4 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
A 1 hour 30 minutes car ride away from Cairns.
When to go
May to December
Minimum stay
1 to 2 days
Mission Beach (Australia)
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Sophie LIGER
Practical information about Mission Beach
Reviews of Mission Beach
Relaxing and tanning under the coconut trees are buzzwords around town!
My suggestion:
When you're at Mission Beach, take a boat to visit Dunk Island, or take the opportunity to parachute, one of the most popular sports in the country!
Summary:
There isn't much to do at Mission Beach besides relaxing under the coconut trees. I really did have the best of times there! However, there are still two or three enjoyable activities to occupy your time. You may opt for a hike in the tropical forest. You would do well to book a guide for the tour since he'll be able to explain all that there is to know about the forest. You may also parachute over the coral reef and the rainforest.
Also, take the opportunity to spend a day on Dunk Island, a small, uncrowded island off the coast, where the deserted beaches are yours alone to enjoy! One drawback, however, is that you must swim in a wet suit at certain times owing to the jellyfish. It is worth it however since the reef can be seen up close along with the fish and corals. Conversely , in certain periods must swim with a wetsuit because jellyfish but it is worth it because the reef is shallow , so there are many fish and corals to see.
Lastly, relax! Just a small anecdote: I picked up a coconut and the youth hostel where I was staying opened it for me. I then proceeded to eat it in a hammock by the pool... heaven! Not to miss when you're in Australia!
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Sophie LIGER
Between tropical rainforestand and coral reef, Mission Beach is a preserved village in a picture postcard setting. It is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. These 14 km of beach under the coconut trees are a paradise that is greatly appreciated by lovers of peace and quiet.
My suggestion:
Visit the four villages of Mission Beach: Wongaling Beach, South Mission Beach, Bingil Bay and Mission Beach Village. Laze on the beaches, go kayaking, sailing or even try a parachute jump. Dive at Dunk Island.
Summary:
Mission Beach combines a gentle lifestyle, good food, culture and sports within the heart of a lush, preserved forest. I remember the road which leads from Tully (the city of the Giant Gumboot) to Mission Beach: simply magnificent! It is a succession of mountains, palm and banana trees, rainforests, fields of sugar cane and uncommon sunsets! It will stick in my memory forever!
You are in cassowary country here: this proud and dangerous animal is represented by a statue 5 metres high at the entrance to the Wongaling Beach shopping centre. Today the cassowary is a highly endangered and strictly protected species.
I was surprised to see that in Mission Beach you wander amidst the pretty houses, palm trees, cafés and shops, in an exceptionally quiet and relaxed environment. A clock welcomes you to Porter Promenade. A pedestrian path leads you to the beach, which was empty when I went there, and offers you a view of Dunk Island.
Mission Beach will delight everyone: romantics and newly-weds on a honeymoon, globe-trotters in search of thrills, but also families and even environmentalists who are there to discover the nature. There is even an eco-village which only garners positive reviews. At Mission Beach you'll find something for everyone!
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Lisa Gaillard
257 travellers' photos
