Solo Female Travellers Series
Thinking about solo travel? You’re in the right place.
This post is for the woman on the edge of going solo. Whether it’s 4x4ing, hiking, backpacking, or exploring a city—this is where it begins.
This isn’t about being fearless. It’s just about doing it.
I started solo travel in Australia in a Hyundai Active X—a small two-wheel drive hatchback. One day, I decided the Boulia Camel Races sounded like a grand idea. Boulia is a tiny Outback town in far western Queensland, on the edge of the Simpson Desert. It’s remote, dry, and red-dirt beautiful.
I borrowed my flatmate’s Jetboil, bought a swag and a sleeping bag, packed 10 litres of water, and drove 11 hours to get there. That was it. I was naive, sure—but heading out anyway turned out to be the best decision I’ve made. That trip set everything in motion. I’ve been travelling solo ever since.
Over the years, I’ve learned a lot—mostly by doing. What started with a swag, a Jetboil, and no real plan has turned into years of solo travel through some of the most remote parts of Australia. If you’re just starting out, here are the things that helped me find my feet.
1. Essential Preparation: Gear & Supplies
Preparation isn’t just smart—it’s survival.
I made every rookie error—no tools, no backup plan, only a mobile phone. No idea what recovery gear I needed, or how vulnerable I really was. That all changes quickly when you find yourself hours from anywhere with no signal.
Once I bought my 4WD, I took the 4WD Adventure Training course at Low 4 Offroad in Mareeba. That changed everything. I learned how to assess terrain, handle recoveries, change a tyre, and stay calm when things went sideways—actually, I learned how to avoid sideways situations altogether.
These days, I keep my kit dialled in and terrain-ready. Here’s what I always have in place:
- Offline maps + a physical map—tech fails, paper doesn’t
- Facebook groups for real-time updates from other travellers
- Garmin mini for satellite comms
- Starlink if I want to stay connected
- Emergency contacts saved + written down
- Regular gear checks before every trip to suit the terrain
🛠 For a full gear list and Outback-specific prep, check out:
👉 Outback Australia Road Trip Guide: 10 Basics You Need to Know
2. Know Where You Are—and What’s Around You
Situational awareness isn’t fear—it’s smart travel.
If you’re in a town and something feels off, move on. If you pull into a free camp and it doesn’t feel right, trust that. You’re not being rude—you’re being responsible.
Here’s what I do:
🟡 Arrive early—before dark, always
🟡 Park with a clean exit in case you need to leave quickly
🟡 Follow how the locals move—they know what’s normal
🟡 Trust your gut—it’s more reliable than you think
🟡 Have a plan B—somewhere else you’re willing to drive to
🟡 Ask other travellers where they’ve just come from—get the vibe, road updates, camp recs, safety tips
🟡 Use local knowledge—visitor centres often hear what’s happening before it hits the news
And yes—lie if you need to. “My partner’s just inside,” “I’m waiting for someone.” Whatever keeps you safe, use it. No guilt required.
Australia is stunning. But it’s also remote, and that’s a big part of the draw. Just be aware that in the middle of nowhere, you really are in the middle of nowhere. So stay alert, check in often, and trust your instincts.
3. You’re Not as Alone as You Think
Connection finds you out here.
I’ve had some of the best conversations in the most unexpected places—fuel stops, bush camps, lookouts, hikes. You don’t need to chase connection. It finds you when you stay open.
💬 Visitor Centres are gold—most are run by locals who really know the area. They’ll tell you what’s open, what’s closed, and where local tours are running.
🥾 Hiking trails are great for meeting like-minded travellers. A shared trail leads to shared stories.
🔥 Around the fire or roadside, it only takes a nod to start a yarn.
Some of these people will just be a moment. Some might become your next convoy. Either way, you’re not on your own.
4. Pack What You Can Manage
Because it’s all on you.
When you travel solo, you have to lift it, strap it, and repack it. Keep it simple.
Merino clothes are your friend—lightweight, breathable, and surprisingly good at not picking up that multi-day stink. You can wear them for days, and somehow, they still pass the sniff test.
My kit usually includes:
- Jetboil or small cooker
- Reliable swag
- Good boots + water shoes
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- 20 litres of water
- Dry bags + merino layers
Don’t bring five outfits. Bring two that work.Pack Like You’ll Carry It! This is a basic list just Keep It Simple.
Only pack what you can manage alone. That includes lifting it, strapping it, dragging it uphill if needed. Choose gear that’s light, durable, and fits your actual needs. Know your setup, and don’t count on someone else to help.
5. Respect the Wildlife—And Know the Risks
Australia’s animals aren’t out to get you—but they demand respect.
I’ve had to pause for emus, wait out a snake on a trail, and sidestep roos at dusk. These encounters are part of what makes this country wild—and wonderful.
Read up before you go. Here’s where to start:
🦘 5 Wildlife Travel Tips You Should Know
6. Tread Lightly—Travel Sustainably
You’re not just passing through—you’re walking through Country.
Respecting the land means being mindful of your footprint. Use refill stations. Take your rubbish. Stick to the tracks. A little effort goes a long way. If you haven’t already check out my posts below.
Start here:
🌏 Your Guide to Eco-Friendly Travel in Australia
🌿 10 Ways to Travel Sustainably and Make a Difference
7. Get the Skills Before You Go
This isn’t the place to wing it.
I don’t say that to scare you—I say it so you feel confident before you hit the road. You don’t need to know everything, but the basics matter.
Before your first Outback trip, I recommend:
- ✅ Basic first aid
- ✅ 4WD training course
- ✅ know how to change a tyre + how to use your jack
- ✅ Recovery gear and how to use it
- ✅ Communication tools (sat device, check-in routine)
Knowledge takes the fear away. If something happens, you’ll know what to do.
8. You Don’t Need a Reason
This is your life. You get to choose what it looks like.
You’re not selfish. You’re not running away. You’re not proving anything. You’re just doing something that matters—to you.
There will be hard days. But there will be better ones too—the ones where you’re watching the sun rise in the desert or hearing nothing but your own breath in the Kimberley’s.
Ready to Go? Good.
Solo travel in Australia isn’t about being fearless—it’s about being prepared, being curious, and backing yourself. The Outback will test you, teach you, and reward you like nowhere else. Start small, start smart, but start. You don’t need permission. You just need the will to go.
So go. Book the trip. Pack the swag. Back yourself.
And when you do—let me know. I’ll be cheering you on from some red dirt road, probably chasing the next sunrise.
Start small. Plan well. Go far.
This post is part of the Solo Women Travellers Series.
Up next:
⭢ The Mental Shift That Happens When Women Travel Solo
⭢ The Truth About Travelling Alone: Mental Load, Loneliness, and Loving It Anyway
Bookmark the series. Take what you need. And travel well.
