School Holidays

School's nearly finished for the year and I can't wait. Today was the year 12's last day and I only have another 2 weeks to go until 8 weeks of holidays! I'm looking forward to spending most of my free time lazing around Mission Beach. =)

Drink Water

Living in the tropics or even if you are just visiting, you must remember the importance of water. Dehydration can bring about lots of horrid illnesses. So when you are in Mission Beach, drink lots of water.

Cairns Visitors Centre presentation

Went to Cairns for 1/2 hour yesterday, 4 hours in a Cairn for a 30 minute meeting - the joys of living in the country! Important meeting though - we were explaining to the wonderful volunteers at the TTNQ managed VIC in Cairns all about the wonders of Mission Beach and the great services offered by the Mission Beach Information Station. Thanks for listening gang and hope you liked the chocolates.

Party time

Last night saw as all at Sonja's 9th birthday celebrations here in Mission Beach. What a gal! Everyone had a fabulous time and had great fun playing with their friends, the visiting & resident dogs & in the paddle pool. Bring on the simple life, good food, friends & laughter. Thanks everyone!

Its raining, its pouring

I know most people don't get excited about rain when they are on holidays, but Mission Beach is looking wonderful and green this morning after a great drop of rain overnight and this morning. I for one think the rainforest looks absolutely fabulous in the rain, so if you have time go and do some of the great walks that are on offer in and around Mission Beach, you won't regret it.

Interesting People You Meet

Over the years we have met some really interesting people who travelled to Mission Beach. One of them is Gordon Dipple, he has great energy and an interesting tale to tell. We still keep in touch through his website www.willyourememberme.com
It is the interesting characters and the stories that you hear along the way that make the hectic nature of small business worthwhile. Have a fun day all!!

Home at last

I have just returned from a 5 day stint in Brisbane, although it was great fun and i did enjoy the fast paced lifestyle of the city, I am so glad that I live in Mission Beach. Being away from home has made me realize how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful, laid-back town.

diary of a small business owner and mum

Sometimes I think this blog would make a great diary, but scary that everyone could access my trials and tribulations! Being a mum and a small business owner is a juggle, I love it thought and fortunately I have a very supportive partner and a great kid - on you guys! Having a small business is also one of the best ways to be employed in Mission Beach though, you have a lot more flexibility than the horrid 9 to 5 routine!

Adventure Tours

Australia wide, small group tours.

Lugger Bay

I was lucky enough to visit a house that overlooks Lugger Bay in Mission Beach. WOW the view was spectacular, you can see Dunk Island, South Mission Beach and at night you can also see the lights of North Mission Beach, can I say it again WOW. The other great thing is the visits by the cassowaries and wallaby's to the front garden. It truly was a great spot, I just wish I could go and stay there for a week, it would be such a treat indeed.

My Sanctuary

My Sanctuary is five star accommodation

Its not November it is Mou-vember

It is on again, the local lads are doing it for charity! They are growing their moustaches as big as possible......so keep a look out for the Mission Beach boys, the rafters, the skydivers and the locals!

Going to the Big Smoke

As locals to Mission Beach we love going to the big smoke.....Cairns, it is full of mega people, bright lights and great places to stay.....like the Cairns Colonial Club..... 3 swimming pools, the kids are in heaven!

bus time changes

From time to time Greyhound changes its bus timetables for Mission Beach. The website link from our site has the most up to date bus times. We have also sent out an email to all key businesses. The changes are not huge but it is always helpful to be kept up to date. And we try to be helpful kinda guys!

Dunk Island Staff

Staff from Dunk Island love to visit the Mission Beach Information Station on their days off. We have great internet, faxing services, digital photo processing and a team of helpful staff to serve them. When they come off the 'rock', they often need time & a bit of hand to adjust to main land life!

Sultry weather

Love the word sultry, it is just so right for our weather today. We are hot, sticky, humid and tropical. Just what you expect in Mission Beach at the start of the wet season. Normally you will have great sultry days and then heavy tropical rains overnight at this time of the year. Personally I love it!

Transporting visitors to Mission Beach

One of my favourite jobs with Sea Patrol is transporting people to Mission Beach. I love telling them all about the area and the great things they can do while they are visiting. It really is a fabulous and easy part of the job, because I'm always having a good time here and hope that they will too.

Air Fraser Island

FRASER ISLAND: Air Fraser Island is an award winning tourist based air charter service specialising in scenic aerial tours of World Heritage Listed Fraser Island, using the beach as its unique airstrip.

Pleasure Divers

MAGNETIC ISLAND: Pleasure Divers is the only PADI 5 star centre on Magnetic Island, and we have been teaching people to dive for well over a decade. Our goal is to offer the best possible training and service at the best price. All of our courses are run to PADI standards, as well as the high standards we set for ourselves. By limiting our course size to a maximum of 8 students, we give you all the attention and services required to make your diving experience a real pleasure.

Adrenalin Dive

TOWNSVILLE: Adrenalin Dive is a PADI dive facility situated in Townsville, a rapidly expanding city in the state of North Queensland, in Australia. Townsville is situated on the waterfront, with Magnetic Island just a 20 minute trip by fast boat.

Dingo's Backpacker Adventure Resort

RAINBOW BEACH: Located on beautiful Rainbow Beach, just 15 minutes from Fraser Island, Dingo’s Backpacker Adventure Resort is truly heaven on earth. Experience it for yourself.

Lake Tinaroo Terraces

LAKE TINAROO: Lake Tinaroo Terraces is the newest Atherton Tablelands accommodation, offering absolute lakefront lodges on the shores of Lake Tinaroo. Only one and a half hours west of Cairns.

Tropical Diving

AIRLIE BEACH: Cruise, dive or learn to dive at the lovely Whitsundays. Family run business.

too cute, how do they survive

What is it with the cute young lads? How do they survive? We just had Mr 19 year old English cutie who has been in Australia for only 5 days and has already lost 2 plastic cards...... he has $50 in his pocket until he can get to a bank. The nearest bank to Mission Beach is in Tully, a $20 bus fare, and it's not open until Monday. What's the bet one of us softens up and organises a lift for him, we have already sourced the cheapest accommodation and suggested that he asks if he can mow the lawn for beer money! Good luck to him and all the other cuties out there!

Quarterdecks Harbour Retreat

HERVEY BAY: Located within the Boat Harbour precinct, offering unrivalled service, designer collection furniture, and warm Fraser Coast hospitality. The 61 Villa retreat is of contemporary design with a distinct touch of luxury. Guests may choose from a one or two-bedroom villa with private courtyard or the more spacious two level three-bedroom villa with media lounge or better still the deluxe three level villas that can sleep up to eight guests, with a massive master bedroom on the third level with a large spa in the ensuite.

Dalrymple Tourist Van Park

CHARTERS TOWERS: Consider yourself invited to experience our wonderfully warm country hospitality and ideal facilities at the Dalrymple Tourist Van Park

Friends

I am very excited as we have friends coming for the weekend. They used to live in Mission Beach, but have moved to Brisbane....why did they leave???? Anyway we are going to the Reef at the weekend, and I can not wait to go snorkeling again, it was so beautiful!!! They have never been to this part of the Reef so they are very excited too. They are diving, which is something I must learn to do soon....roll on Sunday!

mission perfect

cant believe how wonderful the weather is, flat seas, blue skies.......how lucky people on holidays are, must admit living here in Mission Beach is also way cool!

Being Young, Living in Mission Beach

There are so many opportunities for young people going to school in and around Mission Beach. I spent my primary school years at Mission Beach State School and i now attend Tully State High School. Many people believe small country schools won't provide as many opportunities for young people as apposed to larger city schools. This is far from the truth. Recently i was given the opportunity to participate in a program called YAA ( Young Achievement Australia). YAA is an organization that enables young people to establish, run and liquidate their own company. Over the past 8 months, myself as well as 18 of my fellow class mates have been running an extremely successful company and we have gained may life long skills.Last week myself as well as another class member went down to Townsville to present our company in front of a panel of business people. Seven other schools and university's from Townsville also presented their company's . From this day judges decided on which company's would win which award. Overall Tully State High School won 9 out of 10 awards, including Company Of the Year and Business Person of the Year. We are now going to compete in Brisbane at the state finals. Going to a smaller country school has definitely given me many opportunities to excel in my chosen subject area.

Koolamarra

Koolamarra
4 Bedroom Fully Self-Contained
Sleeps up to 10 people with 2 x king bed and 6 x single bed. Ideal for 2 families with 2 main bedrooms, each with the own semi-ensuite and French doors opening onto deck with magnificent views. Features include:

Fully equipped designer kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, gas, etc)
Fully furnished with Balinese furnishings
TV, VCR, DVD and sound system
Outdoor entertaining area and barbeque
Full laundry, linen and bath towels provided
Pool with deck
Magnificent views of Dunk and Bedarra Islands from large timber deck

Cassowary sighting

Finally, after countless trips from Mission Beach to Cairns and back, I was able to show some of our Sea Patrol visitors not one but three cassowaries in the same day. I was so excited! It's one of the most frequent questions that we get here at the Information Station.....Where can I see a cassowary? Of course we just can't guarantee a sighting so to see three was just great.

Rain rain go away!!!

I don't mind the rain at all in Mission Beach because I am here all the time so a bit of rain can be pleasant at times. The thing is I work at Mission Beach Information Station, and when I book day trips for people or skydives, the weather can stop them going or just not let them see things they would have seen on a clear day!! It is frustrating because you feel disappointed for them. So please get shining again sun and save the rain for the wet season!!!!

Hidden spots that Locals know

It really pays to chat to a local when you are in Mission Beach. We know some hidden little spots that are great fun....... so pop in for a chat and we might just let you in on the secrets......where to go to see turtles, where the best climbing trees are and some nice quiet swimming spots.

PhotoTeller Creative

Come into our shop and have a play with the new PhotoTeller Creative digital photo booth. Instantly print your digital photos or create an album, coffee cup, t-shirt, keyring or even a canvas print from your favorite images. Digital camera, mobile phone camera, CD or images from the internet!

Planning verse flexibility

Just another quick reminder to travellers coming to Mission Beach and the East Coast of Australia, for many of you planning is a little scary, let us help, we will not plan your every move, but we will make sure you dont miss out on great sailing trips, skydives, rafting, snorkeling adventures, etc because you failed to get organised. You can plan and be flexible, ask us how.

Palace Backpackers- Hervey Bay

HERVEY BAY: Newest apartment-style hostel in Hervey Bay. 5 minute walk from the beach and esplanade. Loads of fun!

Staying in Mission Beach

Its a funny thing but I have been living in Mission Beach for over a year now and finally I am getting an opportunity to visit so many of the wonderful accommodation places here. I was lucky enough to get a job with Sea Patrol while they are filming here in Mission Beach, there are lots of cast and crew staying in town, and they are scattered throughout the beach. So if your thinking of a visit to Mission Beach just remember there will be somewhere to stay for all tastes and budgets.

Proserpine River Eco Tours

AIRLIE BEACH: Locally owned and operated, we hold Advanced Eco Certification with Ecotourism Australia, and our tour has a distinctive nature focus. The highlight of our Safari is spotting crocodiles on Proserpine River, but the region boasts an abundance of other Australian native wildlife including birds, reptiles, mammals and indigenous flora.

Tropical Weather

Well folks it has heated up, our lame winter is over and it is getting hot, hot, hot. Gotta love living in tropical Mission Beach. Yesterday we had a classic tropical day, with a bright morning, thundering afternoon and overnight rain.

Mission Awareness on the Reef

Educational and fun full colour presentation the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. A must for anyone traveling to the reef or with a passion for nature. Sessions are generally held on a Friday night at the Progress Hall in north Mission Beach. Call Pete Faulkner on 0439 490 088 for further information and bookings.

Croc spotting

There was a sighting of a croc in Mission Beach a few weeks ago. There was a warning sign in German?? saying that there had been a sighting and to beware. I am happy to say that the sign has been removed and I for one will definitely be back swimming in the sea...just hope I am not the next croc spotter!!!!

Mission Awareness on the Reef

Tonight we are attending the local Mission Beach information session on the Great Barrier Reef, will let you all know how it goes!

Mission Awareness – On the Reef

Enjoy a fascinating full colour presetation on the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

6.00pm – 7.45pm, Progress Hall, Porter Promenade, Mission Beach.

$10.00 Adults, $7.00 children under 15. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Contact Pete Faulkner on 0439 490 088, www.conusdivetcs.com.au

White Water Rafting - The sequel

I can only agree totally with my friend's previous blog about our day out white water rafting. Everything she said was true, the day was action packed, the scenery was gorgeous and the staff were great. They made everyone's day one to remember. So if you are in Mission Beach and want to book a trip, come and see us at the Mission Beach Information Station, and we will make it happen for you too!!!!

Caring for Country

The 2nd National Indigenous Land and Sea Management conference and festival is now on! The Festival is being held this coming weekend, loads of great music, films, workshops & fun to be had. See you at Cardwell! Just a 45 minute drive south on the Bruce Hwy from Mission Beach. Log onto www.caringforcountry.com.au for more information.

Denise's Eco Tours

Explore World Heritage Rainforests with your own personal and fully qualified eco tour guide. Range of tours available, including short tours to Lacey Creek and the Licuala Fan Palm walk and full day trips talking in the wonders of Wooroonooran National Park in the Atherton Tablelands.

White Water Rafting

On Monday a friend from work and myself went White Water Rafting on the mighty Tully River. It was FANTASTIC!!! We had the best day, and the weather was perfect. Rafting on the Tully not only gives you the adrenaline rush and but it allows you to take in the beautiful sights of the Tully George. The guides were very friendly and were willing to have a joke, the whole atmosphere of the trip was extremely welcoming. I would highly recommend rafting to anybody visiting the Mission Beach area.

Sam and Chris' Place

This spacious 2 bedroom, fully self contained ground floor unit offers terrific budget accommodation in a very convenient location. A short stroll will take you to the golden sands of Mission Beach.

Mission Beach rocks

I so so love my home! We live on 14km of sand, MissionBeach is so so cool.

Barrier Reef Motel

INNISFAIL: Innisfail is the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Australia's World Heritage listed Rainforests and the Barrier Reef Motel is the perfect choice for your Barrier Reef Holiday Experience of a lifetime! Your first accommodation choice. Although centrally located to all of the wonders of North Queensland the Barrier Reef Motel offers a quiet and serenity not found in other North Queensland tourist areas.

Kuranda Rainforest Park

KURANDA: Surrounded by some of the most ancient rainforest on the globe, the sheer purity of the air, makes this beautiful part of the world such as a soothing sanctuary for the soul. We are proud to offer our guests a peaceful multi-choice accommodation and nature park, here in the cool mountains above Cairns, in Tropical Far North Queensland, Australia.

Trinity Beach Pacific Apartments

CAIRNS: Prime Trinity Beach Pacific Apartments offers affordable 4 star accommodation with all apartments fully refurbished in May 2004. Conveniently situated only 500 metres from local restaurants, shops and the beautiful, palm-fringed Trinity Beach.

Coral Lodge Bed & Breakfast Inn

TOWNSVILLE: An inn-teresting place to stay. Budget with style. Quaint, cosy, clean, quiet and close to town.

Deep Sea Divers Den

CAIRNS: Day Trips, Liveaboard Trips and all PADI Courses.

The Aquatic Festival

Here I am at work thinking I would be the only one not at the aquatic festival but here I am at the Mission Beach Information Station with a shop full of people. They are happily typing away, maybe even blogging too...so I don't feel so bad, I have company! But hey there is always tomorrow and tonight for that matter to catch up with everyone at the festival. It's never dull in Mission Beach that's for sure!

Aquatic Festival Fun

The best weekend of the year is here......Mission Beach's Aquatic Festival. It is going to be great fun, so head down to the Rotary Park section of Wongaling Beach and enjoy the stalls, rides, parade & fun!

Reef Daytripper

Reef Daytripper can offer you this superb personalised service from Cairns, which normally is only available on a privately owned yacht. Enjoy the open ocean in this romantic atmosphere on your excursion to Upolu Cay on The Great Barrier Reef.

Living in Mission Beach

I absolutely love living in Mission Beach. On my day off yesterday, my mum and I went for a drive up to Clump Point lookout and watched the sea patrol boat cruise over to Dunk Island. It was great sunny weather and we could see all the way from Hinchinbrook Island to Kurrimine Beach. After that we went for lunch at North Mission Beach and walked up to Porters Creek along the beach front.

Mission comes alive!

Wow. Mission Beach is full of holidaymakers, Sea Patrol people and the normal assortment of backpackers and farm workers busy on the bananas. It's perfect weather for a holiday so plan ahead, book ahead and come to Mission Beach!

Mission comes alive!

Wow. Mission Beach is full of holidaymakers, Sea Patrol people and the normal assortment of backpackers and farm workers busy on the bananas. It's perfect weather for a holiday so plan ahead, book ahead and come to Mission Beach!

exploring oz

I've just come back from exploring my own backyard! What a trip, 6 days and 5 nights traveling up to Cape York from Mission Beach. We slept in swags under the stars, saw remote cattle stations, swam in creeks, saw ancient aboriginal rock art, cooled off in waterfalls and bumped along some of the most remote roads in Australia. Our main destination was the northern most part of Australia and I'm here to tell you the view from the tip of Australia was awesome! The company we traveled with were fantastic, give them a try, www.exploring-oz.com.au

Mission Beach

Well the weather is just perfect again today in Mission Beach. Just driven to work and the sea looked just beautiful with the sun shining on it. I am so lucky that I have this drive to work, it starts the day off in the right way!

Mission comes alive!

Wow. Mission Beach is full of holidaymakers, Sea Patrol people and the normal assortment of backpackers and farm workers busy on the bananas.
It's perfect weather for a holiday so plan ahead, book ahead and come to Mission Beach!

Sea Patrol is back in town

Sea Patrol has come back to Mission Beach to start filming the second series. Lucky them, what a fabulous place to work, the sun is shining, the sky is clear and the water looks perfect. If your into star watching then come and visit Mission Beach because you will be sure to see someone you know!

Mission Breeze

This beach cottage is situated just a short way from Mission Beach, restaurants, bars and shops and with the beach and swimming enclosure just off your front garden. The cottage is brightly coloured and sets a holiday mood immediately, as you walk in. Accommodation provides for 6 people with 2 queen size beds and a twin room. The living, dining and kitchen offer a relaxed atmosphere and easy living with no fuss.

At last I have been out to the Reef with Calypso! It was just awesome....the weather was perfect and the visibility was amazing. I saw a turtle, stingray, loads of fish and beautiful coral. We left Mission Beach about 8.30am and didn't get back until 6.00pm so it was a great day out. The staff were lovely, really looked after us etc. I am so excited to go out again!!!! Roll on my next Reef trip!

Great Reef Weather - Book Ahead

This time of year is perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef; sunshine, minimal wind and warmer temperatures. Here in Mission Beach we have two fantastic companies, Calypso and Quickcat that go out to various areas of the Reef. Unfortunately Quickcat will be out of service for approximately a week as they are waiting for part to come from China. With the school holidays being a very busy time it is crucial to book ahead if you are wanting to go out to the Great Barrier Reef.

I'm going on holidays!

Yeah! I'm going on holidays, its my turn at last! Day in, day out I meet people traveling through Mission Beach, Far North Queensland, Australia - they are having fun, relaxing and exploring. Well now it's my turn, I'm heading to Cape York with Exploring Oz. I can't wait, 6 days, 5 nights exploring the top of Australia with a professional tour company, sleeping in swags under the stars, chatting around the camp fire and generally chilling out. Lucky we have a great team at the Mission Beach Information Station, Steve, Jan, Leanne and Kallina, who can keep organising fun for others while I'm off having a ball! Thanks gang!

Finally!

Finally, I am going out to the Great Barrier Reef with Calypso! I am going on Thursday with my partner and his friend who is visiting from The U.K. I have had two previous trips arranged that have fallen through so I am very excited. It is only going to be 11 knots on Thursday, perfect weather and better as far as my sea sickness goes! I love snorkeling and am hoping to see all sorts of cool things. My partner will go diving, he wants me to do it, but I am not sure yet! As we live in Mission Beach I will have plenty of opportunity to change my mind! I will be posting a blog after my adventure to the Great Barrier Reef!

Enjoy the great outdoors in Mission Beach

I remember as a child my parents always telling me to go outside and play, I don't think you really appreciate the benefits when your young. Yesterday I went for a walk along South Mission Beach and it was great to see so many people outside enjoying the sunshine. There were speed boats, sail boats and fishing boats. There were people walking, swimming, fishing and water-skiing all along the beach........ I just love living in Mission Beach, especially in winter.

Swimming in the sea

I really recommend that anyone living at Mission Beach should go for a swim in the sea at the moment! The temperature is just right for a refreshing dip. Salt water is really good for the skin. It draws out toxins in the body and heals any cuts and bruises really quickly. It helps you lose any excess water retention by drawing it out. Not only will you feel refreshed, you will be benefiting from the healing properties of the sea. So get swimming!

Civic Guest House

TOWNSVILLE: Strategically located near the Townsville CBD, Civic Guest House is the best choice when deciding where to stay for a comfortable, friendly and affordable holiday. A popular spot for backpackers and travellers, Civic Guest House offers clean and tidy budget, shared and private accommodation in the form of dorms, twin, double, single and ensuite rooms. All come with linen and some the option of a fan or air conditioning. All single, double and ensuite rooms come with a bar fridge and small TV.

Backpackers

I like to think of Mission Beach as a bit of a chill-out place for the backpackers travelling through. They are usually on their way from Townsville or Cairns and turn up here a little hungover and a little tired! They have a chance to chill and re-charge their batteries. Mission Beach is the ideal place to relax and soak up the sea and the sun. Don't get me wrong, there is so much to do here, skydiving, sea-kayaking, rafting, walking and loads more. It's just nice to see the backpackers visibly relaxing when they get here. Mission Beach is definately the place to chill!!!

Growing up in Mission Beach

School holidays are coming up in a couple of weeks...got me thinking. I haven't got any children at the moment, but always think that Mission Beach is such a superb place for children to grow up. I grew up in the U.K in a standard built up town where there was no wildlife to speak of, and no beach worth seeing unless you drove for a while. The thing is the kids probably don't realise how lucky they are living here with the beaches and the rain-forest and all the wildlife around them. Maybe they do and I am under estimating them! Anyway maybe I am just feeling broody!!!!

Friends over

We have just said goodbye to our friends from the U.K....sad to see them go but know they had a wonderful time. They were enthralled with Mission Beach. They thought it could possibly be the most beautiful place they had ever been to! The weather was gorgeous for them on their day to Dunk Island. They enjoyed the walk there and chilled out afterwards at the jetty cafe. They were also very lucky to have two sightings of a cassowary. We really must look after these birds, they are amazing. So they have photos to take back and show our friends. I will miss them, but nothing beats life in Mission Beach!

Palace Central

BRISBANE: Often referred to as the "Party Palace", you'll stay in a beautiful heritage-listed building in the centre of Brisbane opposite Central Station. With 24 hour reception and security lockers in every room, everything you need is at your fingertips.

Trek North Safaris

CAIRNS: Trek North Safari's is a locally owned and operated tour company. Established in 1991, Trek North has proudly been showing off the exotic and unique World Heritage Daintree Rainforest to thousands of tourists every year. Trek North really knows the Daintree!

I dont want to work today

I did not want to come to work today and my daughter did not want to go to school. The sky is blue, the water is flat and inviting. A perfect day in MissionBeach, the views of Drunk Island are amazing. We want to play!

We love the sunshine

We have been having some fabulous weather here in Mission Beach. 10-15 knots out on the water, which makes for a great trip to the Great Barrier Reef for awesome snorkeling and scuba diving. Of course just hanging out at the beach is great fun, or even a sea kayaking trip to Dunk Island is an option when the weather is so good. So get out there and enjoy the sunshine.

Holiday memories

Many of us can't help ourselves and always take loads of photos when on holidays, and really how can you not when your in such a beautiful place like Mission Beach. Thank goodness for digital cameras I say, not only can you delete the really embarrassing photos but you can also save them to disk and print them at your leisure. Come into the Mission Beach Information Station where you can do both, and we will be here to help you do it.

Cruise Whitsundays

AIRLIE BEACH: EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE REEF TRIP! Cruise through the stunning Whitsunday Islands and on to the outer Great Barrier Reef on board 'Seaflight', the Whitsundays' premier day cruise vessel. Experience Queensland's most innovative and spacious reef pontoon located at Knuckle Reef. Knuckle Reef Pontoon features Queensland's largest and most spectacular underwater viewing chamber and is the only reef pontoon in Australia with a giant waterslide. Explore pristine Knuckle Reef Lagoon, acclaimed as the region's most spectacular Great Barrier Reef site.

Planning verse flexibility

Sometimes in life going with the flow is the way to go, other times you have to plan ahead. Knowing when to do which is the tricky bit. Personally I think it is important to book your transport, whether a Greyhound or Premier Bus or a Ferry to Drunk or Magnetic Islands. If you are traveling during Queensland school or university holiday times it is also important to book ahead, or you could end up sleeping on the streets, not something we advise. Use the Mission Beach Information Station to help with your planning, we do know what we are doing and will help you keep the balance between planning and flexibility.

Beautiful Weather In Mission Beach

The weather here in Mission Beach finally looks as though it''s clearing up, today has been a beautiful sunny day and more fine weather is expected over the weekend... Great weather to get out to the Great Barrier Reef or take a day trip to Dunk Island.

Jettys Restaurant & Wine Bar

Mission Beach's newest licensed restaurant NOW OPEN! Modern Australian cuisine. Indoor and outdoor seating for 60. EFTPOS available. Bookings preferred. Open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday 12.30pm - 2.30pm. Open 7 nights from 6.00pm - 9.00pm. Located at 37 Porter Promenade, Mission Beach. Ph: 4088 6735.

Gecko's Backpackers

CAIRNS: Gecko's is a small, quiet and friendly hostel centrally located to all the important facilities of Cairns.

The Woolshed Backpackers

HERVEY BAY: Our small and friendly family run hostel offers you a home away from home with cosy, well appointed rooms and clean and well maintained facilities. The Woolshed is located right in the center of Hervey Bay, only 5 min. walk to the beach, shops, supermarket, restaurants and pubs. Our rooms are spread out over 3 different buildings, situated within a large garden, surrounded by ponds, tropical vegetation, palm trees and gum trees.

Reef Palm

Reef Palms is a Cairns resort equally suited to business or pleasure. Holiday makers can enjoy resort relaxation and a chance to visit the nearby Great Barrier Reef or the beautiful Palm Cove village, while business travellers are well catered for with our focus on productivity, offering you business essentials without losing the relaxed feel of the tropics.

School Holidays Coming Up

Wow! do we get busy during the school holidays. So Mission Beach, lets get ready. The Queensland holidays start on Friday 21 September for 2 weeks. University holidays are due to start in the end of the week. Have fun and remember to offer up the best that Mission Beach has.

Range Of Tours On Offer

Here at the Mission Beach Information Station our brochure racks are overflowing with the wide range of tour and accommodation options we have available. Feel free to come in and have a friendly chat about any tour and accommodation queries you have.

Don't forget to check your room

One of the important rules of traveling is to check your room before you leave, because you never know what might be hiding under the bed. We had a backpacker this morning who left her shoes at Scottys Beach House and was about to get on the bus from Mission Beach to Townsville.....she will now be walking around bare feet until the hostel can post her shoes on to her.......oops!

Hinchinbrook Island

Hinchinbrook Island is located off shore from Cardwell, just over an hour south of Mission Beach. If you only have a day to check out the island then I recommend the day cruise on Hinchinbrook Explorer, it is one of my favourite adventures. You cruise from Cardwell to Hinchinbrook Island to collect any guests staying at the Wilderness Lodge, then proceed to Ramsay Bay. A quick trek across the sand dunes takes you to a lovely stretch of beach where you can go for a swim or a walk. Back on the boat and off to Macushla, this is the best part of the day for me, you can get a picnic lunch and walk the 5kms or so back to the Wilderness Lodge. I did this walk with an 8 year old friend and she loved it, I think the fact that I told her she could go for a swim in the Lodge pool before getting back on the boat was all the incentive she needed....and me for that matter. A fabulous day that I strongly recommend and only a short drive from Mission Beach.

Fun to be had on Dunk Island

Dunk Island is located about 4km's off shore from Mission Beach. Quick Cat Ferry and Dunk Island Express Water Taxi are two ways to travel across if you want a transfer only. A couple of fun ways that add a bit more to the experience is to Sea Kayak or Jet Ski, both are great tours that can be arranged for your enjoyment. Once on the island you can walk, soak up the sun on the beach, snorkel or visit Watersports and see what activities you can organise. There are plenty of things to keep you amused whilst visiting Dunk Island.

Skydiving in Mission Beach

While your visiting Mission Beach why not try skydiving. See our beautiful coast line, reef and rainforest all from the air ! Here in Mission Beach we have 2 skydiving companies, Paul's Parachuting and Jump the Beach, both are very friendly companies and operate daily (depending on weather conditions )

So many things to do in Mission Beach

As I was walking along South Mission Beach this morning I was thinking about all the fabulous things you can do while visiting or even living in Mission Beach. Looking across at Dunk Island I was imagining myself sea kayaking over and spending a couple of hours wandering around the island. As I watched a couple of boats out on the horizon I could see myself snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, and a quick look up made me think about the amazing views the skydivers get. All in all Mission Beach is a great place to visit....or for lucky me..live.

Mango Treet Motel

The Mango Tree Motel at Agnes Water-Town of 1770 is situated at the main entrance to Agnes Water Beach at the protected southern end of the beach. The Agnes Water beach is patrolled during the summer months.

Rain

Can you believe that it is raining in Mission Beach at this time of year?? Well I can as this is my first year in Mission Beach! (I know no different) So far I have experienced the humidity and the +35 degrees temperatures. (which I quite liked actually, coming from the U.K) Then came the wet season and yes the name gives it away. So now the weather should be sunny and warming up beautifully, or so I am told...is this freak weather in Mission beach?? I will find out next year as I do my second season! Anyway there's always loads to do here come rain or shine, may cancel the trip to Dunk Island today though, want to see it in all it's glory....

Seagulls Resort

TOWNSVILLE: Located on the seafront overlooking Magnetic Island, Seagulls Resort is set amongst three acres of lush tropical landscaped gardens. This multi award winning resort is situated just 5 minutes from the airport and central business district and is only a 10 minute stroll from Townsville's premier beach promenade " The Strand ".

rain rain go away

I cant believe it is raining, what is with this weather. Oh well, the rainforest in Mission Beach needs the rain to stay green! Just be thankful we are not moving house like some poor friends of ours! Here's to the rapid return of blue skies and calm seas.

web tourists

Had a good giggle the other day when I saw a newspaper article showed the funny spelling used by web surfers..... got to love Drunk Island for Dunk Island is this wishful thinking perhaps, and how about Permission Beach for Mission Beach I dont quite get that one! But I can understand Dumbo for Dubbo, it somehow seems to suit!

rough passage but calm snorkeling

Calypso Dive have headed out the Great Barrier Reef today, and although the sea looks a little rougher than is idea, they will have a great day. Eddie Reef is well protected and will offer great snorkeling opportunities. Calypso II is also a great vessel for slightly rougher seas, she is designed to take it and performs well. So grab your sea legs and lets go snorkeling and diving in one of the best places in Australia - Mission Beach.

Booking ahead

Everyday one of our customers will ask whether they need to book ahead for the water taxi, quick cat, their accomodation or tour........ the answer will like to give is yes please book ahead. You may be able to get away with 'going with the flow' most of the time but if you want to be assured of making something happen, whether it is a walk on Dunk Island or a night of luxury at the Horizon Resort, you really should book ahead. We are always happy to help with bookings and give great honest advice about Mission Beach.