Solo Travel Holiday Ideas

With an increasing number of solo travel holiday options emerging, Alena Duykers looks into some of the best on offer for Aussie ladies who want to go it alone.

When Sue Hile went in search of a holiday package that was exclusively for women and suited to her desire for adventure, her hunt proved difficult. Inspired by an obvious gap in the market, she decided to open her own travel company named Adventurous Women, which for the last three years has offered women with the same sense of adventure various options to explore the globe.

Specifically for solo travelers, Adventurous Women also offers a forum on their website that allows women to discuss their travel plans and find a female travel partner with similar interests. The company also gives traveler’s advice on how to get around the single supplement.

One of their best Aussie options is the ‘Adventurous Women’s Outback Adventure’. For $1099, participants can go on a nine-day camping trip from Adelaide to the Red Centre and learn about some of Australia’s most iconic attractions along the way. But this trip is not for princesses so if you’re after something a bit more easy going, there are many more options to choose from.

For women looking for luxury, there is Boutique Tours & Travel. Again a female-only travel business, they offer textile and ceramic tours, cuisine and cultural tours and other private travel options in Australia and overseas.

There are plenty of options available for women looking to travel in a female only environment.

For example, for women who are serious shoppers and want to discover some of the best shopping precincts in America, then tour company Travel Addictions is ideal.

If you’re considering travelling to a variety of different locations overseas, than other female tour companies like Sisterhood Womens Travel, Girls on Tour and Getaways for girls may be for you.

Group tours and cruises are another great option for solo travellers, with businesses such as Abercrombie & Kent catering to singles and offering solo savings. Abercrombie & Kent also guarantee to waive the single supplement fee or reduce it by as much as 75 percent, depending on the tour.

But for those on a tighter budget, consider combining voluntary work with your holiday plans.

For example, those interested in the environment and wildlife can go on a six-day camp at Camp Chivaree in Mapoon, Cape York, where volunteers help save Cape York Sea Turtles. The camp includes training on how to care for the endangered animals.

If bird-watching is of interest, Bird Tours Australia offers the ‘Eight Habitats Tour’. For $250, participants are taken to some of Australia’s most beautiful coastal rainforests and woodlands to enjoy breathtaking views in ideal bird-watching territory. If you’re interested in over night bird watching trips than visit the Bird Tours Australia website to find the tour that is suited to you.

Photography enthusiasts can embark on Australian photographic safaris and camping tours with River Deep Mountain High. Based in a variety of different locations like the Blue Mountains, the Simpson Desert, Central Australia, south-west Queensland, remote WA, the Flinders Ranges and other beautiful settings around Australia. This tour group helps participants build their skills while seeing the country.

Whatever the interest, there’s bound to be a solo travel option to suit.

DETAILS

Adventurous Women // 1300 388 419 or 0423 057 994// www.adventurouswomen.com.au

Boutique Tours & Travel // 0411 116 925 // www.boutiquetours.com.au

Travel Addictions // 0418 787 128 // www.traveladdiction.com.au

Sisterhood Womens Travel // 1300 885 255 // www.sisterhoodwomenstravel.com.au/

Girls on Tour // 0409 057 417// www.girlsontour.com.au

Getaways for girls // 0410 645282// www.getawaysforgirls.com/

Abercrombie & Kent // (03) 9536 1807 // www.akdmc.com

Cape York Turtle Rescue // 1800 032 501 // www.conservationvolunteers.com.au

River Deep Mountain High // 02 4782 6109 // www.rdmh.com.au

Bird Tours Australia // (02) 4923 6819 // www.birdingtours.com.au

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

Solo Travel Holiday Ideas

With an increasing number of solo travel holiday options emerging, Alena Duykers looks into some of the best on offer for Aussie ladies who want to go it alone.

DETAILS

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