Taking the kids away?
Mission Beach offers so much to see and do for all ages.
Where rainforest meets the sea between Cairns and Townsville on Queensland’s Cassowary Coast, Mission Beach is an ideal getaway for parents keen to touch paradise, and for kids who deserve an adventure they won’t forget.
With so much wild nature on its doorstep, and so many family-friendly activities to do, the small coastal town of Mission Beach has become a popular holiday hub.
Here’s a list of things you can do with the kids whenever you visit tropical Queensland.
Go for a Nature Walk
Wild Cassowary. Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
As you arrive at Mission Beach, you’ll notice that the expansive tropical landscapes of Far North Queensland are everywhere. Several national parks, including Wooroonooran, Japoon, and Djiru provide a scenic backdrop to the two-hour drive south from Cairns.
Each of these parks give you the chance to take the kids on incredible nature walks where you can see huge cassowaries wandering through the rainforest, Hercules moths, Ledbetter possums, Green Tree frogs, echidnas, goannas and Pademelons (small wallabies).
Bicton Hill Walk. Image Credit @missionbeachtourism
To introduce yourself to the area, the Bicton Hill Walk is a 4km trail in Djiru National Park that has amazing views of the bay and a huge variety of plant and animal life. There are also several great lookout spots to stop for a picnic!
The Ulysses Track is a shorter 1.5km hike that runs the length of Mission Beach foreshore. Named for the blue Ulysses butterflies that can be sighted in the area, indigenous and historical stories are depicted along the path through carvings, mosaics and sculptures.
Watch a Sunrise on Mission Beach
Image Credit @missionbeachtourism
Don’t miss the chance to catch the sunrise at Mission Beach.
Get here early and you’ll feel as if the entire fourteen-kilometre stretch of sand is all yours. Avoid the temptation to post every sun-filled family photo on social media, because now is your time to unplug, unwind and relax!
Go Island Hopping
Dunk Island. Image Credit: shutterstock
What better way to spend a day with the family than on the aptly named Family Island National Park, a chain of scenic continental islands clad in lush rainforest and surrounded by coral reefs.
Keep an eye out for sea turtles during the short water taxi ride to the park’s largest islet, Dunk Island. From there you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Image Credit: @exploreshaw
Enjoy a morning hike through its vast eucalypt forest and dodge falling dewdrops amidst dense rainforest. Then snap some pics on the summit of Mount Kootaloo before taking a well-deserved dip in Brammo Bay.
Saving the hike for another day? Relax with the family on one of the seemingly infinite number of uncluttered white sand beaches that make up this underrated archipelago.
See a Croc!
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
See a wild croc from a safe distance when you cruise along the Johnstone River with Snapping Tours.
Tour guides will point out crocs resting on sandbanks and lurking in the river. This two-hour croc cruise will get you up close and personal with the crocodiles of the area. You’ll also see other wildlife and learn about the history and biodiversity of the area.
Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef!
Image Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
We can't leave this out!
Mission Beach is one of the closest mainland towns to the Great Barrier Reef. From land, you can swim out to the reef at Coral Bay. To go further, join a tour company to find a great snorkelling spot only accessible by boat.
Image Credit: @exploreshaw
Indulge in Nostalgia and Chocolate at Charley's
Image Credit @missionbeachtourism
You know when the sprogs need a break.
Treat them to an irresistible dessert and grab a dose of nostalgia by visiting Charley’s Chocolate Factory.
This award-winning family-run establishment specialises in sustainably-crafted chocolate. Join a guided tour and learn about the chocolate journey from cocoa bean to much-needed holiday indulgence.
The best part of all? It doesn’t require a golden ticket.
Wine and Dine (With The Kids)
Image Credit: @thegaragebarandbrewhouse
When the sun begins to set and the look on the kids’ faces scream ‘hangry,’ you already know you’re definitely not cooking.
Luckily there’s a wide variety of kid-friendly eateries conveniently located along the main drag in Mission Beach.
In the morning, satisfy your breakfast cravings with a scrumptious ‘smashed avo’ toastie from Bingil Bay Cafe, or experience the gram-worthy eggs benedict and coffee from Ripe Harvest Cafe.
Image Credit: @bingilbaycafe
Sample local fish or opt for a pizza night at highly-praised Peppervine, or why not scorch the taste buds with a trip to one of the area’s excellent Thai restaurants.
Burgers and beer more your scene?
Surrender to the sunset and libations at The Garage Bar and Brew House. Bop along to live music while the free wifi keeps the kids busy!
Sample Exotic Fruits
Image Credit: @fruitforestfarm
Curious where all of the delicious tropical fruit comes from?
Fun and education await at one of the many fruit farms along this section of the big lap.
Start the day with a sip of Soursop juice before loading the kids up for a 2.5-hour tractor tour of exotic fruits at East Feluga’s Fruit Forest Farm.
The tour provides a riveting and informative insight into the history of fruit farming in the region.
Every colour of the rainbow is accounted for as you taste and sample succulent natural treats such as abiu, dragonfruit, durian, jackfruit, mangosteens, or pomelo, and the list goes on.
Always a hit with youngsters, don’t miss out on this truly unique learning experience.
Check Out Mission Art
Image Credit: Jenn Payne
Looking for something to get the kids’ heads out of their devices?
Northeast Queensland is home to some of the region’s most talented local artists.
Mission Art is a non-profit, volunteer-powered art exhibition located just steps from MARCs Park.
Creativity, diversity, and skill are at the forefront of their vision. With a special focus on displaying locally designed handmade artwork, they hold special events and exhibits year-round.
Image Credit: @mswanderpat
Do your craft skills need brushing up? Learn from the best in one of the many arts, crafts and pottery workshops offered.
Mission Art is just one stop on the ‘Arts Trail,’ a collection of art centres and galleries that dot the Mission beach area.
Make a day out of it and get the entire family inspired!
Need Accommodation Near Mission Beach?
For ideas on where to stay in the Mission Beach area, check out our list of nearby parks including work-stay and pet-friendly cabins!
Mission Beach Hideaway Holiday Village
Cardwell Beachcomber Motel & Tourist Park
