Moving to the Land Down Under: a solo traveller’s guide

G’day, fellow explorers! If you’re a daring spirit with a taste for adventure, solo travelling to Australia might just be your ticket to a one-of-a-kind experience. Australia, a coastal paradise and land of mesmerising wilderness is a tapestry of natural wonders that captivates the heart and soul of all who venture there.

Solo travel isn’t just a means to self-discovery. It’s a journey of empowerment; a testament to the boundless potential that emerges when we step beyond the boundaries of our comfort zones. It’s a reminder of the vastness of our world, overflowing with potential for personal development, deep connections, and transformative experiences.

It’s an invitation to embrace the unknown, to be unafraid of taking leaps, and to venture beyond the realms of what you thought possible. Grab your backpack and prepare to board that plane; spread your wings as you uncover the incredible wonders lying in the heart of the Land Down Under.

As someone who has taken the plunge into the Aussie way of life, I’m excited to share some tips and tricks to help you make the most of your solo escapade. 

DO NOT stick to the status quo

Plan, but leave room for spontaneity! If there is one thing Aussies are known for, it is their easy-going nature and laid-back outlook on life. So, embrace your inner zen by living in the moment, taking things in stride to allow flexibility to seize those unexpected opportunities. 

It’s about savouring the journey as much as the destination, relishing the unplanned detours that often lead to the most enriching experiences. So, sketch out a rough roadmap, but let curiosity be your compass, and drawbacks will become opportune, as the beauty of adventure often lies when you least expect it.

A tightly packed itinerary can lead to burnout, leaving you drained rather than invigorated. Trust your curiosity and break away from the yellow brick road, as these little impromptu moments often lead to the most treasured memories you can make. 

Channel your inner Crocodile Dundee

Push your solo adventure further by taking that daring leap and embracing your inner adrenaline junkie. Just don’t call your mum after (unless you want to give her a heart attack). Travelling, for me, was not just about seeing the world; it was about feeling it, heart racing, and fully alive.

Before Australia, I wouldn’t step foot near the Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Whereas now, I can say I’ve dived the depths of the Great Barrier Reef with sharks, swam in Daintree’s crocodile-infested forest and got wiped out by Gold Coast’s 15ft waves. Unique (not totally wise) activities like these will push your liberating and transformative experiences, allowing you to maximise your strengths. 

If I could recommend one life-changing activity, it would be skydiving. Jump out of that plane on Wollongong’s breathtaking coastal paradise and experience the sheer thrill and awe-inspiring views beyond compare. It’s a leap of faith that stays with you forever.

Destress in the sand 

The beach became my escape. Australia’s golden shores proved to be more than just picturesque stretches of sand and sea; they became my lifeline in times of mental struggle. Its healing horizons nurtured my well-being, transforming former unhealthy coping mechanisms into a newfound, healing therapeutic approach.

The natural elements of the beach acted as my alternative form of therapy, providing a simple yet profound source of comfort and grounding: strolling along the shoreline, burrowing my feet into the sand as the burning orange sunsets and nature’s symphony of crashing waves provided serenity and a sanctuary to connect with the earth. 

Hostels are a solo traveller’s best friend

For solo travellers in Australia, hostels aren’t just a place to rest your head; they’re a gateway to a vibrant community and a treasure trove of unique experiences. 

Not only are they more affordable, but they’re a hotspot to connect with fellow adventurers from all corners of the globe. These bustling hubs filled with shared dormitories and communal areas can turn an ordinary trip into an extraordinary one. Conversations flow with your bunk buddies, adventures are planned, and laughter becomes a universal language.

Time in a hostel is like a microcosm of life on the road – brief, intense, and incredibly meaningful. Hostels are the birthplaces of truly special friendships, thereby acting as a reminder that no matter how far we roam, the world is brimming with kindred spirits just waiting to be met. 

The Arts Factory in Byron Bay was more than a hostel, attracting the most fascinating and adventurous souls. It was here, amidst this dynamic community, that I found myself making deeper connections to art, nature and the diverse individuals that would shape my journey in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

Now hop, skip and take flight 

Grab your passport, pack your bags and board that plane to let your traveller mind go wild on Australia’s open road. From lounging on sun-soaked shores to dancing with kangaroos at bush doofs and camping under the stars of the outback, Australia offers a kaleidoscope of experiences for every traveller.

Every sunrise promises something new, and every sunset is a toast to a day well-lived. So, wherever your journey takes you, know that your solo sojourn in Australia is a chapter you will revisit with a smile for years to come.

_{Image credits: Isabel Milligan}