Travelling Australia’s East Coast is not just about the incredible views and epic adventures; it’s also a place with endless opportunities to meet new people. As a solo traveller, you’re in for the journey of a lifetime exploring the East Coast’s wonderful attractions, and we know first hand that this region brings in a diverse crowd of backpackers looking to make connections.
In this blog, we’ll share with you some of our favourite ways to make friends while exploring the East Coast, focus on some frequently asked questions we get about being a solo backpacker, and help you enhance your connections to have the best social experience possible.
Tips on How to Make Friends While Travelling
Stay in Social Hostels
One of the easiest ways to meet people as a solo traveller in Australia is to stay in social hostels. Hostels aren’t just a place to sleep – they’re social hubs filled with backpackers from all over looking to share stories, experiences, and adventures.
On the East Coast you’ll find a mix of quiet hostels appropriate for workers, and social ones ideal for backpackers wanting to make friends. Make sure to let your Travel Sales Specialist know what you’re after before booking. The best hostels will have lively common areas, a big shared kitchen, swimming pools and an outdoor bar, and sometimes even a nightclub. Be sure to make use of these areas and ask your dorm mates to join in, and you’ll be making friends in no time.
Hostel bars and social events are also goldmines for meeting new people. Check out if your hostel offers happy hours, quiz nights, karaoke, and bar crawls, which are perfect opportunities to bond over a few drinks and laughs. Not to mention, if you’re in a new city and not sure where to go, hostel events help break the ice and kickstart your night out with a group of people who are just as excited to explore as you are.
Bring Some Cards or Ice-Breaker Games
Want an easy way to break the ice? Pack a deck of cards or a couple of travel-friendly games. Card games are simple but incredibly effective at bringing people together, especially when there’s downtime in a hostel common room or during happy hour. Games like ‘Uno’ and ‘Ride the bus’ are fan favourites and are guaranteed to get everyone involved and laughing in no time. It’s also a great way to bring together a mix of people who might not know each other yet.
If you’re in your hostel dorm and feel like it’s a bit quiet, pulling out a card game is a low-pressure way to invite people to join you. You’ll be surprised how quickly a casual game can turn into a group of new friends planning the next night out or day trip together.
Join a Tour
One of the best hacks for making instant travel friends? Join a group tour! Whether it’s a day trip or a multi-day adventure, tours bring people together in an exciting way. You’re all there to explore and have a good time, and being in a smaller group makes it way easier to bond. From guided hikes through the Daintree Rainforest to surfing lessons at Spot X, group tours create a vibe where friendships naturally happen.
If you’re looking for the ultimate group travel experience, Travel Buddies has your back. We offer semi-guided group tours designed for independent backpackers just like you. You’ll still have the freedom to explore on your own, but you’ll also be travelling alongside a crew of like-minded backpackers, making it easier to connect with others as you travel up or down the East Coast. It’s the perfect way to blend independence with social travel.
Just Ask!
It might sound simple, but one of the best ways to meet people while travelling solo is to just ask. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation, whether it’s asking someone where they’ve been, what their travel plans are, or if they want to grab a drink later. Most people you meet are in the same boat and more than happy to chat.
Starting a conversation can be as easy as asking, “Where are you off to next?” or “Have you been here long?” From there, it’s easy to find common ground, like travel destinations, shared interests, or upcoming plans. Don’t hesitate to invite people to join you for dinner, drinks, or a group activity. The backpacking community is super open, and you’ll often find that people are just waiting for someone to make the first move. Before you know it, you’ll have a crew of new mates to share your East Coast adventures with.
Socials
Half the fun of travelling is connecting with others before your journey to get inspired and plan ahead. That’s why utilising Backpacker Facebook groups is a sure way to meet some people before you’ve even left your home country. These are full of backpackers just like you, gearing up for their own adventures. You can meet others who’ll be travelling the same route, swap advice, or make plans to meet up along the way.
At Travel Buddies, we also know how important it is to stay in touch as you go. That’s why we’ve set up ways for you to stay in touch and share your adventures in real-time. When you join one of our tours, you’ll get added to our exclusive WhatsApp group – perfect for keeping in contact with your new travel mates. Make plans to get a drink together, go for a hike or a swim, share your favourite pictures and videos, and keep up to date with organised activities and where you need to be. Plus, it’s awesome to see what everyone’s up to, share your whereabouts, and swap travel tips and inspiration as you explore new places. The group chat is your go-to for staying connected as you move along the East Coast.
For the latest travel tips and highlights from travellers just like you, give us a follow on Instagram and Tik Tok to get inspired for your next adventure.
FAQs about Travelling Solo
Is the East Coast a Good Place to Meet People?
Absolutely! The East Coast of Australia is a melting pot of travellers from all around the world. It’s one of the most popular travel destinations for backpackers and adventurers alike. Cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Cairns are bustling with backpackers eager to share their stories. The laid-back atmosphere, combined with numerous social activities, makes it easy to strike up conversations. Whether you’re at a hostel, a beach party, or a local cafe, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to meet new friends.
What is the Best Part of an East Coast Trip?
One of the highlights of an East Coast trip is the flexibility it offers. Whether you’re looking to party in Byron Bay, hike in the Blue Mountains, or relax in the Whitsundays, each destination has its unique charm and social scene.
Byron Bay is renowned for its vibrant backpacker culture and stunning beaches. It’s an ideal spot for meeting others through surf lessons, yoga classes, beach bonfires, or in the nightlife. On the other hand, cities like Sydney provide a more urban social scene, with countless bars, clubs, and events to engage in.
The Great Barrier Reef is another highlight, offering opportunities for group snorkelling or diving tours. These shared experiences can create bonds as you explore one of the world’s natural wonders together. Ultimately, the best part of an East Coast trip is the rich variety of experiences that allow for social connections.
Is being a Solo Traveller More Expensive?
Solo travel can sometimes feel a bit pricier, especially when it comes to accommodation since you’re not splitting costs with a travel buddy. However, there are plenty of ways to keep it budget-friendly! Staying in hostels is one of the best ways to save money, as they offer dorm rooms at affordable rates and often include perks like free breakfasts or social activities. Many hostels also have kitchens, so you can save even more by cooking your own meals instead of dining out. Also, as soon as you make some friends on your travels, you can start splitting the costs of things like group meals or Uber’s, which definitely help the budget stretch a bit further.
Group tours are also a great hack for keeping costs down while travelling solo. You’ll get to share the experience with others and take advantage of group discounts on activities, accommodation, and transport. So while solo travelling might have some added costs here and there, it also offers tons of opportunities to stick to a budget.
Is it Lonely being a Solo Traveller?
It might seem like travelling solo could get lonely, but the reality is quite the opposite! When you’re backpacking, especially on Australia’s East Coast, you’ll find that there are tons of solo travellers just like you, all eager to meet new people.
Solo travel actually gives you the freedom to choose when you want to be social and when you want some alone time to recharge. If you’re in the mood for company, there’s no shortage of opportunities to meet people, whether at hostel events, bars, or on tours. And if you ever want a bit of downtime, you can always take a break and enjoy your own company. It’s all about balance!
Travelling with Travel Buddies
As mentioned above, one of the best ways to meet people along the East Coast is by joining a group tour. Our semi-guided tours offer the perfect mix of freedom and friendship, allowing you to explore at your own pace while making new mates along the way. They are perfectly designed for independent backpackers who still want the chance to connect with others.
Crafted with experience and care, you’ll get to explore the most iconic destinations across Australia’s East Coast and leave with life-long memories and friends. We’ve already had great reviews from our customers about their incredible experiences on our tours, check out just a few below:
We believe that being part of a group can massively enhance your travel experience, and our semi-guided spin creates a support network for your journey while allowing you to hold on to your independence. Check out our tour options today to find the best fit for you!