‘Table For One Please’ - Solo Travel Taking Off In South Australia

Solo travel is trending, with a growing number of Kiwis packing their bags and setting off on adventures alone – and South Australia is taking notice. With its blend of world class wine regions and vibrant cultural experiences, the state is fast becoming a top destination for independent travellers. From December 2022 to December 2024 there was nearly a quarter more (24%*) visits from New Zealanders travelling alone.

Katina Vangopoulos, owner of Adelaide based Flamboyance Tours, saw a sharp increase of solo traveller bookings in the 2024-25 year. Her walking tours cover history and culture, food and street art and provide an immersive experience led by locals.

"Solo travel has definitely increased for us. Our Paint and Palate Street Art Tour is the most popular choice among solo travellers, attracting a diverse range of age and gender. We're seeing more solo female travellers than ever before and walking tours like ours are a safe, social and fun way to connect with other travellers."

Jay Patel of Another Kind Group, owns three restaurants in Adelaide. "Over the past year, we've noticed a significant increase in solo diners across all of our restaurants – Press* Food and Wine, Peel St, and Leigh Street Wine Room. Whether they're visiting from overseas or interstate, these guests are embracing the solo dining experience with confidence. Many are eager to immerse themselves in South Australian hospitality, often opting for bar seating where they can interact with staff. They appreciate the opportunity to receive personalised food and wine recommendations and are generally open-minded when it comes to their dining choices. In fact, most tend to favour set menus, allowing them to sample a wider variety of dishes. This growing trend is pushing the hospitality industry to tailor its offerings to cater to solo travellers and diners."

What’s on offer if you are travelling solo

In South Australia, solo doesn’t mean alone. From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed like a local. Market stallholders at the Adelaide Central Market offer samples and greet you with familiarity, while bartenders pour local wines and share stories from behind the bar. It’s easy to feel part of the place, even if you are travelling on your own.

South Australia is also LGBTQIA+ inclusive, with an increasing number of tour operators officially accredited with the Welcome With Pride Program. Accessibility is also a priority, with inclusive tourism experiences that offer comfort and peace of mind throughout your stay.

To help you get started the South Australian Tourism Commission have curated solo travel guides, designed like a local’s handwritten map, full of personal recommendations and hidden gems. The thoughtful resources help you find not just the right places to eat, drink, and explore, but the kind of experiences that fill your cup and linger long after you return home.

Travel tips for solo travellers

For Kiwis keen to experience South Australia on their own terms, it’s now easier than ever to make the journey. Flying into Adelaide is relaxed and straightforward, from there, it’s just 15mins into the CBD, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Air New Zealand offers daily direct flights from Auckland to Adelaide, with a new Christchurch–Adelaide service launching 27 October. Qantas will also begin non-stop flights from Auckland to Adelaide four times a week from 31 October. There’s also a handy guide to solo travel on the South Australia Tourism website.

* Tourism Research Australia, International Visitor Survey December 2024.

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