Stretching more than 2,000 kilometres along the Queensland coastline and covering 35 million hectares, the Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef. It is home to an abundance of marine wildlife - including more than 1,500 brilliantly coloured species of tropical fish, 4000 species of molluscs, 400 species of sponge and 300 species of hard corals. The Great Barrier Reef's islands and cays support bird species by the hundred, including reef herons, ospreys, frigate birds and sea eagles. The reef is also of cultural importance, containing many archaeological sites of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin. Some notable examples include Lizard and Hinchinbrook Islands with their spectacular galleries of rock paintings. The many diving and snorkelling opportunities provide visitors with the best way of getting close to the Great Barrier Reef's many wonders. Tourism operators offer professional accredited dive courses, introductory reef dives and for the experienced, extended dive charters incorporating night dives or guided ecology dives. If delving into the deep blue is not for you - there are semi-submersible craft, glass bottom boats and a variety of land-based reef attractions.
The Lady Bowen Wreck off Mission Beach is a 220 foot schooner now over 100 years old. A converted paddle steamer, she now rests in 34 metres and has become a reef in itself hosting magnificent coral formations and awesome marine life. You are likely to witness natures finest in the form of gropers, sea snakes, giant turtles, lionfish and barracuda.
This park features a chain of scenic continental islands, close to the Wet Tropics coast near Mission Beach. Clad in lush rainforest and woodlands and surrounded by coral reefs, tidal flats and sandy beaches, the islands were home to the original 'beachcomber', E.J. Banfield. The islands are part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area. The most accessible of the Family Islands is Dunk Island. On Dunk Island, take an easy stroll through the rainforest to a secluded beach or embark on a climb to the summit of Mount Kootaloo for scenic reef and mainland views. Near the lookout, discover the remains of a World War II radar station. Continue on the Island circuit walk and stop to relax at Coconut Beach under the shade of the calophyllum trees. Go birdwatching and butterfly spotting along the walking tracks. Don mask and snorkel to explore the fringing reef from Muggy Muggy beach. Camp in the popular Dunk Island Spit camping area or get away from it all and bush camp on the more secluded Wheeler or Coombe island.
Licuala State Forest boasts several enjoyable walking tracks. Enjoy the native wildlife of the area as you walk around the forest...the Ulysses butterfly, cassowaries and green tree frogs. Be sure to look upwards to enjoy the sunlight shining through the beautiful palm leaves...it's truly remarkable! The Licuala Fan Palm is native to the area and has the majority of the fan palm trees in all of Australia. Children are catered for in the forest...they can even follow cassowary footprints to a nest full of eggs on the children's walk! Licuala State Forest is a beautiful place to appreciate the beauty of nature.
This park protects some of the last remaining lowland rainforest in the wet tropics, including a rare patch of licuala fan palm forest and is one of the few places you're likely to see an unusual and endangered bird, the southern cassowary. The park is within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Enjoy a barbecue at Lacey Creek day-use area and learn about cassowaries at the information shelter. Nearby, signs in the cassowary arboretum identify the trees that cassowaries feed on. Stroll along the short circuit walk through the forest and past a viewing platform overlooking the creek. Take a picnic to Licuala day-use area and follow the children's cassowary walk. Amble along the longer circuit walk that leads you under the bright green, patterned canopy of licuala fan palms. Keep a lookout for cassowaries and always 'Be Cass-o-wary!'
Many Australian towns boast large monuments of their most recognisable town features, and Mission Beach is no different. Come see the five metre tall Big Cassowary at Wongaling Beach. Mission Beach is known for its high population of cassowaries and it's quite likely that you'll spot one on your visit. So come by and take your photo with the Big Cassowary...it's definitely worth it!
Want to go white water rafting on your vacation to Tropical North Queensland? Go rafting on the the Tully River on this action packed full-day white water rafting adventure from Cairns! The Tully River rafting adventure, one of Australia's most popular rafting excursions, winds through World Heritage Rainforest and offers rapids up to grade 4.
ItinerarySkydive over one of Australia’s Mission Beach on this full-day excursion. Skydive at 15,000 feet, one of the highest in Australia, and take in the stunning views of the nearby Great Barrier Reef and lush rainforest as you float down to the beach. This full-day tour also includes a complimentary breakfast or lunch, free Wifi, free bike hire for an hour, and plenty of time to swim in the ocean.
Spend a day out on the water and enjoy the flexibility of tailoring the experience to your abilities and preferences. In a small group, cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, away from the crowds, and choose from one or two introductory or certified dives, or simply spend your time snorkeling. Includes a barbecue lunch.
Take the ferry round-trip from Mission Beach to Dunk Island for an independent day excursion to this beautiful tropical island. Located between Townsville and Cairns, Dunk Island has great snorkeling and fishing, walking trails that lead through the rainforest, and sandy beaches perfect for lounging. Ride in a fully-enclosed 33-foot (10-meter) ferry that transports you over the blue waters of the Coral Sea to the island in just ten minutes. You can choose to spend the morning, afternoon or full-day on the island.
Get away from the rowdy crowds on the Sunshine Coast and make some new feathered friends in the heart of Queensland with this unique hinterland experience. Enjoy interactive encounters with native and exotic birds in the walk-through aviaries at Maleny Botanic Gardens. Meet cockatoos, macaws and more and get one-of-a-kind photo opportunities with these friendly birds – on your hand, on your head, and against the backdrop of the scenic Glass House Mountains.
The long sandy beaches, dramatic sand dunes, and lush rainforest trails of the Sunshine Coast provide endless opportunities for an off-road adventure. On this tour, benefit from the undivided attention of your private guide as you explore the coast in a 4WD. Visit 40-mile Beach, the Red Canyon, and the Colored Sands; spot bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and sting rays along the coast; and stop to swim in a saltwater lagoon.
Journey from beach to bush on an action-packed 4-day itinerary taking you from the Gold Coast to Sydney. Take the road less traveled and venture into outback Australia, where you can swim beneath the Boonoo Boonoo Falls, try gold panning in the Uralla River, and enjoy wine tasting in Mudgee. That’s not all: visit the Jenolan Caves; take in views of the Blue Mountains; and discover Celtic history at the Australian Standing Stones.