Find adventure with this 7 day solo itinerary from Cairns to Airlie

Get a taste for Tropical North Queensland with a week-long venture from its unofficial capital down through to the Whitsundays, taking in some of its most visited landmarks and much loved islands along the way. This vibrant region is rich in rainforests, reefs, and more than its fair share of World Heritage wonders, which can be easily explored on your solo, regardless of your budget. To help you get better acquainted with its beauty, follow this seven day solo itinerary from Cairns to Townsville and on to Airlie Beach.

Day One - Cairns

Welcome to the unofficial capital of Tropical North Queensland. While Cairns is within easy reach of some of the Queensland’s most incredible spots, it’s also a destination worth exploring in its own right. Before you visit the ancient Daintree Rainforest, or plan your visit to the foodie haven of Port Douglas, take a good look around this burgeoning metropolis. Stroll the Esplanade and enjoy a dip in the lagoon, before paying a visit to Rusty’s Market, a hub of fresh produce and Asian fare. Cairns is also the place to connect with local Indigenous culture - you’ll find plenty of traditional performances, and guided tours to embrace within the city’s borders, as well as the annual Cairns Indigenous Art Fair here. Cairns accommodation is also plentiful - special mention goes to the trio of Crystalbrook resorts which sit within the CBD.

Day Two - Great Barrier Reef

Dive head first (quite literally) into one of Australia’s most famous residents, spending your day submerged amongst the rainbow coral of the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is one of the most popular gateways to this goosebump-inducing landmark, which consists of 3,000 separate reefs and 900 islands and coral cays. Unforgettable experiences in the world’s largest reef system are plentiful, even if you just have the day to spare - chopper over the coral with HeliTours North Queensland, learn to dive with one of the many accredited operators, have a yarn with a Master Reef Guide or even throw in a line with a reef fishing tour.

Day Three - Mission Beach and Dunk Island

Meander your way through the rainforest-fringed highway along the Cassowary Coast - a quartet of seaside villages which get their name from the resident population of cassowaries. If you’re eager to stretch your legs along the drive, drop into Paronella Park, the opulent Spanish-inspired former private residence which borders Mena Creek Falls. Let time slow down when you arrive at Mission Beach with its white sands and crystalline waters. If you’re feeling adventurous, hop aboard the ferry to Dunk Island which resides just 15 minutes across the water. Stroll through the labyrinth of rainforest tracks and be sure to hike to the top of Mt Kootaloo for sweeping views of the island and mainland. As for your home for the night, there’s a healthy population of beach-bordering caravan parks to choose from.

Day Four - Townsville

Longtime military base Townsville is your next stop on this seven day solo itinerary from Cairns to Airlie Beach. While this city remains army-centric (it’s still home to the nation’s largest army barracks after all) there is plenty more to tempt you to pay a visit to its borders. If you’re not scared of a little sweat, trek your way up to the top of Castle Hill. Stretching 268 metres in height (just metres short of mountain status), this popular landmark on the edge of town is no easy feat, but one that’s well worth the effort - at the top you will be rewarded with 360-degree views of the surrounding district. Prepare to have your mind blown with a visit the Museum of Underwater Art. A first for the southern hemisphere, don some scuba gear and explore a cluster of installations by world-famous underwater sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor themed around conservation, restoration, education, and community.

Day Five - Magnetic Island

When in this dreamy corner of Queensland, island hopping is nonnegotiable so spend a day discovering the beauty of Magnetic Island. A neighbour of Townsville (just a 20 minute ferry away) this popular getaway boasts 23 postcard-worthy beaches to explore, including Horseshoe Bay – a great pick for watersports. Rent a mini moke to drive your way around or get off the beaten track by wandering Magnetic’s 25 kilometres of bushwalking tracks. There are also water-based trails too - the snorkel trails at Nelly Bay and Geoffrey Bay overflow with coral and marine life, alongside a German shipwreck from 1913. Most visitors tend to stay at eco-resort Bungalow Bay Koala Village, an eco-accredited village consisting of A-frame bungalows, powered camp sites, deck bar and tour desk.

Day Six - Bowen

On the cusp of the Whitsundays region (just 40 minutes from Airlie Beach) you’ll find the laidback community of Bowen, a place of beautiful bays, and (of course) the Big Mango. The oversized statue is an ode to the fruit production of the area and is a must see on any visit here. But that’s not all there is to do - there’s another Horseshoe Bay in Bowen, one of the town’s eight popular beaches frequented by both locals and visitors alike. After a day spent splashing around its shoreline, and fishing off one of its many jetties, pay a visit to historic local icon the Grand View Hotel - a watering hole sitting in a classic Queenslander building which has been lovingly restored in recent years with a modern menu to boot.

Day Seven - Airlie Beach

A mainland gateway to The Whitsundays, Airlie Beach has long been a favourite amongst backpackers and solo travellers, thanks to its eternal summer vibes. Outdoor pursuits abound in this coastal town - stick to land and take to the hiking and mountain biking trails  woven through Conway National Park – reward your hard work with a dip in the calming waters of Cedar Creek. Keep it cruisy with a leisurely stroll along Airlie’s Bicentennial Boardwalks, throw a towel down on its cluster of postcard-perfect beaches (Cannonvale, Shingley, Airlie and Boathaven are all popular places to visit), and cap it all off with dinner and drinks at Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill.

Day Eight - The Whitsundays

This seven day solo itinerary from Cairns through to Airlie Beach may end today, but that’s not to say that your adventure needs to. From Airlie Beach you’re within easy reach to the 74-strong population of the Whitsunday Islands, a bucket list destination brimming with stretches of white sand fringed by clear, calm waters – all of which are best explored with a snorkel or sail. A bevy of operators like Whitsundays Sailing Adventures offer day tours so you can explore as many of the island as possible in a short time, unless of course you decide to extend your stay…