Mission Beach, QLD
14 kilometres of pristine Pacific Ocean coastline. This quiet town is far from sleepy when it comes to reef and rainforest adventures.
Where To Stay In Mission Beach
Mission Beach Hideaway Village is located right in the heart of town, set one street back from the iconic sandy beach. They offer powered and unpowered sites as well as a range of cabins and rainforest villas. Families with kids will appreciate the large pool surrounded by tall palm trees.
Where To Eat & Drink In Mission Beach
When heading out for a coffee or a bite to eat in Mission Beach, you’ll never feel like you’re in a rush. This seaside oasis is made for leisurely breakfasts and long lunches that turn into cocktails on a white-sand beach.
We recommend starting the morning at Joey's, a casual outdoor cafe just a 10-minute stroll from the Hideaway Village. It’s great coffee with mostly shared tables under palms. If you’re after something a little different and don’t mind venturing out to the edge of town, try Glows’ Garden Cafe. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better brekkie burrito in Far North Queensland and the cafe is a lovely garden setting.
For a late lunch or dinner, The Garage Bar and Brewhouse hits the spot. It’s modern Aussie classics; burgers, fresh seafood, cold beer on tap. Otherwise, pop in next door to Mad Pizza. Enjoy one of their stone-baked pizzas, how it’s enjoyed the best way – straight out of the box and eaten by the sea.
Lastly, there’s nothing better than a Queensland pub. Mission Beach Tavern offers what you’d expect - large meals, ice-cold beer and friendly staff. There are two large pool tables where you can challenge the locals who usually hold court.
What To Do In Mission Beach
See above regarding taking the opportunity to slow down. Laid-back beach time anywhere along the 14 kilometres of palm-lined white-sand coastline is as good as any activity here. Enjoy those stunning postcard views of Dunk Island. That said, there are also a range of rainforest and marine adventures to find your groove.
Hop on the 15-minute Ferry for a day trip to Dunk Island. Take your own picnic and gear or book a tour with lunch and snorkelling included.
Mission Beach is nestled right on the edge of the Wet Tropics rainforest, which means epic nature walks and wildlife encounters are just part of the experience. Keep your eyes peeled for cassowaries (Australia’s heaviest bird). You’re most likely to spot one on the shaded tracks that wind through Licuala and Djiru National Parks. Seeing one up close is unforgettable (and a little surreal).
Naturally, we must mention the Great Barrier Reef. This region is one of the closest mainland points to the reef and tours from Mission Beach are much quieter than the ones you’ll find in Cairns which is ideal for those looking for a more low-key personal snorkelling or scuba diving experience. You can expect clear water, bright coral and the occasional sea turtle or reef shark to swim by.
The Essentials in Mission Beach
Mission Beach is small but well-equipped with the essentials. There’s a Woolworths supermarket right in the centre of town, so you can stock up and self-cater at your cabin or campsite. In the same complex, there’s also a pharmacy – sunscreen and insect repellent are essential when visiting the region. For campers and fishers needing gear, there is a Mitre 10 Hardware Store not far from the Hideaway Village.
The Drive To Mission Beach
Regardless of whether you’re coming from up north or down south, getting to Mission Beach will see you drive through cane fields, rainforest-fringed roads and sleepy tropical towns.
From Cairns - A 140km straight drive south along the Bruce Highway. Stop at Babinda Boulders or Josephine Falls to break up the trip.
From Townsville - Head north 235km up the Bruce Highway passing through Ingham, Cardwell and Tully.
From Rockhampton - A big day on the road or an easier two-day trip (715km). Iconic overnight stops could be Airlie Beach or Mackay. The scenery will gradually change from wide farmland to lush tropical rainforest as you head north.
