Mission Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Mission Beach showing a beach
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 Reef 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 Cairns and under 3-hours’ drive from Townsville. 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 Tablelands and diverse national parks are just a daytrip away.

Castaways Resort & Spa Mission Beach
Castaways Resort & Spa Mission Beach
4 out of 5
2 Pacific Parade, Mission Beach, QLD
The price is AU$124 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
AU$124
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Mission Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (721 reviews)
Nice hotel
"There are not many seaside options in remote rural areas. This hotel is already a very good choice locally. It's not far from the town center. There are a few restaurants and bars to choose from. The natural environment is beautiful, quiet and safe."

Reviewed on 5 Mar. 2024

Castaways Resort & Spa Mission Beach
Eco Village Mission Beach
Eco Village Mission Beach
4 out of 5
Clump Point Road, Mission Beach, QLD
The price is AU$212 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
AU$212
per night
22 Mar - 23 Mar
Stay at this 4-star beach lodge in Mission Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Clump Mountain National Park and Mission ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (290 reviews)
"We went there only for one night, but it would have been nice to stay longer."

Reviewed on 12 Mar. 2024

Eco Village Mission Beach
Seadreams Mission Beach
Seadreams Mission Beach
4 out of 5
17 Conch St, Mission Beach, QLD
The price is AU$339 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
AU$339
per night
22 Mar - 23 Mar
Stay at this 4-star beach B&B in Mission Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Mission Beach and Mission Beach Community ...
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"Beautiful view, EVERY amenity one could ever think of…and very gracious hosts. The accommodations were really on point. The welcome beverage was delicious and unexpected. And we have been using the gifted reusable water bottles for the last 3 weeks plus!! Will recommend to our friends."

Reviewed on 29 Feb. 2024

Seadreams Mission Beach
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (12 reviews)
"Such a lovely place an so near the beautiful beach and town easy walking distance The apartment was good but there was a ants next behind the shower wall that kept making a mess in the shower And the outside area could have been cleaned but overall a good stay Staff at the resort for the check in/out ..."

Reviewed on 24 Nov. 2023

Apartments at Mission Beach
Iona - Mission Beach - Stroll to cafes, shops and beach
Iona - Mission Beach - Stroll to cafes, shops and beach
Mission Beach
Stay at this vacation home in Mission Beach. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a TV. Popular attractions Mission Beach and Mission Beach Community Arts Centre ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Mission Beach
"Very handy, within walking distance to all conveniences. Raining constantly so for me it was a bit disappointing not to go out snorkeling and scuba diving. Overall we had fun as we were part of a 60th birthday celebration."

Reviewed on 23 Jan. 2024

Iona - Mission Beach - Stroll to cafes, shops and beach
Tropical beach villa
Tropical beach villa
Mission Beach
Stay at this vacation home in Mission Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and private pools. Popular attractions Mission Beach and Mission Beach Community ...
10/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
Tropical tranquility
"We needed a relaxing, low key couple of days and this ticked all our boxes. The accommodation is well appointed with lovely touches and the tropical surroundings and plunge pool were beautiful. Great places to eat within strolling distance. First class."

Reviewed on 5 Dec. 2023

Tropical beach villa
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.

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