13 Best Things to Do in Cairns for Solo Travellers
Are you looking for the best things to do in Cairns? If you’re dreaming of reef adventures, lush rainforests, and warm tropical nights, Cairns is one of the best destinations in Australia to explore, and it’s perfect for solo travellers.
I spent my holidays travelling solo in far north Queensland, and Cairns quickly became one of my favourite places to hang out. I had one incredible experience after another in Cairns. I went snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, saw beautfiul coral, sea turtles and reef sharks, and I explored gorgeous tropical islands.
Visiting the Daintree Rainforest was another highlight with ancient forests stretching for miles and dangerous crocodiles lurking in the rivers.
There’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Cairns. Here are some of the best, beginning with my favourites.
This post contains affiliate links and I may receive a small commission from purchases made through those links. This does not cost you any extra and helps to keep this website running. I appreciate your support!
13 Best Things to Do in Cairns
1. Snorkel or Dive the Great Barrier Reef
Snorkelling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef is easily one of the best things to do in Cairns, Australia. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world and recognized by UNESCO World and it’s definitely something you don’t want to miss if you’re travelling in Australia.
Snorkelling on the reef, I saw coral gardens, colourful fish, turtles, and I got a big fright when a reef shark swam by. For a novice snorkeller like me, it was an amazing experience.
Whether you snorkel, try an introductory dive, or join certified dives, it’s easily one of the best things to do in Cairns.
2. Scenic Reef Flight
A Scenic Reef flight is a truly spectacular way to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef and for me, it’s one of the top things to do in Cairns. Flying over the Reef in a small plane offers unbeatable aerial views and a different perspective of the reef.
It’s the perfect way to appreciate the huge size of the Reef and to see some of the small islands and cays that are part of this natural wonder.
I absolutely loved the experience and highly recommend including a scenic reef flight in your Cairns itinerary.
The colours of the Coral Sea are gorgeous from above, with bright aqua and deeper blue stretches of water and a clear view of the coral beneath the sea.
A Reef flight was one of my personal favourite things to do in Cairns, and I recommend booking ahead so you don’t miss out, especially during the peak season.
The Scenic Reef flight I did was part of the fly and cruise package to Green Island. The package included a 40-minute flight in a small aeroplane and a ferry trip to Green Island, for snorkelling and swimming. It was a superb day out in Cairns!
NOTE***I paid for all my Cairns tours, and I’m under no obligation to write this review. I had an amazing time, and I’m simply sharing that with you.
3. Explore the Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation
If you’re searching for the best thing to do in Cairns beyond the reef, head north into the ancient Daintree Rainforest.
Highlights for me were stunning Mossman Gorge, seeing crocodiles in their natural habitat on a Daintree River Cruise, and visiting lovely Cape Tribulation where the rrainforest meets the reef.
As a solo traveller in Cairns, I found that the best way for me to get to the Daintree Rainforest and safely explore this UNESCO wilderness area alone was to join a small group tour.
But renting a car is also possible if you prefer to drive yourself.
4. Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail Cableway
With stunning rainforests, plunging gorges and waterfalls, a day trip to Kuranda combines a scenic train and a cable car ride, and it’s one of the top things to do in Cairns.
The Skyrail cable car offers panoramic views and glides over the rainforest canopy and enjoyed the ride but my favourite part of the Kuranda day trip was returning to Cairns on the heritage railway. The train winds through mountains and waterfalls and the scenery is stunning.
I also enjoyed wandering around the markets, cafes and souvenir shops in Kuranda village, but it’s worth setting aside some time to visit the Butterfly Sanctuary and the Bird Park. And the Koala Gardens are one of the few places in Australia where you can hold a koala.
The Kuranda Rainforest is within easy reach of Cairns, and like the Daintree, it’s part of the Wet Tropics of far north Queensland, recognised by UNESCO.
5. Relax at the Cairns Esplanade & Lagoon (Free)
If you’re looking for free things to do in Cairns, this is my top pick. The lagoon is a beautiful, safe place to swim, cool off, and relax under the palms. The Esplanade is lined with sculptures, and I really enjoyed strolling on the scenic coastal walking path.
The Cairns Esplanade is a lovely place to watch the sunset over the water and it’s close to the Cairns Wharf waterfront restaurants, if you’re looking for a fancy seafood meal and a view.
6. Day Trip to Fitzroy Island
If you’re still wondering what to do in Cairns, I can recommend catching a ferry to stunning Fitzroy Island. Just 45 minutes by ferry, Fitzroy Island is a dreamy escape with coral beaches, epic snorkelling, rainforest trails, and the famous Nudey Beach, voted the best beach in Australia in 2018.
I absolutely loved visiting Fitzroy Island and would go back in a heartbeat. It’s an easy tropical island escape for solo travellers, peaceful and gorgeous and definitely one my favourite things to do in Cairns.
7. Visit Green Island
Another fantastic tropical island option, Green Island offers sandy beaches, beginner-friendly snorkelling, and boardwalks through a small patch of rainforest. It’s ideal if you want a relaxed day without too much walking.
I enjoyed visiting Green Island and had fun snorkelling from the beach and exploring the island.
I booked a fly and cruise package to Green Island and had an amazing day discovering the Great Barrier Reef from the air on a scenic Reef flight and then visiting Green Island by ferry.
But if you only have time for one island, should you choose Green Island or Fitzroy Island? Here’s my take…
8. Snorkel in the Low Isles
Snorkelling in the Low Isles was another highlight of my time in Cairns and one of my favourite experiences in Queensland.
I booked a day trip to the Low Isles from Port Douglas. Snorkelling from the beach, I saw endangered turtles, a reef shark, lots of colourful coral and fish and a giant clam just metres from the shore. It was the ideal way for a beginner snorkeller like me to ease into a trip to the Great Barrier Reef.
9. Visit Port Douglas
A pretty little seaside town just over an hour by road from Cairns, Port Douglas has a gorgeous beach, offshore islands and access to the Outer Reef. This pretty town is just 20 minutes away from the remarkable Mossman Gorge in the lower Daintree Rainforest, with swimming spots and rainforest walking trails.
I loved wandering around the town, browsing the boutique shops, restaurants and cafes. And the drive to Port Douglas is also worthwhile, offering stunning coastal scenery.
There’s plenty to do in this tiny town on the edge of the rainforest, but there’s no public transport. The easiest way to get to Port Douglas is to drive, but if you don’t have a car, there’s a Port Douglas shuttle bus that will drop you at the town centre.
10. Cairns Night Market (Free)
Another fun thing to do in Cairns is to spend an evening browsing the stalls at the Night Market. I love markets and street food when I’m travelling alone, and for me, the Cairns Night Market is the perfect way to spend an evening alone in Cairns.
Enjoy street food, live entertainment and shopping from 4:30 pm on Abbott Street.
From Friday to Sunday, Rusty’s Market is one of the best free things to do in Cairns. It’s a vibrant, multicultural daytime market, packed with tropical fruit, smoothies, pastries, and local produce. It’s also a great place to mingle with the locals.
11. Chase Waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands
Join a tour or rent a car to explore waterfalls such as Millaa Millaa Falls, Josephine Falls, and Babinda Boulders. The scenery is incredible, and joining a day trip from Cairns is a safe and easy option for solo travellers.
12. Explore Cairns Aquarium
At the Cairns Aquarium, you’ll discover the beautiful array of marine wildlife found on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland. The underwater ecosystems of the reef support a variety of colourful fish, reef sharks and manta rays, and they are all on display at the Cairns Aquarium.
If you’re visiting during the wet season or want a chilled activity, the Cairns Aquarium is perfect for solo travellers who enjoy exploring at their own pace.
13. Take a Sunset River Cruise
A Cairns Sunset River Cruise is the ideal way to enjoy an evening in the tropics. See Cairns in a new light as you drift along the beautiful Trinity Inlet. Feel the warm ocean breeze and let the tranquil views set the tone for a perfect Queensland evening.
As the sun dips below the horizon, watch Cairns transform from sunny bustle to tropical twilight.
Final Thoughts: Best Things to Do in Cairns
My favourite things to do in Cairns were snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef and taking a scenic reef flight. Seeing the reef from the air was truly magnificent!
Experiencing the incredible beauty of the Great Barrier Reef was a highlight for me, and I also loved escaping to the gorgeous tropical islands, Fitzroy Island and Green Island. Seeing the wilderness of the ancient Daintree Rainforest was another magical experience and it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Cairns.
Cairns is one of the easiest and most rewarding solo travel destinations in Australia. Whether you’re chasing adventure, soaking up tropical tranquillity, or exploring the stunning natural environment, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy your trip.
Cairns is truly a wonderful place to visit and perfect for a solo holiday. I loved visiting Cairns, and I think you will too!
NOTE***I paid for all my Cairns tours, and I’m under no obligation to write about the best things to do in Cairns. I had an amazing holiday, and I’m simply sharing my solo travel experiences with you.
You might also enjoy…
Gorgeous Green Island Day Trip from Cairns
10 Fun Things to Do on Fitzroy Island
Swimming with Turtles in the Lovely Low Isles
Green Island or Fitzroy Island – Which is Better?
Visiting the Delightful Daintree Rainforest
15 Best Reasons to Visit Brisbane in Australia
17 Best Things to Do in Sydney Alone
15 Top Tips for a Stop Over in Dubai
If you liked this post why not Pin It & save it for later?
