Mission Beach is a scenic 2 hour drive South of Cairns and is the gateway to Dunk & Bedarra Islands. Mission Beach Village is a popular holiday destination and the perfect base for exploring the Cassowary Coast.

There is a wide range of accommodation from backpackers, holiday apartments and resorts to private beachfront villas and a great selection of restaurants, cafes & boutiques. For those who appreciate luxury, hilltop accommodation boasting magnificent panoramic views overlooking Dunk Island and the Coral Sea are available.

Mission Beach also has a range of affordable accommodation options just 20 metres from the beach suitable for families and large groups. Pitch a tent on one of the islands or opt for a family cabin at one of the caravan parks at Mission Beach. Backpackers can stay and play, with a choice of accommodation providers; you can also hire out a beach shack, executive apartment or stylishly appointed house.

Activities

For a small village Mission Beach has a lot of activities to offer. Great Barrier Reef trips depart daily as well as skydiving, white water rafting, sea kayaking, mountain biking and rainforest walks.

Several creeks empty their waters at Mission Beach, making it an ideal spot for catching Barramundi and Mangrove Jack. Popular fishing areas include the Clump Point Jetty and boat ramp. If you need a little help to secure your catch, daily charters are available to take you to exclusive fishing grounds abundant with sought after tropical reef and sport fish.

Kayaking tours off the beach and across to Dunk Island are another great way to take in the scenery often sighting dolphins, rays and turtles.

Virtually unspoilt coral reefs await diving enthusiasts and first time snorkellers alike. Snorkellers marvel at colourful living coral, sea turtles, lionfish and giant manta rays. Experienced divers can explore the Lady Bowen shipwreck at 34 metres this is a near untouched dive site for the advanced diver. Spot pods of whales in the region from the months August to November. Local tour companies offer daily tours to the reef and cater for all levels of experience.

Increase the pace and seek out the extreme - head to Tully, the unofficial white water rafting capital of Australia. White water rafting will give you an Instant adrenaline rush as you shoot the rapids of the Tully River Test your strength as you navigate Grade 3 and Grade 4 rapids leaving you energised and soaked

Or if your idea of extreme is at 14,000 feet, local skydiving operators can offer one of the most spectacular skydiving experiences and drop zones in the country, Strap yourself to an instructor and feel the xhilaration of freefall skydiving before parachuting down to the glistening sands of Mission Beach.

Go Wild - Nature Based Tourism

One of the biggest drawcards to Mission Beach is the World Heritage rairlforests of the Wet Tropics. Sixty per cent of Australia's butterflies can be found here, including the magnificent Birdwing and the Ulysses species. Mission Beach is also home to the Southern Cassowary.

Hikers will be tempted by a range of historical and invigorating walks, ranging from strolls to more challenging inclines. Popular tracks include Bicton Hill, Licuala Fan Palm Walk, Edmund Kennedy Walking Track and Lacey's Creek. Discover the secrets of our Indigenous culture and dreamtime places with guided tours to Echo Creek Falls.

Local Culture & Cuisine

Experience the local culture and visit the markets held on the first and third Sunday of each month showcasing local produce, clothing, arts and crafts, Mission Beach is also home to artists and galleries exhibiting local and Australian works. Taste the tropical produce of the region with a swathe of great local restaurants to choose from, Dine at stylish cocktail lounges offering relaxed indoor-outdoor settings by the beach, glorious ocean-front restaurants or treat yourself to a fine-dining experience with local seafood and exotic flavours.

The Islands

Approximately 4km offshore, Dunk and the Family Group of islands make up Mission Beach's aquatic playground. The tropical verge of Dunk Island is wonderful for cool rainforest walks, and day trips to Dunk Island from Mission Beach can be enjoyed with minimum effort.

Searching for exclusivity? When you simply do not wish to be found, when you need to escape and unwind, there is no better place to disappear than Bedarra. Bedarra is an all-inclusive, private, tropical haven – Australia's most unique resort with only eight guest villas, each hidden amongst the rainforest and enjoying spectacular ocean views. The remaining islands of the Family Group include Timana, Wheeler, Coombe, Smith, Bowden and Hudson Islands, Campers can stay on Dunk, Wheeler and Coombe with a permit. There are charter boats available, as well as the water taxi to launch your island escape.

Getting There

Self driving from Cairns is recommended. Transfers can also be arranged from the Cairns Airport or your accommodation.