Mission Beach and the Cassowary Coast

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  3. Tropical North Queensland Visitor’s Guide
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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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Mamu Tropical Skywalk

Innisfail, Cassowary Coast Area
From AU$21 - 25
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.

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.

Tully Falls and Tully Gorge

Ravenshoe, Tablelands Area
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.

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.

Babinda

Babinda, Cairns Area
The small blue timber building on the corner of Bruce Highway and Monro Street clearly indicates that this community is serious about tourism. This is the official tourist information centre and its location is designed to catch your attention when you enter town.

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.

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.

Curtain Fig Tree

Yungaburra, Tablelands Area
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.

Millstream Falls

Ravenshoe, Tablelands Area
Free Entry
Millstream Falls is reputedly Australia's widest single-drop waterfall. The falls flow over the edge of a columnar basalt lava flow, a legacy of the Atherton Tableland's volcanic past. Millstream Falls National Park is on the western edge of the 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.
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