Is Melbourne Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Melbourne is commonly regarded as a very secure city for solo female travelers. Patrol authorities are familiar and nearly always accessible. Public transportation is safe, even late at night. Moreover, Melbourne locals are known for their friendliness and willingness to help if needed. Of course, like any major city, it's important to remain alert particularly during nighttime and in less crowded areas.

Safety rating

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How safe is Melbourne?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Safe

Melbourne is generally a safe place, even for solo female travelers walking alone at night. The city center is well lit and populated even in the late hours. However, like in any other city, caution should be exercised. Stay in populated areas, use trusted transportation, and avoid deserted parks or alleyways. Mobile signal and public CCTV coverage is excellent, improving the overall safety environment.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Safe

Melbourne's public transportation is generally considered safe and is widely used by both locals and tourists. Trams, trains, and buses are frequent, well-maintained, and are monitored by security and CCTV cameras. However, like anywhere else, it's important to be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night. Robbery and harassment are rare, but can occur. Situations can vary but overall Melbourne’s public transportation system is reliable and secure.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Low

Melbourne is generally considered a safe city with respectful residents. While instances of street harassment can occur sporadically, as can happen in any urban region, such experiences are not the norm in Melbourne. The city's safety measures, active law enforcement, and a largely respectful culture contribute to making it a comfortable experience for solo female travelers. Always remember, your experience may vary depending on personal circumstances, timing, and particular locations, so always be mindful of your surroundings.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Low

Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is generally considered safe for solo female travelers and has a lower risk of petty crimes such as theft, pickpocketing, and minor scams in comparison to other major cities. However, it's always recommended to take preventative measures, be cautious in crowded places and not to display expensive belongings openly.

Is Melbourne worth visiting?

Overall rating

4 /5

based on 10 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.9/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

3.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

Solo travel

My Melbourne experience is not too good, however that is likely due to my experience at the hostel (St Kilda Nomads). At this hostel I was in a mixed room and a guy was jerking himself off the whole evening. He slept in the bunk below me and the whole bed was shaking. After that I didn’t feel so safe in the city anymore. Also I thought that st Kilda area was kind of sketchy. Not everything was bad though, there was a beautiful beach walk to a viewpoint. This is a must do at sunset!

Posted: October 28, 2024
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Solo travel

First time that i went to melbourne i wasn’t sure what to do. There seemed like a lot to do in such little time. from what i did end up doing i felt safe, especially as would go out at night by myself i didn’t question my safety

Posted: September 23, 2024
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Family travel

I loved my time in Melbourne to the point of wanting to move there one day soon. The theatre, music and art scene was fantastic coming from small town NZ. I really enjoyed Fitzroy and Victoria market too. The food options were great although I maintain NZ does better coffee

Posted: July 30, 2024
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Solo travel

Out of the three cities I visited in Australia, Melbourne was my favorite! A multicultural capitol, with loads to do and see and lots to eat! There are many free activities that made the trip more affordable to me, like the NGV museum! The nightlife is great and I felt very safe. The public transit is AMAZING, even when you get to the outskirts of the city.

Posted: June 24, 2024
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Vanessa

Vanessa

New Zealand

Family travel

I had a great time in Melbourne! I stayed with some friends. I went to a fun quiz night and thai food at a place called revolver. We drove to nearby towns like ballarat which was very pretty! Beaches were very flat but good walkways along the coast line. Colourful bath houses in brighton.

Posted: May 24, 2024
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Solo travel

Melbourne is a busy cosmopolitan city. It is easy to visit using public transport. Although people are friendly, it is a good idea to stay in groups, especially at night. I have lived here for more than twenty years and love visiting the small laneways in the city as well as great places to swim in the bays.

Posted: March 23, 2024Experienced: February, 2024
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Solo travel

Melbourne is a great city to explore alone. I always have the best time. I recommend a visit to ACMI, NGV I love the bars and restaurants along the yarra river. My favourite is arboury afloat ! A also recommend fitzroy for great food, bars!

Posted: February 13, 2024
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Aiman

Aiman

Singapore

Solo travel

Melbourne is a beautiful city and there is a lot of nature to behold. I stayed in CBD area near to Skybus station and tram lines. It was convenient. My favourite was the Puffing Billy Train ride and the day spend at the Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles. Plenty of Asian and Halal restaurants and great cafe to try. I enjoyed myself traveling solo there. Weather in Melbourne is cooler compared to other parts of Australia like Gold Coast or Sydney and Perth. Keep warm and enjoy beautiful Victoria

Posted: February 6, 2024
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Solo travel

Im in Melbourne since 1 month. I feel safe here as a woman. I visit some museum, library, go to some beaches, garden at night. Im a french backpacker, i stay in a hostel Melbourne city backpacker i like it a lot. You can meet new people really easily here. You can use the tram here and it's free in some zone.

Posted: January 31, 2024Experienced: December, 2023
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Isabel

Isabel

Singapore

Couple travel

10/10 experience. If you’re a lover of nature, eclectic things, coffee and pastries, Melbourne is a mishmash of urban and countryside. Safety: Didn’t feel unsafe. People were extremely hospitable and warm! Food: Delectable pastries! Had a croissant and cookie everyday there. Budget: $2000/pax Accommodation: Stayed in the CBD and everything was really accessible.

Posted: January 1, 2024Experienced: November, 2022
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Is Melbourne safe for women?

Safety index

4.1 /5

Based on 28 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 28 local experiences

Very safe city, there are a few homeless around specially in the city and much less in the suburbs. I can safely walk alone in the evening and I'm never worried. No need to put your belongings away or hide your phone, it's very, very unlikely you'd get robbed.

Posted: December 15, 2024
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I feel like Melbourne is quite safe to walk around at night as a solo female traveller, especially in the CBD. Like anywhere in the world, don't go down dark alleyways or get into cars with strangers and you will be more than fine!

Posted: September 26, 2024
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Meet locals in Melbourne

Mayu

Mayu

About Me

Hi ✨ I am a Japanese traveler currently staying in Australia on a Working Holiday visa 🇯🇵🇦🇺 I arrived in Australia in December 2023 and have spent 8 months in Perth, followed by time in Brisbane and Cairns. Toward the end of the year, I plan to travel solo to Melbourne and Sydney for sightseeing. I’m looking for someone who might want to explore these cities together! If you’re interested, feel free to reach out!

Speaking

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Tiffany

Tiffany

About Me

My name is Tiffany. I’m currently living in Melbourne. I love animals, movies/series, books, food, and traveling. I hope to meet new people and broaden my horizon.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Melbourne

Tiffany

Tiffany

Melbourne

Can host for:

3 days

About me

My name is Tiffany. I’m currently living in Melbourne. I love animals, movies/series, books, food, and traveling. I hope to meet new people and broaden my horizon.

Speaking

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Mayu

Mayu

Melbourne

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Hi ✨ I am a Japanese traveler currently staying in Australia on a Working Holiday visa 🇯🇵🇦🇺 I arrived in Australia in December 2023 and have spent 8 months in Perth, followed by time in Brisbane and Cairns. Toward the end of the year, I plan to travel solo to Melbourne and Sydney for sightseeing. I’m looking for someone who might want to explore these cities together! If you’re interested, feel free to reach out!

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Melbourne

Cassie

Cassie

About Me

Hi! I’m Cassie. Born in Taiwan. Lived in Canada for a while. I love to meet people from different countries and hang out together! I'm going to do working holiday in Melbourne, Australia soon in September this year! Sent me a message if you are interested in hosting me for few days for my first week in Melbourne!

Speaking

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Safety in Australia