Solo travel
Brisbane solo trip - August 2024
Planning the Trip
First solo trip – I was so excited! I chose Brisbane because it was close to my base in Sydney, I’d heard great things, and I got a cheap flight deal. While some friends felt sorry for me traveling solo, I was very optimistic and ready to explore.
A quick note: throughout the post, you’ll see I mention Glimmers – small, positive moments I actively looked for to enhance my trip.
Although I had been thinking of solo travel for a while, Brisbane wasn’t originally planned as a solo trip. When the opportunity arose, I saw it as an opportunity for independence and dare I say it, self-discovery.
I dove into blogs, TikTok videos, and friend recommendations to plan. While I had a rough idea of what I wanted to do, I didn’t pre book anything except my accommodation – a rookie mistake I’ve learned from! I also booked a walking tour of the city with Urban Tours the night before I flew – easy!
Tips: I swear by packing cubes and Google searches like “packing list for 3 nights in Brisbane.” Also, get a GO card for public transport when you arrive (lesson learned after a grumpy bus driver encounter).
My 4-Day Brisbane Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions
I flew in early and navigated a train-and-bus combo (thanks to a helpful hostel call) to reach my accommodation at Lylo Hostel. After dropping my bags, I grabbed a coffee at Illusion Cafe (with a much-needed phone charge) and researched things to do on the app Get Your Guide. I booked a snorkeling trip for my third day through Tangalooma Tours.
The afternoon walking tour with Urban Tours was a great activity! Tour Guide Matt shared quirky Brisbane history and Lamington biscuits with our small group plus mini koala teddies at the end. I learned about Patrick Maine’s infamous deathbed confession and skipped the koala sanctuary (chlamydia risk LOL).
That night, I went to Birds Nest for dinner (delicious wagyu beef) and Saville Row Bar for a Peaky Blinders-style vibe. The crew I met at the hostel were so welcoming (Glimmer). Later, I joined them at Fellons and Mr Percival’s – incredible riverside bars. A great first day, though my dorm experience was...less than ideal.
Day 2: Mt Coot-Tha and City Adventures
After a restless night, I requested a room change – Lylo staff were fantastic and found me a new dorm by the evening.
I walked Mt Coot-Tha (got an Uber there first) and saw gorgeous views of the city. Then I explored South Bank’s markets, pools, and city lagoons. While there, I encountered an overly chatty (possibly intoxicated) local but walked away with ease. The City Cat ferry journey was a relaxing way to return to Fortitude Valley (where I was staying).
Day 3: Morton Island Snorkeling
The snorkeling trip to Morton Island was the highlight of my trip! The shipwrecks were teeming with fish – Great Barrier Reef vibes on a budget. After snorkeling, I relaxed by the pool with gluten-free carrot cake (Glimmer) before heading back to Brisbane.
That night, I splurged on a stay at the luxurious Ovolo Hotel. Rooftop pool, sauna, and 'girl dinner' in bed – the perfect ending to a busy day.
Day 4: Last Day and Reflections
After a buffet breakfast, I went to a Vinnies store, then navigated a slightly chaotic trip to the airport (train issues = last minute Uber).
On the flight home, I reflected on how much I’d enjoyed my first solo adventure.
Tips for Solo Travelers in Brisbane
Public Transport: Be aware to get a GO card when you arrive.
Accommodation: Lylo Hostel is clean and modern; Ovolo Hotel is a splurge-worthy treat.
Safety: Trust your instincts, ask hostel staff for support if needed, and stick to well-lit areas at night.
Budgeting: Save on meals by using hostel kitchens, leaving room for splurges like tours or nicer stays.
Socializing: Group tours and hostels are great for meeting fellow travelers.
Mindset: Look for Glimmers – a small mindset change that made my trip even better.
This trip boosted my confidence, independence, and intrigue for solo travel. If you’re considering a solo trip, I would say go for it!
Have tips or funny travel stories to share? Drop me a message below. Thanks for reading!