Mission Beach Travel Guide
Mission Beach is situated on Queensland’s Cassowary Coast between the two cities of Cairns and Townsville, right in the heart of Tropical North Queensland. Its four little coastal communities, Bingil Bay, Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach and South Mission Beach, all of which have a lovely bit of beach going on, share a whopping 14 kilometres of sandy coastline, with World Heritage rainforest literally just steps from the Coral Sea.
There’s hardly any space between the forest and water up here. You’ve got the Family Islands sitting offshore, the Great Barrier Reef out beyond them, and those majestic cassowaries roaming the surrounding rainforest.
- 3 hours
- 180 min. (approx.)
- $ 69,00 AUD
- $ 59,00 AUD
- 16 Days
- 18:00 - 18:00
- $ 11,750 AUD
- $ 10,750 AUD
- 14 Days / 13 Nights
- 18:00 / 10:00
- $ 8,790 AUD
- $ 8,490 AUD
- Half day
- 5 hours (approx.)
- $ 92,00 AUD
- $ 82,00 AUD
- 2 hours (approx.)
- 120 min
- $ 42,00 AUD
- $ 32,00 AUD
Laid-Back Tropical Sanctuary
The coastline sort of drifts its way along rather than all piling into one resort centre — a lovely feeling of space. Bingil Bay Beach is a quieter choice, and the nearby Garners Beach is one of those hidden gems; Mission Beach village has the highest concentration of cafes and restaurants; Wongaling Beach is a mid-point sort of affair; and South Mission Beach looks right out over the Family Islands National Park.
This coastline has a really mellow vibe. Tropical rainforest comes right up close to a long stretch of beach, with the Wet Tropics right behind you and the Coral Sea out in the ocean.
FAQ
Is Mission Beach worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you like a low-key tropical Queensland experience without the hustle and bustle of a big resort. I think what really draws people in is the combination of a long beach, World Heritage-listed rainforest, the chance to see wild cassowaries, Dunk Island and reef and island experiences, all in one spot.
How long do you need in Mission Beach?
Honestly, you can get away with 2 to 3 days. Two days should give you a good taster of the coast and rainforest plus one of the main activities, and a third day gives you room to do an island trip, the Tully River rapids or a skydive without feeling rushed.
Where is Mission Beach?
Mission Beach is on the Cassowary Coast in Queensland, between Cairns and Townsville. You get to the region via the Bruce Highway, and the communities are strung out along the coast, so you’ve got Bingil Bay, Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach and South Mission Beach pretty much on tap.
Can you see cassowaries at Mission Beach?
Yes, although you never know in advance when you’ll spot one. The birds live in the surrounding rainforest habitat, and sometimes they come out of the trees and move through roadsides and residential areas, so just be sure to keep your distance and never feed them.
What are the best things to do in Mission Beach?
You can explore the long tropical coastline, take a wander through the rainforest, try to catch a glimpse of cassowaries, take a boat over to Dunk Island, skydive over the coast or go white water rafting down the Tully River — the choice is pretty wide open. You can also enjoy kayaking, fishing and local markets or simply slow down and spend some time on the beach.
Popular Places to Visit
Experience The Best Of Brisbane
The river is the natural place to start. Ferries and bridges connect the two banks, while riverside walking paths lead between gardens, restaurants and city views.
South Bank Parklands sits directly opposite the Brisbane CBD, bringing together around 15 hectares of parkland, Streets Beach and the Queensland Cultural Centre. Across the river, Queen Street Mall and the 18-hectare City Botanic Gardens offer a mix of busy city streets and quieter waterfront spaces.
Kangaroo Point has some of the best views of the Brisbane skyline and Story Bridge. Nearby, Howard Smith Wharves brings dining and riverside spaces beneath the bridge. New Farm, Fortitude Valley and West End add another mix of parkland, nightlife, leafy streets and charming cafés.
