See main article: 1972 Australian Open. Virginia Wade defeated Evonne Goolagong in the final, 6–4, 6–4 to win the women's singles tennis title at the 1972 Australian Open.
Margaret Court was the three-time reigning champion, but did not compete that year due to pregnancy.
A champion seed is indicated in bold text while text in italics indicates the round in which that seed was eliminated.
Evonne Goolagong (final)
Virginia Wade (champion)
Gail Chanfreau (quarterfinals) Helen Gourlay (semifinals) Kerry Harris (semifinals) Karen Krantzcke (second round) Barbara Hawcroft (quarterfinals)