Mission Beach and the Cassowary Coast

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  5. Mission Beach and the Cassowary Coast

Sitting pretty on the tropical Coast between Cairns and Townsville, Mission Beach is all secluded beaches, soft adventure and juicy, juicy mangoes.

The Cassowary Coast

This is the closest point to the Great Barrier Reef on the mainland and the stretch is nestled between lush rainforest and sandy beachside. At the heart of the Cassowary Coast is Mission Beach which encompasses four separate towns and 14km of palm-fringed beach.

Things to do

Dive the Beaver Cay Marine Sanctuary, kayak to nearby Dunk Island and set up camp overnight or fly along the wet sand of Mission Beach in a blo-kart. Or, do barefoot luxury right in one of seven exclusive villas on Bedarra Island or at a beachfront resort or holiday house.

If you’re up for the challenge of big game fishing for marlin, tuna and barracuda, head to Clump Point jetty and board a fishing charter. And if you’re looking for adrenalin, throw yourself from a plane skydiving or down white-water rapids on the Tully River.

Looking to get back to nature? Hike or mountain bike the Misty Mountains trails once used by the traditional owners, the Jirrbal and Mamu people. Keep watch for the elusive southern cassowary.

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Frankland Group National Park

Deeral, Cairns Area
Free Entry
Surrounded by extensive fringing reefs, the five islands of Frankland Group National Park feature rocky outcrops, dense rainforest, mangroves and coastal vegetation, making them a haven for wildlife. A colony of spectacled flying-foxes roosts on Russell Island, while manta rays and sea turtles have been spotted in nearby waters, part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Lake Eacham, Crater Lakes National Park

Lake Eacham,
Free Entry
A serene blue lake surrounded by lush rainforest, Lake Eacham in part of Crater Lakes National Park. Take a refreshing dip and then relax in the shade, or wander along the viewing decks for uninterrupted water views.

Josephine Falls, Wooroonooran National Park

Bartle Frere, Cairns Area
Free Entry
Josephine Creek starts as a gentle trickle high on the south-east side of the summit of Queensland's highest mountain, Bartle Frere. By the time it has travelled the 7.5 kilometres to the smooth granite boulders of Josephine Falls, it is a thundering torrent that will take your breath away.

Frankland Islands Dive Site

East Russell, Cairns Area
Located south of Cairns, the Frankland Islands don’t see as many tourists as other destinations off this busy holiday city, making it the perfect destination for the snorkeler and less experienced diver.

Lake Koombooloomba

Koombooloomba,
Free Entry
Kareeya power station was commissioned in 1999, and was developed in line with principles of environmentally sustainable development. Its location at Lake Koombooloomba in Far North Queensland's Wet Tropics World Heritage Area finally put into use infrastructure established when the dam was constructed in 1960.

Millaa Millaa Falls

Millaa Millaa,
Free Entry
Millaa Millaa Falls are magnificent waterfalls surrounded by lush rainforest located on the Waterfalls Circuit, along with Zillie and Ellinjaa Falls. The falls cascade perfectly to a pristine waterhole below where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool water.

Licuala State Forest

Mission Beach, Cassowary Coast Area
Free Entry
Licuala State Forest boasts several enjoyable walking tracks. Enjoy the native wildlife of the area as you walk around the forest…the Ulysses butterfly, cassowaries and green tree frogs. Be sure to look upwards to enjoy the sunlight shining through the beautiful palm leaves…it's truly remarkable!

Paronella Park

Mena Creek, Cassowary Coast Area
From AU$46 - 46
Everyone has a dream. José Paronella's dream became a reality. On five hectares beside Mena Creek Falls he built his castle, a picnic area by the falls, tennis courts, bridges, a tunnel, and wrapped it up in an amazing range of 7,500 tropical plants and trees.

Russell River National Park

Bramston Beach, Cairns Area
Free Entry
Paperbarks and mangrove forests line the many creeks and rivers in tranquil, unspoiled Russell River National Park. Part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage area, the park sits near the estuary of the Russell and Mulgrave rivers and is a fisher's paradise.

Beaver Reef Dive Site

Mission Beach, Cassowary Coast Area
Beaver Reef is one of the most popular dive sites off Mission Beach with coral gardens, bommies and sloping coral walls in depths to 22 metres. Off the southern side of the reef is a site called Shark Alley.
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