Being alone is often considered lonely and depressing. Meet Bhavana Shivajirao Gavade, a software professional and photography enthusiast from Bangalore, who broke free of this stereotype by taking a 9 day solo trip to Australia! At an all inclusive (covering hotels, flight, and cab)cost of Rs. 1,75,783, Bhavana says the trip was economical and efficiently organized. Setting her next holiday to Cambodia or the Himalayas, this is only another milestone in her travel journey!
I’ve taken multiple trips across the country by myself and had always planned on traveling solo abroad. So when some work arrived in Australia, I realized it was my chance to finally act upon it.
Doubts and anxiety filled my head as I arranged the trip, however once I reached immigration, all the worry was gone and I was set to go on my adventure holiday! Looking back, it was definitely worth each and every moment. My agent, Akash Kumar, TravelTriangle and all the staff played an important role in making my holiday what it was.
Day 1 – Discovering Melbourne Skyline and Skydeck
The cab driver was waiting upon my check in at the Seasons Heritage Hotel, Melbourne around noon.
Suggested Read: 10 Free Things To Do In Melbourne
I was escorted for my City Bus tour. It was led by an excellent guide. He was prompt in giving an adequate historical background of the various locations like the Shrine of Remembrance, Saint Kilda beach, etc in Melbourne. It began to pour, however, it did not dampen my spirits.
Suggested Read: 10 Marvelous Melbourne Attractions to Mesmerize Your Senses
I spent the evening at the Eureka Skydeck 88, admiring the beautiful view of the city. The day came to an end with a long relaxing walk along the Yarra River.
Day 2 – Befriending Koalas and Exploring Phillip Island
The day started by spending two hours at the Visiting park, feeding and playing with kangaroos and koalas in their semi-natural habitat.
Post this, I went to the Phillip Island, where the weather was spectacular and time was spent looking at the stunning coastline and walking along the sea. I also visited the Chocolate Factory, which was great.
After dinner, I returned to the island to watch penguins find their way home from the sea. I returned to the hotel at around 11.30 pm.
Day 3 – Where the Great Ocean Road led…
Early morning, I embarked on the journey to my dream destination- the Great Ocean road, which is a 240 km long along the coast of Australia. I was lucky to get a window seat next to the driver, which just enhanced my entire experience. The guide-cum-bus driver was incredibly helpful and enthusiastic in solving all the queries.
After halting at a local beach town, Lorne & Angels, we resumed our journey to The Twelve Apostles. There, I had the most amazing helicopter ride looking upon the limestone shacks on the shore.
We also visited the Loch Ard Gorge, which has a gorgeous downhill beach. In the evening, we set forth our journey back to the hotel.
Day 4 – Gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and more!
Suggested Read: 21 Best Resorts In Australia For The Perfect Vacation Down Under
The morning was spent on taking the flight to the city known as the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef- Cairns. The city is completely mesmerizing, situated amongst the green coloured hills. I spent the morning resting at the hotel, Tropical Heritage Cairns.
The evening was marked with the memorable sunset cruise, which was spent traveling through the mangrove forest searching for crocodiles. Dinner was at a beautiful shore-side restaurant. The serene and pleasant weather added to the day.
Day 5 – Up and Away in the Hot Air Balloon
The morning had an early 4.30 am start with a two-hour drive for the hot air balloon ride. It was my first time on the hot air balloon, which made it all the more fun and adventurous. I could see the kangaroos from above which was an experience in itself.
After this, I made my way back to the city for a cruise to the Green Island. The Island was magnificent in its natural beauty, and we had a glass bottom boat tour. It was enjoyable to see the colourful reef and corals. The day ended with a two-kilometer walk back to the hotel, along the sea shore.
Day 6 – Welcome to Sydney!
Suggested Read: Explore The Vibrant Capital City With These 22 Must-See Sydney Tourist Attractions
I reached Sydney at around noon, where the afternoon was spent relaxing at the Rendezvous Hotel. In the evening, I went for another sunset cruise where I had a window seat reserved for me. This made the experience better as the city looked all the more beautiful. I had a delicious and lavish dinner checking out Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House from my seat.
Day 7 – The Blue Mountains and Three Sisters Point
The day began at 7 am with a two-hour journey to the Blue Mountains Park. On arrival, I had an amazing hour long rain forest walk. The natural beauty was simply breathtaking. I also took multiple short railway, cableway and skyway rides. The railway was exciting because it was the steepest cable-driven funicular railway in the world.
This was followed by an informative tour of the Three Sisters Point. The day ended with some shopping for souvenirs and then going back to the hotel.
Day 8 – Goodbye Australia, Hello Reality!
Suggested Read: 49 Attractions You Can’t Afford To Miss While In The Land Of Kangaroos
I was sad to realize that the solo trip had ended. However, I took a flight back home with some of the best memories and an experience of a lifetime.
Australia was not just another holiday. The hotel and agency staff were incredibly helpful. It was a truly humbling experience and all that beauty made me feel like I was a part of something bigger.
Traveling alone enriched my experience in a different way; connected me with nature and made me interact with new people moving me out of my comfort zone. I made friends with many like-minded women solo travelers from places across the globe, like Belgium, Taiwan, China, etc.
I now dream to go to on an Antarctica & Alaska Cruise and Kenya Safari!
Wow Moments: Phillip Island Tour and Sunset Cruise
Low Moment: I missed out on the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb!
Tips: Food might be an issue for Vegetarians as sometimes even French fries aren’t easily available. Traveling alone is not a negative experience and can be incredibly economical when done via TravelTriangle.
Inspired to embark on this beautiful journey? Book your trip to Australia NOW!
