Diving the Great Barrier Reef

Mission Beach is the closest access point to the Great Barrier Reef, which means if your a local or a visitor then take a trip out to the Reef with one of the two local operators, Calypso and Quick Cat. I have a friend who is extremely, and I mean extremely keen to go out on the weekend, she says she needs to do it to retain her sanity. Isn't that a great endorsement for diving the Great Barrier Reef.

Eden House Retreat and Mountain Spa

YUNGABURRA: High in the mountains above Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef are the rolling green hills of the Atherton Tableland, one hour’s scenic drive from Cairns and a relaxed four hours drive from Townsville. Situated in the heart of the historic village of Yungaburra lies Eden House Retreat and Mountain Spa. Surrounded by award winning tropical gardens, our luxury cottages and villas offer seclusion and tranquillity within walking distance of Yungaburra’s many restaurants, cafes and craft shops.

A bit of water about

The last couple of days have seen a fair bit of water falling from the sky, so if your leaving Mission Beach to travel south then please come and check in at the Mission Beach Information Station first. Greyhound have cancelled services from Townsville to Mackay, so we may need to reschedule your trip. But don't worry we can help you with accommodation in Mission Beach or Townsville if need be.

What to do in Mission Beach

What can you do in Mission Beach? This is often the first question we get asked by people visiting. It really depends on how adventurous you want to be, skydiving, white water rafting, snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef or even kayak over to Dunk Island. For those that want a more relaxing holiday then you will find a few different walks along the beach or through the rainforest. You can visit the local artist gallery or any number of shops in the villages of Wongaling Beach and North Mission Beach. Whatever option you choose we can help you, just come to visit us at the Mission Beach Information Station.

Enjoying Mission Beach

I was sitting outside at a party last night and commenting on the wonders of living in Mission Beach, even when its raining its not cold, so you can still enjoy outdoor activities, because really what is a little bit of water between friends....down south it can be cold and wet, not as much fun I don't think.

Trivia Night

What a fun night we had on Wednesday, a group of us put together a team for the Trivia Night at the Mission Beach Resort. I'm pretty sure that the reason we had so much fun was not just because we won, that of course was the bonus. So if your a local or a visitor who happens to be here on the right Wednesday night then come along for some fun......... you won't miss us we are the rowdy bunch.

Mission Beach in January

In January my couch becomes the favourite part of the house because the tennis is on, yes I'm a huge fan and for the first time in 5 years I will not be going to the Australian Open in Melbourne.....so here lies my problem, I have to remember that Mission Beach is a fantastic place to live and there are many wonderful things to do outside....and yet even if I do I will still sit on my couch and watch the tennis for the month of January...go the Aussies!

Mission Fitness

Over the past week , after setting my new years resolutions, I have been giving the gym a go, trying to get myself into a "gym junkie" routine. The gym at Mission Beach is a great little spot and I can't wait for the classes to start up again on the 14th.

Movie Weather

The weather here in Mission Beach has been pretty miserable, everything is wet and it makes you feel like staying in bed all day. So . . as I am on school holidays, all i have been doing is lying in bed and watching chick flicks.

Hinchinbrook Island

Visiting Hinchinbrook Island has been one of my favourite things since I moved here to Mission Beach. I love telling locals and visitors alike about how much fun I had when I was there. To prove how right I am a family I booked in for two nights at the Wilderness Lodge on the weekend have extended there stay for a week, how good is that, I love it when I'm right!

Phone not working

If your trying to call us at the Mission Beach Information Station then you will have found that we are not answering, that is only because the phone is not working. Telstra has informed us that they have found the fault and will be sending a technician, the phone should be fixed sometime today.....not very exact I know, so please keep trying because we do want to help you.

Organising your bus ticket

How funny are some people, they try to be organised when phone booking their bus ticket to leave Mission Beach....and then they forget to bring in their booking number so we can take payment and issue them a ticket. It seems to happen at least once a day lately....So remember if you book your Greyhound or Premier bus ticket to take your booking number in when you go to pay!!

Orchid Guest House

TOWNSVILLE: Quality budget accommodation.

Out on the water

I wish I was outside right now, the sun is shining in Mission Beach and I want to be out enjoying it. If I was I would be out at the Great Barrier Reef, snorkeling or diving or hanging out on a boat hoping to catch a fish or two. Sea kayaking over to Dunk Island would be pretty good too I think. Doesn't that sound like the life, I think so, come to Mission Beach and see for yourself!

Magnetic International Resort

MAGNETIC ISLAND: Resort

Many Happy Returns

My turn to wish everyone a Happy New Year, bring on 2008 I say. I can't wait to see what's in store for Mission Beach this year. If you haven't been to our gorgeous town, then make it a reality for 2008, we here at the Mission Beach Information Station can help you have a quiet and relaxing or action packed holiday, just let us know what you prefer. We want to see you have fun!

New Year!!

Well here we are in 2008!!! Weather here at Mission Beach is gorgeous, a great start to the New Year! Hope this year is going to be full of adventures and good times!! I am sure it will be as action packed as 2007!

Home to Mission Beach

On Saturday I came home from a month in Victoria visiting family and friends. You don't know how great it was to come home to Mission Beach, not that I didn't enjoy spending time with everyone, but a month is a long time away. So I'm here to tell you that whether your a local coming back or a visitor to our town, enjoy Mission Beach because it really is a special place!

Questions...

Working at the Mission Beach Information Station you obviously get asked a lot of questions! Some are strange, some different, but some just down right impossible to answer! Yesterday it was raining for most of the day, and unhappy people kept walking in and asking me when it was going to stop!!!! Hilarious. I was tempted to give them all different times during the day, but was scared I would get lynched if my predictions were wrong....anyway the answer is, I have no idea when this rain will stop!!!!

Alligators

Yesterday the weather was horrible and we were sitting at home with nothing to do but still we decided to go for a drive out to Alligators Nest , one of the many local swimming holes. We had a ball !!! So next time your in Mission Beach why not go for a drive out there . .

Boxing Day

What a shame for all the people who wanted to go from Mission Beach to Dunk Island for Boxing Day. It rained all day. The sky was dark and there was no way it was going to clear up. So everyone must have changed their plans. I am sure everyone managed to amuse themselves with more food and alcohol....I know I did and feeling more than a bit sleepy today. Roll on the New Year for more fun and games! (hopefully not more rain though!)

Beaches 4

This is a Ray White Holiday Rental. Sleeping 6, beachfront at Wongaling Beach with shared pool facilities.

Haba Dive and Snorkel

Cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef onboard Evolution. The day is yours to snorkel, dive or simply relax on the Outer Barrier Reef.

Hot hot hot!!

Well, all I can say is that it is very hot here in Mission Beach. The sun is beating down on us with temperatures of up to 35 degrees! All I want to do is go for a swim in the sea but as it is stinger season I will not being doing that unless I wear my stinger suit...There are two stinger nets at North and South Mission so we can enjoy the sea a little bit. Just wish we had a swimming pool, that would be a real luxury at this time of year. Better start saving for next Christmas....

Christmas time

I always think that Christmas really is the time for children. I know we all look forward to Christmas, but as you get older I am sure it is just because you are getting some time off, bah humbug!! No seriously, I can remember the excitement on Christmas Eve. You never thought that you would get to sleep, but you always did and Santa had always been!!! I think I would have that excitement again if I had my own children. Seeing there faces opening their presents would be cool. So yeah, I like to think of the children at Christmas time while I relax and have some time off...

Christmas in Oz..

I am English, but living in Australia. Christmas is so different here to the UK. The main difference is obviously the weather. I spoke with my Mum the other day, and they are experiencing minus temperatures even during the day! The other big difference is the hype. In England Christmas shopping starts as early as September for some people. The shops are open all hours and it is chaos! Things sell out, people get very moody and angry if they can't have everything they want. People get into terrible debt, trying buy their kids far too much. It is so sad really. I often think that as the weather is so miserable for such a big part of the year, maybe Christmas is something to look forward to. But when you go so mad over something, you can guarantee that you are always going to feel disappointed. Here in Australia, this is my 3rd Christmas and I love the way it is so much more relaxed. Sure everyone wants nice food and the shops are busier, but there is not that sheer panic that the shops will be closed for a whole day!! Anyway I intend to do nothing here at chilled out Mission Beach except spend time with the people I like and have a drink or two.....

Down Under Tours - Kuranda, Train and Skyrail

Fabulous trip combining the scenic rail, Kuranda Village and skyrail.

Christmas shopping...

Got up at 6.00am to go to Cairns Christmas shopping! Ahhhhh! Avoid it at all costs. We were lured into a false sense of security as we arrived just when the shops were opening. All seemed pretty calm and we were taking our time picking lovely food for the Christmas period, then all of a sudden there were people everywhere unable to control their shopping trolleys, kids screaming, massive queues at the checkouts! I was right let's get out of here asap!! I was so glad when we finally got home to lovely chilled Mission Beach....

Christmas presents..

Are you stuck for presents, got that friend who has everything? Why not book them a 14,000ft sky-dive!!! You can't get that in K-Mart! Come in and see us at the Mission Beach Information Station, and we can do you a voucher. A present with a difference for all those Dads out there who have millions of hankies and socks!

Christmas in 5 days!!

I just can't believe that it is Christmas in 5 days. We moved to Mission Beach on the 22nd December last year, and what a year it has been. New jobs, new friends, new climate..and it's all good! I just can't believe that a whole year has passed. I can remember when I first got here and everything was so strange and so new. But in 12 months I am happily settled and enjoying the wonders of life in Mission Beach...

Speeding!!!

I am 35 years old, and I have never been caught speeding in my life.....until last Saturday. I was stopped in Mission Beach, and was going 10km over the limit. I really was ashamed, but I think it was a good thing that I was stopped and even fined. It keeps you in check again. I am now keeping a beady eye on my speedo. I do not want to go through that again!!!!

We break up!!!!!

Yipee!!! It's the last day of school for all the kids now in Mission Beach!!! I am 35 now but I can still remember that beautiful feeling on the last day of school. We used to take in games and the teachers used to even chill out a bit. Everyone was caught up in the excitement of the holidays starting, especially at Christmas....only 11 days to go, YAY!!!!!

Vodaphone!!!!

If there are any English backpackers reading this, please know that Vodaphone does not work in Mission Beach. If you are making plans to come here, please try an alternative. There is nothing more annoying than losing signal on you phone for a few days when all you want to do is text all your mates to tell them that you have just done a sky-dive from 14,000ft on to the beach!!!!

School Holidays at Last

I have finally finished school for the year !! I have spent a couple of days helping my mum out at the Mission Beach primary school as their holidays don't start until friday. Being back at the primary school has reminded me of how much fun it used to be, especially at this time of year with Christmas concert preparations ! =)

On the Wallaby

A value packed day exploring the Rainforest Volcanic Crater Lakes and swimming at spectacular waterfalls of the cool tropical tablelands.

Down Under Tours - Rainforest, Waterfalls & Paronella Park

Enjoy a full day out taking in the Cairns Highlands, waterfalls, rainforest and Paronella Park.

Christmas in under three weeks!!

Christmas always creeps up on us and before we know it we are all running around shopping for presents and food!! As I am from England, I have had to send all my Christmas presents early so they got there on time. So as I am living in Mission Beach, for the first Christmas ever I am organised!!! No last minute shopping for me on Christmas Eve...what a great feeling, this will be the most relaxing Christmas I have ever had...although I will miss my family and friends! 18 days to go!!!!

Stormy Mission Beach

Well it has been so exciting in Mission Beach this last week!! We have had two big storms in the last few days, and I have never heard thunder like it in my life! Nor have I seen Hail stones that big....I was a little bit scared when all the power went off at home and we heard a tree crack and break off. That said it was all very exciting too. We sat on our deck and watched all the rain coming down, and the sky being lit up with the lightning!! The downfall is that when the power goes off, it can stuff you up work wise! Especially if you write websites for a living....

Hot Hot Hot!!!!

Well I do love my life in Mission Beach but things are really hotting up here, almost to the point where I am feeling a little uncomfortable! Mind you, you can never please us pomeys, we are always moaning that it's too cold in the UK and then we get a bit of heat, and here I am moaning that I am too hot!!! Some people are just too hard to please.....

Echo Creek Bush Walk

Enjoy the spirit of the rainforest. Join a 4 hour guided rainforest experience with the local Jabunbarra people. Learn about the flora and fauna, see bush skills demonstrated and trek through virgin rainforest to a spectacular waterfall.

Yamacutta

Yamacutta is a stunning high quality architect-designed Rainforest Lodge

Entertainment Guide for Mission Beach

If you would like to know what entertainment is on in Mission Beach then take a look at our ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE, located on our website www.missionbeachinfo.com ......... You can find out what bands are playing and where, local DJ's as well as regular events like Trivia nights, bingo and bootscooting. We will list any community events as well. This is great information to know whether your visiting or live in Mission Beach.

Magnums - Magnetic Island

MAGNETIC ISLAND: Air-conditioned Backpackers located in Nelly Bay.

To plan or not to plan

When I book my holidays I like to plan some things and have a bit of flexibility for others. But when it comes to the Whitsundays and Fraser Island in can be a good idea to plan, even from Mission Beach. It would be a real shame if you travelled to Airlie Beach and found out the boat you really wanted to go on was not available, or that you didn't know that you could save money by booking a package. That's what we here at the Mission Beach Information Station do best, help you to get the most out of your holiday, so drop in when you get to town!

Cblu in Mission Beach

Thankyou to the lovely staff at Cblu at Castaways in Mission Beach for the wonderful service offered to us last night. We went to enjoy our work Christmas function, and a great time was had by all. The food was great, the company of course was great, and as mentioned the service was spot on. So if your thinking about going out for lunch or dinner, on your own or in a group, I can recommend Cblu.

The mighty Bruce Hwy

The precious Bruce Hwy, our lifeline to the outside world. You can take roads for granted but when they are cut due to floods or traffic accidents it can change everything. We currently have a major accident at the Mulgrave River section of the Bruce Hwy which means no traffic is getting through coming south to Mission Beach and north bound traffic is blocked to. This will impact on all the Greyhound and Premier buses traveling hwy no 1. I know this because a friend has phoned to say she has missed her flight home and has to wait in Cairns overnight and could I please help her find a suitable motel. Which of course we have done! Selected, booked and finalised within 4 minutes of her call, that is what you call service - not just cause she's a mate, that's how we treat all our customers - prompt efficient services!

The sun is shining

I'm sitting here at work looking outside at the gorgeous sunny day we are having here in Mission Beach, and wondering about the wisdom of going to Victoria to visit my family for a month. I think, actually I know I am going to miss being in tropical north Queensland, but of course there is a lot to be said for spending Christmas at home with your family. So lucky you if your one of the many visitors to Mission Beach at this time of year!

Noorla Heritage Resort

INGHAM: Elegant villa in the heart of the wet tropics with an abundance of birdlife and natural beauty. The Noorla Heritage Resort has been described as a grand mansion, a beautiful boutique hotel and stately county club. It is an elegant, magnificent Art Deco Italian Villa, built in the hey days of Ingham in 1923.

Monster Markets

I love the last Sunday in the month as Mission Beach hold their monster markets! It's always great to have a mooch around and pick up a bargain or too. As Christmas is coming up I will be looking for presents too. They have some great jewelery to look at, and usually lots of great fruit and veg. It's definitely worth a visit. I will be having a look tomorrow morning....hope the weather stays fine for all the stall holders.

The Shrubbery

Eating out in Mission Beach is great, there are so many different types of restaurants to go to. One of my favourite is The Shrubbery, I went there twice in the last couple of weeks and both times the meal was fantastic. I enjoyed the char-grilled chicken.....yum, yum! So do yourself a favour and visit the lovely breachfront restaurant, especially on a Sunday afternoon, they always have entertainment for you to enjoy.

The Outlook

Imagine a contemporary beach house, poised on the edge of the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef. Picture a retreat with the tranquil rainforest and stunning views of Dunk Island, Bedarra Island and The Family Group of Islands at your door step. The Outlook offers all this and more. As you laze in the pool you look out to the Beach, Islands or just the blue sea. As you laze in bed in look out to the Beach, Islands and the blue sea. Mesmerizing is the best way to describe the feeling when you stay at The Outlook. Access to the Beach is via your private stairway for a stroll along the sands or along the Kennedy Walking Track.....

Movember!!

We are nearly at the end of November, and what a hairy time it has been. The guy I work for has had the biggest tache I have ever seen, but it is all for a good cause! Hopefully everyone will be supporting this fundraiser. If you haven't sponsored anyone with a MO yet, it's not too late. Here at Mission Beach, there are boxes to make a donation. The one I used was in Mission Beach Comfort Resort. Let's support these guys for looking like dodgy porn stars for a month....welldone!

Where can I see a crocodile

I had a couple of visitors come in to see us today and wanted to know where they could see crocodiles in Mission Beach. I explained about the River Rat croc spotting tour but they thought they would like to go and see them by themselves. I can understand the sense of adventure you might feel in wanting to go out and find a crocodile, but really I do suggest an organised tour as a better alternative.....

Back to normal in Mission Beach

My life is finally back to normal now that Sea Patrol has left Mission Beach, I am happily back at work at the Information Station. It was a fabulous experience working with them, and seeing how things work on the other side of the camera, but I'm ready to help you plan lots of fun things to do on your holidays when you visit Mission Beach. So come into the Mission Beach Information Station and let me tell you all about skydiving, white water rafting, sea kayaking, reef trips and much, much, more.

Cairns Habitat Cruises

CAIRNS: Trinity Inlet Cairns supports a diverse and fascinating ecosystem. Enjoy a calm water cruise with Cairns Habitat Cruises while discovering the secrets of mangroves and the wildlife and the history and culture of the harbour and its trade. See crocodiles and a variety of native birds in their natural habitat, and then get really close to crocodiles during the Crocodile Farm Tour.

Sea Patrol has left Mission Beach

It has been fantastic having the Sea Patrol cast and crew back in Mission Beach filming the second series....but of course all good things come to an end, and yesterday almost all people left town to move on to Cairns for a week of filming before heading to the Gold Coast. I for one certainly hope we see them again next year, they are a great bunch of people and bring a huge amount of business to Mission Beach!

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.