Alone? Explore these 8 amazing Aussie solo travel destinations

One of the best parts of travelling solo is the solitude. If you're someone who hates being around lots of people, but don't have the means to launch yourself into a wilderness reserve alone (not advisable), we've got just the thing for you – Wadjemup (also known as Rottnest Island) in Western Australia. A very speedy ferry ride from Perth's mainland, this one's perfect for solitary explorers who want to spend their days lying on isolated beaches, having transcendent encounters with quokkas, and dipping quietly into the bluest water we've ever seen. With accomodation, food and amenities available on the island, you also don't really have to leave. This is paradise, and it's even better done alone. 

Tassie is special. Known for its serious beauty and very un-serious (i.e. extremely sweet) locals, Australia's southernmost island is a solid gold option for anyone embarking on a trip by themselves. Easy to get to, super cheap and full of wild natural adventures, Tasmania is good for anyone who wants to venture into Australian nature safely and have a guaranteed good time. Whether you choose to do an organised hike, swim at secret beaches, frolic under waterfalls, or wander around the cosy streets of Hobart – (with a pit stop at batmobile-esque art museum MONA, of course) a solo trip here will bring the goods, no matter your poison. 

Melbourne is Australia's Paris, and everyone knows that Paris is the place to go when you want to be alone in a chic kinda way. If you enjoy getting lost in winding laneways, shopping in adorable boutiques, sipping fine wine (and coffee), and guzzling hard on art and theatre, Melbourne is the absolute best place for your solo trip. With its cute and walkable size, friendly locals (the friendliest in the world, actually) and abundance of hidden and delightful corners, Melbourne is a great, safe place to wander around on your lonesome. Bit lost? We've found 23 amazing things to do on your own in Melbourne town.

The (formerly) hippie capital of the Northern Rivers is hyped, but honestly, for good reason. Although far more touristy and built up now than it was in its free lovin' hayday, Byron Bay continues to sparkle with a special kind of magic. With its abundance of little local bars, eateries and coffee shops, genuinely gorgeous beaches and proximity to some of the most incredible, untouched stretches of coastline in the world, Byron offers up something for pretty much every kind of solo traveller. Spend long days wandering the beach, dipping into cafés when the whim strikes, and (if you've got wheels) exploring the peninsula. You might even run into Chris Hemsworth.

Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest in Far North Queensland are a) UNESCO heritage-listed sites, and b) awe-inspiring places packed with a plethora of experiences perfect for solo travellers. If you're an outdoorsy type who loves nothing more than taking off in your car (no fighting over the AUX cord, etc), then a two-day roadie from Cairns to Cape Tribulation is the way to go. Safe, speedy and rich with jaw-dropping views and road stops, you can see Port Douglas, snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, swim in Mossman Gorge, and finish up with a bang at Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef. 

Okay – Sydney might not strike you as the most epic solo travel location, but we are going to argue that it actually really is. Australia's fastest paced city is jam packed with a glorious balance of pristine nature spots, turquoise ocean pools, incredible food, and cutting edge cultural experiences that don't require a companion to enjoy. Safe, friendly and accessible by public transport, Sydney is perfect for people who want to explore incredible beaches and bush walks by day, and then feast like a fairytale king by night. Plus, with more people than anywhere else Down Under, it's likely you'll make a new friend (if that's what you're after, of course). 

The Northern Territory isn't always the best place for solo travellers. The immensity of the land, a small and scattered population, and an abundance of crocodiles make it a place that we don't recommend charging into alone. However! There is a way to do it. If you fly into Darwin, you'll be able to frolic through a major city that's rich with vibrant colours, incredible food and groundbreaking culture, all by the soft turquoise curve of the bay. Once you've had your fill of the city, you can drive alone, and/or hop on a bus or an organised tour and head into Litchfield and Kakadu national parks for an array of amazing day trips. If you're after genuine contemplation, wild beauty and accessible solo adventuring, the Top End is your gal. 

A quick and cheap train ride from Sydney lies one of our favourite ever solo travel destinations – the Blue Mountains. With its dreamy name and even dreamier mountain vistas, this immense national park and its two cutest towns – Leura and Katoomba, are an ideal place for anyone who wants to get away from it all, particularly without breaking the bank. Incredibly cute streets lined with cherry blossoms, a gorgeous array of cafés and tiny shops, and proximity to easy walks through glowworm grottos, emerald forests and secret waterfalls make it perfect for pretty much everyone, no matter your vibe. Just make sure you are totally prepared and tell people where you're going if you decide to hike.