Home

Solo Travel

Oceania

Australia

Cairns

Cairns, located on the northeast coast of Australia, is a vibrant, tropical city that serves as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Known for its colorful, aquatic ecosystem, tourists flock to this city to relish in its watersport activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, boat tours and fishing. Adding to its charm, Cairns has a distinctive relaxed ambience, with palm-lined streets, open-air cafes, and bustling markets. The city also borders the Daintree Rainforest, providing an opportunity to partake in adventurous pursuits like jungle trekking, wildlife spotting, and exploring indigenous culture. Whether you're a nature lover, adventure seeker or beach enthusiast, Cairns boasts a diverse blend of natural and cultural experiences that make it a unique tropical paradise.

2.8 /5

Based on 3 experiences

4.1 /5

Based on our research

3.1 /5

Based on safety reports

Meet new people

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies, share solo travel experiences and stay with locals through couch surfing.

Safety:Safe

Cairns is generally a secure place for solo female travelers. It has a laid-back atmosphere and is considered generally safe as long as basic precautions are taken. Local people are friendly and always willing to assist tourists. However, it's always wise to stay vigilant, especially during evenings, and avoid empty or poorly lit streets. Outdoor adventure activities also abound, with careful attention to safety measures.

Transport:Easy

Navigating through Cairns is moderately effortless. The city is moderately sized, making it quite walkable. There are a variety of transportation options available including buses, taxis, and rentals. Do not forget about the potent sun, always wear sunscreen. Remember to be extra cautious and keep your belongings secure especially in crowded locations.

Things to do:Fascinating

Cairns is a treasure trove of exciting adventures and breathtaking sceneries. As a solo female traveler, you can dive into the underwater wonder of the Great Barrier Reef, visit the astounding Daintree Rainforest, or spend a day at the Cairns Botanic Gardens exploring the tropical flora. For adrenaline junkies, water sports like white water rafting, skydiving or snorkeling will keep you thrilled. The city offers exceptional experiences in terms of food, culture, and nature. Safety is quite good, with locals being generally friendly and helpful.

Food:Above average

The culinary scene in Cairns is significantly diverse, including an array of seafood, native ingredients used in innovative ways, and a solid representation of international cuisines, notably Italian, Japanese, and Greek. The only slight setback that might affect the dining experience is that prices can be a bit steep, especially in establishments closer to the tourist hubs or the sea. Regardless, the fresh, local produce that is prominently featured on Cairns' menus is sure to delight your palate.

Budget:Moderate

Cairns offers a variety of budget-friendly and more expensive options. Accommodations like hostels and lower-end hotels are relatively economic, as are some outdoor activities and local markets. However, meals, especially at restaurants, and popular activities like diving the Great Barrier Reef can significantly increase expenses. Travelers are advised to plan according to their budget.

Overall rating

2.8 /5

based on 3 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

3/5

Safety

3.1/5

Food

1.7/5

Budget-friendly

2.9/5

Group travel experience

Felt pretty safe, although there is not much of a nightlife and the town is quite small. Great day trips that are accessible from cairns to great beaches and towns close by. If you’re there for the reef it is highly recommended, but if you’re looking for a nightlife and bustling city it is not cairns

Posted: March 31, 2024

Things to do: 3/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

Super fun for going out. Diving on the reef is a must! A little hard to get around without a car as a lot of nice places to visit are out of town. The food is not amazing, just standard for touristy areas and prices

Posted: November 9, 2023

Things to do: 4/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 5/5

favorite_border 4

mode_comment 1

Cass

Indonesia

Solo travel experience

Really can’t say I’ll ever return here but was good to get other places. Got cat called a lot! Didn’t feel super safe, a lot of partying too. Not pretty.

Posted: May 1, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 2/5Budget-friendly: 2/5Safety: 2/5

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Meet local women in Cairns who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Chloé

About Me

Hi there ! My name is Chloe. I am a 29 year-old french woman travelling down the east coast of Australia. I'd love to meet people who could teach me the australian way of life and help me discover things about this country. I love discovering new cultures, food, stories. I love cinema, sport, reading and going out having a drink. I started my trip in Cairns, will go a bit north and then down south all the way to Adelaide (or maybe Perth). If you allowed me to stay at your place for one or two nights, it would help me a lot and it would be a real pleasure to meet you and to learn all the things you could teach me :) See you soon !

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Marie

About Me

Hey, I'm Marie and I'm interested in backpacking, digital nomad, camping, hiking, rafting, solo travel, surfing, trekking, van life, swimming, skiing and games

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with local women in Cairns who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Janet

Cairns

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Semi-retired, life-long learner, solo traveller, student living in Cairns. Currently travelling abroad in the UK visiting family.

mode_comment 0

Check couch surfing in Cairns

Connect with upcoming visitors to Cairns who are looking for travel buddies or meet ups.

Emily

About Me

Hello! I'm Emily, 35 and a world traveller 🌎 I'm in Australia for thr first time and want to explore Queesland a bit 😀 I love tea, talking, kpop ans travel!