Mission Beach

Mission Beach Visitor Information

Mission Beach is a pleasant 90 minutes’ drive south of Cairns city thru lush green fields of sugar cane and craggy rainforest mountains and a destination holiday makers must visit even if for just one day. Mission Beach is so pretty with its barely touched natural surroundings which provide a home to some of the worlds most endangered animals such as the Cassowary and Sea Turtles.

Getting There

From north (Cairns) follow the Bruce Highway, turn off at El Arish and follow Cassowary Drive into Mission Beach (16km.)

From south (Townsville) turn off at the Bruce Highway north of Tully and it is approximately 26km to Mission Beach.

Climate

Mission Beach has a tropical climate. The green season is often between December and March where temperatures are warmer and the air is humid but frequently cooled down by the evening rain storms. The drier cooler season is from May to September where temperatures range from about 18–28 Celsius.

Things to Do - Things to See in Mission Beach

• White water rafting Tully River
• Skydive the Beach Mission Beach
• Dive & Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
• Paronella Park
• See the wildlife such as the rare Cassowary
• Rainforest Hiking
• Rainforest waterfalls and swimming holes 
• Visit Dunk Island 
• Deserted beaches
• Wineries
• Chocolate factory

Other Areas in the Mission Beach Region

Dunk Island

Just off the Coast of Mission Beach, Dunk Island is Australia’s most stunning tropical rainforest island. Dunk Island, also known as ‘Coonanglebah’ — the island of peace and plenty — is a unique island setting with many activities and areas to explore. Three quarters of Dunk Island is national park, full of flora and fauna including the famous electric blue Ulysses butterfly — one of Australia’s largest and most beautiful butterflies. The island is sketched with beautiful walking tracks, coral rimmed shoreline and palm fringed beaches.  Day trips to Dunk Island are available from Mission Beach so you can enjoy a tranquil day on the sands of the island.  Currently the resort is closed however you are still able to camp - must be prebooked. 

Dunk Island Food and Entertainment

Currently the Restaurant is closed due to rebuilding.  The Beachcomber Restaurant specialises in fresh tropical cuisine. This restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers a la carte and buffet themed meals. The Plantation Bar and Deck features a brasserie-style menu that includes salads, sandwiches, pastas and Asian cuisine. This venue has a sultry tropical ambiance and is open 11am ‘til late, 6 days a week.

Dunk Island Accommodation

Currently Dunk Island Resort is closed due to rebuilding - Day Trips and Campers are still welcomed.  While staying at Dunk Island check out Dunk Island Resort and stay in a beachfront suite, a beachfront room or a garden room. The resort facilities include indoor and outdoor tennis courts, gym, beach volleyball, badminton, pools, snorkelling, golf, tennis lessons... and the list continues. This resort is a perfect place for conferences and weddings. Dunk Island Resort is an attraction in its own right and has something for everyone.  Ride a horse on the beach, play a round of golf, rent a catamaran and cruise the Coral Sea or try a tandem sky dive. Dunk Island is a family-friendly island and offers a kids’ club and a child minding facility where the kids will have just as much fun as mum and dad! The island of ‘peace and plenty’ cleverly moulds serenity and action into a holiday experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. 

Getting to Dunk Island

There is a regular sea taxi service from Mission Beach.

Bedarra Island

Disappear off the face of this world to Bedarra Island — what would you do if you had a tropical island to yourself? If you are looking for pure luxury and isolation look no further. Bedarra Island holds a maximum of 32 guests that can be accommodated in 16 beach villas. Bedarra Island is a perfect spot for a romantic island wedding, or, for a tropical conference, Bedarra Island offers unspoilt seclusion. Enjoy activities such as sailing, snorkelling, fishing, walks and taste the fresh seafood that the resident chefs cook up with different menus every day. For the lucky few who can savour the luxuries of life, this splendid island is five-star in every way.

Getting to Bedarra Island

Fly to Dunk Island then take a short 20 minute boat trip to Bedarra Island. Or, from Mission Beach, take a ferry to dunk island and then from Dunk Island to Bedarra Island. Private helicopter are also available.