We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Sheryl-Ann, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Sheryl-Ann is from the United States and submitted the following report about Australia. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: English
Port Campbell National Park
Reasons to Visit Australia
Australia is a beautiful country. There is so much to see and do. I stayed at the Rendezvous Hotel in Melbourne which is in an excellent location. In fact, it is literally across the street from Flinders Street Station and a 3-minute walk to Federation Square where you can visit galleries, walk along the Yarra River, and shop for days. If you're a sports enthusiast, there's the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne Park (home of the Australian Open), and the football stadium, all within walking distance of Fed Square. If you're into wines, there are lots of wineries within an hour's drive outside of Melbourne. Finally, a must-do is the Great Ocean Road with a stop to see the Twelve Apostles (which are really only about 6 apostles now). The drive along the Great Ocean Road is absolutely beautiful!
Sydney is a bigger city but very easy to navigate as well. I stayed at Meriton Serviced Apartments, which is within walking distance of Darling Harbour, restaurants, and shopping. The Sydney Bridge climb is a must especially if you want to conquer your fear of heights and get a magnificent view of the Opera House and Port Jackson (unofficially known as Sydney Harbour). A cruise on the harbour is a must as well, and I used one of Sydney's Tall Ships. So much fun! You will also want to ride the ferry to Manly Beach, or Bondi Beach, or both. I only did Manly beach, which is about 20 minutes away, and the views from the ferry are fantastic as well.
Finally, the food, wine, and beer scene in these two cities are great. There's a heavy Asian influence and this just adds spice to the cuisine. It's all just so good and I never had a bad meal during my nine days there.
Oh, be prepared for the long flight to get there. I was traveling from the United States, and it's 15 hours from LAX to Melbourne – but it was so worth it!
Beach in the park.
Sydney Tall Ship
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 1 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
