You’re more likely to spot cassowaries than crowds at Mission Beach
Welcome to Mission Beach, where World Heritage rainforest meets the colourful Coral Sea. This laid-back beach town has a population of just over 1,000 people, honesty fruit stalls line the roads and you'll often have its picture-perfect beaches all to yourself. Mission Beach is also the closest access point to the Great Barrier Reef, with vibrant coral gardens and diverse tropical fish a mere 40km offshore. Whether you want to jump on a boat to Dunk Island, go snorkelling or wind down with a yoga class, Mission Beach is a must-visit on any East Coast adventure.
Our Mission Beach trips
TAILOR-MADE TRIPS
Build your dream adventure
Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.
Explore Tailor-Made tripsMission Beach highlights
Spot cassowaries in the wild
Drive carefully if you’re visiting the area as those ‘Cassowary Crossing’ signs are no joke. It’s not unusual for these huge 60kg birds to saunter across the roads whenever they feel like it. Mission Beach is one of the best spots in the world to see cassowaries in the wild. However, if they’re proving elusive on your visit, get up early and stake out a spot near a natural freshwater source with your camera at the ready.
Raft the Tully River
Prefer not to go hiking in the tropical heat? White water rafting on the Tully River is a more refreshing way to experience the lush landscape of Far North Queensland. The Tully River has more than 40 rapids and winds its way through Tully Gorge National Park which is filled with lush rainforest and the sweet song of native birds.
Get active
Mission Beach is the perfect base for walking. One of the most popular trails is the Kennedy Walking Track, an eight kilometre walk that showcases the region's tropical landscapes and spectacular coastal views. Not to mention the 14 kilometres of beaches lined with swaying palm trees to explore. Wherever you turn at Mission Beach, it seems there's always another scenic spot to explore.
Kick back and relax
Mission Beach is a chilled out destination and simple pleasures are what make it great. In other words, if all you want to do is kick back on the beach with a good book and a cold drink, then go for it! Find your perfect palm tree and soak up the sun, wind down with a yoga class or grab a sundowner at a beachside bar.
Go snorkelling
Mission Beach is a great launching pad for exploring the Great Barrier Reef. With plenty of colourful coral and tropical fish, the best way to witness its magnificence is on a snorkelling or diving trip. Cruise out to the reef, put on your snorkelling gear and dive into the dazzling waters where you can explore one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Explore the local food scene
Take your tastebuds on a delicious self-guided adventure and discover fresh local produce. Highlights include grabbing some fresh bananas from a roadside stall, feasting on tropical fruit and seeing Mission Beach’s cocoa plantation at Charley’s Chocolate Factory. If you want to learn more about how chocolate is made, don’t miss the guided tour of the farm and the factory.
Mission Beach travel FAQs
SMALL GROUP TRAVEL THAT'S GOOD ALL OVER
We're here to do good by creating positive change through the joy of travel.
We're here to do good by creating positive change through the joy of travel.