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Mission Seaside is a blissfully relaxed seaside city in Tropical North Queensland removed from the hustle and bustle of Cairns and Port Douglas.
It’s made up of 4 coastal villages linked by 14 kilometres of idyllic (principally empty) golden seaside fringed by palm bushes—a quintessential tropical paradise.
Whereas most individuals come right here for rest, there are sufficient issues to do in Mission Seaside to maintain you busy together with rainforest walks, wildlife recognizing (it’s the most effective locations to see the distinctive cassowary chicken), and snorkelling journeys to a quiet part of the outer Nice Barrier Reef.
On this put up, I share our picks for what to do in Mission Seaside after spending two weeks there. Plus the place to remain, the way to get there, and a map with all our suggestions.
Contents
The place is Mission Seaside Queensland?
Mission Seaside is situated on the Cassowary Coast in North Queensland, Australia. It’s 140km or a two-hour drive south of Cairns and 235km or three hours north of Townsville.
Cairns (CNS) is the closest airport with home and worldwide flights.
Beneath you’ll discover a map and particulars on the way to get there.
Finest Issues to Do in Mission Seaside Qld
1) Chill out on the Seashores
The lengthy golden seaside is the spotlight of Mission Seaside. Even within the winter excessive season, the seaside was normally empty, particularly away from the primary hub, Mission Seaside Village (typically referred to as North Mission Seaside).
The palm bushes that line the sand are splendidly picturesque and the views of Dunk Island offshore and the mountains within the distance add to the scenic view.
Don’t look forward to finding any sunbed leases—deliver your individual towel. Within the afternoon there’s loads of shade from the bushes.
The intense tides imply that the ocean is usually fairly far out leaving a large agency seaside that’s excellent for strolling, operating, and even biking.
Mission Seaside does have some downsides, although. In the summertime months (November to Could), it’s stinger season with a excessive threat of jellyfish together with the venomous field jellyfish.
You possibly can nonetheless swim however you have to put on protecting clothes and swim throughout the stinger nets at North Mission and South Mission seashores.
From June to October, it’s protected to swim, though I did really feel a gentle tingle within the water typically.
The opposite potential hazard is crocodiles! There’s not a zero per cent probability of crocodiles within the water at Mission Seaside (or wherever within the Far North), however it’s extraordinarily unlikely you’ll encounter one. Locals we met hadn’t seen one in many years. I did keep away from swimming at evening, although, which is the next threat time.
One remaining concern is that the ocean typically turns brown after rain or wind. This was the case once we arrived, however it cleared up a number of days later.
Swimming on the offshore islands is extra fulfilling because the water is clearer and doesn’t have the chance of jellyfish or crocs.
Dunk Island (see under) is the best to go to or we stayed on the luxurious Bedarra Island Resort after Mission Seaside (25 minutes away) and beloved it. See our Bedarra Island Resort evaluation for particulars.
2) Go to the 4 Coastal Villages
The 4 coastal villages that make up Mission Seaside are (from north to south): Bingil Bay, North Mission (or Mission Seaside Village), Wongaling Seaside, and South Mission.
They’re all low-rise with minimal growth between the rainforest and seaside.
Bingil Bay
Bingil Bay is a sleepy village with a fairly seaside. There’s not a lot right here besides a campsite and the favored Bingil Bay Cafe with its quirky, vibrant decor.
It’s near Garners Seaside (see under) and the Bicton Hill Stroll.
North Mission Seaside
Mission Seaside Village or North Mission is the customer hub. It has essentially the most eating places and cafes, and on weekend evenings is sort of energetic with a number of bars internet hosting reside music.
It’s residence to the Sunday Market and some retailers together with Leny’s for tropical fruit, The Bowerbird’s Pantry for espresso and native foodie merchandise, and Helen Wiltshire Gallery for artwork and presents.
On the seaside entry on David St (by Loads Restaurant), there’s a cute cassowary signal the place you’ll be able to take your photograph. Subsequent to it’s a very scenic swing hanging from a palm tree.
Wongaling Seaside
Wongaling Seaside is extra of a residential space with a number of seaside homes (together with one we stayed in) on a quiet stretch of sand. There are just a few eating places and the one grocery store (Woolworths).
South Mission Seaside
South Mission is one other quiet seaside with a caravan park and beachfront eating at Tuskers Tuckerbox. Most individuals come right here for the Kennedy Strolling Observe.
3) Pattern Native Tropical Fruit
The Cassowary Coast is a significant rising space for bananas and different tropical fruit.
Leny’s Tropical Fruit and Veg in the primary village is an effective spot to choose up contemporary produce and there’s a smoothie store subsequent door. They typically have seasonal fruit for $10 a bucket—we purchased scrumptious passionfruit and fortunately made our approach by all of them.
Subsequent to Leny’s is an honesty field the place you’ll be able to decide up cheap bananas.
You too can attempt the Sunday Market, however there are only some stalls with contemporary produce.
4) Spot a Cassowary
Cassowaries are giant, flightless birds that descend from dinosaurs. They’re splendidly unusual wanting with shaggy black our bodies, blue heads topped with a big knob (referred to as a casque), and big three-toed clawed ft.
These dagger-like claws are what give the cassowary its popularity as essentially the most harmful chicken as they’ll kill people with them. The danger is overstated and it’s unlikely to assault you, however it’s finest to maintain your distance if you’re fortunate sufficient to see one.
So the place are you able to see a cassowary in Mission Seaside? Any of the rainforest walks are an excellent place to begin. We noticed their droppings on the Lacey Creek Stroll however didn’t see the chicken itself.
We’d nearly given up hope after almost two weeks on the town earlier than we noticed a mom and chick in a area by the highway simply previous Lacey Creek.
We additionally met individuals who’d seen them within the backyard whereas staying at Licuala Lodge and the caravan park at South Mission Seaside apparently has an everyday customer.
Etty Bay (40 minutes north) is thought for them however we didn’t see any. We did see two whereas tenting at Murray Falls, although (50 minutes south).
If all hope is misplaced, there’s at all times the Huge Cassowary statue within the buying centre in Wongaling Seaside.
5) Snorkel on the Nice Barrier Reef
A snorkelling journey is among the finest issues to do in Mission Seaside because it’s one of many closest cities to the outer reef and is far quieter than Cairns.
We did a full-day snorkel journey with Mission Seaside Dive, presently the one firm that provides group journeys. You possibly can dive or snorkel at two spots on the reef.
On our journey, we went to Beaver Cay, which contains a picturesque sand bar, and there have been no different tour boats round.
We snorkelled over vibrant coral and dramatic drop-offs with 1000’s of fish together with parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, trumpetfish, and lots of extra. Swimming by large faculties of fish was particularly magical.
It’s a protracted time out, although, with a 90-minute journey to the outer reef. This is similar for journeys from Cairns and Port Douglas too. Seeing whales and dolphins on the best way did make the journey extra fulfilling.
A snorkel journey with Mission Seaside Dive consists of lunch and snorkel gear. You possibly can hire wetsuits for $5 (undoubtedly really helpful) and purchase drinks onboard. Excursions don’t run day by day so be sure to guide forward.
Examine availability for a Mission Seaside Dive snorkel journey right here.
Though we actually loved the journey (and you may’t spend an excessive amount of time on the reef), if you’re additionally visiting Port Douglas, we most popular our small-group snorkel journey with ABC. Excursions are run by a marine biologist so we discovered rather a lot concerning the fish, they usually take a most of 12 individuals.
6) Take pleasure in Coastal Views on the Kennedy Strolling Observe
Kennedy Strolling Observe is among the hottest hikes in Mission Seaside however usually for the world, we solely noticed just a few others round.
The entire path from South Mission to Kennedy Bay is 8km return and takes round two hours. You don’t have to stroll the entire path to take pleasure in pretty views although (we didn’t).
Keep away from cover tide for this coastal stroll.
The path begins on boardwalk previous the small rocky Lover’s Seaside after which heads up into the rainforest previous a lookout throughout to Dunk Island.
You then take steps right down to the lengthy sandy seaside at Lugger Bay the place you stroll on the seaside earlier than reaching the headland and lookout.
Cassowaries have been seen on the path however we didn’t see any.
There’s a small automotive park with a bathroom in the beginning of the path (Kennedy Strolling Observe on Google Maps) on the southern finish of South Mission Seaside.
7) Stroll at Lacey Creek in Djiru Nationwide Park
One other pretty stroll in Mission Seaside is the straightforward Lacey Creek Stroll in Djiru Nationwide Park, which we did twice within the hope of recognizing a cassowary.
The 1.1km loop by the rainforest took us 20 minutes. We went anticlockwise and noticed some cassowary droppings (with giant partially digested fruit seeds) on the primary a part of the path however no signal of the birds.
Even and not using a cassowary sighting, it’s a pleasing, tranquil stroll (though insect repellent is advisable). You go the creek at a number of factors (we noticed fish and turtles) and on the finish, there’s a small swimming gap and picnic desk.
For an extended stroll, the steeper Dreaming and Musgravia Trails begin throughout the highway.
8) Discover Solitude on Garners Seaside
If the primary seashores aren’t quiet sufficient for you, head north of Bingil Seaside down a distant gravel highway by the rainforest to the small bay at Garners Seaside.
On our go to, there was nobody else on this pretty seaside besides a yacht. It was shady within the late afternoon—morning could be higher if you wish to benefit from the solar.
9) Store on the Mission Seaside Sunday Market
A few occasions a month the primary Mission Seaside village hosts a market subsequent to the seaside.
The main target is extra on garments and crafts than meals, however there are a few locations to choose up breakfast and produce.
Our favorite stall was Mad Baker for sourdough loaves and scrumptious toasties.
There are two markets on the identical spot in Mission Seaside, however they’re very comparable and each run from round 8am – 1pm:
Mission Seaside Markets
Held on the first and third Sunday of the month all 12 months spherical.
Mission Seaside Monster Markets
Held on the final Sunday of every month from Easter Sunday till the tip of November.
10) Eat by the Seaside at Loads
Our favorite meal in Mission Seaside was at Loads. Their menu is extra artistic than the pub grub at a lot of the different locations on the town, they usually have the very best location proper subsequent to the seaside.
There are just a few vegetarian choices and we loved the tonkatsu eggplant and the vegetarian poke bowl (though it wasn’t a typical poke bowl).
It was quiet on a weekday however reserving is a good suggestion on weekends so you may get a front-row seat to benefit from the ocean view by the palms.
Different extra informal spots the place we ate dinner in Mission Seaside Village had been Mad Pizza (good sourdough bases however an excessive amount of cheese for us) and Lansis (a burger place with an excellent veggie burger). Each of those do takeout so you’ll be able to take pleasure in your meal on the seaside simply minutes away.
11) Have a Leisurely Brunch
There are just a few good cafes in Mission Seaside to take pleasure in a relaxed brunch earlier than hitting the seaside.
We appreciated that Cafe Johalia on the primary avenue has a vegan massive breakfast with hash browns, toast, beans, veggie sausages, mushrooms, and roast tomatoes. It was enormous however you’ll be able to order a half portion.
Shanti Cafe simply down the highway has a pleasing backyard setting and a cupboard filled with tempting muffins.
Bingil Bay Cafe is one other standard choice.
12) Strive a Really feel Good Banana
A Really feel Good Banana is a regionally made, natural, frozen banana dipped in chocolate.
They’re tasty and filling and also you’ll discover them in retailers and eating places throughout city (such because the Mission Seaside Mini Mart).
13) Play Pétanque
There’s a free pétanque court docket by the seaside in Mission Seaside Village. Sadly, you want boules and there’s nowhere to hire them.
The Pétanque membership meets on Sunday from 3pm and Wednesday from 5pm and guests are welcome to play with them and borrow their boules.
Extra Mission Seaside Actions
Regardless of having two weeks on the town, we didn’t get round to all the things on our record, partly as a result of climate and partly resulting from not wanting to go away our pretty seaside home.
You probably have extra power than us, listed here are another Mission Seaside actions to contemplate:
14) Go to Dunk Island
It’s a disgrace we didn’t go to Dunk Island as we spent our entire journey admiring it from the seaside.
The island is residence to a now-defunct resort and nationwide park. One of the simplest ways to discover is on the 10km Dunk Island Circuit Observe, which takes you to the highest of Mount Kootaloo, down Palm Valley, and throughout to Coconut Seaside.
You possibly can attain Dunk Island on the FastCat ferry service by QuickCoast. It departs from Clump Level Marina at 9am 4 days per week and returns at 3pm, so that you get about six hours on the island.
Examine Dunk Island ferry occasions and guide right here.
15) Go White Water Rafting
One of the crucial enjoyable issues to do from Mission Seaside is to go white water rafting on the Tully Gorge which has grade 3 and 4 rapids.
The assembly level for the tour is about 20 minutes from Mission Seaside, so that is a lot nearer than going from Cairns.
16) Stroll Up Bicton Hill
One other lovely stroll that we didn’t get round to is the Bicton Hill stroll in Clump Mountain Nationwide Park.
The three.2km circuit takes about 1 hour quarter-hour with 188 metres of elevation achieve. It takes you thru the rainforest as much as a lookout with ocean views.
17) See the Rainforest at Licuala Day Use Space
Licuala is one other space in Djiru Nationwide Park with simple walks by the forest. Do the 2km stroll on the Fan Palm and Household walks for an opportunity to see cassowaries.
18) Take a Bean to Bar Chocolate Tour
Charley’s Chocolate Manufacturing unit is a 10-minute drive inland from Mission Seaside Village. They develop their very own cocoa beans and make chocolate onsite.
They provide bean-to-bar excursions twice per week (bookings important) and the onsite store is open 10am – 2pm from Tuesday to Friday.
We purchased their chocolate from The Bowerbird’s Pantry within the village and it was the very best darkish chocolate I’ve ever had—so fruity and easy. I want we’d accomplished their tour or no less than stocked up within the store.
19) Soar out of a Airplane
Surprisingly, sleepy Mission Seaside is among the finest locations in Queensland to skydive.
The positioning has Australia’s highest leap (as much as 15,000 ft) with as much as 60 seconds of freefall. Plus you’ll take pleasure in beautiful views of the city from above and land on the seaside.
E book your tandem skydive expertise with Skydive Australia right here.
20) Swim at Alligators Nest Swimming Gap
25 minutes from Mission Seaside close to Tully is among the finest swimming holes within the space.
Alligators Nest Swimming Gap appears lovely, has no crocs, and is simple to entry. Good for a picnic and refreshing dip.
21) See the Fort at Paronella Park
Paronella Park is a novel vacationer vacation spot a 45-minute drive north of Mission Seaside (we stopped right here on our approach down from Cairns).
Within the early twentieth century, Spanish immigrant José Paronella dreamt of constructing a fort. He began out as a farm employee and ended up making his fortune by clearing land, planting sugar cane, after which promoting the farm.
Finally, he was in a position to realise his dream and created his household residence at Paronella Park. It was additionally open to locals who attended balls and movie screenings and got here to swim and eat on the cafe.
Many of the buildings are in ruins now because it was hit by many cyclones, however it’s an atmospheric place to wander and see the crumbling fort lined in moss, being taken again by the jungle.
There are additionally some pretty brief walks by the rainforest together with down the scenic Kauri avenue and to a pond filled with turtles.
Entrance to Paronella Park is A$55 however it features a free tour and is legitimate for 2 years. You even get a free keep within the caravan park subsequent door.
The place to Keep in Mission Seaside
We stayed at this Airbnb beachfront home in Wongaling Seaside and beloved the views and site on a quiet stretch of sand. You do need to drive in every single place, although (10 minutes to the eating places in Mission Seaside).
When you’d reasonably be capable to stroll to eating places and cafes, select a lodge in Mission Seaside Village such because the beachfront Castaways Resort.
If seeing a cassowary is a precedence for you, think about Licuala Lodge, a B&B within the rainforest between Mission Seaside and Wongaling Seaside.
You’ll need to drive in every single place, however we met a pair staying there who had seen cassowaries a number of occasions within the backyard whereas consuming breakfast on the deck. There’s a stunning pool too.
Seek for extra lodging in Mission Seaside right here.
How you can Get to Mission Seaside
As Mission Seaside is unfold out throughout a number of villages, it’s finest visited with your individual car. We rented a automotive from Apex at Cairns Airport or you’ll be able to test Rental Vehicles to check the choices.
The 2-hour drive from Cairns to Mission Seaside is scenic with a number of fascinating stops on the best way together with Babinda Boulders and Josephine Falls for swims, Etty Bay for a fairly seaside and probability to see cassowaries, and Paronella Park.
To succeed in Mission Seaside by public transport, there’s one Mission Hyperlink bus a day from Cairns Airport and metropolis centre to Mission Seaside or a number of Greyhound buses.
If you’re heading south, Mission Seaside to Townsville is a three-hour journey by automotive. There’s a Greyhound bus service that runs 3 times a day and takes about 4 hours.
One of the best stops on the best way to Townsville are a detour off the freeway and embrace Murray Falls, Cardwell Spa Pool, and the beautiful Wallaman Falls (the tallest single-drop waterfall in Australia).
Map of Mission Seaside Queensland
Is Mission Seaside Qld Price Visiting?
When you like sleepy coastal villages and lengthy empty seashores, Mission Seaside is nicely value visiting.
It’s not as action-packed as Cairns and even Port Douglas, however there are a number of worthwhile actions together with visiting Dunk Island and the outer reef. Largely it’s the place to come back for lengthy seaside walks, rainforest exploration, and the possibility to see cassowaries.
Extra Queensland Posts
We spent six months travelling round Queensland. Learn extra of our journey suggestions:
North Queensland
Sunshine Coast
Southeast Queensland
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