7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Cairns

Cairns, is a paradise for digital nomads who enjoy the blend of urban convenience and stunning natural beauty. The city serves as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, but there's so much more to explore over the weekend. Whether you're looking for popular tourist spots or hidden gems, Cairns offers a variety of getaways that cater to every taste. From tropical islands to quaint villages and lush rainforests, here are seven fun weekend getaways for those living the digital nomad lifestyle in Cairns.

Palm Cove

Just a short drive north of Cairns, Palm Cove is a serene beachside village known for its upscale resorts, spas, and palm-fringed beach. It's the perfect place to unwind after a busy week of work. You can indulge in a spa treatment, dine at one of the many high-quality restaurants, or simply relax on the beach. For the more adventurous, there's also kayaking and paddleboarding available.

How to Get There: Palm Cove is easily accessible by car or bus from Cairns, with the journey taking approximately 30 minutes.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to take a sunrise or sunset stroll along the beach, where the colors of the sky reflect beautifully on the Coral Sea.

Where to Stay: The Reef House Palm Cove - MGallery by Sofitel offers a colonial beach-house ambiance and a stunning pool, while the Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore boasts beachfront apartments with breathtaking views.

Where to Eat: Nu Nu Restaurant is an award-winning beachfront spot known for its innovative Australian cuisine and panoramic ocean views.

Atherton Tablelands

The Atherton Tablelands is a fertile plateau known for its diverse landscapes, from rainforest to savanna to fertile farmland. It's a haven for foodies, with a plethora of local produce like cheese, chocolate, and coffee to sample. Nature enthusiasts can explore the many waterfalls, such as Millaa Millaa Falls, or take a hike in the Crater Lakes National Park.

How to Get There: The Atherton Tablelands can be reached by car from Cairns in about 1.5 hours.

Travel Tip: Make sure to visit the Curtain Fig Tree, a natural heritage-listed giant that's estimated to be over 500 years old.

Where to Stay: The Canopy Rainforest Treehouses and Wildlife Sanctuary offers a unique experience staying amidst the forest canopy, while The Foxwell Park Lodge provides a cozy country retreat.

Where to Eat: The Gallery at the Tinaroo Lake Resort is known for its delicious meals and stunning views over the lake.

Mission Beach

Mission Beach is a relaxed beachfront town with a long stretch of golden sand backed by lush rainforest. It's a hotspot for skydiving and offers excellent opportunities for spotting the elusive cassowary in the wild. The nearby Dunk Island is a short water taxi ride away and is perfect for a day trip of snorkeling or exploring.

How to Get There: Mission Beach is about a two-hour drive south of Cairns.

Travel Tip: Visit the Ulysses Link Walking Track for a chance to see cassowaries and enjoy the tropical rainforest scenery.

Where to Stay: Castaways Resort & Spa offers beachfront rooms and a spa for ultimate relaxation, while Eco Village Mission Beach provides unique bungalows set in a tropical garden.

Where to Eat: The Bikini Tree Cafe is a local favorite for its fresh, tropical-inspired dishes and laid-back atmosphere.

Chillagoe Caves

For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, head to the Chillagoe Caves, located west of Cairns. This area is known for its remarkable limestone karst formations and the fascinating Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park. Explore the ancient caves with a guided tour to see stalactites, stalagmites, and remnants of coral reefs from millions of years ago.

How to Get There: The best way to reach Chillagoe is by car, with the journey taking approximately 3 hours from Cairns.

Travel Tip: Visit the Chillagoe Observatory for a chance to stargaze under the clear outback sky.

Where to Stay: Chillagoe Cabins offer comfortable accommodation with a rustic outback feel, and the Chillagoe Tourist Village has a range of options including camping and motel rooms.

Where to Eat: The Chillagoe Hub Café is a great spot for a hearty meal and to learn about the local history.

Yungaburra

Yungaburra is a charming historical village on the Atherton Tablelands, surrounded by heritage-listed rainforest and crater lakes. It's known for its well-preserved early 20th-century architecture and the famous Curtain Fig Tree. The Yungaburra Markets, held on the fourth Saturday of each month, are a must-visit for local crafts and produce.

How to Get There: Yungaburra is an easy drive from Cairns, taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Travel Tip: Plan your visit around the Yungaburra Markets for a true local experience and to pick up some unique souvenirs.

Where to Stay: The Eden House Retreat offers luxury cottages with a spa, and the Yungaburra Park Motel is known for its friendly service and central location.

Where to Eat: Nick's Swiss-Italian Restaurant is a local institution, serving up hearty European fare in a cozy setting.

Babinda Boulders

The Babinda Boulders is a hidden gem south of Cairns, where a creek flows through a picturesque landscape of smooth granite boulders. The area is steeped in Indigenous legend and offers a tranquil spot for swimming in the cool, crystal-clear waters. There are also several walking tracks that provide views of the boulders and surrounding rainforest.

How to Get There: Babinda Boulders is about an hour's drive from Cairns.

Travel Tip: Be sure to follow the signs and stay within the designated swimming areas, as the currents can be strong in some parts of the creek.

Where to Stay: Babinda Quarters is a charming guesthouse set in a restored heritage building, while the Babinda State Hotel offers simple, budget-friendly accommodation.

Where to Eat: The Babinda Bakery is famous for its pies and pastries, perfect for a picnic by the boulders.

Mount Mulligan

Mount Mulligan is an extraordinary and less-visited destination, offering a unique outback experience with its majestic tabletop mountain backdrop. The area is rich in Aboriginal and pioneering Australian history, with the remains of an early 20th-century coal mine and township to explore. It's also a place for fishing, four-wheel driving, and simply soaking in the rugged beauty of the Australian bush.

How to Get There: Mount Mulligan is best accessed by a 4WD vehicle, with the journey taking around 3 hours from Cairns.

Travel Tip: Take a guided tour of the old township and mine site to learn about the tragic history and the significance of the area.

Where to Stay: Mt Mulligan Lodge offers luxury accommodation with stunning views of the escarpment, and the experience includes guided tours and gourmet meals.

Where to Eat: Dining is exclusive to guests at Mt Mulligan Lodge, where you can enjoy locally sourced, seasonal dishes in an unforgettable setting.