Mission Beach Destination-Information Listings

Mission Beach

Mission Beach is a relaxed, yet vibrant beachfront town with over 14 kilometres of magnificent golden sandy beaches. Here two World Heritage areas, The Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest, come together to form a tropical paradise. In many places, the rainforest literally fringes stretches of pristine golden beach, giving the destination a reputation as an ideal holiday choice. The Great Barrier Reef is only 38 kilometres away making Mission Beach the closest mainland access to the Reef, just an hour or so away by boat. There are four villages that are collectively known as Mission Beach: South Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach, North Mission Beach and Bingil Bay. Less than 5 kilometres offshore, Dunk Island and Bedarra Island make up an aquatic playground that is renowned along the coast of Queensland. Fourteen kilometres of palm-fringed beach connect these four small townships, from Kennedy Bay in the south, to Garners Beach in the north, a favourite spot for naturalists. The Edmund Kennedy walking track at the southern end of the beach is part beach, mangrove and rainforest. Several creeks empty their waters at Mission Beach and locals can often be found fishing for barramundi and mangrove jacks. Good fishing is also to be had at Clump Point jetty and the rock wall at Clump Point boat ramp. And for absolute seclusion, try Brooks Beach or Garners Beach at the northern end. It's quite likely that you'll catch a glimpse of the endangered Southern Cassowary in the rainforest nearby. At Mission Beach you'll find a tranquil and very friendly tropical holiday township ideally suited to those who desire a true break from everyday life. It lies about 2 hours' drive south of Cairns.

South Mission Beach

With spectacular views across the sparkling blue water to Dunk Island and World Heritage listed Hinchinbrook Island, South Mission Beach is regarded as one of the most beautiful areas in Tropical North Queensland. Whether you’re on it, under it or looking across it, at South Mission Beach it’s all about the water. Kayak to Dunk Island, fish from the beach, hire a boat and explore, go jet skiing or dive through the coral of the Great Barrier Reef. Adrenalin junkies can go on a tandem skydive over the vast blue ocean and a little inland you can have the thrill of a lifetime on a white water rafting adventure on the Tully River. You can enjoy expansive water views from several lookouts and of course when it all gets too much, you can wind down and relax on a deserted beach. When it’s time to dry off, explore The Wet Tropics rainforest on the spectacular Kennedy Walk or pay a visit to nearby Mission Beach and browse through the art galleries and shops. On the streets of Mission Beach you’ll find restaurants, cafes, beachside bars and takeaways. Accommodation in South Mission Beach ranges from camping to luxury resorts. There are a number of holiday house rentals in the area as well as self-contained units and bungalows. South Mission Beach is just two hours drive south of Cairns. Alternatively a scheduled flight can be taken to nearby Dunk Island followed by a water taxi to the mainland.