This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.
Paid Content

5 Solo Adventures You Can Only Have In Queensland

Because who needs travel buddies anyway?
Supplied

From romantic getaways to adventures with friends or family, most of our holidays are spent with company. Although the idea of travelling solo may seem terrifying, it can also be liberating and a rare chance to spend a decent amount of time with just you.

It might even transform you, clinical psychologist, author and devoted solo traveller, Dr Ramani Durvasula said.

"It allows us to become re-acquainted with ourselves, take chances and meet people in a very different way," Durvasula said. Travelling on your own may also build your confidence.

Below are five solo adventures you can take right now. And the best part? They're all in Queensland.

1. Spend A Week By Tropical Waters

PORT DOUGLAS // What a beautiful place to escape the winter. It's glorious here xx

A post shared by Betty's Bohemian Beach Cafe (@bettysbohemianbeachcafe) on

If it's been a while since you had enough time out to take a deep breath of ocean air and enjoy some 'me' time -- a coastal escape to stunning Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland could be just the ticket.

Flying solo will give you the freedom to explore the local area -- including a trip to Cape Tribulation -- in as much depth as you like.

"It's a fantastic day trip – it's off the grid in every way and one of the best ways to see Queensland's famous rainforests," LandLopers travel blogger Matt Long said.

"I find that day hikes and forest explorations are better solo -- you can go at your own pace."

Being so close to the Great Barrier Reef, you'd be remiss not to take the opportunity to dive or snorkel, and with the likes of Blue Dive Port Douglas, ABC Scuba Diving Port Douglas and Wavelength Reef Cruises all offering diving, PADI courses and snorkelling tours in the area, you explore below the surface solo (but still in the company of the experts).

When you're travelling solo, sometimes you want to escape the crowds more or less completely. Luckily, just outside Port Douglas is Mai Tai Resort -- an exclusive, luxurious Balinese boutique style retreat with only six rooms.

Take a trip to nearby Daintree Discovery Centre -- you arrive at the centre by crossing the Daintree River, home to Salt Water crocs!

2. Take A Digital Detox In Southern Queensland Country

Good light, good places, good company β˜€ Girraween NP @queensland #thisisqueensland @canonaustralia #canonaustralia

A post shared by Mcguigan Visuals (@gareth_mcguigan) on

If you've tried multiple times to step away from that phone but keep failing, it may be time for a secluded holiday out in the Southern Queensland Country wilderness.

Little Grey Box travel blogger Phoebe Lee recommended Girraween National Park in the Darling Downs region, staying at the Girraween Environmental Lodge.

"Kelly at the lodge was so lovely and welcoming, her dog joins you for any hikes you do on-site and helps you navigate the trails," Lee said.

While you may just want to hole up at the lodge with a stack of books and a bottle of red, there are a number of on-site trails that you can hike, including a trek to the top of the Pyramid at Girraween National Park. Lee also suggested adding a trip to Ballandean to the list of excursions.

"It has several beautiful wineries -- Ballandean Estate, Symphony Hill and Twisted Gum are some favourites," Lee said.

Lee also recommended The Barrelroom -- a restaurant that supports local businesses by only using produce sourced from within a three-hour radius. Run by two chefs who hail from Brisbane, Arabella Chambers and Travis Crane -- it's even set within the Ballandean Estate.

3. Island For One, Please!

View over Horseshoe Bay to #palmisland North Queensland #walkaboutmaggie

A post shared by Magnetic Island Tourism (@magneticislandtourism) on

Ok, so you won't have to whole Island to yourself. But, Magnetic Island is only 20 minutes on a ferry from Townsville, and it has 23 beaches -- so you're likely to find a quiet spot for yourself without too much effort.

"Base yourself near Horseshoe Bay, the island's best swimming beach, and book a horseback ride through the bush and sand," Frugal Frolicker travel blogger Lindsay said. If you're on a budget or want a guaranteed way to meet other people, Lindsay recommends the Magnetic Island YHA.

"It's an excellent place for solo travelers to stay. Don't miss the champagne breakfast at the Magnetic Island Koala Sanctuary next door, or the chance to hold a koala afterwards," Buckley said.

Barefoot Art Food Wine and The Early Bird are both good foodie options at Horseshoe Bay, or you can venture out and try Gilligan's Cafe Bar in Arcadia.

"Explore the island by topless pink car -- lovingly referred to as a Barbie Car -- and stop off at any of the island's beautiful beaches, lookout points, or walking trails," Buckley said. If you want to upgrade and spend a few nights on another side of the island while roaming, stop off at Pure Magnetic, beachfront villas over in Nelly Bay.

4. Learn To Surf In Noosa

Just 30 minutes from Sunshine Coast Airport, Noosa was awarded National Surfing Reserve status in 2015 -- officially, that means it's a place of environmental, heritage, cultural and sporting value. Unofficially, it's a spectacular spot to spend some time alone and learn how to surf.

Flanked by Noosa National Park and Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve -- which is home to Noosa Botanic Gardens -- Noosa Main Beach has ideal conditions for a first time (or less confident) surfers. Patrolled by surf lifesavers and with calmer surf than surrounding beaches, it's also served by a multitude of surf schools, including the likes of Noosa Surf Lessons, Learn To Surf and Surf Dancer -- which incorporates yoga, percussion and synchronised surfing in the lesson -- that offer group lessons, one-on-one tuition and courses.

As for places to stay, if you're after premium beachfront, you can't go past Netanya Noosa Beachfront Resort. For somewhere a little less pricey, Noosa Blue Resort is also a great option and in a really central location.

A short stroll from Netanya is chic breakfast (and lunch, and dinner) spot, Bistro C, and for dinner try Noosa Beach House or Ricky's River Bar Restaurant.

However, if you've got a hankering for a top-notch burger, look no further than Zac's Gourmet Burgers, says travel Blogger Phoebe Lee.

"Try their classic cheeseburger or branch out with the main beach burger of crispy crumbed chicken breast, bacon, and avocado on a brioche bun, topped with salad and mayo," Lee said.

5. Take A Solo Drive Along The Coast

Nothing says adventure getaway quite like a road trip. While there's plenty of coastline to travel in Queensland, a particular favourite of Lee is the trip from Brisbane to the relaxed coastal town of Agnes Water in the Gladstone region. The drive clocks in at just under six hours -- so grab a leisurely breakfast in Brisbane, leave mid morning and break up the day with a stop in Noosa for a swim and lunch.

Lee said there's plenty of holiday houses where you can stay right near the Agnes Water beach. You can even stick a middle finger at convention and book a beachfront Honeymooner room at Agnes Water Beach Holidays -- you can choose between a room with a four poster bed, or one with a soaker bath big enough for two people. And if you do need a bit of company, Lee said that a town so friendly is perfect for the solo traveller.

"It is so welcoming and you could easily make friends with the locals or you could just have a really chilled out beach-break for yourself," Lee said.

Lee recommended an early wake up to catch the Agnes Water sunrise -- as well as a swim or surf -- at Chinaman's Beach. Then spend the day at Paperbark Forest, or take a picnic and watch the sunset at the Joseph Banks Conservation Park.

Take a day trip via boat from nearby Roundhill Head to Lady Musgrave Island -- and spend the day snorkelling or diving through the reef around the islands lagoons.

"There are many great places to eat in Agnes Water, but a couple of local favourites include Cafe Discovery at Agnes for a great coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner and Sol Foods -- (where you can get) delicious raw dessert treats," Lee said.

For the more on places to stay, eat and visit in Queensland, check out queensland.com.