Mission Beach
Located just a couple of hours between the cities of Townsville and Cairns is the idyllic coastal
village of Mission Beach where visitors will find beautiful sun-drenched beaches that stretch for miles and isolated islands surrounded by the serene turquoise waters of the sea. Mission Beach derives its name from the former Hull River Mission that was destroyed by a devastating cyclone in 1918. The tropical haven encompasses four small and peaceful settlements including Wongaling and South Mission Beach at its southern end, Mission Beach itself in the middle as well as Bingil Bay towards the north. The natural wonders of the surrounding National Parks as well as the World Heritage Rainforest form a glorious backdrop to the quiet township that also serves as a point of access to the spectacular Great Barrier Reef and to the luxurious island resorts of Dunk Island and Bedarra Island. See our detailed Mission Beach map. Orientation
At the bottom end is South Mission Beach, a cosy and friendly residential area with a long, clean beach that has nice views of Dunk Island. A little further north is Wongaling Beach which serves as the Mission Beach area's main hub. There's a shopping centre here as well as a range of facilities, amenities, cafes and restaurants. A water taxi to Dunk Island departs from the nearby beach on Banfield Parade. Another 4km north brings you to Mission Beach itself with its collection of shops, boutiques and restaurants as well as the visitor information centre lining Porter Promenade. At the northern end is Clump Point Jetty where cruises to Dunk Island and the Great Barrier Reef depart. The road continues northwards to the peaceful Bingil Bay whose beautiful beach is considered to be the best in the Mission Beach area.
Things to See and Do
There are plenty of rainforest walking trails around Mission Beach, many of which feature brilliant scenery, picnics, swimming (except in waters where crocodiles lurk), fascinating plants and the chance to spot some of Australia's rare animals such as the cassowary. Cassowaries can be aggressive so be careful not to provoke them if you see one. Mission Beach has a plethora of outdoor activities to choose from. You can go kayaking to Dunk Island or around the coast, horse riding at Bingil Bay, tandem skydiving from more than 10,000ft onto the soft beach below, cruise down the Hull River or snorkel and dive in the Great Barrier Reef nearby.
Getting to Mission Beach
The closest airports are Townsville Airport and Cairns International Airport. To drive from Townsville or Cairns, follow the Bruce Highway and turn off at Tully or El Arish respectively (see map). If you're not intending to drive, Mission Beach Dunk Island Connections operates regular coach services and charters from various locations including pick-ups from Cairns Airport to Mission Beach. Alternatively, Queensland Rail has passenger trains to the Tully Railway Station while Greyhound Australia operates coach services to the terminal at Wongaling. Check the websites for prices and timetables and ask your place of accommodation if they can arrange for transfers from the train station or bus terminal. Getting to Dunk Island Quick Cat Cruises has a fast, air-conditioned catamaran departing from Clump Point Jetty to Dunk Island with the trip taking about 20 minutes. A water taxi also departs regularly from the beach near Banfield Pde at Wongaling.
Tourist Information
Visitors can obtain more information or make their accommodation and tour bookings at the Mission Beach Visitor Information Centre which is located on Porters Promenade at the northern end of Mission Beach. Alternatively, Contact Us for more information.
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