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 third Australian Open singles title (and sixth consecutive final) and fifth major singles title overall.

For the second consecutive year, Goolagong did not lose a set during the tournament.

The seeded players are listed below.

Evonne Goolagong is the champion; others show the round in which they were eliminated.