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 93 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.3 /5

Based on 291 experiences from local women

Australia is currently ranked #46 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 93 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

3.9/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

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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Sydney, Solo travel

Sydney is a super great and beautiful city. It's very easy to travel around on your own. There is great public transport in the cities and you meet new people everywhere. All in all, I can recommend Sydney in Australia to anyone. There is something for everyone.

Posted: April 10, 2025Experienced: December, 2024

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Kelis

Canada

Sydney, Solo travel

I stayed in Sydney for about a month and I would say expect to spend around $60-70 per day, I’d recommend getting groceries rather than eating out because restaurants are very expensive here. I loved visiting the beaches everyday and sitting out in the sun I would recommend renting a car if you’re the type of person to do a lot of hikes or wanting to visit the blue mountains although you can get public transportation pretty much anywhere you want and it’s cheaper then renting or taking an Uber.

Posted: March 21, 2025

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North Stradbroke Island, Family travel

Very safe. 5 stars Expensive to eat out. Beware of potential strong tides while swimming. Great scuba diving. Non-existent night life really. Need to get a ferry onto the island. Can use a bus on the island.

Posted: March 19, 2025Experienced: February, 2024

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Perth, Solo travel

Medium safety, had a few men catcall and follow me, especially at night. There was not much to do at all in the city centre, I would recommend going elsewhere such as Fremantle, or buying a van and doing a road trip

Posted: March 10, 2025

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Is Australia safe for women?

Safety index

4.3 /5

Based on 291 local experiences

Crime index

2.1 /5

Based on 291 local experiences

Steph

Melbourne

Melbourne is a great place to live, work and travel. In terms of risk to safety it's relatively low. Crime does happen but it's not unsafe to be here, travel alone or be anywhere after dark. Police are extremely approachable should anything happen.

Posted: June 4, 2025

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Melbourne

pretty safe but i would maintain the same precautions as everywhere else: head held high, know where you are going, dress like a local, don’t tell large groups and men that you are travelling alone etc.

Posted: June 2, 2025

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