Mission Beach is the quietest stop on the east coast between Townsville and Cairns: 14 kilometres of palm-lined beach between rainforest and reef, wild southern cassowaries and skydives with a beach landing. Here you'll find all the checked spots from our map with tips.
Mission Beach lies off the Bruce Highway; coaches run into town. It's about two hours from Cairns. The villages along the beach are linked by a local bus; for the hinterland a car helps.
May to October is the dry season, with pleasant temperatures and no jellyfish. From November to May only swim in the stinger net. The region is one of the wettest in Australia — very wet in the wet season.
A small hostel on the beach in Wongaling, relaxed and cheap.
14 kilometres of palm-lined beach between rainforest and reef — one of the most relaxed beaches on the east coast. From November to May only swim in the stinger net. Be sure to read the crocodile warning below.
Safety: Crocodile territory. Take the yellow warning signs at rivers, creeks and beaches seriously, and don't swim at river mouths.
A rainforest island a few minutes off the coast, reachable by water taxi. A walking track leads to the summit with views back to the coast. Most beautiful from May to October.
A loop of about four kilometres through rainforest up Clump Mountain, with views over the coast. Steep — take water and start in the morning.
A short path through a forest of fan palms — home to the rare southern cassowary. Early morning gives you the best chance of an encounter. Free. Note the cassowary advice below.
Safety: Cassowaries can cause serious injuries with their claws. Never approach or feed them, keep your distance and back away slowly.
A small village centre with cafés and hostels right on the beach. The quietest stop on the east coast — good for catching your breath between Airlie Beach and Cairns.
A tandem jump from several kilometres up, with views over the reef and islands, landing right on the beach. Expensive, but for many the highlight of the trip.
Around Tully and Innisfail there's work on banana farms all year — one way to do the 88 days for the second visa. Only work with payslips and a valid employer ABN.
Most likely early in the morning in the Licuala Palm Forest and along roads in the hinterland. Always keep your distance and never feed them.
From May to October yes; from November to May only in the stinger net. The region is crocodile territory — never swim at river or creek mouths.
Yes, on banana farms around Tully and Innisfail, all year.
All spots on the Mission Beach map. Nearby: Townsville and Magnetic Island to the south and Cairns to the north. The coast at a glance on the Great Barrier Reef Drive road trip.
Updated September 2026. Checked against official sources and operator websites. Prices, opening hours and seasons change — check before you go.