You’re more likely to spot cassowaries than crowds at Mission Beach
Welcome to Mission Beach, where World Heritage rainforest meets the colorful 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 snorkeling or wind down with a yoga class, Mission Beach is a must-visit on any East Coast adventure.
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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.
Surround yourself with nature
Mission Beach is the perfect base for walking. Grab a sturdy pair of shoes and hit the trails in and around Mission Beach, such as the Kennedy Walking Track, an eight-kilometre return walk that takes in lush tropical landscapes and spectacular coastal views. Add 14 kilometers of beaches to explore, many fringed with swaying palm trees, and you’ve got the perfect trip. Wherever you turn at Mission Beach, it seems there is 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.
Snorkel at Mission Beach
Mission Beach is an excellent point for exploring the Great Barrier Reef. With plenty of colorful coral and a fantastic array of tropical fish, the best way to witness its magnificence is on a snorkeling or diving adventure through this underwater paradise. Cruise out to the reef, put on your snorkeling gear and dive into the dazzling waters where you can explore a wonderfully rich ecosystem of coral and marine animals, including plenty of turtles.
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.
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