wildlife in Australia, but they can be avoided easily. The country is home to deadly spiders, saltwater crocodiles, stinger jellyfish, and cassowaries, dinosaur-like birds with razor sharp talons.
Keep a safe distance from animals when hiking and keep your food away from your campsite. When swimming in Queensland, wear a stinger suit. Swim in ponds that crocodiles can’t access. And check your clothing and shoes for spiders when coming in from outside.
Should I stay in hotels or hostels?
This is a judgment call. I don’t think I stayed in a single hotel during my entire stay just because of the high cost. Hostels are plentiful around Australia and have varying levels of value, ranging from bare-bones dorms to “flashpacker” spots.
There are a number of chains that provide discounts for multiple stays, including YHA, Nomads, and Base. I rarely booked in advance, usually calling or emailing right before I arrived, but you can also find them on Hostelworld.
So why stay in hostels? I found them to be safe places to stay, offering both dorms and private rooms. They’re also ideal for meeting people if you’re a solo traveler since there are communal spaces like the kitchen and living area as well as nightly activities, like pub crawls, tours, and more.
How can I meet other travelers?
Speaking of how to meet other travelers, there are plenty of ways. The first is through your accommodations. Hostels are ideal for meeting other travelers because you’re sharing space. I also met people while traveling with Greyhound, as most people tended to travel the same route, hopping on and off at the same popular destinations. You might also make friends on a tour or at an event like a backpacker pub crawl.
How much time should I spend there?
One week is not enough time. PERIOD. This country is huge and unless you have a private jet gassed up and ready to go, it would be next to impossible to even see the highlights in a week. I would have found it to be difficult to do in less than three weeks, but if you prioritize what you want to do, it is possible.
Plan on flying into one of the big cities, especially Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney. If you’re coming from Asia, it’s possible to fly into Darwin or Cairns. Give yourself at least three days in Sydney, at least two in Melbourne, and another day or two for the Great Ocean Road.
You need at least three to four days to get to Uluru and back and see the parks. Hitting the highlights along the East Coast, including Byron Bay, Brisbane, Surfers Paradise, and Cairns, requires at least a week if you’re prepared to spend long periods traveling between. This is a dream destination, so don’t rush it.
How can I stay safe when I solo travel in Australia?
Most of the solo travel tips are no-brainers. Register with your embassy before you go so that if there was an emergency, they would be able to help you get out. This probably isn’t necessary, but if a natural disaster occurs, like it did during the New Zealand earthquake, this is important.
Drink plenty of water when traveling in the Outback and wear plenty of sunscreen since the sun is more intense here. Don’t hike alone and if you do, tell someone where you’ll be. Keep a map on hand so you can find your way back.
And definitely don’t overindulge alone or make yourself vulnerable by leaving your drink unattended. There are drugs in places like Nimbin, but it’s better to keep your mind clear and aware.
I am curently planning my solo trip to Australia in 2019 and your tips are a real life saver. Thank you a lot for sharing your advice.