Is it safe for a single woman to travel alone in a campervan in Australia?

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girlsjustwannahavefun666

Absoloutley. I have done it around the top of SA and Victoria and I didn't have any troubles. Just make sure you are camping some where with reception, so you can call emergency services if need be.Also, if it gived you piece of mind- a steering lock or crow bar wouldn't go astray, but I doubt you will need one.
Have fun!

Zucchinisinratatouille

Well, it is and it isn't. In any country, you need to use common sense and pay attention to what's going on around you. NEVER hitch-hike - the Backpacker Murderer is in jail but his brother R. isn't (possible accomplice), and there are plenty of other creeps out there. And no, he didn't have "murderer" written all over him: apparently he was charming and friendly - at first. (We know this because Paul Onions lived to tell the tale.)

You can't legally carry a concealed weapon such as a pistol, but there are lots of other things which can be used as weapons if necessary, such as a Stanley knife (box-cutter to Americans). I'd suggest that although you probably won't need it, self-defence lessons might be in order, if only to boost your confidence.

"Splurkle" is right about needing to know how to look after yourself in our harsh climate too ~ even Aboriginal desert people have died in recent years from lack of water when their vehicle broke down. You always carry extra water, and you have to be able to change your tyres and do minor repairs on your own.

People are perpetually getting lost in the bush too, stung by jellyfish, and drowning in the sea, mostly because they don't take appropriate measures to protect themselves.

That said, most Australians are very friendly and hospitable to tourists, and you will have a fabulous time!! xx

nonjourno

I think whatever dangers are in Australia by far the biggest is when people just go off into the bundu like they're in Europe or somewhere populated. We have sadly have people die who have just wandered half a mile off the track. If you familiarise yourself with some bush survival skills, let people know where you're headed you should be right. If you see some cretin getting a bit interested just ask if your .357 magnum will be adversely affected by the dust. Oh and take plenty of water. My apologies if you already know this.

jennifer h

Yes plenty of woman do it. Just take normal precautions and you will meet others

splurkles

Australia would have to be the safest country in the world for a travelling woman. Having said that, if you leave the coast our climate becomes harsh and population sparse so you'll need to be capable of looking after yourself.

Didy

I say yes,we own a motor home and travel a bit and have met a lot of lone men and women on the road on our travels.

Having CB radio and mobile phone helps,for assistance if needed.
There is a pretty big network out there on our roads 24/7
Joining a motor home/caravan club is another option.
Always let ppl know what area you will be travelling around in case of emergencies.
Just keep on the beaten track and I say go for it. We have met women in there 70's on the Rd's alone ....they love it.
here are a few places to look at for more travelling info for solo ppl.
we are members along with thousands of others.

http://www.cmca.net.au/
With over 50,000 members, the largest motorhoming (RV) club in Australia offers many benefits including tailored insurance, a monthly magazine, social events through 85 local chapters throughout Australia, a Solos network for members travelling alone, two national rallies per year and lots more. We represent every type of motor home and owner. Our Members are young & old, families & singles, millionaires & pensioners, workers & retired people. There are full-timers, part-timers & wannabes.

Good Luck and "Happy Travels" :-) maybe one day we will meet up along your travels.

waltzsingmatilda

Yes I know of many single woman travel by caravan/camper van and had no problems and made lots of friendship like we all do when are on the "Wallaby", but no one can possibly say it is safe.

Piko

A campervan? gee, its safe ofcourse, but i think you would have more fun backpacking.... catching busses and staying in hostels. It does however depend on your age and if you are after some fun or just some sightseeing and relaxation. Most campervaners in australia are retiree's if you have grey hair go for it! but ofcourse, lots of families do this aswell so plenty of adults about even if you are not grey yet = ).

If on the other hand you are under 30? or under 35 perhaps? backpacking is the common and only option i would suggest. You can then meet a lot of other travellers your age from all corners of the world and Australia, and will therefore have plenty of people willing to join you on your journey to your next destination, or just to the beach or a pub. And there tends to be multiple backpacker hostels in any popular tourist destination. And any bus you catch between distant cities tends to have atleast 10% backpackers on board.

Also consider that petrol is expensive and there is fair distances between towns. So yes, a mobile phone and/or CB radio would be a must, some roads go unused for weeks if you head outback, but if you stick to major roads where possible then you shouldnt have to worry about much other than how far to the next service station divided by how much fuel you have left and if the next road train will blow you off the road or not.

It should also be noted that there are tourist information centres in practically any town of significance or over 10,000 people. A valuable resource for any information or help you may be searching for.

Most importantly, just enjoy yourself, use your head, and travel how you choose at the speed you choose. However, there are many many places to see, so it may help to try to keep to some sort of schedule, i've met a few travellers that have run out of time and not done everything they planned.

Dick E knee

Yes, Very dangerous. A Kangaroo or Wombat can steal you in the night. Please be real. It is the safest Country in the World. We have the least Murders, Rapes, Attacks in the Western World. But now I am serious. Out of the Eleven of the Thirteen most deadly snakes and spiders in the World, We have them. Ask the Locals before you go anywhere outside of a town or City. Let someone know where you are going to. They can alert the Police if you do not arrive at your destination. This is a vast Country, The Locals WILL look after You. As you are a woman, They will do their best to make your trip a great experience. I was born here and it is very seldom we have any rapes etc. Do not worry, Just enjoy the people, They will be glad to assist you in any way they can.

"But Why", Want to end your Holiday at your point of entry, Just bring in a firearm. Your feet will not touch the ground on your next Outbound Flight.

they call me Bindi

yes very safe

night.hawk98

Yes, but if you don't think its safe just bring a friend or someone.

julie j

i certainly wouldnt recommend it .

Alan B

I have travelled safely arond the country on my own, but I also know of people who didn't make it safely home. I think you would be safe if you camp in caravan parks and the like, but less safe if you just camp by the side of the road, particularly in the outback.

Paul R

So Long As You Keep To Well Populated Areas That Have Mobile Phone Coverage Yes It's Perfectly Safe. If You Want To Explore More Off The Beaten Track, I Would Suggest Letting The Local Cop's Of Rangers Know Your Intentions And How Long You Expect To Be In The Area In Case You Break Down Or Run Out Of Fuel?
Whatever You Do Just Be Sure You Enjoy Your Trip And Stay Safe You're In A Beaut Country, Go Explore!

matthew h

tell this single woman to bring a small pistol just in case