Find Freedom: The Best Destinations for Solo Travel in Australia in 2026

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.

Feeling brave? Pack your bags and get ready to explore the best destinations for solo travel in Australia. 

Best Destinations for Solo Travel in Australia: New South Wales

Sydney

Sydney is a solo traveller’s dreamscape. Aside from being one of the world’s safest cities, Sydney is easily explored via public transport and has a lot to offer by way of restaurants, bars, cafes, walking trails and beaches — basically all of the ingredients for an easy solo adventure.

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. 

Best for: Those looking for a bit of everything, from easy access to day trips to a world-class culinary scene. Public transport is both accessible and affordable.

Byron Bay

With a dramatic coastline, crashing surf swells, lush hinterland and a laid-back village vibe, Byron Bay 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.

Best for: Those after a quintessential Australian beach holiday with all the trimmings plus a full calendar of community events.

South Coast

Just an hour’s drive out of Sydney and you’ll start hitting the South Coast. Here, you’ll find perfect beaches by the dozen, interspersed with bustling small towns, farmland and an undeniably relaxed atmosphere. Connected by the Princes Highway, the roads are easy to navigate for solo travellers, whilst a well-connected train line caters to anyone not keen on driving.

There are plenty of accommodation options along the way, ranging from budget to luxe and the same goes for food. Choose your own adventure with iconic budget eats (we’re looking at you, Hayden’s Pies) to some of the country’s finest seafood restaurants (Rick Stein’s at Mollymook, FYI).

We recommend meandering your way south, starting at Kiama and moving down through the Shoalhaven, past Mollymook and Jervis Bay and, if you’ve got time, right on to the Sapphire Coast. On top of endless beach days and majestic hiking trails, it’s well worth booking into a wildlife experience, whether it’s a whale watching cruise in Eden come winter or a seal dive in Narooma.

Best for: Solo travellers looking for a safe and easy road trip, taking in New South Wales’ pristine coastline.

Best Destinations for Solo Travel in Australia: Queensland

Gold Coast

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.

Best for: Anyone on the hunt for nightlife meets beach culture. Some even say it’s the Miami of Australia!

Cairns

Looking to uncover the side of Australia that’s all rainforest and reef? Cairns is ready to deliver as the gateway to two of Australia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. As Cairns attracts more intrepid folk, you’ll find your fellow travellers are the type keen to share their experiences over a brew and recommend other spots they’ve explored locally.

Solo travellers are spoilt for choice with a swathe of group travel operators, offering everything from half-day to multi-day trips.

If you’re planning on heading to Cairns, make sure you allow enough time to get out to the reef, explore the hinterland and head out for a memorable rail journey to Kuranda.

Best for: Travellers looking to experience tropical Australia and its unique barefoot luxury with ease.

Best Destinations for Solo Travel in Australia: Northern Territory

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.

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.

Best for: Solo travellers looking to connect with other adventure seekers. With lots of bookable tours, it’s a great way to enjoy more remote areas of Australia in a group setting.

Best Destinations for Solo Travel in Australia: Western Australia

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.

Best for: Travellers looking to get off the beaten path and soak in Australia’s rugged coastlines.

Best Destinations for Solo Travel in Australia: South Australia

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 Emu Bay Lavender 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. 

Best for: Solo travellers looking for serenity, luxury and the splendour of the natural world, all in one place.

Best Destinations for Solo Travel in Australia: Victoria

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 — 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.

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. 

Best for: Solo travellers looking for a cosmopolitan escape, bursting with events, eateries and a vibrant arts scene.

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.