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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Is Sydney safe for women?

Safety index

4.5 /5

Based on 33 local experiences

Crime index

1.5 /5

Based on 33 local experiences

A very safe city. Some areas can be considered a bit unsafe around the CBD area, especially at night. Walking around during the day is lovely and there is rarely anything bad that occurs. A great place to solo travel as a female

Posted: December 11, 2024
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Sydney is safe, however you stay need to make sure your safe. You never know being a woman. There is always risks. Can't be too safe..however always tell someone where you go. Don't go out west like blacktown, that is a dodgy area.

Posted: December 4, 2024
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Meet locals in Sydney

Vanessa

Vanessa

About Me

Hey I'm Vanessa from Australia :) I live in a van and like to spend time outdoors whenever I can. During my free time, I like to climb, slackline and learn about different cultures & languages. I'm neurodivergent and travel, culture, languages is my special interest hehe I've been very lucky to have the privilege to be able to go backpacking, go on working holidays and what not. I've met sooo many amazing people around the world, and got to go hitchhike, couchsurf and go on all kinds of wacky adventures. I really love the concept of couch surfing and am so excited for one that specifically caters to women!! I'd really love to give back to the community ! If you come to Oz, I'd love to host, but I can really only provide you a hammock since I've got limited space in the van. So I probably won't be a good host unless you're into camping haha otherwise, I'd love to meet up and show you around :)

Speaking

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Corrie

Corrie

About Me

I'm 47, travelling to Japan for the first time. Looking for hang outs and explore Japan. I also live in Sydney and happy to help other female travellers. I enjoy beaches, walking, art and music. Love exploring new places.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Sydney

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

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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

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Upcoming visitors to Sydney

Pauline

Pauline

About Me

I'm Pauline, currently solo travelling in Australia and NZ. When I'm not travelling, I live in Paris. I'd be happy to meet some women along my way and then when I'll be back to France

Speaking

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Safety in Australia