Solo Traveller Safety Checklist
Stay safe and connected when travelling alone
Before You Leave
0/7Communication & Devices
0/6Campsite & Accommodation Safety
0/7Vehicle Security
0/5Personal Safety
0/8Mental Wellbeing
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← Back to all checklistsTravelling solo in Australia is one of the most rewarding ways to see the country — you set your own pace, follow your own interests, and discover things you'd never find in a group. But it also means you're your own safety net. The key is preparation, not paranoia. These practical steps help you stay safe and connected so you can focus on enjoying the freedom of solo travel.
Before You Leave
The single most important thing a solo traveller can do is make sure someone knows where they are. Share your full itinerary with a trusted contact and agree on a regular check-in schedule — daily calls or texts work well. For remote areas, subscribe to Smart Traveller alerts at smartraveller.gov.au. Leave copies of your ID and insurance with someone at home. This isn't about fear — it's about making sure help can find you if something unexpected happens.
Communication & Devices
Your phone is your primary lifeline, but it's useless without reception. Outside major towns, mobile coverage in Australia drops off quickly. A Personal Locator Beacon registered with AMSA or a satellite messenger like Garmin inReach gives you emergency communication anywhere in the country. Download offline maps for your entire route. Know how to send an SOS from every device you carry.
Campsite & Accommodation Safety
Choosing where to stay is one of the biggest safety decisions for solo travellers. Well-populated, well-reviewed campsites with other travellers around are generally the safest option. Read recent reviews before arriving — conditions change. Park facing outward for a quick exit if needed. Lock your vehicle at night, keep keys and a torch within arm's reach, and trust your gut — if a place doesn't feel right, move on.
Vehicle Security
Keep valuables completely out of sight at all times — not under a jacket on the seat, but properly hidden or locked in the boot. A steering lock adds visible deterrence. A dash cam with parking mode records activity around your vehicle while you're away. Avoid broadcasting that you're alone — single place settings visible through windows or solo traveller stickers can attract the wrong attention.
Personal Safety
Carry a comprehensive first aid kit and know how to use it — there's no one else to help you in the moment. Include snake bite bandages for outback travel. Keep extra food, water, and medication beyond your planned needs. Know the location of hospitals and police stations along your route. A whistle is a simple, effective way to attract attention if you need help.
Mental Wellbeing
Solo travel can be incredibly freeing, but loneliness hits everyone at some point. Plan some social stops into your trip — a pub meal, a group tour, or even just chatting to other travellers at a campground. Download podcasts and audiobooks for long driving days. Keep a travel journal. Don't lock yourself into a rigid schedule — build in rest days and give yourself permission to change plans when your energy runs low.