See main article: 1976 Australian Open.
Two-time defending champion Evonne Goolagong defeated Renáta Tomanová in the final, 6–2, 6–2 to win the women's singles tennis title at the 1976 Australian Open. It was her fifth major singles title, as well as her sixth consecutive Australian Open final.
The seeded players are listed below. Evonne Goolagong is the champion; others show the round in which they were eliminated.
Evonne Goolagong (champion) Kerry Reid (first round)
Sue Barker (second round)
Renáta Tomanová (finalist) Helen Gourlay (semifinals) Lesley Bowrey (quarterfinals) Janet Young (second round)