Where to go
This quiet stretch of the Tropical North Queensland coast is the closest point to the Great Barrier Reef on the mainland. Flanked by lush rainforest, the dreamy beachside enclave of Mission Beach is at its heart.
Mission Beach is uncommercialised and full of genuine locals who will let you in on their secret swimming holes or have a chat in the bar
Nancy Lowe – Mission Beach Dive
Running from Cairns to Cardwell, the Cassowary Coast is one of the undiscovered gems of Queensland, a quiet stretch of coastline bordered by the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Mission Beach (actually four separate towns spread along a 14km stretch of palm-fringed beach) is at its heart. Despite its popularity, the town has retained a dreamy, laid-back vibe and the welcoming locals are never outnumbered by tourists.
Mission Beach was the birthplace of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and is the closest access point for the reef, less than 40km offshore. It’s a quiet, uncrowded area of the reef and you’re unlikely to have to share your snorkelling or diving spot with any other boats.
The Family Group of Islands are just a few kilometres off the coast from Mission Beach. Camp overnight on uninhabited Coombe and Wheeler islands, hike through the rainforest on Dunk Island, or indulge in a luxurious resort stay on Bedarra Island. The islands are easily accessible via a water taxi or charter boat from Mission Beach.
The area around Mission Beach is home to one of the highest concentrations of the endangered cassowary in Australia. These large flightless birds can be spotted walking through fields and gardens, and even occasionally swimming across rivers.
About 90km south of Cairns, Innisfail is a colourful town at the confluence of the North and South Johnstone rivers. The picturesque spot is surrounded by green sugar plantations, fruit fields and wild rainforest. Innisfail is the art deco capital of Australia and there are free weekly walking tours that take in the significant buildings of the city centre.
There’s plenty for the more adventurous at heart, too: the Cassowary Coast is the launchpad to white-water rafting down the Tully River (about 50km inland from Mission Beach), or you can skydive over the reef and rainforest from Mission Beach. You’ll also find an extensive network of mountain biking and hiking trails through the stunning Wet Tropics rainforest.
You’ll see lots of roadside fruit stalls around the region. Take what you like and leave your money in the honesty box. This region is the banana capital of Australia, so delicious bananas are usually plentiful.
Soak in a natural spa pool. The 26km Cardwell Forest Drive loops through the Girringun National Park, known for its spectacular waterfalls and secluded swimming holes. Be sure to have a soak in the Spa Pool, a rock pool with a natural depression that causes the water to bubble like a Jacuzzi.
The Mission Beach Markets are held on the first and third Sunday of the month right beside the beach, which has fantastic views of the offshore islands. You’ll find everything from local produce and plants to second-hand clothes, crafts, books and jewellery.
Be aware of the environment around you. From October to June, dangerous marine stingers (including box jellyfish) are found in the ocean off Mission Beach. During this time, swim only within netted areas.
There are plenty of hidden treasures tucked away along the Cassowary Coast, from secret beaches and snorkelling spots to secluded waterfalls and laid-back villages.
Mother Nature sees your backyard swimming pool and raised you her take on it with these waterfalls and swimming spots– each perfectly moulded and best explored with a sense of adventure.
Spanning 457km down Australia’s East Coast, the drive from Cairns to Townsville encompasses waterfalls, wetlands, mountains, and plenty of friendly country towns.
Tasting your way along the Cassowary Coast’s bountiful tropical food trail will satisfy any food lovers appetite. From orchards laden with exotic fruits to seafood buffets on tropical islands, you’ll be making all sorts of stops along the way. So pack your hampers and make room in your car boot, we’re taking you foraging!
With lush, ancient rainforest on one side, and the world’s largest coral reef on the other, Mission Beach and the Cassowary Coast boast a spectacular hidden world. Donning some of the region’s best accessible adventures, there’s more than one way to explore this off-the-beaten-track slice of paradise.
Drive one hour south of Cairns and you’ll enter the region known as the Cassowary Coast. It’s an area that embodies all that people love about Tropical North Queensland…no crowds, no rush and definitely no stress!! Here’s adventures in Mission Beach & the Cassowary Coast that the whole family will enjoy.
The Misty Mountain trails consist of a number of scenic rides from the coast to the rainforest. Ride the wilderness tracks and explore the Cassowary Coast with these hot hints.
Cardwell Spa Pool is a naturally-fed, seasonal creek that shot to stardom on social media in 2016. Ever since, people have been adding it to their holiday itinerary but there are a few things you might not know about this idyllic swimming spot.
The Sunshine State might have 900 tropical islands off its coastline, but there’s one stretch of coast that’s overrepresented when it comes to idyllic island-oasis. Enter Southern Cairns and the Cassowary Coast, whose offshore attractions are as much of a drawcard as its mainland namesake.
Mission Beach would be better referred to as Mission Beaches with its 14km stretch of sand interlinking three beaches and four villages. Lesser known are the smaller beaches and coves that make up a huge part of its charming appeal.
Take a break from pedalling to stop and smell the roses… or in this case, the heliconias, at these incredible detours from Cairns to the Cassowary Coast.
Whether you’re out to catch a barra, hike Australia’s largest island National Park or adventure your way through a scenic 4WD track, Cardwell is the perfect launch pad for an outdoorsy weekend with a friendly local twist.
Snuggly tucked along the Cassowary Coast, Mission Beach and its 14 kms of golden beaches are one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. Here are all the reasons why.
Babinda, Paronella Park, Atherton Tablelands
This jam-packed two day itinerary will take you through southern Cairns to the magical Paronella Park and up to the Atherton Tablelands to treat your tastebuds to an abundance of local produce.
View itineraryKurrimine Beach to Innisfail
Discover the unique delights of the Cassowary Coast region as you pass historic towns and sugar-cane fields on the Canecutter Way from Kurrimine Beach to Innisfail.
View itineraryTownsville to Cairns
Stretching between Cairns and Townsville, this under-the-radar route can be completed in four hours, but is best enjoyed over a couple of days so you can soak up the region’s spectacular natural assets and relaxed friendly vibe.
View itinerarySelf-drive or hire a car to uncover the secrets of the Cassowary Coast. The road is completely sealed and is two-wheel drive accessible.
Greyhound Australia and Premier Motor Service operate daily departures from Brisbane to Cairns, via Cardwell, Tully, Mission Beach and Innisfail. Additional fare options are available into Brisbane from major and regional centres around the country with forward travel to Tropical North Queensland a popular option.
Take the Dunk Island Water Taxi to Dunk and Bedarra Islands. Transfer services operate between Cardwell and Hinchinbrook Island.
Queensland Railway’s Spirit of Queensland and Tilt Train operate to Tully; then take a coach to Mission Beach.
Relax and unwind surrounded by nature.
While you’re in the area, see what’s on nearby.
Amazing food events, farm trails, cooking competitions, and a huge market day extravaganza.
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