Australia is a haven for solo travellers looking to explore this incredible country. Known for its friendly locals, gorgeous scenery and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, there is no need to wait for others to get out there and enjoy it all!
Australia is as diverse as it is large, from the arid outback to lush rainforests there is so much to explore. What better way to experience it than to rent a travel van for the ultimate solo Australia road trip.
Solo travel in a campervan means not compromising on what to see and do. A campervan offers the added simplicity of having your things with you wherever you go. In saying that, travelling alone may seem a little intimidating if you’ve never done it before. In this guide, we’ll cover our top tips to make solo travel as fun and enjoyable as possible.
Best places to travel solo in Australia
If you are a confident traveller, there are no limits to the places you can travel on an Australian road trip. However, the coastlines are probably the safest places to travel solo. With over 85% of Australia's population living within 50 km of the ocean, there is always someone nearby to lend a hand.
If you are planning an Australian road trip to the outback, you will be faced with the added challenge of long stretches of road with little or few people for hours at a time. While the outback is entirely possible to do solo, it just requires a little extra planning!
Plan your van travel ahead of time
Planning is important for any van travel, but it’s especially vital when you're going it alone. Whether planning your route or methodically packing ahead of time, coming prepared will ensure you can just pick up your camper and enjoy your adventures. Speaking of your route and packing, here are some considerations.
Plan your route
Planning your route out on a map will help you plan out how long you’ll be travelling, how many hours you will need to drive each day and so on. As you plot out your trip, look for interesting places to stop and exciting activities. It’s also worthwhile noting any good caravan parks and campsites along the way.
When planning your solo campervan adventure, it can be helpful to write a list of what you’re going to pack in advance. That way, you won’t miss anything. When deciding what to pack, be sure to look at the weather and conditions to ensure you don’t get caught out without the essentials. For more ideas on what to pack, check out our guide on what to bring on your campervan trip.
Don’t compromise
One of the best parts of solo travel is that you can travel on your terms. When you’re part of a group or with a partner, there will often be give and take to keep everyone happy. When travelling alone, you have the ultimate luxury of only doing what you want to do. Take advantage of this and travel on your terms!
Top tip: Remember, never compare yourself to other travellers. Everyone has their unique interests, and there is no set way to travel. Don’t compromise on your dream Australian road trip.
Put yourself out there
Just because you’re travelling solo, doesn’t mean you can’t meet new people and make new friends! Travelling is a great way to meet like-minded people and share incredible experiences. Some of the best ways to put yourself out there and meet new people include:
Facebook groups about travelling
Tour groups
Local events
Join a walking tour
Take a lesson, e.g. surfing
Go at your own pace
Another great benefit of solo travel is that you can travel at your own pace. There’s no pressure from other members of your group or a partner to rush. If you visit a place and feel you want more time to explore, nothing is stopping you from parking up for another night or two. There are no rules to a campervan trip!
Top tip: Although planning your trip is important, it can be helpful to allow some room to be flexible.
Choose the right campervan
There is no ‘best campervan for solo travel’, only the right campervan for your budget and travel style. One of the perks of travelling solo is being able to travel in a smaller campervan. Smaller campervans are more cost-effective and convenient to drive around and park. At Mighty, we have two options that are popular for solo travellers:
2 Berth Highball
Experience the very best of Australia in the convenience of the down-to-earth 2 Berth Highball. This van is easy to drive, while still having access to a full-sized bed, headroom to stand up, and kitchen to cook up a campervan-friendly meal.
2 Berth Deuce
The 2 Berth Deuce is a roomy camper loaded with modern essentials for an Aussie adventure. Roll out of your double bed, start the day with a hot shower (and toilet), and whip up your favourite morning brew in the full apartment-style kitchen. This is camping in luxury.
Bring the main-character energy to your solo adventure with a travel playlist. Create a playlist on Spotify or Apple Music to help keep you entertained on those long drive days. Don’t have the time? No stress. There are lots of premade travel playlists on Spotify.
If music isn’t your thing, no problem! Download an audiobook or binge your favourite podcast. Just be sure to download them offline so that you can access them even when the service is patchy!
Upgrade to unlimited data
While travelling, you can usually get by finding free wifi spots along your travels and at caravan parks. In saying that, there are benefits to having data wherever you go when travelling solo. Some of the top reasons include:
Safety
Being able to talk to friends and family
Watching your favourite shows during down time
There are several prepaid SIM cards available for travellers, depending on how much data you need or want. However, as over 80% of Australia doesn’t get reliable cellphone coverage, it may be good to look into other options depending on where you are planning to travel.
If you are planning a trip to explore the more rural and remote parts of Australia, then you may also want to look into satellite phone options. Satellite phones are a great alternative for when cell reception isn’t available. These phones cover all the areas of the country that do not have standard coverage. If you are looking for that extra peace of mind, you can hire these for $20 per day plus call costs from Mighty.
Download the THL app
The thl Roadtrip app is the ultimate Australian road trip companion. This app is a great resource before you start travelling and while you are out adventuring. Some of the top features of the app include:
Pre-arrival. Watch walkthrough videos of the camper, as well as video instructions on how to do things like fill up your water, dump your toilet waste and more.
Offline maps. Use the integrated maps to plan out stops along the way. This includes petrol stations, campsites, dump stations and laundromats. Best of all, these maps are all accessible offline.
Learn from other travellers. Unsure of a campsite? Need to know if a laundromat has coin machines? Want to find out if a campsite is well-maintained? The thl Roadtrip app allows users to leave their reviews to help out future travellers. You can even leave a few of your own!
Frequently asked questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about solo travel.
Is Australia safe for solo female travellers?
Generally speaking, Australia is a safe place to travel. However, like any solo travel, it is important to be prepared. If you are travelling internationally, it is worthwhile getting a local SIM card. If you are travelling to remote areas and want that extra peace of mind, definitely look at renting a satellite phone. Australia is also home to some dangerous wildlife. It is good to do your research on what Australian animals are dangerous and what to do in case of an emergency.
Is solo travel difficult?
If it’s your first time travelling solo, it may seem slightly more challenging. However, with the right preparation, solo travel can sometimes be easier than group travel. No wrangling friends, doing things you don’t want to do or sharing the cupboard storage. Just you and the open road.
Ready to book your solo adventure?
A campervan road trip is a safe, comfortable and cost-effective option for solo travellers looking to experience the very best of Australia. Don’t wait for others to live out your Australian road trip dreams! Book your Mighty camper online or at one of our Mighty branches today.
With branches in each of Australia’s major cities, you can pick your campervan up from your nearest Mighty branch, and you’re off. For more ideas on travel itineraries and Australian travel tips, check out our blog.
