Is Sydney Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Sydney is markedly safe for solo female travelers. Authorities and law enforcement are reliable and approachable. Street lights are well-positioned for night safety. Locals are generally friendly and helpful. However, it is always beneficial to stay cautious. Be wary of your surroundings, especially at night, keep your belongings secure, and stick to crowded places during off-peak hours. It's also advised to be cautious in areas known for nightlife. Despite these general precautions, Sydney remains an incredibly welcoming and safe city for solo female travelers.

Safety rating

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Safety index

Safety at night:Safe

Sydney is generally a safe city, even for solo female travelers at night. The city center and popular tourist areas are well-lit, heavily patrolled, and bustling, even into the late hours of the night. However, there may be isolated incidents, and less busy suburbs could potentially be less safe. Travelers should exercise normal precautions such as staying in well-lit areas, being aware of their surroundings, and, if possible, not walking alone late at night. Public transport is reliable and can be used instead.

Public transportation:Very safe

Public transportation in Sydney is quite safe. The city boasts an efficient and wide-reaching system of buses, trams, trains, and ferries. These modes of transportation are typically very well-maintained and the authorities enforce strong safety measures. Additionally, security personnel are often present in stations and on vehicles, particularly during peak times. Even during late hours, these public transportation systems are generally safe. However, as with anywhere, it's always advisable to remain aware of your surroundings and maintain a good sense of direction.

Street harassment:Low

Generally, Sydney has a safe and welcoming environment for solo female travelers. Street harassment is not common, with most locals showing respect and courtesy to tourists and travelers. However, like any major city, it's sensible to take basic precautions, particularly at night or in less-crowded areas. Most areas around the city's central business district and popular tourist hubs have a considerable police presence and CCTV coverage, creating a secure environment for the city's residents and visitors alike.

Petty crimes:Low

Sydney is generally considered safe but like any big city, petty crimes such as pickpocketing or purse snatching do exist. These are notably in crowded places or tourist-heavy areas. Always be aware of your surroundings and personal belongings.

Tap water:Very safe

Tap water in Sydney is quite safe to drink right from the tap. It is carefully regulated, typically high in quality, and is filtered and well treated which makes it potable. High standards of water treatment are routinely met and they follow strict Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Therefore, it is generally considered very safe for consumption.

Is Sydney safe to travel?

4.5 /5

Based on 8 experiences

Solo travel experience

Bit of a boring city tbh but felt safe and was cool to see the opera house. Think it just lacked the personality of Melbourne and other aussie beach towns. Would reccomend bondi beach, Melbourne or magnetic island over sydney

Posted: March 14, 2024Experienced: August, 2018
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Ségolène

Ségolène (30)

Australia

Solo travel experience

I loved Sydney! I felt safe all the time. I don't go out in the evening though so can't really say for the night time but no problem during the day. People were always super nice and happy to help. It's super easy to go around, bus, train, ferry, perfect. I'm on a low budget so didn't really eat outside but there's good prices in the shops. 2 fav spots : Manly and Bronte Beach ⛱️

Posted: February 3, 2024Experienced: January, 2023
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Group travel experience

Felt safe, was a great trip for bagpackers. Went from Sydney to bondi, blue mountains and drove the east cost Byron bay to Gold Coast and ended in Brisbane! Would recommend. Did a combination of hostels and nice hotels!

Posted: December 27, 2023
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Is Sydney safe for women to live?

Safety rating

4.3 /5

Based on 10 experiences

Crime rates rating

1.3 /5

Based on 10 experiences

Quinn

Quinn

Pretty safe! One of the safest places I've been or lived in. The only other I can say I feel safer in is maybe Japan. Practice common precaution; beware drunk/loud people late at night or on late trains home, is the only thing I can say. I take late public transport home most days and don't think twice about it.

Posted: April 26, 2024
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Lucia

Lucia

Sydney is a very safe city. As with anywhere that is new and unfamiliar to you; observe local women and do as they do. Certain areas of the inner city, Redfern, Waterloo, have a grimy-er history and thats reflected in the safety level especially at night.

Posted: April 15, 2024
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Is Sydney safe right now?

Before your visit to Sydney, it's essential to check travel advisories for Australia, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The United States government advises exercising normal precautions in Australia. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: September 8, 2023
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Canadian Government advises to take normal security precautions in Australia. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: April 10, 2024

Is Sydney worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.9 /5

based on 8 experiences

Solo travel experience

During my four-week stay in Balmain, I found Sydney to be a welcoming haven for explorers like myself, providing a sense of security even during nighttime outings. Venturing out alone after dusk never felt intimidating. Locals were incredibly friendly and approachable, always willing to offer assistance. Navigating Sydney was a breeze, thanks to its efficient public transport system. Whether by train, ferry or bus, getting around was convenient and budget-friendly in comparison to taxi rides.

Posted: December 24, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 5/5
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Larissa

Larissa (26)

Germany

Solo travel experience

I loved traveling the West Coast of Australia. So much to see. The nature is incredible. The people are so friendly and helped if needed. The food was good, but a bit expensive. I stayed in hostels to connect with other people.

Posted: December 21, 2023Experienced: August, 2015
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Meet locals in Sydney

Meet local women in Sydney who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Jemma

Jemma

About Me

Hi there :) I’m a super friendly and easy going Australian who loves travel and meeting new people. I’m interested in couch surfing for a week in Amsterdam come the 1st of August and would be so happy to meet you! I would love to help with anything round the place in return and I also love to cook! I have a range of interests so I’m sure we will find some things in common and have a great week :)

Speaking

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Lucy

Lucy

About Me

Hi there! My name is Lucy and I am 22 years old living in Sydney, Australia. I am a full-time student studying a Bachelor of Laws and Business and I work part-time at a commercial law firm. During my University breaks I love to travel and I am hoping to do a short exchange in London in June 2024. After my 3 week exchange I plan on travelling around other countries in Europe solo. I also aspire to visit Central and South America once I graduate in 2025 and I am very open to suggestions! Please reach out if you have any questions about travelling in Sydney or if you can offer any advice for my travel plans 😊

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Sydney

Stay with local women in Sydney who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Jeanella

Jeanella

Sydney

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Jeanella, Dutch but living in Sydney for 4 years now, ESL teacher, 35 years old, solo traveler, 35 years old.

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Igne

Igne

Sydney

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Hi!, My name is Igne and I'm interested in animals, books, cinema, food & cuisine, photography, nature, skiing, sunbathing, swimming and sightseeing

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Sydney

Connect with upcoming visitors to Sydney who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.
Juliette

Juliette

About Me

Solo traveler, on the end of her trip., Currently in Fiji till the 12th of May before making a stop in Sydney for 4 nights and flying back to France. I enjoy cooking, discover new places, going on hikes or ocean swims. I like to share drinks and nibbles with people I met. See you maybe. 😊

Speaking

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Holly

Holly

About Me

City London desk worker, recently turned 30 with a love for seeing the world.

Speaking

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Safety in Australia