{"id":212976,"date":"2020-06-11T08:52:31","date_gmt":"2020-06-10T22:52:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/?p=212976"},"modified":"2023-03-10T13:15:15","modified_gmt":"2023-03-10T02:15:15","slug":"your-guide-to-solo-travel-in-the-nt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/nt\/your-guide-to-solo-travel-in-the-nt\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Guide to Solo Travel in the NT"},"content":{"rendered":"
There’s no better place to contemplate life than against the stunning blue skies and spirited red dunes of the Northern Territory. But is it safe to travel through Australia’s outback on your own? We think so. Here’s how it’s done.<\/h5>\n

Owing to some straight-up facts, the Northern Territory<\/a> can appear intimidating for solo travellers. For starters, it has a whopping footprint of 1.4 million square-kilometres and only about 250,000 residents, making its total population smaller than that of Wollongong in NSW. What\u2019s more, key destinations here are far-flung: both Darwin<\/a> and Alice Springs<\/a> are a minimum three-hour drive away from some of the Territory\u2019s more iconic townships and national parks.<\/p>\n\n

But while the NT is indeed massive and sparsely populated, these traits provide equally compelling reasons to visit \u2013 especially for solo travellers (of all ages) with a passion for rugged landscapes, cultural depth, and outback-style affability.<\/p>\n

\"Darwin-harbour\"

Aerial view over Darwin Harbour.<\/p><\/div>\n

Is Darwin safe for solo female travellers?<\/h2>\n

Yes indeed. Designed around outdoor living, Darwin<\/a> is a piece of cake for solo travellers, with a couple of small exceptions. Due to its size \u2013 it boasts a population of about 120,000 \u2013 the city lacks the public transport infrastructure available in major metropolitan areas, so you might find car hire useful here. That said, the bus network is easy to navigate and covers most the city.<\/p>\n

Darwin nightlife for solo female travellers<\/h2>\n

The other factor to consider is that the CBD \u2013 especially around Mitchell Street \u2013 can prove a little raucous after 9pm. Stick to more low-key areas at this time. For those staying in the city, the Darwin Waterfront<\/a> precinct is especially safe and tranquil, as is the nearby Deckchair Cinema<\/a> where open-air movies play amid towering palm trees.<\/p>\n\n

Up for bars and clubs? Try Melbourne-style offerings Lola\u2019s Pergola in Cullen Bay, Babylon in Austin Lane and The Trader Winnellie Road in Winnellie. For a breezy, more rustic atmosphere, head down to the Darwin Ski Club<\/a> near Mindil Beach. Two of the more pumping nightclubs are Discovery and the LGBTQI+-friendly Throb, both in the CBD. With the exception of Discovery, which targets the under-35 crowd, these clubs and bars will suit everyone over the age of 18.<\/p>\n

\"Deckchair

Probably the best outdoor cinema in Australia, the Deckchair Cinema on Darwin Waterfront.<\/p><\/div>\n

Darwin accommodation for solo female travellers<\/h2>\n

Meet other travellers by staying at a hostel such as Darwin YHA or Chillis Backpackers<\/a>. When I first moved to Darwin, I stayed at a hostel for almost a month, and made life-long friends here \u2013 as well as a couple of travel buddies, including an 80-year-old woman who gave me excellent tips for things to do in the city. Hostels really do put you face to face with some of the most interesting fellow explorers.<\/p>\n\n

If meeting people isn\u2019t high on the agenda, head to hotels and apartments based in the CBD and Waterfront area, such as the Vibe Hotel<\/a> and Darwin Waterfront Luxury Suites<\/a>. Other excellent accommodation options for solo travellers include the H on Smith Hotel, Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel<\/a> and \u2013 if you want to spoil yourself \u2013 Mindil Beach Casino Resort<\/a>, where you can swim up to your room and order Pimm’s and lemonade from a swim-up bar (replete with underwater stools).<\/p>\n

\"Mindil

Set on Mindil beach, probably the most glamorous accommodation in Darwin, Mindil Beach Casino Resort.<\/p><\/div>\n

Things to do in Darwin for solo female travellers<\/h2>\n

For stellar Darwin day-time activities, head to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory<\/a>, take a sunset harbour cruise, visit Fannie Bay Gaol<\/a>, and \u2013 a Darwin must \u2013 wander through Mindil Beach Sunset Market<\/a>, Parap Markets, or Nightcliff Markets<\/a> for a local laksa (Malaysian-style soup), paired with a tropical fruit smoothie.<\/p>\n

\"Mindil

Enjoy the night markets at Mindil Beach.<\/p><\/div>\n

Things to do around Darwin for solo female travellers<\/h2>\n

A visit to the Top End is incomplete without venturing past Darwin to its surrounding national parks and nature reserves. For solo travellers, natural swimming holes at Berry Springs Nature Reserve and Litchfield National Park<\/a> are an easy day-trip away \u2013 best explored independently with a car. Make sure to stop in at local mango farm Crazy Acres for a tropical-flavoured ice-cream, and at Territory Wildlife Park for a beautiful, bushy encounter with Top End fauna.<\/p>\n\n

As it\u2019s further away and the distances between sites are ample, Kakadu<\/a> is better discovered on a tour. Excellent solo travel tour operators include Lord\u2019s and Davidson\u2019s Safaris, as well as World Expeditions.<\/p>\n

\"Wangi

Visit Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park.<\/p><\/div>\n

Is Alice Springs safe for female solo travellers?<\/h2>\n

Another yes. Toting, arguably, the prettiest name of all Australian townships, Alice<\/a> is a small town with a big personality.<\/p>\n

Eating and drinking as a solo traveller in Alice Springs<\/h2>\n

Alice Springs is full to the brim with fantastic cafes<\/a> where you can disappear behind a book, a plate of smashed avo, and an excellent coffee. Think: Page 27, Bean Tree Cafe at Olive Pink Botanical Gardens, The Coffee Horse and The Goods.<\/p>\n

\"Page

Page 27 is loved by locals for its all day brekky and pumpin’ tunes.<\/p><\/div>\n

Alice Springs also has a grungy, gritty edge, and this is a boon if you\u2019re into music and performance. Epilogue Lounge, for instance, hosts rotating events (such as \u2018Afro Calypso Tropical Disco\u2019, hip-hop night, and music fan meet-ups) on Friday and Saturday nights. Similarly, for a bar experience you\u2019ll never forget \u2013 and in a sense, one that can only take place in a destination as quirky as the NT \u2013 head to Monte\u2019s Lounge, a circus-themed pizza restaurant-cum-bar in the town centre.<\/p>\n

\"Epilogue

Open until the wee hours of the morning, Epilogue is famous for its share plates and vibrant live music scene.<\/p><\/div>\n

Alice Springs accommodation for solo travellers<\/h2>\n

Again, hostels are a great way to meet people. I met the love of my life at Alice\u2019s Secret Travellers Inn, for instance. Other great hostels include Alice Lodge Backpackers<\/a> and Alice Springs YHA<\/a>. For a more upmarket option, book in at Vatu Sanctuary<\/a>, a small collective of art-filled villas. This enclave shares a common pool and backyard area.<\/p>\n

Things to do in Alice Springs for solo female travellers<\/h2>\n

When away from your stay, venture to Alice Springs Desert Park<\/a> \u2013 the sister park to the Territory Wildlife Park \u2013 and hire a bike to explore the bushland area surrounding Alice Telegraph Station. After a bit more adventure still? Take a serene, Red Centre<\/a> balloon flight with Outback Ballooning, or a camel tour with Pyndan Camel Tracks. If you\u2019ve got a sensitive or bony bum, wear padded pants for the latter.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Soar above the majestic MacDonnell Ranges on a hot-air balloon.<\/p><\/div>\n

Alice Springs at night safe for female solo travellers<\/h2>\n

Again, for solo travellers, the only factor to be alert to is that Alice Springs is a funnel destination for various nearby communities and, at night-time, the resulting motley mix can express itself through rowdiness. This occurs mostly close to Todd Street Mall and around the Todd River banks. What this means for you: it\u2019s best to be vigilant after dark, and where possible, travel in pairs.<\/p>\n\n

Things to do around Alice Springs for solo female travellers<\/h2>\n

The majestic, purple-hued MacDonnell Ranges<\/a> lies west of Alice Springs. Hire a car and explore Standley\u2019s Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge, or travel out here with an Indigenous guide from RT Tours Australia<\/a> (another solo travel-friendly tour operator). Travel deeper into the Red Centre on a SEIT Tour<\/a> that explores Uluru. And, if you have extra time, wander over to Watarrka National Park to witness the fascinating ecology and dramatic cliffs and rock formations at King\u2019s Canyon. Base yourself at King\u2019s Canyon Resort here and choose from guided or unguided activities such as the Rim Walk and scenic flights.<\/p>\n

\"MacDonnell

Take the Larapinta Trek through stunning territory in the West MacDonnell Ranges.<\/p><\/div>\n

For more information visit Tourism Northern Territory<\/a>.<\/strong><\/h5>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There’s no better place to contemplate life than against the stunning blue skies and spirited red dunes of the Northern Territory. But is it safe to travel through Australia’s outback on your own? We think so. Here’s how it’s done. Owing to some straight-up facts, the Northern Territory can appear intimidating for solo travellers. For […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186,"featured_media":213144,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"article-deals.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_expiration-date-status":"","_expiration-date":0,"_expiration-date-type":"","_expiration-date-categories":[],"_expiration-date-options":[]},"categories":[818],"tags":[5805,5714,5187,5806,4628,5720],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Travel the NT Solo: A Comprehensive Guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"There's no better place to contemplate life than the Northern Territory. But is it safe to travel there on your own? We think so. 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