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

Travel and Meet new People

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies and stay with local women for free through hospitality exchange.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

How safe is Sydney?

Safety at night:

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:

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:

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:

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.

Is Sydney worth visiting?

Overall rating

4 /5

based on 11 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

3.4/5

Budget-friendly

2.9/5
Syaza

Syaza

Malaysia

Solo travel

I went to Sydney for about a week to join a workshop. Whenever I go to a new country, I tend to go to places where it's specific for a certain personal purpose even if it's not a popular touristy place. To see something that I've had on my wishlist. For example when I was in Sydney for this trip, I took the train to a small suburb to see a mosque that I have been learning about for a couple of years before I even knew I'd be in Sydney one day. I also love to literally walk around a lot (because it's free!) :D

Posted: August 30, 2024Experienced: February, 2023
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

Sydney is such a fabulous city. The people are so kind and i love that the blue mountains are so close by and a great place to hike. I also always felt safe! The night life is quite big and getting to see an opera in the sydney opera house is a must

Posted: June 16, 2024Experienced: April, 2019
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

I loved the museums, specially the contemporary art museum. It rained all week I was there so I couldn't go really do any activities like hiking or visiting any of the nearby beaches. The city was nice and there was a lot to do, I specially recommend doing the guided tour to the opera house. I definitely DO NOT recommend the hostel I stayed in, Venus Central hostel. It's a all female hostel, where you have ONE table and FOUR chairs alone for everybody there, there are cameras everywhere and signs everywhere about how they're watching and will fine you ridiculous amounts of money if you do "x" thing. There is also no reception or people you can actually talk to face to face if you have a problem or if you want to leave your bags a bit before or after check in. Honestly go to any other hostel.

Posted: June 8, 2024Experienced: May, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Ségolène

Ségolène

Australia

Solo travel

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
favorite_border 4
mode_comment 1

Group travel

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
favorite_border 2
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Larissa

Larissa

Germany

Solo travel

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Cass

Cass

Indonesia

Solo travel

I loved travelling solo in Sydney, I made many *real* friends and did a lot of healing there. I really enjoyed beach walking, beaching in general, doing Zumba, meeting friends, exploring and going on the ferry to the harbour. Saw a cool show at the Oprah House (sort of like a mini circus without animals) and did a tour of the Rocks with a local who have some history. The food was awesome, especially Manly Gourmet Thai with their $10 lunch special.

Posted: May 1, 2023
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel

I stayed at Wake Up Sydney and I recommend this place. I went to the opera, zoo, Blue Mountains, Coogee, Bondi Beach, attended an AFL match and visited the Queen Victoria building in Sydney.

Posted: November 19, 2022
favorite_border 66
mode_comment 0

Is Sydney safe for women?

Safety index

4.4 /5

Based on 31 local experiences

Crime index

1.4 /5

Based on 31 local experiences

Extremely safe, I've walked the streets at 3am in the city & whilst lighting could be better, I haven't had any problems with running into safety concerns. There's also almost always a police station near by.

Posted: October 24, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0
Juliana

Juliana

Sydney is a very clean and safe city. I'm staying in Cronulla, aka The Shire and it's a great place to stay. There is a super clean beach, public transport and shops, supermarkets and cafes. I walk alone at night with no problem at all

Posted: September 23, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Sydney

Su

Su

About Me

Heyy :) I am currently backpacking around Europe with my sister. We love exploring the culture and the cuisines but are on a budget so if you have any tips or know budget friendly restaurants, would really appreciate it. We do like a little clubbing now and then and happy to join you ( always nicer to dance with others). Destinations are Barcelona, Mallorca, Granada, Lisbon, Porto, Italy and many more.

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Sydney

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.

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Elena

Elena

Sydney

Can host for:

3 days

About me

I am a graduate translational neuroscience student at the University of New South Wales, Sydney. I am looking to share / swap / house or pet sitting accomodation while travelling. I enjoy many hobbies and interests and like a simple life.

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Upcoming visitors to Sydney

kary

kary

About Me

👣 🌏 🍽️ 🎧 ✍🏻 hi, i am kary from Hong Kong! I am obsessed with everything about travel, a big nature lover, especially mountains and oceans 🩵

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in Australia