Roam beyond the ordinary

Feel like a local on your solo journey through Australia

Close your eyes and picture your dream solo travel to Australia. Are you having a close encounter with a koala? Visiting world-class museums in Melbourne? Camping in a ‘swag’ under the stars? Flying in a helicopter above Uluru? Hiking through one-of-a-kind national parks? Enjoying an Aussie barbecue with the locals? Doing anything your heart desires? The possibilities are limitless.

Experience the infectious Aussie friendliness

Be welcomed by a classic 'G'day, how's it going mate' and soak up the laid-back Australian lifestyle. Travel at a relaxed pace in one of the safest and most friendly countries in the world. Be astounded by the diverse landscapes and wonderful wildlife of Australia. Enjoy great adventures, stay with local hosts at unique locations, create new stories, and make long life friendships.

A journey as unique as you are

Your journey to Australia should represent you and only you. Because we are specialists in the art of travel, you'll experience a bespoke holiday that is significantly yours. Are you ready to travel through Australia in a uniquely local way? Let’s put your dreams on paper.

Discover nature during exciting activities
© Tourism Australia
Be welcomed by the friendly locals
© Tourism Australia

Let's design your holiday together

We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke solo holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.

What do you get from us?

A solo traveller spotting wildlife with binoculars in the Daintree Rainforest
Discover an ancient rainforest, the Daintree with a local guide
Swimming and snorkelling with turtles in Queensland
Have close encounters with Australia's unique wildlife in the Great Barrier Reef

"When I travel on my own through Australia, I love sharing stories with the locals and enjoying dinner together. I arrive a stranger and feel like I leave as a friend.”

Andrew Morten, Founder of TravelEssence

Where can I stay?

At TravelEssence, we focus on small-scale accommodation with local hosts renowned for their friendly Aussie hospitality, because this is the greatest way to see Australia. A unique spot to experience the hidden gems of Australia and meet the locals. Enjoy a barbecue with your hosts after an exciting day of exploring, sit around the fire and share stories with fellow travellers.

A place where you arrive as a stranger and leave as a friend

Whether you prefer to soak up ocean views in a cute cottage at Airlie Beach, wake up to a homemade brekky in a quirky bed & breakfast in Melbourne, or sleep under the stars in the Outback. Experience unique accommodations that become an unforgettable part of your journey.

Our local hosts look forward to welcoming you and showing you their slice of paradise
Relax with a book and a glass of wine in your comfortable accommodation
© Lee Besser | Mount Mulligan Lodge

What can I see and do?

With the diversity of Australia, you can see and do just about anything your heart desires. From the adventures in the Outback to exploring the tropical Top End, and snorkelling the sparkling Great Barrier Reef. Discover the hidden gems of Sydney and Melbourne with a local guide or conquer the Great Ocean Road. Explore tropical islands, vineyards, vibrant cities, white-pearled beaches, and beyond.

Enjoy once-in-a-lifetime activities and connect with the locals

Don't waste your time with tourist traps! Let your travel specialist know your interests and they will advise you on what is best for you as a traveller. We can take care of every detail, so you just have to show up and enjoy the new experience. There are private tours available as well as small group tours which offer a great chance to meet other travellers.

Enjoy the relaxed surfers vibe
© Tourism Australia
Course through the treetops on a zipline
© Tourism Australia

When is the best travel time?

Would you like to explore the Red Centre and marvel at the magnificent Uluru/ Ayers Rock? Lay on the beach on Fitzroy Island in North Queensland? Admire rock wallabies on Magnetic Island? Swim with whales in the Pacific Ocean? Hike through Cradle Mountain in Tasmania? Or cycle the city of Sydney?

Beautifully diverse, travel Australia at any time of the year

No matter what time of year you visit, there is always a large selection of beautiful destinations waiting to be discovered. Based on your interests and when you would like to go, your travel specialist can advise you on the best time to travel and the best regions to visit.

Aboriginal Adventure | Australia holiday
Learn more about the oldest living culture on the planet
Discover the rugged Australian outback

How long do I need in Australia?

Australia is one of the biggest countries in the world. You could spend months travelling the ever-changing landscape and not see the same place twice. For your holiday, the question becomes, "How long do I have?". A great solo trip comes with enough time to truly reset and get into a new rhythm. When you don't have to rush or be on anyone else's agenda.

Travel at a relaxed pace

We recommend travelling at a relaxed pace for a minimum of three weeks. Or, if you have slightly less time, your travel specialist can help you choose the best regions that suit your wishes. The more time you have, the more you can discover authentic Australia. Rejuvenate yourself with the fresh air and reawaken your senses in pristine nature.

A 3-day hiking adventure in the Grampians
The possibilities are endless in Australia
© TravelEssence
An local Australian guide kissing a kangaroo
Our Aussie hosts love to show off their country
© TravelEssence

How do I travel around?

Be enchanted by the beautifully diverse landscapes of Australia. From spectacular coastal roads to panoramic rainforest passes, and awe-inspiring wine regions - Australia is best explored by car. Self-driving means you're able to reach places that group trips and public transport cannot. However, if you prefer a car-free holiday, that is also possible!

Take advantage of our special deals and travel comfortably, complete with:

  • A navigation system
  • Air-conditioning
  • Full insurance and low fuel costs
  • Hire cars that are less than six months old
  • Safe and secure roads
  • A route with only a couple of hours between each location
  • Discover off the beaten track places that motorhomes often cannot reach

Drive less, see more

A relaxed travel pace is the greatest way to see Australia. And your travel specialist will design your holiday with two or more nights at each location. Explore each local area and get the most out of where you are. This way you get to drive less but see more. Because that's what a great holiday is all about at TravelEssence.

If you are thinking of renting a campervan, talk to us now and discover why driving in a rental car is the best way to see Australia.

Travel independently through Australia at a relaxed pace
Drive on endless roads through gorgeous surroundings
© Tourism Australia

Great flights and stopovers to Australia

Flying is a fun experience on its own. Nothing else makes you truly feel like you are embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime journey than stepping onto the plane. A comfortable flight makes all the difference, no matter which class you fly.

Take advantage of our first-hand experience and airline connections:

  • The best flight schedule
  • The most spacious seats in each class
  • A private HD display
  • A good selection of food and drinks for the journey
  • The best price
  • Carbon neutral flights without exception

Take a break and enjoy a stopover

Depending on where you want to explore in Australia, you will fly into one of the main international airports, likely into Sydney or Melbourne. On your way, you can choose a stopover in Asia to break up the journey and add a cultural experience to your holiday. From the tropical vibes in Bali and world-class shopping in Singapore to the friendly locals on the Cook Islands and the cultural mecca of Hong Kong. The possibilities are limitless.

Fly business class to Australia with Cathay Pacific
Enjoy comfort and class on your way to Australia
Stopover destination Fiji, massage by the beach
A stopover is a great way to break up your journey to Australia

Sample itineraries

You're unique; your solo journey to Australia will be too. Take a look at some of our favourite trips to get inspired for your own journey. With holidays ranging from three to seven weeks based on various themes, you can change comfort levels, and add activities, rental cars, and flights to sense the possibilities that await.

Start your dream journey here

Bring your ideas to us, take advantage of our local knowledge, and together we will create your unique, personalised holiday that is yours and yours alone. Get in touch with us here.

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Frequently asked questions

Specialist knowledge means the details that need specific attention are always taken care of - you don't have to worry about anything. But of course, you may have a lot of questions right now as you get an idea of the possibilities that await you. Find the answers to your questions here. Or contact us for more information.

Discover the whitsundays paddleboarding
Be mesmerised by the grand size and diversity of Australia
Discover the places other tourists didn't know about with your local guide
© Tourism Australia

Useful facts

Fiordland 17

Tourism can be great for the environment. With us, you make a positive difference.

Let's accentuate the positive, reduce the negative, and offset what's left.

Sustainability in action

Why book with us?

When you book your solo trip with us, your travel specialist has only one goal: to create your dream holiday through Australia and to do it properly. Make the most of your time Down Under by choosing a travel specialist that has local experience and knows Australia like the back of their hand. We are travel nerds and from our first-hand experience believe that small details lead to big differences. Get in touch to make your holiday dream become a reality.

Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?

Discover a world beyond ordinary

At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.