These are the most unforgettable things to do in Cairns solo

Welcome to the unofficial capital of Tropical North Queensland, Cairns. A gateway to the reef east, the rainforest north, and the outback west, no matter where you find adventure to be calling you. But while you’re in town you’ll find plenty of ways to entertain yourself, and plenty of things to do in Cairns solo.

After a wander along the Esplanade, you best get better acquainted with this region’s dining scene, as this is a place that loves to eat. No visit to Cairns is complete without making your way to local institution Rusty’s Markets which takes place on weekends. Then there’s the ample brunch spots to explore, like Caffeind, home of the miso scrambled egg.

It’s also in Cairns that you’ll find an array of accommodation at your fingertips. Crystalbrook Collection is well worth the splurge with its 5-star Riley (one of its three accom options) home to one seriously stylish hotel, partnered with a lagoon-style pool and rooftop bar Rocco. 

Day 2 - Great Barrier Reef

Bid goodbye to the mainland (for the day anyway) with a trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns has long been considered easy access to this natural wonder, a World Heritage-listed destination which is considered to be the world’s largest coral reef system thanks to its reaching from Cape York to Bundaberg down south.

You’re best exploring some of its 2300kms via a devoted tour - Silverswift and Quicksilver Cruises host some of the most popular family-friendly options. Both offer ample chance to snorkel among the rainbow coral, with the former home to a liveaboard option if you want to spend a few nights out at sea. Though special mention goes to Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel which weaves reef exploration with the sharing of Indigenous culture.

Day 3 - Port Douglas and Palm Cove

The mainland holds plenty of appeal (promise), and an array of things to do in Cairns solo. But while you’re in the region you should pay a visit to the charming Palm Cove, sitting thirty minutes drive north. It may be small, but this palm tree-lined precinct isn’t short on eateries. Make the time to stop by NuNu, the celebrated beachfront restaurant here serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner from local ingredients aplenty.

Next stop is Port Douglas, fluent in luxury accommodation and amenities, this resort town tends to attract those who like to indulge when on holiday, and as a result is overflowing with boutiques, hotels, and restaurants galore. The weekly Port Douglas Markets (held on Sundays) are worthy of a visit, pre- or post-stretching your legs along the idyllic Four Mile Beach. 

Day 4 - Daintree Rainforest

While you’re journeying north you may as well make way for one of Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef region’s most famous residents, the Daintree Rainforest. This ancient destination is home to an unbelievable population of both flora and fauna that has to be seen to be believed. Start your exploration at the Daintree Discovery Centre where you can join a tour and get better acquainted with the World Heritage wonder and experience it from above with its 23-metre-high canopy tower.

Mossman Gorge is another must-visit, home to the guided Daintree Rainforest resident which is one of the most popular Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk tours, where you’ll get up close and personal with culturally significant sites and the Daintree’s Indigenous history. Though if animal sightings are truly what you crave we recommend going croc-spotting with Daintree Express River Cruises. Launched back in 1979, this was the first operator in the area and will take you along a 12 kilometre stretch of waterways, rich in local wildlife.

Day 5 - Atherton Tablelands

Grab the car - today you head inland, to a place that rates highly among the things to do in Cairns solo. Looping your way back down south towards Cairns, this is your chance to pay a visit to the Atherton Tablelands, a fertile district which rises 700 metres above sea level. While it's famed for being a fruit bowl, it’s the waterfalls which will really tempt you here. The Atherton Tablelands is home to three of the region’s most beautiful waterfalls tucked among rainforest - pay a visit to Zillee Falls, Ellinjaa Falls, and Millaa Millaa (one of the most photographed falls in Australia). Along the journey you can also choose to take a tea break at the picturesque Lake Barrine, part of Crater Lakes National Park. 

Day 6 - Babinda Boulders and Mission Beach

But back to the coastline you go. The township of Mission Beach, a quartet of seaside villages, beckons. A two (or so) hour drive south of Cairns sits this picturesque stretch on the Cassowary Coast, where rainforest fringes 14 kilometres of linked golden beaches. It may be quiet but that doesn’t mean it’s boring - spend your days here wandering the many bushwalking tracks like the Bicton Hill summit in Clump Mountain National Park. Evenings can be enjoyed at one of the many eateries in town, including local favourite the Bingil Bay Cafe.

Along the way you’ll want to make a pit stop at the historic town of Babinda. Drop by the Babinda Bakery for one of its much loved oversized iced vovos before you pay a visit to the Babinda Boulders, a part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Cool off after a lengthy drive with a dip in the landmark’s crystalline waters which tumble over a healthy population of giant granite boulders.

Please note: Stick to the designated swimming areas (indicated by signage) and do not swim in strong currents or poor weather conditions, especially after heavy rainfall.

Day 7 - Dunk Island

Conveniently close to Mission Beach is the eye wateringly beautiful Dunk Island. A day trip here is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Cairns solo. This seriously stunning sandy stretch was once home to a lavish resort that was sadly devastated with Cyclone Yasi, but it still welcomes visitors. While the daily water taxi is currently on hold, if you can get your hands on a boat you are invited to make the 15 minute journey across the water to explore the island for yourself, a space awash in rainforest, pristine beaches, and walking trails galore. If you fancy lingering a little longer here, you can - Dunk Island plays host to nine campsites within its national park, with facilities like toilets, showers, barbecues, and drinking water.

For more solo adventures, check out this backpackers guide to Cairns & Great Barrier Reef.