Nature at its best

If your traveling from Cairns to Mission Beach then there are two great spots to stop along the way. Babinda Boulders and Josephine Falls. I had the pleasure of visiting both spots yesterday and it really was lovely, I only wish I had my swimmers so I could have swam in the cool water pools. There are signs directing you off the Bruce Highway to both locations, and there are picnic tables and toilets at both, so take the time to enjoy two of natures wonders.

Kids Seal Club

A group of local kids in Mission Beach had a fabulous time on Sunday, they took to the pool in complete SCUBA gear and got to blow some bubbles. Awesome, image being 8 years old and sitting on the bottom of the pool chilling with you mates, doing somersaults, doing hand stands & generally having fun! This is the start of their SCUBA career - go for it. SCUBA diving on the Great Barrier Reef is amazing. Thanks Calypso Dive!

Its all looking pretty lush

Its all looking pretty green and lush here in Mission Beach. After enjoying a couple of days of rain the plants and trees are looking gorgeous. I've said it before and I'll say it again, it really is amazing how fabulous the rainforest looks when its wet. If your looking for something to do on your holiday or even as a local with a couple of hours to spare, go for a walk on one of the many tracks in and around Mission Beach, you won't be disappointed, and you may even get to see a cassowary.

Holiday snaps

Isn't it amazing how many photos we manage to take when we are on holidays, especially if your in a beautiful part of Australia like Mission Beach. Its so easy at Mission Beach Information Station to download your photos to a CD or DVD or print out your photos is you want to send them home. Come and see us and we will help you!

Visitors to Mission Beach

Don't you just love it when you get visitors coming to stay. I have friends coming from Melbourne to visit me here in Mission Beach in a couple of weeks. I have started to think about the wonderful things they can do while they are here, a must is the white water rafting on the Tully River, perhaps a skydive or even a sea kayaking trip to Dunk Island. There are so many options I will have to see whether they want relaxing or busy busy holiday. Who cares which I'm just excited they are coming.

Late Buses in Mission Beach

Here in Mission Beach, if the buses are running a little bit late , do not panic, they are usually not too far away. If there are any major delays one of the staff at the Mission Beach Information Station will let you know asap. =)

Lots to do in a little town

Wow I came to live in Mission Beach for the quiet life, what a joke! We are flat out.......between us we are snorkeling, skydiving, hiking, boating, biscuiting and fishing most weekends! And during the weeks the children have TKD, drama, swimming lessons, market stalls, art workshops and now thanks to Calypso Dive they are learning to SCUBA Dive......at 9 years of age! Life rocks!

Trivia Night in Mission Beach

The Trivia Night at the Mission Beach Resort is lots of fun. Its on every two weeks and seems to come around really quickly. If your at a loose end on a Wednesday night then come along and test your knowledge. It seems to be growing each week. There are many community events in Mission Beach so check out our Entertainment Guide on the Mission Beach Information Station website.

Friends moving on

Here in Mission Beach we meet lots of new people every day.....some come and go quickly, others stay and become great friends. When it comes time for the great friends to move on it can break your heart but we all have to remember that life is an endless adventure and that those adventures can involve people moving interstate or across the seas...... Here's cheers to friends and their adventures!

Dive Centre award

Congratulations to Mission Beach's local Calypso Dive Centre on their Environmental Achievement Award:

“It’s great to see Asia Pacific dive centres officially recognized for their work to help conserve and protect the local environment. Congratulations to all dive centres who have adopted Project AWARE’s philosophies, campaigns and activities and made this an integral part of their business, “ said Joanne Marston, Manager, Project AWARE Asia Pacific.

Award to Dive Centre

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR LOCAL CALYPSO DIVE CENTRE, they have received a world recognised Environmental Achievement Award.
“It’s great to see Asia Pacific dive centres officially recognized for their work to help conserve and protect the local environment. Congratulations to all dive centres who have adopted Project AWARE’s philosophies, campaigns and activities and made this an integral part of their business, “ said Joanne Marston, Manager, Project AWARE Asia Pacific.

Keeping Mission Beach clean

Mission Beach is such a beautiful place to live and visit, and its really important that we all do our bit to keep it clean, especially the beaches and rainforest. Along with general rubbish one thing that we always see are smoke butts, and I'm certainly not saying that my friend who has just given up, going strong on day 5, has been one of those throwing hers away, but it is a sad thing to see and I'm glad that there is one less smoker in the world. Good on her!

Plenty of great places to eat

What I love about Mission Beach is that there are plenty of great places to eat. I went to Just Saskia's in South Mission Beach during the week. What a lovely spot, you can sit outside and enjoy the sea views or sit inside and keep your eye on some of the great gifts there to purchase. Yes it is a gift shop and a cafe, shopping and eating, two of my favourite things in the one spot. Check it out if you get a chance.

Back to School

After 8 weeks of school holidays, enjoying life in Mission Beach, it was finally time for me to go back to school on Wednesday. After only 3 days I am already starting to realize how lucky I was to have such a long break from school work =) .

Wee Wallaby Woes

Wallabies are a common sight in Mission Beach, we love them dearly. Unfortunately every now and then these wee creatures and the necessary evil - the motor car - connect and the results are so so sad. The important thing to do is to check the pouch for a joey. Friends did the right thing last night and we have just passed the wee joey onto the local wildlife carers for them. Mission Beach Wildcare do their absolute best to feed and care for these wee joeys, eventually releasing them into the wild. It is probably a little known fact that the Mission Beach Information Station is a recognised 'drop off point' for such injured wildlife (as well as injured nightlifers looking for a cool place to get over their hangovers!!!)

Fantasea Cruises

AIRLIE BEACH: Day cruises around the Whitsundays.

Whitsunday On the Beach Holiday Units

AIRLIE BEACH: Affordable accommodation in Airlie Beach. Fully serviced self-contained units.

How did you spend your long weekend

I was lucky enough to get the long weekend off so traveled from Mission Beach to Lake Tinaroo to stay with friends. It is a fabulous drive through the tablelands to get there with lots to see and do if your not in a hurry. I would recommend you give yourself time to stop at the Curtain & Cathedral Fig Trees, drive the Waterfall Circuit, stop in at Gallo's cheese & chocolate factory, yum yum. I didn't go this time but I can assure you the Mugalli Dairy is worth a visit also. The men in the group went off fishing in Lake Tinaroo several times over the weekend, and we spent a couple of hours having a picnic and a swim at Lake Eachem. A great time was had by all, and only 2 hours from Mission Beach, what a weekend!

It is hard when staff leave us here at the Mission Beach Information Station, cause we are really a group of mates rather than a set of stiff employees. We'll miss you Jan! At least now we will be able to hang out together on our days off......that is one of the hard things when you make friends at work, it is hard to get rostered days off together......and there is so much exploring we need to do here in Mission Beach - lets do a Dunk Island day soon, maybe lunch at Castaways, a trip to the reef or maybe a kayak trip to Hinchinbrook Jan! And lets face it Jan, you are going to be just like Tanya - always a part of the Mission Beach Information Station team, no one really ever gets to leave ha hee ha hee ha!

Last Day..

Well it is my last day working at the Mission Beach Information Station today and I am sad. I will miss the guys I work with the most, they have been great. So of course this will be my last blog about life in general in Mission Beach. All I can say is that if you need info or are looking to book tours, accommodation etc. this is the place to come to be well looked after! See you guys, happy blogging.....

Quiet times...

It's very quiet in Mission Beach at the moment...lots of people on holidays and few people traveling through. It's a good time to go out to the reef or go rafting on the great Tully river as the numbers are just a bit lower making it a very chilled time. it would be a lovely way to end the holidays too.

2008 is well on its way

2008 is well on its way to being a great year in Mission Beach. Lots of people are planning holidays, conferences and day trips. You just cant miss mission!

Australia Day

Happy Australia day .. and what a nice sunny Australia day it is here in Mission Beach , there's not a single cloud in the sky, what perfect weather for the beach and a good old aussie bbq.

Cooling down...

For the last 2 weeks I was finding the weather in Mission Beach quite unbearable. I love the heat but the humidity really is a killer! Some days I just felt like I had no energy to do anything, even things that I like! So I am pleased to say that these last couple of days things have seemed a bit cooler....I am going to enjoy it while it lasts!!!!

Staying in touch

Isn't it fantastic how easy it is to stay in touch with friends and family, either here or overseas. Even on holidays in Mission Beach you can connect your own laptop or use one of our computers here at the Mission Beach Information Station. We take pride in our fast internet on real computers. At the moment their are 3 people using their own laptops which is great. I particularly love it when the oldies come in, they have set off on their "grey nomad" trek around Oz and their children have set them up with a laptop so they can stay in touch......sometimes they are not quite sure how to do that, so we of course can help them!

Salty Dog Sea Kayaking

AIRLIE BEACH: Day Trips, Extended Trips and Kayak Hire

Quiz Night!

If you live or are staying in Mission Beach, why not try something different and come to the Trivia night at Mission Beach Resort. It's on a Wednesday night every fortnight. We have got a team together and the fun we have had!!!! It's a great night when everyone can participate, so come on down, there are some great prizes to be won!

Baranbali Pavilions

Baranbali Pavilions is a brand new luxury beachside home set around a stunning Balinese style pool, beautifully landscaped and directly across the road from one of the most beautiful and quiet stretches of beach at magical Mission Beach.

You can choose how many of the bedrooms, all with their own ensuite, you would like to book at this beautiful home, but rest assured even if it is only 1 room you will get the whole property to yourself.

Back to School!

Well it's been a lovely long holiday for the kids in Mission Beach, but it's back to school on the 29th January! It has just whizzed by. I can remember when I had my summer holidays from school. I loved them to start with, but I was always excited to get back so I could see my mates. I also loved having new books and stationary for the new term! Is that sad? Well I hope all the children have a good start back to school and they work hard!!!!

Sealords in Mission Beach

There are so many different types of accommodation available in Mission Beach. Camping in a Caravan Park, Backpackers, B&B's, Resorts, Motels & Self Contained, whatever your looking for we can help you find. One of my favourite B&B's is Sealords, located between North Mission Beach and Bingil Bay. You will not find friendlier people anywhere, its like staying at home with your Mum and Dad, with perhaps a little bit more privacy. There are 2 fabulous rooms available inside the house or you can have a self contained Captains Cabin if you prefer to look after yourself. With a lovely swimming pool to cool down in too! Let us help you find the most suitable place to stay when you visit Mission Beach.

Bed Bugs ugh!

Just a word of warning for the traveller, beware of bed bugs. If an accommodation place is cheap then there is possibly a reason why. A friend has just came back from a weekend away from Mission Beach and stayed in a backpackers, 2 out of the 4 ended up with bed bugs, and they stayed in a family room, not even the dorms.....so be very aware!

Beach Walk

Mission Beach has 14km's of beach line, how good is that. One of my favourite things to do is to go walking along the beach with my friends, having a good old chat whilst putting in a bit of exercise time. I'm meant to be going for a walk today but have already been warned that as we are into our 3rd mid 30s day in a row we may just have to give up on the walk and drink beer and go for a swim instead, sounds like a great Sunday afternoon plan I think.

Its hot today

Well it really is summer now in Mission Beach. The heat has set in. We are looking for water to swim in or air-conditioners to sit under this week, that's for sure. My recommendation if you still want to head outside is to enjoy one or more of the many rainforest walks located in and around Mission Beach. It will be nice and cool under the lovely green canopy.

Kuranda Resort & Spa

KURANDA: Reflecting the essence of the world heritage Kuranda Rainforest, Kuranda Resort and Spa will remind you what it is to truly relax and unwind. Revitalise your soul amidst the tranquil surroundings, rejuvenate your body with luxurious spa treatments and enjoy the tropical ambience of Northern Queensland...

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.