Is Australia Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Australia is generally safe for solo female travelers. The country employs strict law enforcement and locals are known for their friendly attitude towards tourists. However, like any other place, certain common-sense precautions need to be taken, especially at night, such as not walking alone in deserted areas or parks. Wildlife encounters can also pose a threat since Australia is home to some of the world's most poisonous animals. Overall, with a bit of planning and vigilance, it can be a fantastic and safe destination for solo female travelers.

Safety rating

4.4 /5

Based on 97 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.3 /5

Based on 298 experiences from local women

Australia is currently ranked #45 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.4 out of 5. Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Australia?

Safety at night:Safe

Australia is generally a safe place at night, as long as you maintain a common sense approach. Cities like Melbourne and Sydney have a vibrant nightlife that is heavily patrolled by police, making the main streets relatively safe. However, it's always wise to avoid isolated or poorly lit areas, and always be aware of your surroundings. Solo female travelers should consider using reputable transportation companies when traveling at night. Overall, the primary concern should be having a good awareness of the situation around you.

Public transportation:Safe

Australia's public transportation systems, including buses, trains, and trams, are widely recognized to be safe and convenient. While usual vigilance is always necessary, particularly during late-night travel, the majority of routes are well-lit, monitored, and serviced frequently. Authorities take safety and security seriously and there is generally a helpful culture among the commuters.

Street harassment:Low

Australia is generally a respectful and welcoming place with a prominently laid-back culture where street harassment isn't a widespread problem. However, like all places, there can be isolated incidents. Instances of street harassment vary from city to city, and also depend on the time of day and the area you are in. Overall, Australia prioritizes safety and respect but always be alert and aware of your surroundings as an individual traveler.

Petty crimes:Low

Australia is generally a safe country with low rates of petty crime. However, like in any other place in the world, there can be isolated incidents of pickpocketing or purse-snatching, particularly in crowded, tourist-heavy places. Travelers are advised to take basic precautions like keeping their belongings secure and being aware of their surroundings, especially in crowded places or at night. While Australia ranks well in terms of safety, it is always best to stay vigilant to avoid any possible petty crimes.

Is Australia worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 97 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

3.9/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

Ingrida

Sweden

Western Australia, Family travel

It was so long ago that I was in Australia but it was then that I felt in love with the country, social ppl, sunshine all the time. I wanted to live there so I started to travel in Europe and got to Sweden. Got preoccupied and started a family here 😂

Posted: June 29, 2025Experienced: November, 1997

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Melbourne, Couple travel

Pretty boring. We drove the great ocean road up here in may. That was amazing If you expect european grandure you will not find it in Melbourne, or anywhere in Australia, really. Definitely cool place, the thrift stores are cool but insanely overpriced, the alternative scene is insanely pretentious and there is nothing really grand or wow! To do. The restaurants and cafe’s however are great

Posted: June 22, 2025

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Australia, Family travel

We rented a camper and travelled from Darwin to Sydney. We were there for three weeks, but I must admit, we had a long distance to cover and there was a part when we were driving for three straight days without any particular activity. But it was all worth it to be able to go to Heron Island and do diving and snorkeling in a Great Barier Reaf - unforgettable experience!! I can't really say a lot about food cause we brought freeze dry food with us (which I recommend doing if you like me don't like toast bread, and beside, finding a grocery store wasn't an easy task)- the same goes for accomodations, but finding a campsite was not ever a problem.

Posted: June 17, 2025

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Hannah

Australia

Perth, Group travel

Stayed for a week, one of the best holidays I've ever had within Australia! I've been recommending it to everyone I talk to. Highlights: - Rottnest Island, the quokkas were absolutely adorable and they're so unbothered by humans. The swimming here was amazing, we just used the hop on-hop off bus and it was much easier than the other option of biking. Definitely worth getting the bus. One thing we wished was that we had snorkels, there was a small shipwreck close to shore that you can snorkel at and we sadly missed out. But still best swimming ever. - Adventure World, Even as an adult the tornado water slide was such a thrill and highly recommend, there's a proper terrifying rollercoaster. - Two Rocks, were driving out to see the Pinnacles but got stopped halfway coz of a fire, randomly ended up at Two Rocks instead. There was a giant statue of King Neptune, experienced the best sunset of my life and even saw a couple of sea lions lounging around. - Sea Kayak Tour, it was a bit pricey but it was something I've never experienced before and definitely worth it. Saw sea lions, a variety of birds, and got to experience kayaking through the waves on the Ocean. Not worth the hype: - Penguin Island, on Google it seemed very interesting but in reality wasn't very. Was kind of a plain expanse and we thought snorkeling would be cool but didn't end up seeing anything noteworthy, instead were ambushed with seaweed and came too close for comfort with jellyfish.

Posted: June 6, 2025Experienced: February, 2025

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Byron Bay, Solo travel

Byron was crazy and amazing!! It can be a very intense place and I found after a few months there I needed to leave. But for the time I had there I meet so many cool people and enjoyed so much beach time. There is so many beautiful nature spots! I will say there are a lot of predatory men, which made me feel unsafe at times. But probably you get that everywhere, I just found it worse in Byron.

Posted: June 4, 2025Experienced: October, 2022

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Perth, Couple travel

I lived in Perth for about 1.5 years and I still regret not traveling around Australia. Perth is very calm and is frequented by many international students. If you like nightlife, Perth might not be for you. There are many daytime activities and during public holidays, but except for the Northbridge area, many places close early in the evening. During the day, I always felt safe; the Aboriginal people, except for the noise they made, are harmless. But at night you have to be careful, it's better not to walk around alone in the evening, especially in less frequented areas. We lived in a car for about 8 months, with about a month spent sleeping in public areas. Besides being illegal, I advise against sleeping in open areas. Only three times did anyone knock on our door, two of which were police 😅 but the third time was quite scary.

Posted: May 7, 2025

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Is Australia safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 298 local experiences

Crime index

2.1 /5

Based on 298 local experiences

Sophie

Sydney

Sydney is very big but it's very safe. I've lived there for 18 years and walked home alone in the dark A LOT and nothing unsafe happened. The only thing to look out for is there is one dodgy area in Western Sydney were late at night drunk teens get onto to trains but they never do anything, it's still uncomfortable

Posted: July 1, 2025

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Ballarat

Very safe town, well lit in most areas. Main streets very safe, though the town doesn't have a huge night life so you're not often out super late anyway. There are a few streets that you'd want to generally avoid at night but nothing too scary

Posted: June 28, 2025

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