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Ready to explore this gorgeous country, but your mates are too busy with lectures, broke, or just not keen?
No worries! Australia is one of the best places for a solo trip—perfect for growing, exploring, and doing it all on your own terms (yes, including eating ice cream at 9 am if you want).
Whether you’re planning your first solo trip or are already a weekend warrior, there are loads of student-friendly spots just waiting to be explored.
And the best part? It’s a breeze to explore thanks to reliable public transport, friendly locals, and an epic community of other solo travellers!
In this guide, we’ll cover some of the best solo travel destinations for students in Australia—safe, social, and packed with experiences you’ll be talking about for years.
You can’t chat about solo travel in Australia without kicking off in Sydney. The city’s a cracker—a mashup of world-famous landmarks, laid-back beach culture, and buzzing nightlife.
Must-sees:
It’s not a full Sydney experience without stopping by the iconic Sydney Opera House, watching sunsets at Darling Harbour, and taking the ferry to Manly.
You’ll also love the art galleries like the Art Gallery of NSW (free entry!) and quirky Newtown laneways full of vintage shops and vegan eats.
Why it’s great for solo travellers:
Everything’s within walking distance or a short train/bus ride! It’s also a hotspot for group tours, surf lessons, and free walking tours—ideal for meeting other solo travellers.
Uni-friendly tip: Visit mid-week for cheaper museum entry and student deals on eats.
Love the beach but want a bit of party too? If so, the Gold Coast brings the best of both worlds for your first solo trip!
Top Attractions:
Hit up Surfers Paradise for classic sun and sand, or take a day trip into the hinterlands—Lamington National Park or Springbrook Falls—for waterfalls and rainforest walks. If you’ve got extra time, Byron Bay makes for a fantastic overnight side trip.
Up for making mates and soaking up the fun? Check out some group activities: yoga on the sand, snorkelling trips, or surf lessons.
Why it’s great:
Australia’s East Coast offers a pretty chill lifestyle, affordable backpacker hostels, and epic beach BBQs. Plus, this place is packed with fellow travellers going it alone, so you’re never really solo.
Pro Tip: Use the G:Link light rail, which is cheap, safe, and covers most major areas.
If your idea of a solo travel adventure involves sunshine, sea turtles and the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is your perfect launchpad!
Adventure Alert:
Whether you’re scuba diving the Reef or snorkelling, this world wonder will blow your mind. And it works as an instant icebreaker with other travellers.
For land lovers, there’s also the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. Bonus: Tours run daily, and most cater to solo adventurers. So, it’s an easy feat to join one and meet like-minded travellers!
Or, you can also simply chill out and meet new people at the Esplanade Lagoon.
Perfect for:
First-time solo travellers seeking sun, nature, and various planned activities. It’s low-effort, high-reward, and seriously unforgettable.
Budget Tip: Many hostels in Cairns offer discounts on reef trips or partner with group tours.
Looking to immerse yourself in interesting history, art galleries, and that indie café life that pairs perfectly with your journal and a flat white? This is the place for you!
Must-dos:
Get lost (in a good way) in laneways filled with street art, catch live music in Fitzroy, or hop the tram to St Kilda for beachside sunsets.
Make sure to explore the rooftop bars and hidden cafés in the CBD! If you have extra days, take a group tour of the Great Ocean Road or Phillip Island.
Why it’s a solo gem:
Melbourne’s trams and trains are super reliable, and locals are always happy to help if you’re lost. Solo female travellersespecially rave about how comfortable and welcoming it feels here!
Local fave: Queen Victoria Market is perfect for a cheap feed and local vibe.
Source: Wikipedia
Tucked away in South Australia, Adelaide is a low-key stunner with a creative soul. Despite being the capital city, it has fewer crowds than Sydney or Melbourne, but it has just as much charm.
What is There:
Pop by the South Australian Museum—a must for those keen on natural history and Aboriginal culture. And drop by Adelaide Central Market to grab a cheap, delish bite from one of the multicultural stalls!
Try to time your visit around Feb–Mar for the Adelaide Fringe Festival. It’s a sight to see as the entire city comes alive with street shows, comedy, music and art.
Planning for a day trip? Explore the Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale—yes, even solo! Many wine tours cater to solo travellers; some even offer student discounts.
Why you’ll love it:
Compact city layout = everything’s within walking distance or a short ride. Bonus? Adelaide consistently ranks as one of Australia’s safest cities, making it ideal for those looking for peace of mind!
Pro Tip: The cost of living here is more wallet-friendly than in bigger cities, with a diverse range of cuisine on offer—perfect for our foodie lovers!
If you want to visit Australia beyond the East Coast, Western Australia delivers big-time. Perth may be quieter, but it’s full of adventures.
What’s Fun Here:
Visit Kings Park, one of the world’s largest inner-city parks – think botanical gardens, bushland trails, and panoramic views of the Swan River and skyline. Perfect for a reflective solo afternoon.
Up for a mini adventure? Catch a ferry to Rottnest Island and rent a bike to explore its stunning beaches and bays.
And yes—take that iconic quokka selfie, it’s practically a rite of passage for Aussie solo travellers!
Why it’s solo-worthy:
Perth has a friendly, slower-paced lifestyle that suits solo adventurers who want to relax, recharge, and take in the diverse landscapes of the west coast.
Bonus: Excellent public transport with the Transperth network makes getting around easy peasy.
Travelling solo in such a vast and diverse country is the perfect chance to discover new sides of yourself, meet epic people, and create memories that’ll outlast your degree.
That said, before you chuck on your backpack and hit the road, keep these essentials in mind:
No question—just get it. Covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more. It’s peace of mind you’ll be glad to have if things go sideways.
Each state has its own system. Get a local travel card (e.g. Opal in NSW, Myki in VIC) to avoid tourist fares and save money on getting around.
Stick to well-lit areas after dark, keep valuables out of sight, and always let someone know your travel plans.
Use Meetup, Backpackr or Facebook groups to find tours, events, and fellow travellers—it’s an easy way to make mates on the road.
Always ask! You can score deals on public transport, museums, attractions, and even some restaurants—just show your student ID.
And remember, wherever your solo travels take you, having a secure, social base to return to can make your experience even better—whether it’s in a great location for easy access or a perfect base between road trips.
That’s why picking the right accommodation matters.
With prime locations in Canberra, Sydney, and Adelaide, Y Suites offers unbeatable accessibility and security—helping you enjoy both your solo adventures and your uni life to the fullest.
And whether you’re heading out on a weekend getaway, exploring a new Aussie city, or just relaxing between uni terms, Y Suites gives you a secure, social home base to return to.
What’s more? The all-inclusive rent also covers:
✅ Premium, fully furnished student rooms and shared apartments, inclusive of Wi-Fi and utilities
✅ Full access to various common areas for socialising, studying, exercising, and relaxing
✅ A thriving student community where you can connect with like-minded peers from different universities
✅ Excellent security measures to ensure your personal safety
✅ Hassle-free customer service from our friendly, well-trained staff
Book an on-site tour with us!
reservations@ysuites.co
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