How solo female travellers are embarking on trips of a lifetime to bucket-list destinations - from Antarctica to Uluru

Daily Mail​

23-05-2025

Are you craving adventure beyond the tourist trail, but have no one to travel with?
You're not alone. For many women, the idea of solo travel is exciting, but the reality can be overwhelming.
Between the daunting task of planning an itinerary, safety concerns, and a fear of feeling lonely, that dream trip often stays just that: a dream.
But a boutique travel company is redefining the way women explore the world, curating women-only journeys to awe-inspiring, bucket-list destinations, far from the crowds and the same old tourist traps.
From camping in Uluru, swimming with Manta Rays in the Great Barrier Reef, or journeying to Antarctica for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, OceanZen Travel is making dreams a reality for Australian women.
The best Bucket List Trips with OceanZen Travel
Antarctica
Set foot on the seventh continent, taking in the breathtaking frozen landscape, braving a polar plunge in the icy ocean, and witnessing majestic wildlife in their natural habitat.
The Antarctica Expedition is a rare opportunity to experience the untouched beauty and mystery of this magical part of the world.
Ready for a once in a lifetime adventure? Find out more here.
Dive into the mesmerising marine wonderland on a getaway to Lady Elliott Island in the Great Barrier Reef.
The most popular of OceanZen Travel's expeditions, the tour includes a fully guided diving experience swimming with Manta Rays.
Ready to escape winter with an island paradise escape to reconnect with nature? Find out more here.
Tonga
Five days of snorkelling and swimming with pods, mums and calves, or lone males singing for a mate makes for an unforgettable experience.
The Tonga expedition takes place in September, when whales seek warmer waters to mate and birth their calves.
Can you imagine swimming alongside a magnificent humpback whale? Find out how you can join this trip here.
Uluru
The Northern Territory's sacred centre is a must-visit destination. Uluru is more than one of the world's most iconic landmarks, it is the spiritual heart of Australia.
Sleep around a campfire while gazing at a starlit sky, hearing the stories of the Anangu people, hike the Kings Canyon Rim Walk and dine under a canopy of stars at the famed sounds of silence dinner.
Dream of a soul stirring journey to the Red Centre? Find out more here.
OceanZen Travel was Founded by Steph Gabriel in 2017.
The entrepreneur owned a swimwear company and while in Tonga in 2016 for a campaign shoot, she shared videos swimming with whales on social media.
Followers responded asking how they could have the same experience, and the idea for a travel company was born.
'Seeing the profound impact that these soul-stirring experiences has on the women that come away, lights my soul up,' Steph told Empower Her.
'It's so important for women to step outside their comfort zone and travel the world... and discover a new version of you that you didn't even know existed.
Other incredible trips include a ski tour in New Zealand, a 4WD adventure on Fraser Island, and a Northern Lights expedition to Greenland.
Facebook reviews recommending the company are simply gushing, praising the quality of the service and the 'magical' sense of community the trips cultivate.
'The OceanZen retreats are an unforgettable experience- once you've been on one you'll realise that one isn't enough!' one past traveller wrote on Facebook.
'To be surrounded by incredible, supportive and like-minded girls for a weekend is so soul nourishing, and you'll come back feeling so fulfilled - and with the amazing trip locations which help too!
'To share these experiences with people who are just as stoked to be there as you are creates lifelong friends and memories.
Facebook reviews recommending the company praise the 'magical' sense of community the trips cultivate
'Steph is amazing, and truly cares about each and every one of the girls on the trip. There's no one else I'd want to go on a trip with!'
Another client raved: 'Hands down best travel agency ever. Steph is amazing and really makes sure you have the best time possible on your trip. It is such a great experience and being able to go to these incredible and breathtaking places is such a blessing.
'If you have ever considered solo travelling and don't know where to start don't look further than OceanZen, trust me you will not regret it. So thankful to have met Steph and gone on a trip with her; I'm already booking my next trip and can't wait to go.'
'It's so important for women to step outside their comfort zone and travel the world... and discover a new version of you that you didn't even know existed,' Steph says of the trips
'I cannot recommend travelling with OceanZen enough! I recently went on a retreat to Lady Elliot Island and it was simply amazing,' another traveller commented.
'Steph organises everything to perfection. You don't have to lift a finger the whole time and it was just such a fun experience.
'Steph makes you feel so welcome from the get go, and it was great meeting the other ladies who were also on the trip. I truly can't wait until I can go on another retreat with Steph. I promise you won't regret travelling with OceanZen Travel!'