Mission Beach
Welcome to Mission Beach, an unspoilt tropical paradise of World Heritage-listed rainforest, golden, sandy beaches and the closest departure point to the Great Barrier Reef, Dunk Island and Bedarra Island.
Popular activites: Mission Beach Diving, Mission Beach Snorkelling, Mission Beach Rafting, Mission Beach Kayaking, Mission Beach Spa, Mission Beach Sightseeing, Mission Beach Wilderness, Mission Beach Bush Walking, Mission Beach Birding, Mission Beach Winery & Distillery, Mission Beach Guided Tour, Mission Beach Produce, Mission Beach Drive, Mission Beach Wildlife Spotting, Mission Beach Learn to Dive, Mission Beach Cruise, Mission Beach World Heritage.
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Mission Beach is a two hour drive south of Cairns
One of Cairns and Great Barrier Reef’s best kept secrets, Mission Beach is a two hour, 140 kilometre drive south of Cairns international and domestic airport. You can get to Mission Beach by driving along one of the Great Tropical Drive trails or from Townsville. The 14 kilometre coast of Mission Beach is made up of three named beaches; South Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach and Bingil Bay. Traditionally a quiet seaside town, Mission Beach is sometimes referred to as the “Cassowary Coast” in recognition of the largest population of the critically endangered Southern Cassowaries, who reside here.
Mission Beach is the only place on the east coast of Australia where you can set sail in the sand and on the sea and is also the ideal location to get your heart pumping with adventure activities like skydiving, wind surfing and white water rafting available in the area.
Local Highlights
Lady Bowen Shipwreck
The Lady Bowen shipwreck is an adventure dive off the coast of Mission Beach. With coral formations and a multitude of marine life including giant groupers, lionfish, sea snakes, turtles, sharks and huge rays; it is certainly a dive not to be missed!
Walking Trails
Explore Mission Beach’s history and wilderness on a variety of walking trails and hikes. From leisurely strolls to challenging inclines, popular tracks include Bicton Hill, Licuala Fan Palm Walk, Edmund Kennedy Walking track and Lacey’s Creek.
Wheeler & Coombe Islands
Imagine a whole island all to yourself. This could be a reality on the Great Barrier Reef’s Wheeler or Coombe Islands. Camping only, prices start from $5 per night.
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Local Markets
Friendly markets showcasing locally grown tropical fruit and fresh produce, visual art, craft, jewellery, music, Australiana products, and souvenirs as well as live music and buskers are the main shopping highlight of Mission Beach. The main Monster Markets are held in Marcs Park on the 4th Sunday every month and are complemented by the morning Beach Markets held on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month.
The Village Green complex in North Mission Beach is the town’s main shopping precinct showcasing a variety of fashion and swimwear boutiques, a visual arts gallery, health food shop, restaurants, beauty salon and other miscellaneous retailers. Visitors often exclaim about the wonderful ‘surprises’ they pick up in Village Green shops.
Where to Eat
Tropical and exotic fruits and fruit wines rate as the number one dining highlight of Mission Beach. You can attend a Tropical Fruit Tastings at the Mission Beach Visitor Information Centre from 1-2pm every Monday and Tuesday from February 2012 or join a fun and educational fruit farm tour.
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