TNQ Writer
Are you an adventurer at heart, seeking the ultimate solo travel experience in Australia? As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and home to one of the world’s most ancient rainforests, Cairns offers solo travellers a wealth of opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Cairns, the largest city in Tropical North Queensland is a vibrant playground for the intrepid and curious traveller. Offering the perfect mix of excitement and solitude, the city is the perfect launchpad for adventures in Tropical North Queensland.
However, before you fill your backpack for an adrenaline fuelled day exploring the natural wonders of this region, you might want to check out some of the attractions in town too.
Top attractions in Cairns City
To get a unique glimpse of the incredible marine diversity on show at the Great Barrier Reef, check out the Cairns Aquarium, the only aquarium exclusively dedicated to showcasing the marine life of Tropical North Queensland.
Next, stock up on some natural tropical treats at Rusty’s Markets, where you’ll find fresh produce & delicious street food. You’ll get to meet many tourists and locals here, who often stop by for breakfast before taking a stroll down the Cairns Esplanade.
To get the adventure ball rolling, check out Bad Fishy for a thrilling jet boat tour. This trip takes you on a wild ride up the Trinity Inlet, complete with 360-degree spins, twists, and sightseeing delights.
Alternatively, 20 minutes north of Cairns’ you will find Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett, which is a must for spirited thrill-seekers. This park features Australia’s only bungy jump and a jaw-dropping Giant Jungle Swing over the ancient rainforest. This is also Cairns’ highest viewing platform, where you’ll get unparalleled views of the surrounding region.
At the end of the day, there’s no better place to head than the Cairns night markets. Here you’ll always find tasty and affordable meals, a range of gifts, and a lively atmosphere.
Sip & Socialise: Top bars to meet like-minded travellers
Explore the city's nightlife
Thanks to its vibrant bar and club scene, Cairns is the ideal Aussie travel destination for solo travellers looking to mingle and make new friends. The Cotton Club is a great place to grab a drink and a delicious meal to kick off a night on the town. Later, if you’re looking to let your hair down, head upstairs to the famous Woolshed, perhaps Cairns’ most famous club space attracting local and international crowds. Additionally, solo backpackers will love Gilligans for its fun vibe and PJ O’Briens for a taste of old-fashioned pub culture. The Pier Bar’s terrace is also never a bad bet for fantastic cocktails and wood-fired pizza overlooking the Cairns Marina.
For a more refined night out on the town, visit 3 Wolves and taste their delicious tapas & build-your-own charcuterie boards. Tropical North Queensland’s own craft beer brewery is also always a hit at Hemingway’s. Or, if a glass of Sauvignon Blanc paired with an Aussie seafood platter sounds more like your idea of a good time, stop by Salthouse for a tropical waterfront dining experience.
A sea of possibilities on the Great Barrier Reef
From stunning natural wonders to vibrant cultural hotspots, there are plenty of fascinating places to explore around Cairns solo. Let’s dive into the list!
The Great Barrier Reef is a vast underwater world waiting to be explored, and for solo travellers, it offers a sea of possibilities. With crystal-clear waters and a dazzling array of marine life, the reef is a paradise for snorkelers and divers alike.
Head down to the Cairns Marina, where you’ll find the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a first-timer, world-renowned diving operator Divers Den will ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to the reef.
If diving isn’t your thing, most boat trips offer the opportunity to snorkel amongst the shallow bommies and reef-lined cays. A reef pontoon like the newly constructed Reef Magic or Sunlover Reef Cruises are also great options for beginner snorkelers. These pontoons provide easy access to the reef and a stable platform to enter and exit the warm tropical waters.
If a day trip feels too brief, extend your time on the reef with Coral Sea Dreaming’s 2-day/1-night tour, enabling you to spend the night and fully immerse yourself in exploring as much of the reef as possible.
Additionally, visiting the Great Barrier Reef on a snorkelling day trip is easy thanks to the many outstanding boat trips departing from Cairns daily. Passions of Paradise and Down Under Cruise & Dive operate well-organised tours to get you out swimming alongside an incredible array of marine life in no time.
Discover a unique rainforest experience in Kuranda
Kuranda is a picturesque village located in the heart of the tropical rainforest flanked by the pristine Barron Gorge National Park. There are plenty of attractions in Kuranda that you can see on a day trip. Browse the famous rainforest and heritage markets, hop aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway or stroll down the picturesque riverside walks.
To get here, take advantage of the convenient and incredibly scenic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a chance to glide over the rainforest canopy. Alternatively, jump in with other explorers by booking with the local operator Tropic Wings, a local company running regular and affordable tours to Kuranda.
Explore the wilderness of the Daintree
This lush, tropical wonderland of one of the world’s most ancient rainforests awaits at the Daintree and Cape Tribulation. Home to some of the most unique flora and fauna such as the vibrant blue Southern Cassowary, visiting the place where the rainforest meets the reef, is a unique and truly unforgettable experience for solo nature-loving travellers in Cairns.
Its natural beauty aside, there are plenty of exciting activities in Cape Trib including guided wildlife walks through the rainforest with Jungle Tours to zip-lining through the treetops with Treetops Adventures. You can even take a crocodile spotting tour on the Daintree River and see these prehistoric creatures up close in their natural habitat.
If you’re short on time, Mossman Gorge offers a very convenient entry to the Daintree. Here, you can also take a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk. This is led by local indigenous guides to provide you with an authentic introduction to these culturally significant sites.
Waterfall Adventures in the Atherton Tablelands
Locals will tell you that a trip to Cairns just isn’t complete without visiting the stunning Atherton Tablelands, a region with waterfalls so impressive they’ll leave you speechless!
Hop on the convenient Waterfall Wanderers bus trip with other travellers and prepare for a refreshing swim at Millaa Millaa Falls, a slip down Josephine Falls’ natural slide, a stop at the “Avatar-esque” Curtain Fig Tree and a chance to spot a wild platypus at Malanda.
Alternatively, a solo road-trip adventure to the Tablelands region will leave you wishing you had more time. A popular first stop is a visit to the spectacular crater lakes of Barrine and Eacham. Here you can kayak, swim or simply relax and take in the spectacular rainforest panoramas.
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not take the scenic road along the Palmerston Highway, where you’ll pass the mesmerising Mamu Tropical Skywalk, as well as numerous short rainforest walks and waterfall trails? Who knows, you might get lucky and spot the rare Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo hiding in the canopy. For a peep into the ancient geological past, walk the short Hypipamee Crater loop near Ravenshoe for a chance to photograph the stunning Dinner Falls
Explore Mission Beach & the Cassowary Coast
Mission Beach is a backpacker hotspot and an ideal place to visit as a solo visitor in Tropical North Queensland. Known for its long expanses of pristine beaches, unique wildlife-spotting opportunities and sandy-shored islands, this region is as far away as it gets from bustling city life.
If you’re seeking adventure, take a boat trip to Dunk Island or jump on a thrilling whitewater rafting trip down the Tully River. For the bravest of the brave, book a skydiving experience for the most unique way to take in the area. Alternatively, if relaxation is what you’re after, visit the surreal heritage-listed Paronella Park, found on 5 hectares of lush rainforest beside Mena Creek Falls.
For nature lovers, keep an eye out for the elusive cassowary. This native prehistoric flightless bird is often spotted lurking on the shores of Etty Bay, located 40 minutes north of Mission Beach.
Solo Road Trip to Port Douglas
As far as scenic road trips go, none can quite compare to the Great Barrier Reef Drive between Cairns and Port Douglas. The trip usually takes one hour, but as a solo traveller, you’ll have the freedom to explore this epic region at your own pace.
Along the way, come face to face with the world’s largest reptile at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, stop by Rex’s Lookout for amazing Coral Sea views, and walk amongst the countless coconut palms at Thala Beach Nature Reserve.
At the end of the day, grab a cold drink at one of Port Douglas’ many bars and restaurants. Enjoy fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, and live music as you soak up the relaxed atmosphere of this tropical paradise.
Embark on an epic island adventure
The Great Barrier Reef is home to numerous islands that are just a short boat ride away from Cairns, offering a fantastic opportunity to explore both popular and lesser-known natural marvels.
Fitzroy Island is a tropical paradise located just a 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns. Arriving at Welcome Bay, you’ll be greeted by a stunning coral beach with a range of activities including snorkelling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Solo travellers can also explore the island’s lush rainforest with hiking trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints. If a day trip isn’t enough, you can even spend the night at the resort or leafy campground.
Green Island is another popular destination, located only 28 km offshore from Cairns. Visitors can take a quick 45-minute boat ride to reach the island’s white sandy beaches and clear blue waters.
While these are the most well-known islands near Cairns, there are dozens of pristine hidden gems waiting to be discovered. The stunning Frankland Islands offer a chance to snorkel with sea turtles over a pristine fringing reef and are accessible on a boat trip from Cairns City. Alternatively, the secluded sandy cays of Vlassoff and Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef are home to many species of marine life. Expect a one-of-a-kind snorkelling experience and a chance to see Maori wrasse, giant clams, and the always-popular anemone clownfish.
Whether you’re seeking to discover the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest, chasing thrilling adventure activities or looking to mingle with fellow travellers at the idyllic bars and comfortable hostels, Cairns is an essential tropical getaway for solo adventurers!
