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 16 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4/5

Safety

4.5/5

Food

3.5/5

Budget-friendly

3/5

Solo travel

Sydney is a super great and beautiful city. It's very easy to travel around on your own. There is great public transport in the cities and you meet new people everywhere. All in all, I can recommend Sydney in Australia to anyone. There is something for everyone.

Posted: April 10, 2025Experienced: December, 2024
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Kelis

Kelis

Canada

Solo travel

I stayed in Sydney for about a month and I would say expect to spend around $60-70 per day, I’d recommend getting groceries rather than eating out because restaurants are very expensive here. I loved visiting the beaches everyday and sitting out in the sun I would recommend renting a car if you’re the type of person to do a lot of hikes or wanting to visit the blue mountains although you can get public transportation pretty much anywhere you want and it’s cheaper then renting or taking an Uber.

Posted: March 21, 2025
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Solo travel

I felt very safe in Sydney. You can get anywhere pretty fast, the busses are good. With the bike as well, but the city is definitely not build for bikes, there are a lot of red lights and surprisingly many hills. The museums are fucking awesome. Many of them for free. Check out the wednesday Museum night Events!

Posted: January 24, 2025Experienced: December, 2024
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Family travel

Loved Sydney. Although it was very busy!! Felt safe the city was just a bit congested. They had lots to do there and they had many food cuisine’s from around the world to eat !! I felt pretty safe and their was many chill activities to do. The beaches and weather were great 🤍

Posted: January 11, 2025
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Gen

Gen

Australia

Solo travel

If you are in Sydney in October you need to go see the whales, it is such an amazing experience! You can go to the Harbour and buy a ticket and go alone without any problem. Also don’t miss out on all the beaches Sydney has to offer (Bondi, Bronte, Coogee, Tamarama, Manly, etc). The beaches are also very safe but swim between the flags!!

Posted: January 5, 2025
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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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Is Sydney safe for women?

Safety index

4.4 /5

Based on 44 local experiences

Crime index

1.6 /5

Based on 44 local experiences

I visited Sydney this March and I was all the time on my own, I used public transport and I didn't feel unsafe at any moment. My phone didn't work but it was easy to move around, if you don't have internet you can find WiFi spots around the city. The people are also helpful.

Posted: April 25, 2025
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I would say it is really safe, especially for such a big city with lots of tourists, but I've only been to cbd and east from that, idk about the western parts. I experienced sexual harassment once, since I've been there.

Posted: April 23, 2025
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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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Luna

Luna

About Me

Hi! I'm Luna and am currently in New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa. I found a travel buddy and we decided to fly to Australia and travel around to get to know and see all of the beautiful and stunning 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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Upcoming visitors to Sydney

Bobbie

Bobbie

About Me

Hello im from the Uk currently travelling New Zealand in my van. I love meeting new people and sharing experiences and stories. I’m a forester/ chainsaw operator by trade but enjoy long walks, sunbathing and adrenaline rush experiences.

Speaking

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Safety in Australia