Mission Beach

Located between Cairns and Townsville, Mission Beach offers Queensland visitors the opportunity to experience beach, reef, rainforest and an abundance of local culture.

Being the Australian mainland’s closest point to the Great Barrier Reef at just an hour away, Mission Beach is a popular destination for both domestic and international travellers to visit when seeking out one of Australia’s most precious natural wonders. Snorkelling, scuba diving, boating and swimming are particularly common activities, while guests also enjoy visiting the local islands and exploring the World Heritage listed rainforest on hikes.

Mission Beach is truly a playground for the adventurous and outdoors-oriented traveller, offering guests the opportunity to sky dive, sea kayak, raft, view crocodiles up close, and hire or ride sailing boats in permitted areas. Fishing is also permitted in some areas, and boat and fishing equipment hire is available to those who can’t bring their own.

Wellbeing is important to the Mission Beach locals, and as such, visitors will find plenty of relaxation activities at their fingertips, including walk-in yoga classes, spas, and wellness events. Guests also appreciate the unique-ness of the area, which offers a range of boutique shops and restaurants, as well as locally owned cafés.

Both domestic and international visitors can reach Mission Beach by flying into Cairns Airport and hiring a car from one of the many rental companies at the airport, or catching a connecting shuttle which arrives at Mission Beach within two hours of departure. Some visitors also choose to fly into Townsville airport via Brisbane.

The warm weather in the area makes it a popular destination throughout the year, with peak seasons falling in the spring and summer months. While Box Jellyfish make swimming unsafe outside of netted areas from October through to June, visitors continue to visit and take part in water activities with proper caution.

There are a wide range of accommodation options on offer in the region, including luxury resorts and hotels, serviced apartments, rainforest retreats, and short-term rentals, as well as quality budget options such as hostels and motels.