Mission Beach is a tiiiny town in Far North Queensland about a 2 hours’ drive from Cairns on Queensland’s “Cassowary Coast”. I spent 2 months in Mission for work, and fell in love with this tiny town with “nothing going on.” It may not be as glitzy as other east coast backpacker towns with clubs and bars, but I had the most authentic Aussie experience yet in that place.
There’s lots to do, but my favourite parts were the people and small-town charm that reminded me so much of the American south, just with an Aussie accent. Slowly, I got to know business owners and locals in the area. For the first time in my life, I could walk down the street or into pretty much any establishment and run into someone I knew.
It’s a stop on both Premier and Greyhound Australia’s bus service and is well worth spending a couple of days getting to know the town. It’s a little bit off the beaten path but holds so many hidden treasures! Accommodation can be found at Jackaroo Treehouse, which also offers a free shuttle service from the “Big Cassowary” bus stop AND an in-house bar in the rainforest hostel. And if you’re looking for a good place to eat, give the Bingil Bay café a try. It’s a health-conscious (and delicious) restaurant in the very bohemian Bingil Bay. I recommend the Haloumi salad! For the burgers and beer types, I recommend The Schrub!
Dunk Island
Dunk Island was once a luxe holiday locale for Queensland tourists. But In 2011, Cyclone Yasi ravaged much of the Cassowary Coast. Several properties and businesses in the area never recovered, including the Dunk Island Resort, which was left in ruins. Now, it feels like being on set of Cast Away, the 2000 film starring Tom Hanks who becomes the sole inhabitant of a deserted island.
The island has recently been bought by Mayfair 101, an Australian investment firm. The company has exciting plans to invest $1.6 billion into Dunk and the surrounding areas over the next 15 years.
But until then, the island is open to tourists, and for $40, Nancy and the fabulous crew at Dunk Island Water Taxi will take you over to the island for the day. Spend the morning hiking up Mt. Kootaloo, and look over the family islands from the summit.
Then, hike down and spend the arvo on the secluded Muggy Muggy beach, or go for a dip in the still, crystal-clear waters of the Spit. Make sure to bring plenty of food and water, as there’s only one place to refill on the island!
Great Barrier Reef
Cairns may be the most popular place to see the reef, but head 2 hours south and hop aboard Mission Beach Dive & Snorkel’s Reef Goddess. Because Mission Beach is a small beachside village, there are fewer crowds and the reef is virtually untouched. The boat heads out to the reef every other day and your trip includes 2 dive/snorkel spots plus lunch. The crew has been doing this for a long time and will take visitors to the best spots depending on the day’s conditions. Definitely a must!
Mission Beach Market
Held on the first and third Sunday of every month, the markets set up on Porter Promenade, Mission’s main street. Local vendors sell their wares and you can buy local produce, food, jewellery, clothing, and even plants! Grab a sugarcane juice, wander the stalls, and chat with friendly locals.
Sometimes it’s surprisingly difficult to meet actual Australians outside of the backpacker circle. A local market is the perfect place to chat with locals about hidden gems and Aussie culture (and also pick up a cool new sarong, a Mission staple ;).
Ulysses Link track
Right In town, the 1.5 km Ulysses track follows the shoreline through the rainforest. The path is so serene, you can just hear the sound of your footsteps and sounds of the jungle. It passes the Mission Beach welcome center, which has tons of information about Far North Queensland and even has a native plant nursery! You may even see a cassowary or a bright blue Ulysses butterfly. The track leads directly to Clump Point and the Cutten Brothers walking track.
Lacey Creek
Lacey Creek trail is located in the Djiru National Park, about 8 kilometres from town (see “Getting Around” below). Here, the winding trail passes through lush rainforest and you even stand a good chance of spotting a cassowary! The trail follows and crosses the crystal-clear Lacey Creek. Bring a picnic lunch, take a dip in the water under the canopy of tall palms and don’t forget your camera and insect repellant!
Alligator’s Nest
Alligator’s is a bit of a local secret in nearby Tully. It’s a jungle swimming hole about a 30-minute drive from Mission. The pond is shaded by trees and is the perfect place to relax on a hot, lazy day! And don’t worry- there are no alligators (or crocodiles) here
Rafting on the Tully
Being on the river again really reminded me of being home and spending summer days kayaking in the North Georgia mountains! Raging Thunder and Wildside Adventures both operate half and full-day trips on the river. I went with Wildside and loved the one-person kayak! If you’re into water sports, don’t miss the chance to paddle the mighty Tully!
Getting Around
There are lots of cool places to see beyond the beautiful beach and village in Mission. If you’re backpacking and don’t have a car, not to fear! Mission Link operates in the area, and offer cheap fares to local destinations, even neighboring town Tully! Tip: Grab some hostelmates and split the fare!
I love getting to explore little towns like Mission! I think that an authentic backpacking experience should include these little towns…and after the bushfires, heading south to towns that are recovering is a great way to help their economies!
BUSHFIRES: Thankfully, I am lucky enough to live in Far North Queensland, which is away from the major bushfires in the south. However, the people and animals in fire-affected areas need all the help they can get!
The best way to help is to DONATE MONEY to organizations like NSW Rural Fire Service and NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES). More organizations can be found here.