Mission Beach - Tropical North Queensland Holiday Destination
Mission Beach is comprised of a 14 kilometre stretch of golden sandy beach nestled between two World Heritage Listed areas, the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. From Mission Beach it's only a 4km journey to Dunk Island on the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest literally borders the beach at some points. It's a small beach town that's located just under 2 hours north of Cairns and is perfect for a day trip or a longer stay.
There's four villages that make up Mission Beach and they are South Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach, North Mission Beach and Bingil Bay. Each place offers a different vibe with lots of different activities for those that are into extreme sports to more relaxed activities like lying on white sand beaches or enjoying the ecology of the oldest rainforest on earth.
Mission Beach Accommodation
Because there are four separate villages that make up Mission Beach there are a huge variety of accommodation options. There's gorgeous beachside holiday homes, ultra luxurious resorts, rainforest eco lodges, small B&B's, cheap backpackers, caravan parks and modern villas. If you are here for a big family trip or a romantic getaway there will be something to suit all your needs and budgets. Browse through the Mission Beach accommodation available online.
Things to Do or Places to Visit in Mission Beach
Beach Skydive Over Mission Beach
Get the ultimate adrenaline rush with a skydive over the breathtaking Mission Beach. Soar to an incredible 15,000 feet, taking in panoramic views of the Great Barrier Reef and lush rainforest before freefalling towards the pristine beach below. This full-day adventure includes round-trip transportation from Cairns, a delicious meal, free bike hire, and plenty of time to relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings.
Tropical Dunk Island Half Day Activity
Escape to paradise on a half-day Dunk Island adventure! This local favorite whisks you away to a world of secluded beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and lush rainforests. Immerse yourself in the beauty of this World Heritage Island, just a short boat ride from Mission Beach. With a small group of 10 people and light snacks included, this intimate experience lets you truly connect with this tropical gem. Relax and unwind at a beachfront cafe (open weekends) before returning to the mainland with unforgettable memories.
Mission Beach is one of those picture perfect beachside towns that will have you feeling laid back and relaxed within minutes of your arrival. But don't worry if you don't feel like grabbing a good beach read and heading to the sand there's plenty of other options for you to enjoy. Ski-diving seems to be one of the must do's when coming to Mission Beach and it's a thrilling rush as you float back down to earth and look out over one of the seven wonders of the natural world. It's also a pretty great way to get a lay of the land.
South Mission Beach is the jumping off point to Dunk Island, Bedarra Island the Family Group Islands. You'll also find boat hire places here which are great as you can explore the island's at your own pace. You can also pick up a rod and reel and fish straight from the beach which is a relaxing way to spend the evening watching the sun go down and catching your dinner.
Wongaling Beach will also give you great views of Dunk Island and is actually the closest point to the island itself. Dunk Island is only located 4km off the coast so you can even jump into a kayak and paddle out there by yourself. It's a wonderful experience and once you get there you can fish and explore the island. If you don't think you're up to the paddle journey then you can hire a water taxi to take you to the resort island. There's a number of beachfront bars along Wongaling Beach so after a hard day of lying on the sand you can enjoy a cold beer while looking out over the glistening Coral Sea and its islands.
North Mission Beach is the local hangout and so has the best coffee shops, cafes, restaurants and bars in Mission Beach. So, instead of beach hopping you can hop from breakfast to lunch and then out to dinner and drinks. There's also a number of art galleries and boutiques to keep you out of the sun and shopping!
Bingil Bay has an alternative vibe which will remind you a little of New South Wales' Byron Bay. It's a beautiful spot for musicians, writers and artists and it's no wonder why when there is such natural beauty around. Along the beach are gorgeous parklands with barbeques and picnic tables so you can enjoy some of your own alfresco dining. There's also a popular trail which takes you up Bicton Hill. This will give you amazing views of Dunk, Hinchinbrook and Barnard Island - especially at sunset.
Getting to Mission Beach
Drive south from Cairns for an hour and a half and you'll find yourself in Mission Beach so it's perfect for a day trip or you might decide you want to hang around a little longer. There's also an airport shuttle that will take you from Cairns Airport or Cairns City and take you to your accommodation in Mission Beach.