Mission Beach and the Cassowary Coast

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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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Paronella Park

Mena Creek, Cassowary Coast Area
From AU$47 - 47
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.

Mamu Tropical Skywalk

Innisfail, Cassowary Coast Area
From AU$22 - 26
The Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway is a spectacular walk through the canopy of World Heritage rainforest. It is an iconic tourist attraction in the heart of the Wet Tropics. With a 350 metre long elevated walkway through the canopy, a cantilever, a 37 metre observation tower and more than 1200 metres of walking tracks, this attraction is a must do for anyone visiting the region.

Tully Falls and Tully Gorge

Ravenshoe,
Free Entry
Follow the scenic Tully Falls Road to the spectacular Tully Gorge Lookout. The falls only run in a big wet season, but the walls of raw rock and rainforest which plunge 300 metres (984 feet) down to the Tully River are still an awe-inspiring sight.

Curtain Fig Tree, Yungaburra

Yungaburra,
Free Entry
The Curtain Fig National Park contains the renowned Curtain Fig Tree, an enormous strangler fig tree. Located a short drive out of Yungaburra, a small town in the Atherton Tableland, the giant tree has several aerial roots hanging down from its branches that look like curtains.

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. Featuring outcrops of weathered and eroded green and white metamorphic rock, the islands are part of the coastal mountain range which was separated from the mainland by a rise in sea level 6000 years ago.

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.

Lake Barrine, Crater Lakes National Park

Lake Barrine,
Free Entry
This popular park features a deep crater lake surrounded by cool lush rainforest. Lake Barrine, part of Crater Lakes National Park, is a maar—a crater lake formed by two massive volcanic explosions. Take the short stroll to the giant bull kauri trees or stretch your legs on the longer 5km track around the lake.

Bramston Beach

Bramston Beach, Cairns Area
Bramston Beach is approximately 45 minutes south of Cairns by car. To reach this quiet and relaxed beach, turn left at Mirriwinni, a small township situated on the Bruce Highway. Bramston Beach is a tropical oasis where you can enjoy uninterrupted ocean views and possibly spot a local pod of dolphins that regular cruise the bay.

Mungalli Falls

Mungalli,
Mungalli Falls lies just a short 14 minute drive from Millaa Millaa Falls. Located in an area more famously known for the incredible delicious and bio-dynamic products produced at the nearby dairy, Mungalli Falls remains one of the top natural attractions in this pocket of farmland on the Atherton Tablelands and is the only privately owned world heritage listed waterfall in Queensland.

Malanda

Malanda,
Nestled high in the Atherton Tablelands of Tropical North Queensland and surrounded by lush rainforest, the picturesque village of Malanda seems an unlikely place to find a dairy. But find one you will.
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