Cairns Connect Overview
Mission Beach could appear on any postcard requiring a long sandy beach lined with palm trees. It is definitely a place to stop and enjoy if you are coastal person. There is no real centre to Mission Beach as it is spread over a 14km coastal stretch. An impressive Dunk Island sits off the coast just to make the picture even more perfect. There is plenty of accommodation, a few scattered restaurants and convenience stores and Tully is only about a 30 minute drive away.

Population
Approximately 1000

Distance from closest major city
Approximately 165 km south from Cairns (turnoff is well sign posted on the Bruce Highway (Highway One))

History
On the 21st of May 1948 the sailing ship, Rattlesnake, landed at Tam O'Shanter Point on the Southern side of Mission Beach. Explorer Edmund Kennedy and his party started their disastrous trek to Cape York. All but three members of the 13 man party were killed and Edmund Kennedy himself was speared to death at the base of Cape York. In 1914 the Queensland Government established an Aboriginal Mission to house local people, hence the name.

Main Industry
Tourism has rapidly become the main industry in and around the Mission Beach area. Dunk Island is a well known international tourist destination. There is also quite a lot of farming of tropical fruits and vegetables, crayfish and prawn farming and of course sugar cane.

Feel of the town
Mission Beach is an area rather than one particular place. It encompasses a number of beachside communities including Bingil Bay, Wongaling Beach, South Mission Beach and Garners Beach. There is no real centre to the region however Mission Beach itself has a few shops, restaurants and a travel agency. This is also where the coaches stop so it has become the centre of town. Mission Beach is very laid back, with long deserted beaches and plenty of ocean front accommodation. It is a very popular weekend getaway destination for Cairns and Townsville residents.

Things To See And Do
There are a series of well sign posted walking tracks throughout the area. They go through some very picturesque countryside. Tam O'Shanter National Park is quite unusual as it is rainforest predominantly filled with Fan Palms. If there is a chance of seeing a Cassowary, Mission Beach is the place that it will happen. Some other popular walking tracks include the Licuala track (2 hrs), Lacey Creek (30mins), Bicton Hill Lookout (1.5 hrs) and the 7km return Edmund Kennedy Walk. Fishing is popular and the waters are reasonably well sheltered. Horse riding, white water rafting and parachuting are all available in Mission Beach. Day cruises to Dunk Island depart from Clump Point Jetty. Paronella Park is a short drive from Mission Beach. Cruises to the Great Barrier Reef also depart from Clump Point Jetty daily. Coral Coaches have scheduled coach departures from Cairns to Mission Beach daily.

» Visit Tours To Go’s range of Mission Beach tours

Dunk Island
Dunk Island is a large continental style Island, part of the Family Group of Islands which also includes Bedarra Island (a well known hideaway for the rich and famous). Whether you are staying on Dunk Island or simply visiting for the day there are excellent facilities available including water sports, pools, showers and toilets, BBQ areas, restaurants and takeaway food. There is a camping area on the Island. Permits are obtained from the water sports office on the resort.

Places to Eat and Stay
There is a lot of accommodation available in Mission Beach. There are motels, hostels, resorts, cabins, B&B's, farmstay and self contained apartments. Prices are reasonable depending on the season. Mission Beach and the surrounds tend to get busy during the school holidays. If you are holidaying at this time we suggest that you book ahead. At other times you can easily arrive at Mission Beach and find a place to stay. Most accommodation properties have specials for stand by business. Each beach has a number of restaurants and takeaway type food shops. Dunk Island has its own resort.

Services
Mission Beach has a small shopping area which has basic services such as a convenience store, butcher, bank, newsagent and chemist. Wongaling Beach and South Mission Beach each have there own convenience shops.

Mission Beach Visitor Centre - Telephone (07) 4068 7099