Explore Mission Beach™

Where the Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef

Mission Beach is one of Tropical Far North Queensland’s best-kept secrets. Positioned on 14km of pristine golden beaches, Mission Beach is one of only two places in Australia where two World Heritage areas meet, the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. This makes for a truly unique holiday, weekend getaway or romantic escape.

Mission Beach is the birth place of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMPA) with the great work done by John Büsst at the heritage listed Ninney Rise in Bingil Bay. Büsst organized the 'Save the Reef' and rainforest campaigns though out the 1960s and early 1970s. It was these campaigns led to the declaration of the world’s largest marine park, the formation of GBRMPA, and the eventual declaration of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area by UNSECO.

The area is home to the Cassowary, which is the 3rd largest bird in the world standing up to 2 meters tall, and is only found in Far North Queensland and some parts of New Guinea and is the keystone of the rainforest, eating over 200 types of rainforest plants. These magnificent birds may well have walked with the dinosaurs 10's of millions of years ago. Please be Cass 'O' wary when driving though the area, not just due to the damage they can do to your car, they are a highly endangered animal with only around 1000 in the wild. And please do not feed them, as a fed bird is a dead bird.

To make the most of Mission Beach’s stunning tropical area, there are a range of activities to enjoy including World Heritage rainforest walks where you can get to see a Cassowary in the wild, if you are lucky, bird watching, fishing, boating, kayaking, diving, snorkelling, explore one of the many islands or just sit back on the golden beaches and relax. Find an island to explore, if you see anyone else, it's crowded.

Mission Beach is also the closest departure point to the Great Barrier Reef on the East Coast of Australia. Snorkel or SCUBA dive pristine coral reefs of the Coral Sea. This aquatic playground is home to turtles, lionfish, whales, and giant rays, and snorkelers are often able to catch sight of these splendid sea creatures. Mission Beach also features the Lady Bowen shipwreck, at 34 metres this provides a near untouched dive site for the advanced diver.

Less than 4km offshore, Dunk Is and the Family Group of islands make up Mission Beach’s aquatic playground. The tropical verge of Dunk Island is wonderful for cool rainforest walks, and climbing the summit of Mount Kootaloo will reward you with stunning views. Day trips to Dunk Island from Mission Beach can be enjoyed with minimum effort and there is a range of activities available to keep visitors entertained.

For a totally different perspective of beautiful Mission Beach local skydiving operators offer one of the most spectacular skydiving experiences and drop zones in the world, landing on the beaches of Mission Beach from 14,000 feet for 60 seconds of pure freefalling fun, you have to do it to see what it feels like and you will feel like you can do anything.

Only 30 minutes drive inland is Tully, the unofficial white water rafting capital of Australia. The Tully River features Grade 3 and Grade 4 rapids for those seeking the full day of extreme adventure.

Mission Beach has earned a reputation as a haven for rest and relaxation. The region also boasts a range of unique and exciting attractions only a short drive from Mission Beach including the famous Paronella Park and many waterfalls.

Whether you are seeking solitude and seclusion for a quiet getaway, an action packed adventure, a family holiday or romantic retreat, Mission Beach has something to offer everyone and find a paradise unlike any other place.