Enjoying the Whitsundays

We now have up-to-date information on sailing the Whitsundays. One of the owners of Mission Beach Information Station has just returned from a fabulous trip on Whitsunday Magic, a beautiful boat if the photos are anything to go by. Even though the weather wasn't great he still had a really really good time, and as he was sailing around he spotted many of the other boats we can help you book. Come in and see us before you leave Mission Beach!

Road flooding

Last Sunday my attempt to make it from Mission Beach to Cairns was cut short at El Arish. The rivers were rising, visibility was nil and it would have been impossible for me to make it home again. Luckily the rain has eased and the roads are now open, i might have better luck this sunday.

Having some perspective

One of the things we understand here at Mission Beach Information Station is just how important your holiday is, that there has been a lot of time, effort and money gone in to the planning and actual event. We also know that sometimes the best laid plans go awry....this is where its really important not to lose perspective, to go with the flow, to be flexible and be willing to change your plans at the drop of a hat, because you are on holidays and you want to have fun!

Job well done

Well done to Kerrie from Mission Beach Information Station who managed to calmly get everyone on a special Greyhound bus that came from Cairns to Tully to take passengers back to Cairns. She made the drivers job easier and everyone was pleased to be getting on with their holiday. As wonderful as Mission Beach is when you've gotta, you've gotta go.

Be careful on the roads

If your traveling between Cairns and Mission Beach then please be careful. The has been a lot of rain about over the last 4 days and the roads are flooded in places, and wet and slippery everywhere. Please keep yourself updated via RACQ and local visitor centres.

Just Saskia

Great new cafe and gift shop.... this great cafe serves fresh juices, salads, bruschettas, sweets and fabulous coffee. Cafe seats 30 people and BYO is available. Open Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 4pm. Located at South Mission Beach. Phone 4068 9337. Bookings preferred for larger groups.

JJ Backpackers

CAIRNS: Small, safe, clean and friendly backpackers

Where is Dunk Island

Are you out there Dunk Island? Sometimes when it rains hard in Mission Beach we loose Dunk Island. Apparently it is still out there but you cant see it from the mainland! We do weather well up here, loads of rain and then beautiful blue skies......gotta love the tropical north.

Wet inside and out

Wasn't yesterday an interesting day, Mission Beach was flooded in for a short period with both the Mission Beach to Tully Road and the Mission Beach to El Arish Road flooded. This caused a little bit of grief with the Greyhound and Premier buses not being able to get through.......A friend though had quite an experience, her flooding happened inside, their fish tank burst and they came home to water and fish all over their house, luckily it must have just happened because they were able to save most of the fish, not so lucky with all the cleanup though of course. Welcome to the wet season!

Living in Far North Queensland

I went for a walk with a friend last night around South Mission Beach, it really was lovely looking at how people set up their houses to enjoy the best of living in Far North Queensland. The beach and Dunk Island views are particularly fabulous, and even though we did get a little bit wet as we meandered along it was still really pleasant, because rain in the tropics does not mean cold, which is a definite advantage over living down south.

Heading south

If your heading south from Mission Beach and are planning a boat trip from the Whitsundays or a package including Fraser Island, then please come and see us. It seems that its quite busy down in Airlie Beach at the moment and I have had two sets of customers already this morning who have missed out on the boat they wanted because it is booked out. We at Mission Beach Information Station can hopefully help you to not miss out!

Hard to leave Mission Beach

When you live in Mission Beach you dont often leave. It is one of these quaint pretty places that brings easy living. We are going to start thinking about a family holiday, but where do you go when you live in paradise...... we are thinking of the theme parks near Brisbane.....personally I am not sure abit to ritzy for me but I think the family will be thrilled. Any thoughts!

Computers

We have a great family of computers here at the Mission Beach Information Station. I am afraid to say though that their cousin which lives at our house is not so well behave. It is being naughty and refusing to connect to the net, amazing how isolated we all feel!

Cassowary Coast News

Welcome to the newest online initiative in Mission Beach. We now have our very own Cassowary Coast News, to access click onto www.cassowarycoastnews.com and browse the latest news on local issues, events and happenings. Catch some locals in action by viewing the online video clips.

Cassowary Coast News

Welcome to the newest online initiative in Mission Beach. We now have our very own Cassowary Coast News, to access click onto www.cassowarycoastnews.com and browse the latest news on local issues, events and happenings. Catch some locals in action by viewing the online video clips.

Cassowary Coast News

Welcome to the newest online initiative in Mission Beach. We now have our very own Cassowary Coast News, to access click onto www.cassowarycoastnews.com and browse the latest news on local issues, events and happenings. Catch some locals in action by viewing the online video clips.

Why blog

Why am I blogging.....I do wonder if anyone enjoys our on line diary about Mission Beach? We see it as a way of keeping Mission Beach in the minds of travellers and as a way of keeping people up to date with the real world of travellers to our beautiful beach.

Stingers Suck

Stingers actually sting not suck, but being stung sucks! So wear protection. We no longer ride bicycles without helmets and we dont drive in a car without a seatbelt. The time has come folks.... dont go swimming in the tropics without a stinger suit (also called a rashie, they are made of lycra which can look way cool and I hear Billabong & Roxie are bringing some chilled looking suits). So when you are in Mission Beach use protection (day and night!!!). And if you are thinking that sucks, remember we dont have great white sharks and they do way way more than sting (and I am not sure how you would protect against them, byo shark cage perhaps!)

Being sun smart

One thing you have to remember when living in or visiting Australia is that you must be sun smart. We have an english visitor to Mission Beach who went for a 1/2 hour run at 8.30am in the morning, she didn't think she would need sunscreen.......alas she did. I am happy to say that her next decision though was clever, she stayed out of the sun that day and the next, and then went to the Great Barrier Reef and had an absolutely fabulous trip with Calypso....and she didn't get sunburn again, good on her.

Leaving Mission Beach

Life is all about change, and a big one is when your friends or family move town, or state or even country for that matter. Last night was one of those occasions, we got together for a BBQ around the pool to say goodbye to great friends who are leaving Mission Beach for the Sunshine Coast. We really hope that they will come back into our lives in the near future, and wish them well for their future adventures.

Mission Beach Information Station

You may not know it but Mission Beach Information Station offers many administration services, as well as the internet, photo teller, tour desk, accommodation bookings and bus tickets. I have a lovely lady in today who has requested lots of her Cyclone Larry photos to be scanned, so she can email them to her son for his school project, isn't she a good Mum!

A happy ending

One of our current favourite community events in Mission Beach is the Trivia Night at the Mission Beach Resort, raising funds for the State School. Chicken Parmi are sad to say goodbye to two of its team members this week, we are happy to say that we sent them off in style with a victory, which came down to the last round. Trust me if you are at a loose end on a Wednesday night then come on down, we think its great fun!

Pink Guide

Have just seen our advert in this years PINK GUIDE. It looks great! The Mission Beach Information Station is an inclusive, friendly and helpful business.

Absolute North Chaters - Hinchinbrook Island/Zoe Bay Camping Transfers

Camp on beautiful Hinchinbrook Island. The Zoe Bay site is one of the most remote and spectacular. Boat transfers, full camping kit and national parks permits.

Skydive and weather

We are often asked what is the best time to go skydiving......there is no right or wrong time of the day. With the changeable weather in tropical regions such as Mission Beach it is possible for the rain to pour down one hour and then to have blue skies next! So if you are planning a skydive......go with the flow, make the booking, let the tandem masters decide what the weather doing & have fun. If you dont make the booking you have no hope of making it happen!!!! Skydiving in Mission Beach is awesome, dont miss out!

Tully White Water Rafting

Tully White Water Rafting is going off! All this rain, the rainforest is singing and the Tully is flowing full on! Pick ups from Mission Beach can be arranged.

Staying inside on rainy days

I've always found that when it rains all I want to do is snuggle up on the couch with a good book or movie. It doesn't matter whether I'm living in Mission Beach or Melbourne, the rain still gives me the same excuse for being lazy. The best thing though in Mission Beach is that if you want to go outside you can because its certainly not cold rain.

Little fish

Should have seen the local kids of Mission Beach doing their first SCUBA dive in the Calypso pool last weekend. It was great fun, big wide eyes and lots of smiles!

Spotting a Cassowary

We have quite a few people come in to the Mission Beach Information Station asking if cassowaries do really exist because they haven't been able to spot any . The answer to this is yes, cassowaries do actually exist. I always seem to spot them on my way to and from school, at about 8 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. A great way to see a cassowary in it's natural environment is to go on one of the many rainforest walks Mission Beach has to offer.

Being Brave

When you have long hair getting it all cut off can be quite a traumatic experience, but we have a brave soul here at Mission Beach Information Station. The long pony tail that had been growing freely, only being cut once in 5 years, has now gone, and he looks fabulous. Yeah for being brave!!

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.