When you need a proper escape, go solo!

When you live in or near the city, there’s going to be a time when you just want to get away from it all. The busy-ness of work, the constant juggling of friendships and family time, even the constant pile-up of housework. Getting away from it all is a necessity, and if you’re reading this, we guess the time to leave is now!

Australia offers plenty of holiday experiences, but we’re picking out the best in each state and territory. What’s the best solo holiday spot near you? Come along and find out!

Nelson Bay, NSW

Nelson Bay houses the most picturesque scenery in New South Wales, along with spectacular walks that are sure to get your busy life out of your mind for a while. At least for a weekend. We recommend staying at Hotel Nelson, central to all the necessary hotspots, but also because they have a wonderful heated pool along with the best breakfast in Nelson Bay. While you’re here, top spots to visit are Tomaree Mountain, Fingal Beach and Shark Island, Birubi Beach and the Gan Gan Lookout. Or perhaps a dolphin cruise, or a snorkel at Fly Point? The adventure awaits.

Daylesford, VIC

Stir up your imagination and reinvigorate your senses in Daylesford, 80-kilometres northeast of Melbourne’s CBD. This wonderful escape is perfect for solo travellers, housing plenty of wonderful solo activities. Stay in accommodation around Lake Daylesford, putting you central to serenity. Give yourself a morning of walking around in the surrounding greenery, working on your mind, body and soul. Are you a winery fiend? Book a day tour with Daylesford Wine Tours. And don’t forget the local historical buildings!

Bridport, TAS

While Tasmania itself is considered a wonderful getaway, they still host city dwellers yearning for escape. And where better than Bridport on the north coast! This little coastal town hosts one of Australia’s most picturesque golf courses, Barnbougle Dunes, which welcomes players of all abilities. Along the northeastern end of Bridport is the Granite Point Conservation Area, featuring gorgeous coastal walks. But don’t linger around town for too long, for there’s a wonderful world immediately surrounding this area. Perhaps a visit to Jansz Wine Room or Bridestowe Lavender Estate or even Lilydale Falls? It’s all up to you!

Coffin Bay, SA

It may sound dark, but we assure you it’s not. Coffin Bay in South Australia is a superb getaway. This quaint coastal town features the state’s best oyster farm, a soothing bay to navigate and an uproarious south coast to explore. Along with this comes the Coffin Bay National Park boasting an abundance of wildlife and plenty of enticing scenery. The town hosts a variety of holiday houses and apartments to relax in, all within skipping distance to local eateries, shops and the best oyster bars in South Australia. Coffin Bay is distinctly local, with the townspeople open to bubbly tourists.

Margaret River, WA

While the calling card for Margaret River is the exceptional wine region surrounding the town, there’s more to this place than wine. For one, it houses plenty of sprawling cave systems, most notably Lake Cave and Mammoth Cave. Take a drive down south or up north, soaking up the extensive coastline and stunning flora and fauna. On the south end is Jewel Cave and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse; on the north end is Injidup Beach and natural spa, Canal Rocks, Ngilgi Cave, along with Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and the stretching town of Dunsborough. Need a few more options before you explore Margaret River? We’ve got you sorted with our Weekender.

Katherine, NT

Whether you’re in Darwin or Alice Springs, the best place to escape the hustle and bustle is Katherine. Get up close and personal to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, witnessing the cascading water as it splashes in the gorge below. Needing an adrenaline fix? Well the best time to see crocodiles is during the warmer months when monsoon season hits. It is also high time to take a dip in the natural hot springs just outside the Katherine township, where the water hovers above 30 degrees all year round. There’s also plenty of bushwalks to tackle around the area, from short and sweet to gruelling five-day treks. Not too sure where to feast? Our Katherine Weekender will help you fill up your itinerary.

Cairns, QLD

Cairns may be a city, and it may not be as tranquil as you’d hope, but sometimes solo expeditions require a little bit of fun. But the beauty of Cairns is that it can be tranquil depending on where you decide to stay. For ultimate relaxation, try Cairns Reef and Rainforest B&B. While there is plenty to sink your teeth into in the city, head outside your comfort zone for something more thrilling. Catch a cableway over to Barron Falls, snap a picture of the cascading waterfall, then hop on an old school train for a sightseeing trip along the river. Don’t forget there’s a Great Barrier Reef nearby that needs exploring, too! We’ve got all of our top picks in Cairns listed in our Weekender guide.

Jervis Bay

We couldn’t skip on Canberra, even if it is small it is definitely worth mentioning. Did you know the headland south of Jervis Bay is actually a territory, which was purely segregated from New South Wales so that the Australian Capital Territory had access to the sea. So, that means Canberrans have the perfect holiday destination to go to, and it’s just perfect for solo expeditions. Catch up on that much-needed suntan, allow your bare feet to be cushioned by the whitest sand in Australia, and soak yourself silly in the crystal clear water. The area is home to plenty of delicacies, from Thai to Indian, and even good old Aussie grub. And there’s a range of accommodation to work with.

Please note: The area south and east of Jervis Bay has been affected by bushfire, which as of writing this is under control. Take caution before booking your trip.