Hitting the Road Solo
There's something uniquely freeing about a solo campervan trip — your own pace, your own route, and nobody to please but yourself. Australia is one of the best and safest places in the world to do it, with a huge community of travellers, excellent holiday parks, and iconic routes made for van life. This guide shares practical advice for solo female campervan travel so you can hit the road with confidence.
💡 Tip: A smaller van is your friend when travelling solo — easier to drive, park and afford. Compare compact 2-berth options on CamperCompare.
Is It Safe?
In a word, yes. Australia is a safe, welcoming country and thousands of women travel it solo every year. The van-life community is friendly and looks out for each other. That said, the same street smarts you'd use anywhere apply: pick well-reviewed places to stay, trust your gut, and be especially prepared in remote areas where the nearest help can be hours away.
Choosing the Right Van
For solo travel, a compact 2-berth campervan is ideal. It's cheaper to hire and fuel, easy to manoeuvre and park, and quick to set up on your own. Crucially, look for a van where you can get into bed and cook without stepping outside — an internal walk-through layout adds real comfort and security when you're parked up at night.
Where to Stay
| Option | Security | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday parks | High — lit, staffed, others nearby | First solo trips, peace of mind |
| Popular free camps | Medium — safety in numbers | Budget travel, sociable stops |
| Isolated bush camps | Lower — no help nearby | Experienced solo travellers |
Especially at first, favour established holiday parks and well-reviewed, busy free camps over remote, empty spots. Apps like WikiCamps show recent reviews and safety notes from other campers, which are gold for choosing where to stop.
Staying Connected & Prepared
Share your rough itinerary with someone at home and check in regularly. Keep your phone charged and your fuel topped up — never let the tank run low in the country. For any remote or Outback travel, mobile coverage vanishes, so consider a satellite messenger or personal locator beacon (PLB). Carry water, basic tools, and know how to change a tyre before you go.
Best Routes for Solo Travellers
For your first solo trip, stick to popular, well-serviced routes with frequent towns and good phone coverage:
The East Coast (Sydney to Cairns): Australia's most travelled route, packed with holiday parks, other backpackers and endless beaches.
The Great Ocean Road: A shorter, spectacular coastal drive with plenty of towns — pair it with a start in Adelaide or Melbourne.
Tasmania: Compact, friendly and beautiful, with a tight loop of holiday parks — see our Hobart campervan hire guide.
Confidence Tips for the Road
Arrive Before Dark
Plan to reach camp with daylight to spare. Setting up in the light is easier, safer and far less stressful than hunting for a spot at night.
Trust Your Instincts
If a place or situation doesn't feel right, move on — you never owe anyone an explanation. Your gut is your best safety tool.
Keep It Simple
Practise your van's setup before you leave the depot, keep valuables out of sight, and lock up at night. A little routine makes solo van life feel like second nature within days. For budgeting, see how much campervan hire costs in Australia.
Planning your trip?
Compare campervan & motorhome hire prices across Australia:
