Travelling to Australia alone..advice on how to meet people?

I'm a woman in her 40s travelling to Australia for a few weeks alone. Though I act and look in my early thirties and have many friends at home of all ages as I'm very young at heart. I'm wondering what are the best ways to meet like minded people on my travels. I'm thinking about hostelling? Anyone know of any good 'travellers clubs' or places to go alone when over there. I'm going to Brisbane, Byron, Sydney and Melbourne for a start and thinking of Tasmania as it looks lovely. Thanks!

I really would not worry in the slightest about meeting people when you are travelling in Australia. So many people follow the backpacker route that I doubt you will have any problems making friends if you stay in youth hostels. Most hostels have a communal area - either a kitchen, or an eating room, or a lounge - and that is the ideal spot to chat. Or if you take a guided tour while you're out there (I'd recommend Groovy Grape if you're doing Melbourne), you are in a minibus with lots of other backpackers, so it's almost impossible not to make friends. Obviously, you'll be on your own from time to time, but most of the time you'll meet tons of people.

Use a Lonely Planet or Footprint guide to travel round Oz, stay at the places it recommends, and you'll have a fantastic time. Well done for going - you'll love it!

I travelled round Oz and stayed in hostels. You will meet like minded people. You're all travelling and everyone wants to know where everyone else has been so its an instant ice-breaker! You will have a fantastic time! I also went to Taz and it is lovely. So laid back and quiet.

Aussies are more naturally outgoing and friendly than English people, so you shouldn't have too much trouble with socialising.

If it's just for a few weeks and you plan on hostelling then I'm sure you will meet a lot of people although I doubt many of them will be Australian. If you plan on staying for a while it would be a great idea to get a part time job in Hospitality. I work casual hospitality and I work with a lot of people from England, Sweden, Bangladesh etc and we all have a great time together. This is definately the best way but it may not be applicable to you.

Otherwise check out some of the local clubs and such especially in Brisbane and Sydney - they will be the two most exciting places. Byron Bay is full of hippies but they're generally pretty nice people.

As for Tasmania - sorry never been there but I've heard it's quite nice down there.

There will also be Information Centres in each major town, which will also be able to guide you towards activites. If you can try to explore just a little outside the Major cities, people will be much more hospitable!

When in Sydney try to stay no further South than the main city (northern beaches is good!) and try not to travel to the Western Suburbs unless looking for something specific.

Finally when in Brisbane make sure you head to Surfers Paradise! Bring your cosies, it's a blast!

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful but I've never travelled to my own country to meet people! lol

I really hope you enjoy your stay, wherever you're from.

-Byron

I got on a train to go from Sydney to Bombala and in the first 10 minutes I had been offered a drink and joined a card school.That was 1945 and I was in the Navy.

hey!! im from Tasmania and i must say that it is a beautiful place and many people have said so!!! As with making friends in Aus dont worry most people are really friendly and you should make quite a few friends!! :-)

my advice to you would be just don't be a knob and you will be right mate.

Backpackers are definately the best place to meet people when your travelling!!! It's cheap and you may even find others going to the same areas of the country as you want to go! You definately have to go Byron, Melbourne and Sydney. Try Perth too! Try this website for backpackers around the country. Have a great trip!!

I am a lot older than you and I travel the world on my own, that means no structured tours, I just do my own thing and I never have a problem anywhere. Do what I do and if you can't find an information booth just stand on a corner with a map and look stupid, some one always stops even if they don't speak very good English.And I have meet some great people like this

Join the YHA - use australian YHA network - it's fabulous. Be careful about some other backpacker accomodation as it can be drug/sex/work orientated
Tasmania is FAB allow at least 3 weeks, a month if you can
Brisbane is like the south of Spain, yuck, Byron is quite nice, Melbourne is a great city (tas ferry goes from here as well)
Sydney is a big and quite interesting city. BIG yha in city centre perfect for exploring.
avoid ALL ABORIGINAL art galleries, they are rip offs - most boomerangs and didgerdoo's are now made in China!!
Avoid Ayres Rock - huge tourist rip off.

Department of Tourism "I" Information Centres Have all leaflets reference accomodation. Places of interest. Things to see and do. Main interests in all areas. Many leaflets to pick up Free. Travel information. How and When. Australians are very friendly, and, very accomodating. The age old saying applies "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" Be decent and friendly, you receive it in return.