Mission Beach

Mission Beach Qld 4852 (Pop 1 000)

Photo depicts Mission Beach as it looked until February 3, 2011 prior to being devastated by Cyclone Yasi which resulted in huge damage and destruction but fortunately little loss of human life. The resilient community is rebulding, but all help and donations are greatly welcomed. Please contact the Australian Red Cross for donations of any kind.

Mission Beach is a former sleepy little village transformed into a fashionable Far North Qld holiday destination 1 568 km n-w of Brisbane. Beautiful Dunk Island sits just 4 km offshore and Mission Beach itself is a 14 km long stretch of white sands fringed by tropical rainforests. The settlement cormprises a number of beaches including Bingil Bay, Garners Beach and Wongaling Beach. Named after the Aboriginal mission established here in 1914, the stunning surrounding rainforest areas are also home to Cassowaries, the emu-like birds whose numbers are sadly diminishing. Markets 1^st & 3^rd Sat each month. Mudfest (music & dance) (June), Banana Festival (Aug), Aquatic Festival (Nov).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Ulysses Link Walking Trail, follows the foreshores for 1.2 km with local history mosaics and sculptures.  

Nearby:
Clump Mountain NP (4.5 km north) beautiful park protecting the last remnants of lowland tropical rainforests and the cassowaries who make the park their home. The 4 km climb to Bicton Hill summit is rewarded by magnificent town and coastal views. Tam O’Shanter NP (5 km west) protects one of the largest coastal lowland rainforest patches left with rare licuala fan palms. You may be lucky to see the unusual and endangered cassowary whilst on the Lacy Creek Forest circuit (1.2 km). Family Islands consists of a stretch of 14 islands under the protection of the Family Islands NP with Dunk being the largest (970 ha). Further south there is Coombe (49 ha), Wheeler (31ha), Hudgson (20 ha) Smith and Bowden (each 10 ha). Access is by flights, commercial ferries, water taxis, charters or private vessels.

Accommodation:
Mission Beach has several motels, resorts, holiday apartments and 3 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Porters Promenade. Tel (07) 4068 7099.