The 11 best solo travel destinations in Australia

This sun-drenched, tropical playground is Tropical North Queensland’s largest city, blending exhilaration with relaxation in all the right ways. Cairns is a backpacker hotspot, meaning those who like to mix and mingle are bound to meet like-minded travellers from all around the world. Wedged between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, it’s easier than ever to jump on a day tour to explore these World Heritage-listed wonders. Those simply craving some solitude can unwind poolside at one of Cairns’ luxurious waterfront hotels or treat themselves to a super cheap massage at the Cairns Night Markets. You can also find peace on a tranquil walk in the Daintree National Park, taking time to learn about the local Indigenous culture and spot rare Aussie wildlife, including the Southern Cassowary. 

Time Out tip: Jump on a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef or Daintree Rainforest to meet like-minded travellers.

Tassie is special. Known for its serious beauty and very un-serious (i.e. extremely sweet) locals, Australia's southernmost island is a solid gold option for anyone embarking on a trip by themselves. Easy to get to, super cheap and full of wild natural adventures, Tasmania is good for anyone who wants to venture into Australian nature safely and have a guaranteed good time. Whether you choose to do an organised hike, swim at secret beaches, frolic under waterfalls or wander around the cosy streets of Hobart – with a pit stop at batmobile-esque art museum MONA, of course – a solo trip here will bring the goods, no matter your poison. 

Time Out tip: Rent a campervan so you can explore the whole island at your own pace.

If you’ve had your fill of late nights and crazy outdoor adventures and are now ready for a more relaxed solo getaway, the Barossa Valley is your gal. This world-class wine region in South Australia is the ultimate solo escape for winding down (with a glass of red in hand, of course). You can hop between the best vineyards on a wine tour (no deso driver needed), wander through charming country towns and cosy up at night with gourmet chocolate and cheese (no sharing needed). With its unhurried pace of life, the Barossa Valley is a particularly good solo destination for travellers over 50.

Time Out tip: Explore beyond the wineries – check out the Barossa Farmers Market, Barossa Regional Gallery and Lyndoch Lavender Farm.

A quick and cheap train ride from Sydney lies one of our favourite ever solo travel destinations – the Blue Mountains. With its dreamy name and even dreamier mountain vistas, this immense national park and its two cutest towns – Leura and Katoomba – are an ideal place for anyone who wants to get away from it all, particularly without breaking the bank. Incredibly cute streets lined with cherry blossoms, a gorgeous array of cafés and tiny shops, and proximity to easy walks through glowworm grottos, emerald forests and secret waterfalls make it perfect for pretty much everyone, no matter your vibe. Just make sure you are totally prepared and tell people where you're going if you decide to hike. 

Time Out tip: If you're not driving, the hop-on-hop-off Explorer Bus is a safe and convenient way to explore the main attractions solo.

If you’re after an off-grid wilderness adventure, how about a solo adventure to Australia’s third-largest island? Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, did her first solo campervan trip here and couldn’t recommend it more. Sure, you’ll likely face some serious character-building moments, but there’s a certain kind of bliss that comes with camping on a remote and rugged island with patchy reception and no real sense of time. You can spend hours staring into the turquoise waters of what’s said to be Australia’s very best beach, Stokes Bay; venturing off the beaten path near Cape du Couedic Lighthouse; and falling in love with the adorable sea lion pups at Seal Bay. It’s just you and the sound of the waves and wildlife.

Time Out tip: Mobile reception can be patchy on the island, so we recommend downloading an offline map on Google Maps before you go. Pin all your must-visit spots, along with petrol stations and general stores.

One of the best parts of travelling solo is the solitude. If you're someone who hates being around lots of people, but doesn't have the means to launch yourself into a wilderness reserve alone (not advisable), we've got just the thing for you – Rottnest Island (also known as Wadjemup) in WA. A very speedy ferry ride from Perth's mainland, this one's perfect for solitary explorers who want to spend their days lying on isolated beaches, having transcendent encounters with quokkas and dipping quietly into the bluest water we've ever seen. With accommodation, food and amenities available on the island, you also don't really have to leave. This is paradise, and it's even better done alone. 

Time Out tip: Hire a bike and ride around the whole island.

The (formerly) hippie capital of the Northern Rivers is hyped, but honestly, for good reason. Although far more touristy and built up now than it was in its free-lovin' heyday, Byron Bay continues to sparkle with a special kind of magic. With its abundance of little local bars, eateries and coffee shops, genuinely gorgeous beaches and proximity to some of the most incredible, untouched stretches of coastline in the world, Byron offers up something for pretty much every kind of solo traveller. Spend long days wandering the beach, dipping into cafés when the whim strikes and (if you've got wheels) exploring the peninsula. You might even run into Chris Hemsworth.

Time Out tip: Stay as close to town as you can so you're within walking distance to the shops, cafés and central beaches.

Melbourne is Australia's Paris, and everyone knows that Paris is the place to go when you want to be alone in a chic kinda way. If you enjoy getting lost in winding laneways, shopping in adorable boutiques, sipping fine wine (and coffee), and guzzling hard on art and theatre, Melbourne is the absolute best place for your solo trip. With its cute and walkable size, friendly locals (the friendliest in the world, actually) and abundance of hidden and delightful corners, Melbourne is a great, safe place to wander around on your lonesome. Bit lost? Check out our guide on the most amazing things to do on your own in Melbourne town.

Time Out tip: Whether it’s a laneway street art tour, street food tour or coffee crawl, guided walks are perfect for meeting fellow travellers and discovering hidden gems.

The Northern Territory isn't always the best place for solo travellers. The immensity of the land, a small and scattered population, and an abundance of crocodiles make it a place that we don't recommend charging into alone. However! There is a way to do it. If you fly into Darwin, you'll be able to frolic through a major city that's rich with vibrant colours, incredible food and groundbreaking culture, all by the soft turquoise curve of the bay. Once you've had your fill of the city, you can drive alone and/or hop on a bus or an organised tour, and head into Litchfield and Kakadu national parks for an array of amazing day trips. If you're after genuine contemplation, wild beauty and accessible solo adventuring, the Top End is your gal. 

Time Out tip: Join a guided tour of Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, so you don't have to worry about driving off-road.

Okay – Sydney might not strike you as the most epic solo travel location, but we are going to argue that it actually really is. Australia's fastest-paced city is jam-packed with a glorious balance of pristine nature spots, turquoise ocean pools, incredible food, and cutting-edge cultural experiences that don't require a companion to enjoy. Safe, friendly and accessible by public transport, Sydney is perfect for people who want to explore incredible beaches and bush walks by day, and then feast like a fairytale king by night. Plus, with more people than anywhere else Down Under, it's likely you'll make a new friend (if that's what you're after, of course). 

Time Out tip: Grab an Opal card and use public transport to explore the harbour, Bondi, Manly and beyond without needing a car.

Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest in Far North Queensland are a) UNESCO Heritage-listed sites, and b) awe-inspiring places packed with a plethora of experiences perfect for solo travellers. If you're an outdoorsy type who loves nothing more than taking off in your car (no fighting over the AUX cord, etc), then a two-day roadie from Cairns to Cape Tribulation is the way to go. Safe, speedy and rich with jaw-dropping views and road stops, you can see Port Douglas, snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, swim in Mossman Gorge and finish up with a bang at Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef. 

Time Out tip: Embrace the quiet. Take time to enjoy the sounds of the rainforest, spot cassowaries and soak up the tropical atmosphere.