Mission Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Darren Jew/Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Susan Wright/Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Chris McLennan/Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Andrew Rankin/Tourism and Events Queensland

Flanked by two World Heritage areas, this beachfront town overlooks an extensive sweep of golden sand, untouched except by the gentle tides of the Coral Sea.

The laid-back townships that are dotted along Mission Beach provide an idyllic access point to both the Great Barrier ReefOpens in a new window and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Explore miles of sandy beach fringed by swaying palms and evergreen forest or relax into the local lifestyle of the peaceful seaside villages, which are spread out along the thin strip hemmed in by the hills and the ocean.

Stroll along Mission Beach’s 14 kilometres (8.7 miles) of soft sands and take in views of exposed reef at low tide and the distant Family Islands. Swim, snorkel or scuba dive around the beach and its offshore coral reefs or go kayaking along the shoreline. Catch a ferry or join a charter cruise to Dunk, Bedarra and Hinchinbrook islands, which are dotted with resorts, wilderness retreats and scenic picnic spots. Further out into the cobalt-coloured waters, you can reach the mesmerising and vivid seascape of the Great Barrier Reef.

Inland of Mission Beach, explore the pristine rainforests of the Wet Tropics. Hike through the ancient tropical greenery and try to spot a cassowary darting along the forest floor. The treetops are alive with diverse bird species and you can listen for the call of the riflebird, shrike-thrush, fruit dove and stone curlew. Those who seek more extreme adventures can skydive onto nearby beaches or go on a white-water rafting trip at Tully Gorge.

Visit the different Mission Beach villages to enjoy each town’s charms. Bingil Bay and South Mission Beach have stunning views across the Family Islands, while Wongaling Beach and Mission Beach Village are known for having an exciting culinary scene and oceanfront bars. Local roads and the golden sands of Mission Beach connect the villages. The area is bordered to the north by Garners Beach and to the south by Hull Heads.

Reach Mission Beach in under 2-hours’ drive from CairnsOpens in a new window and under 3-hours’ drive from TownsvilleOpens in a new window. Both of these cities have major airports. Swim in safe and enclosed swimming areas patrolled by lifeguards nearby the beach’s main access points, especially during the stinger season between November and May. The Atherton TablelandsOpens in a new window and diverse national parks are just a daytrip away.

Club Wyndham Mission Beach

Club Wyndham Mission Beach

4 out of 5
2 Pacific Parade, Mission Beach, QLD
The price is AU$201 per night from 5 Sept to 6 Sept
AU$201
5 Sept - 6 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Mission Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (832 reviews)
"Absolutely loved the quiet and environment. Perfect getaway place."

Reviewed on 27 Jul. 2025

Club Wyndham Mission Beach
Hideaway Mission Beach Village

Hideaway Mission Beach Village

2 out of 5
58-60 Porter Promenade, Mission Beach, QLD
Stay at this holiday park in Mission Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Mission Beach Community Arts Centre and Mission ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3 reviews)
"Ok"

Reviewed on 29 Jul. 2025

Hideaway Mission Beach Village
Mission Beach Lodge

Mission Beach Lodge

2 out of 5
7 Porter Promenade, Mission Beach, QLD
The price is AU$175 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
AU$175
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Mission Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Mission Beach and Mission Beach Community Arts ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4 reviews)
"Mission Beach Lodge is conveniently located near to Mission Beach and is within walking distance of the beach, shops, restaurants and takeaway food places. The staff are very friendly and our room was clean and the bed was comfortable. Wifi access was quick. The property is currently undergoing some ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jul. 2025

Mission Beach Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Apartments at Mission Beach

Apartments at Mission Beach

4 out of 5
21 Porter Promenade, Mission Beach, QLD
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Mission Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mission Beach and Mission Beach Community ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (15 reviews)
Good basic accomodation. Could use a new mattress
"We stayed here for three nights with my husband and two sons. The apartment is well located for the beach, shops and restaurants. There has been some effort to improve the apartment with the kitchen and bathroom looking relatively recently renovated. Weirdly, in the second bedroom, there are lamps ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

Apartments at Mission Beach
Tropical Modernist Retreat is set up as a contemporary beach abode

Tropical Modernist Retreat is set up as a contemporary beach abode

Mission Beach
Stay at this vacation home in Mission Beach. Enjoy patios and air conditioning. Popular attractions Mission Beach and Mission Beach Community Arts Centre are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4 reviews)
"Lovely property for our stay in Mission Beach for the Amazons Adventure race. We liked the privacy of the two seperate bedrooms out the back and having a bit more yard space was perfect for us to organise our gear. Todd was easy to communicate with and resolved our issue very quickly (including locking ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jul. 2025

Tropical Modernist Retreat is set up as a contemporary beach abode
The Rise - Dunk Island views and ocean breeze

The Rise - Dunk Island views and ocean breeze

Mission Beach
Stay at this vacation home in Mission Beach. Enjoy private pools, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Mission Beach Community Arts Centre and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Mission beach - April 2025
"Great location and a very comfortable house to base your stay at mission Beach"

Reviewed on 28 Apr. 2025

The Rise - Dunk Island views and ocean breeze
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Mission Beach