A 10-day Solo Road Trip around North Queensland

My last amazing 2-weeks-solo-trip around Far Tropical North Queensland with no rain. I am so thankful I could visit and enjoy the places with no interruption. I had been before in North Queensland, but always in March when the rain season isn’t really over yet.

September is a good time of the year to travel to far North Queensland. It marks the beginning of Spring, and right after the peak season is not as busy as during the winter months of July and August. It was ideal for time and weather, with daily temps around 27-32°C and cooler nights with 16-18°C. Having 10 days of sunshine in a row has been the best reward I could ever have in North Queensland.

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Cairns – Relax before hitting the road.

Cairns has been the gateway for my road trip. It was good to spend a couple of days relaxing and preparing for my Solo Road Trip. The long flight from Europe was not good, and the jet lag made me drowsy for many days. I was happy to stay with the locals in Cairns and rest in a real home.

Camping Solo in Tropical North Queensland

This time I have been travelling alone with a colourful Jucy Crib campervan, which is a small campervan ideal for solo travellers. I always wanted to try out Solo Camping, and I couldn’t have picked a better destination for a solo camping trip.

This is a recap of what I have done on this 10 days road trip around North Tropical Queensland.

Cape Tribulation – where the reef meets the rainforest

I really loved Cape Tribulation. As you know it is completely cut off from civilisation and electricity is produced by power generators, so no mobile phone services and internet for a few days can be frustrating, but at the same time, it allows you to find a new dimension, reconnect with nature and ultimately let it go. I really enjoyed the time there. I walked along the beach at sunrise, at sunset, I walked alone in the forest day and night (in a group), I tasted tropical fruits, and I also had a bit of adventure.

Jungle Surfing in the Daintree Forest

During my Cape Tribulation stay, I was lucky enough to make unique encounters with wild Cassowaries, rare to spot in the wild. I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried to overcome my fear of heights. I went on a Jungle Surfing Tour and swang through the dense forest canopy of the Daintree National Park. Read on about my experience with Jungle Surfing in Queensland.

Port Douglas – Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef

This time I am happy to have picked a tour that really suited me. I don’t feel comfortable on boats, as most of the times I start feeling dizzy. The same with snorkelling and swimming, it makes me feel dizzy. I have been lucky, not only because of the sea conditions. The water was calm, and we had a smooth cruising, but also because of this Eco Snorkelling Tour from Port Douglas to Low Isles.

Atherton Tablelands – Landscapes like canvas

The second part of my solo trip in North Tropical Queensland was focused on the Atherton Tablelands, including the Mareeba wetlands, Malanda, Yungaburra and the waterfalls regions. I was blown away by the beauty and the diversity of the landscapes.

I actually had planned two days, but it was way too short to do justice to this amazing area. Unfortunately, I couldn’t extend it, but I would recommend planning at least a three-day road trip across the Atherton Tablelands to make the most of this region.

4WD Road Trip Adventure – The Bloomfield Track to Cooktown

This had been on my list for a long time. But I was not sure whether I could do it on my own. Now that I have experienced it,  I am happy I haven’t done it on my own. The Bloomfield track is a very challenging 4WD route. Even the locals find it strenuous to drive it, and during the wet season, it is hazardous because the dirt roads become slippery and may get flooded by heavy rain.

Thanks to our great guide Kathy, we had a fantastic time on a four-wheel drive tour to Cooktown.

Cooktown – A lesson learnt about life and love

Last but not least: The Bama Way Tour with Aboriginal Elder Willie Gordon has been one of my Solo Trip highlights in Tropical North Queensland. It was actually the reason why I travelled to Cooktown in the first place. Due to flooding, I had to cancel my tour in 2011, and I was happy I could finally meet in person Willie’s and go on his fabulous tour.

I had heard a lot about him, and I can tell you this is the best Aboriginal tour I have ever had in 10 years of travels. It’s different because it goes beyond the Aboriginal Dreamtime stories and cultural background you usually hear in all Aboriginal tours. This is about life, love and first and foremost about people.

More Travel Guides and Road Trips

Check out all my solo road trips to Australia and how to explore the amazing Australian Outback.

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How to organize your road trip around North Queensland

The best way to organize your road trip in North Queensland is to hire a car in Cairns. Straight after landing at the airport is the easiest way to go.

Here below all the resources I used for my road trip planning.

If you find this article helpful for your trip, I’d appreciate it if you could support Rocky Travel and book your tours, accommodation, rental car, or purchase my book using the links in the box below. Thank you!

First published in 2014, last updated in April 2021