Discover the best things to do in Australia solo

61. Sign up for the best art workshops and retreats

Artists' Retreat — Escape to an artists’ retreat in a suitably inspiring location.

Artists are credited with being solitary creatures, lost in their own artistic vision. But for those needing a little help finding their inner Monet, an artists’ retreat in a suitably inspiring location is just the ticket.

Artworkshops Australia conducts weekend workshops in its Byron hinterland studio, or you can indulge in one of its art retreats, painting in the likes of the Flinders Ranges, the Blue Mountains, Kakadu, the Pilbara, Fowlers Gap and Tasmania.

Art Travel Adventures’ art expeditions also allow you to immerse yourself in amazing locations – the remote East Kimberley, Lord Howe Island, the East MacDonnell Ranges and Arnhem Land – while learning from celebrated Australian artists.

62. Find a walking trail in Australia’s best national parks

Walking Trails Australia — Spend time exploring one of Australia’s many national parks.

If you are looking to clear your head and get away from it all, walking is the perfect solitary pursuit. And with a wealth of national parks at our disposal – there are over 600 national parks in Australia occupying over 28 million hectares – there’s plenty of choice of where to go.

The general rules of solo walking are to do your research to find destinations suitable for singles (remote areas should not be attempted with fewer than three people), know your strengths and limitations, let people know where you are going and when you’ll be back (consider hiring a personal locator beacon) and stick to the trails at all times. Some good starter walks include the Royal National Park Coastal Walk out of Sydney, the Great Ocean Walk in Victoria and the Six Foot Track from the Jenolan Caves to Katoomba.

63. Find a hotel with Australia’s best bathtub views

Unwind at Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island.

There is no more indulgent solo pursuit than soaking in a tub, and if it comes with a stunning view (and a glass of bubbles close at hand) then all the better.

Some of the most stunningly positioned tubs can be found in South Australia, including this humdinger at the sublime Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island. Book El Questro’s Cliffside Retreat stay for its outdoor tub looking over the Kimberley landscape, spot whales from the bath in qualia’s Windward Pavilion, or head to the bush bath at Kingsford Homestea d, a working sheep station in South Australia’s Barossa region.

64. Book a cruise that caters to solo travellers

First it should be stated that there’s a big difference between cruising solo and singles’ cruises. If you are looking for a little time out on your own with endless water views rather than looking for endless love, most cruises will cater to your needs.

While most cruise companies offer discounted solo supplements, there are certain companies going that extra mile to make lone travellers welcome, including offering studio cabins priced for one (Norwegian Cruise Line , Royal Caribbean International and Holland America Line ), organised activities and shore trips that allow you to interact with other travellers, and communal dining so you don’t have to eat alone.

65. Visit a library

There is quite the groundswell of creativity going into the design and construction of libraries at the moment. Much more than just spaces in which to read, modern libraries are meeting places where people can come together to feel a sense of community (and get free wi-fi). For this reason architects and designers are conceptualising buildings that are welcoming, multi-purpose spaces where people can spend time reading, learning and socialising.

Some stand-out libraries worth going out of your way to see include Cobram Library , designed by Cohen Leigh Architects; Melton Library , Max Webber Library in Blacktown and Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre, all designed by FJMT; and the award-winning Green Square Library in Sydney, designed by Stewart Hollenstein in association with Stewart Architecture.

66. Learn to surf

Surfing Schools in Australia — Experience the rush of catching your first wave.

Given our enviable access to beaches and water in Australia, and our history as a surfing early adopter (many credit Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku with introducing the sport to Australia at Freshwater on Sydney’s Northern Beaches in 1915, but there are those who believe we figured it out for ourselves much earlier), learning to surf is the perfect way to spend time next to the water while getting fit and having fun.

Former world champion surfer Pam Burridge retired from the pro circuit in 1998, starting up Pam Burridge Surf Schools on the NSW South Coast. It runs regular women’s-only Surf Retreats at Mollymook Beach, including surfing lessons from the legend herself.

Alternatively there are equally picturesque places to learn to surf around the country: Surf Camp Australia hits the waves of Byron Bay on the NSW Far North Coast; Go Ride A Wave operates out of the gorgeous Great Ocean Road in Victoria; former pro surfer Cheyne Horan’s School of Surf is based on Queensland’s Gold Coast; and Margaret River Surf School conducts its lessons at Redgate Beach in WA.

67. Camping for one

Oztent’s King Single Stretcher and King Single Swag combo ($229.95 and $599 respectively) might just be the coolest camping accessory around. The giant cot and super durable cover mean you can effectively camp where you stand, all the better to enjoy the solitude of nature.

For a truly off-grid, ‘look at these views’ experience, try these: Memory Cove in Lincoln National Park, South Australia, where daily access is limited to ensure its remains pristine (you need a pass from the Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre to enter); Noah Beach in Daintree National Park, Queensland, with its lush tropical landscape and abundant wildlife; and Narawntapu National Park in Tasmania , where wombats, kangaroos, wallabies and even Tassie devils are easily spotted after dark.

68. Book a writing retreat

In the lush Gold Coast Hinterland, surrounded by Lamington National Park, the Rainforest Writing Retreat at O’Reilly’s is one of the most immersive writers’ retreats in the country, designed to coax words and ideas out of novices and experienced wordsmiths alike. Gaining insight from bestselling authors, the two-day retreat works on developing writing skills and storytelling techniques, and offers guidance in publishing, marketing strategies, and networking. But it also leaves ample time to be inspired by the picture-perfect surroundings, with rainforest walks, night tours and plenty of wildlife to spot.

69. Pamper yourself

Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel is the perfect place to pamper yourself.

Setting off on a solo adventure is the perfect excuse to look deep within yourself to find inner harmony – or just get a really good massage. Victoria’s spa country is anchored by the pretty heritage towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, with their gracious accommodation and plentiful spa experiences.

Treat yourself to a rejuvenating mineral soak at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa and stay the night in one of the futuristically stylish Hepburn Springs Escape Villas, indulge in the charm of Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel ) or book the rustically chic White House in Daylesford and explore at your leisure.

70. Take a road trip in a caravan around Australia

Caravan travel — Experience the freedom of travelling in a caravan on the wide open roads of Australia.

Pack the essentials, stock up on snacks, borrow a stack of books from the library and hit the road to relive the halcyon days of the caravan vacation at these holiday park hotspots.

• First Sun Holiday Park in Byron Bay for the absolute beach frontage, and its strolling distance to chi-chi cafes, bars and shopping.

• Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort Camping for the dolphins, of course.

• Lake Argyle Resort, Kununurra , for the remote beauty of the Kimberley.

• Cairns Coconut Holiday Resort for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef.

• Batchelor Holiday Park for its proximity to Litchfield National Park’s stunning waterfalls.

• Phillip Island Caravan Park for the penguins!

• Sea Vu Caravan Park , Robe, for the Limestone Coast landscape and uninterrupted water views.

Time your visit to Margaret River just right, and you can spend the ultimate weekend wining, dining and exploring the region with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

Wine, world-class produce, surf, sun and beaches: it’s an alluring combination. And the reason so many pin the Margaret River region high on their travel hit-lists. There’s drawcard after drawcard to the southwestern corner of Western Australia, and the Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover food and wine festival showcases the best of it over the course of one weekend in November. It’s never been easier to sip, see and savour the Margaret River region.

In partnership with Pair’d Margaret River Region, Range Rover invites you on a seven-day itinerary of refined adventure, where luxury and exploration go hand in hand. It’s the perfect WA road trip, and there’s no better way to do it than in a Range Rover.

Day 1

the pool at Pullman Bunker Bay — Check into Pullman Bunker Bay.

There’s no more popular West Australian road trip route than that between Perth and the Margaret River Region. It’s an easily digestible, three-hour drive, with worthy pit stops along the way.

Make the first of them one hour and 15 minutes in, at Lake Clifton. Here, find a 2000-year-old living thrombolite reef. Drive for a further 40 minutes and chance meeting some of Bunbury’s dolphin population at Koombana Bay.

Pullman Bunker Bay is the final stop, just over three hours south of Perth. This beachfront, five-star resort is the ultimate base for exploring the Margaret River Wine region.

Day 2

After a leisurely morning breakfast with an ocean view, start your Range Rover and head towards the Dunsborough town centre. Browsing the decidedly coastal-themed goods of the town’s many independent boutiques is a great way to while away the hours, breaking up the sartorial with an artisan gelato snack stop, or some good old-fashioned Australian bakery fare.

Leave room; you’ll need it for the Good Natured Gathering dinner at Wayfinder. Indulge in a four-course feast by chef Felipe Montiel, which uses produce from the winery’s market garden to enhance a selection of sustainably sourced seafood and meat. But food is just the support act. It’s organic wine that’s the star of the show, generously poured and expertly paired to each dish.

Day 3

Settle in for cabernet at Cape Mentelle Winery.

With a grand total of 20 wines from vintage 2022 to try, it’s a good thing Cape Mentelle’s International Cabernet Tasting kicks off early. Make your way to the estate for a 10:00 AM start, where a global selection of wines will be poured blind, before a long lunch by Tiller Dining is served.

Given that the Margaret River is responsible for more than 20 per cent of Australia’s fine wine production, it’s only right to delve into it while in the area.

Continue exploring the region via taste and terroir aboard Alison Maree, a whale-watching catamaran, as you cruise Geographe Bay . Admire the rolling green hills and crisp white beaches of Quindalup in sunset’s golden light, all the while sipping through the Clairault Streicker catalogue and dining on canapes.

For a more substantial dinner, venture into Busselton for a seven-course British x Australian mash-up , courtesy of Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion) and Oliver Kent (Updown Farmhouse, UK). They’ll be putting their rustic yet refined spin on the likes of local marron, wagyu and abalone – championing the simple beauty of the world-class ingredients.

Day 4

Wrap your fingers around a wine glass and wiggle your toes into the sand at Pair’d Beach Club x Range Rover on Meelup Beach. Sit down to an intimate wine session with sommelier Cyndal Petty – or a four-course feast by Aaron Carr of Yarri – and revel in the open-air beach club, bar and restaurant’s laidback coastal vibe. It’s a whole new way to experience one of the region’s most renowned beaches.

Follow up a day in the sun with a casual Italian party at Mr Barvel Wines . Purchase wines –including the elusive, sold-out Nebbia – by the glass and enjoy canapes with the towering Karri forest as a backdrop.

If you’d prefer to keep it local, head to Skigh Wines for the New Wave Gathering , where the region’s independent wine makers and their boundary-pushing wines will be on show. Street-style eats, a DJ and complimentary wine masterclasses complete the experience.

Day 5

pair'd Grand Tasting — Taste your way through Howard Park Wines. (Image: C J Maddock)

Spend the morning at your leisure, driving the winding roads through the Boranup Karri forest in your Range Rover. Soak in the views at Contos Beach, and call into the small cheese, chocolate and preserve producers along the way.

Make your next stop Howard Park Wines for The Grand Tasting presented by Singapore Airlines . Numerous wine labels will be pouring their catalogues over four hours, accompanied by food from chefs Matt Moran and Silvia Colloca, with live opera providing the soundtrack.

Cap off a big weekend with one last hurrah at Busselton Pavilion. Six ‘local legends’ – chefs Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion), Mal Chow (Chow’s Table), Aaron Carr (Yarri), Ben Jacob (Lagoon Yallingup), Corey Rozario (Dahl Daddies) and Laura Koentjoro (Banksia Tavern) – will be preparing a dish each. Dance the night away as vinyl spins and the sun sets on another day.

Day 6

Ngilgi Cave western australia — Head underground. (Image: Tourism WA)

After a busy few days of wining and dining, it’s wise to observe a rest day. There’s no easier task than unwinding in the Margaret River Region, also famous for its high concentration of world-class beaches.

Relax on the grassy knoll as you watch the region’s most experienced surfers braving the World Surf League break at Surfer’s Point, or don your own wetsuit and try out one of Gracetown’s more beginner-friendly waves. Swimmers will find their Eden at Meelup Beach, Eagle Bay, or Point Piquet, where the sand is brilliantly white and the water as still as a backyard swimming pool.

Not into sun, sand, and surf? Head underground at Mammoth Cave, just one of the region’s many stalactite-filled caves.

Day 7

Burnt Ends event at Pair'd — Farewell the Margaret River.

Pack up your Range Rover with new favourite wines and newfound memories, ready for the three-hour journey back to Perth.

Prebook your discovery journey through the south-west corner of Western Australia with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

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