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

4.5 /5

Based on 74 experiences from female travelers

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.4 /5

Based on 155 experiences from local women

Australia is currently ranked #48 safest country for solo female travelers, with an overall safety rating of 4.5 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 74 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.4/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

4/5

Budget-friendly

3.6/5

charly1319

Austria

Perth, Family travel

My sister Toni & I had a great stay at Marie's place close to Scarborough beach. Awesome city with amazing people. Places to go to: Perth city center and harbour, Kings park, Fremantle, Scarborough, Rottnest island.

Posted: November 25, 2024Experienced: October, 2024

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Xixian

China

Tasmania, Solo travel

I feel safe! I rent a car and drove about 1250km, the east coast line is very blue, makes me feel like in Nice, France. I recommend lobster in Stanley, the most popular restaurant there. And I live in my car in camping place, there are so many free camp areas, with toilets or other facilities. It’s great to travel there alone, female friendly, I’d love go Australia every year!

Posted: November 17, 2024Experienced: September, 2024

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Australia, Solo travel

Australia is a pretty amazing country. The best is to get a van and travel around to free camps etc. People like to choose a 4 wheel drive to be able to go everywhere, dirt road etc. Plenty of backpackers and work.

Posted: November 1, 2024Experienced: October, 2024

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Melbourne, 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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Melbourne, 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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Syaza

Malaysia

Sydney, 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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Aisling

Australia

Noosa Heads, Couple travel

Noosa Heads is such a lovely place. There’s lots of backpackers around and I felt more than safe walking around Hastings street and back to the Airbnb alone at night. The food can be a bit expensive but there are ways to minimise the costs and the beach views make it worth it. Lots of things to do if you enjoy beach life and surfing or even if you enjoy paddle boarding on the river!

Posted: August 19, 2024

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Melbourne, 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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Karen

Denmark

South Coast New South Wales Upper, Solo travel

My and my friend have been hitchhiking up the east coast, I can totally recommend! We have been meeting some really nice people and had some great experiences:)) A lot of people cared about our safety, and we got tips, food and accommodation

Posted: July 29, 2024

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Australia, Group travel

If you don't wanna spend too much on the trip, the best way is to cook by yourself, the restaurant here is expensive and I'll say it's not that tasty, you can try, but for me, just not my type.

Posted: July 20, 2024Experienced: May, 2024

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Is Australia safe for women?

Safety index

4.4 /5

Based on 155 local experiences

Crime index

1.9 /5

Based on 155 local experiences

Rebecca

Canberra

Canberra is the capital of Australia, though it’s much smaller than Sydney and Melbourne, so has more of a smaller city feel. While it’s very convenient and safe, I still don’t feel comfortable walking alone at night outside of the immediate city area or high traffic areas. This is probably due to the average street lighting, so don’t feel as safe when it’s not as well lit, compared to feeling safer in more well lit and bigger cities.

Posted: November 26, 2024

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Jolane

Albany

Lived in albany my whole life and I would definitely consider it safe. Just as any place though it’s still important to stay aware when walking around at night especially alone of course. I never had any problems though

Posted: November 25, 2024

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Meet locals in Australia

marie

About Me

Hello, I'm Marie, an avid traveler with a passion for an active lifestyle. I enjoy playing sports, particularly tennis and surfing. Exploring diverse cultures and meeting new people while traveling is a delight for me. I own an Airbnb and take pleasure in showcasing the beauty of Perth to my guests, often inviting them to join me for a surfing adventure.

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Sarah

About Me

I enjoy reading books, watching movies and TV, getting out in nature, exploring new places, trying new foods and travelling. I enjoy walking and hope to do some hiking on my travels. In the future, I'd love to walk part of the Camino Del Santiago in Spain. I love animals, good conversation, and slow travel. I don't drink alcohol anymore but I'm ok with others drinking around me and I don't smoke. I have so many places and adventures on my bucket list! I'd love to explore Turkey, Egypt, Greece, Vietnam, Cambodia, Canada, South America and Morocco (and so many more). And I'd love to bungee jump, even though it terrifies me!

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Australia

marie

Perth

Can host for:

3 days

About me

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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.