Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MISSION BEACH: THE CASSOWARY COAST
140km (87 miles) S of Cairns; 240km (149 miles) N of Townsville
Tucked away off the Bruce Highway, the township of Mission Beach has man-
aged to duck the tourist hordes. It's actually a conglomeration of four beachfront
towns: South Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach, Mission Beach proper, and
Bingil Bay. Most commercial activity centers on the small nucleus of shops and
businesses at Mission Beach proper. It's so isolated that signs on the way into
town warn you to watch out for ultra-shy cassowaries emerging from the jungle
to cross the road. Dense rainforest hides the town from view, until you round
the corner to Mission Beach proper and discover appealing hotels, neat shops,
and smart little restaurants. Just through the trees is the fabulous beach. A mile
or so north of the main settlement of Mission Beach is Clump Point Jetty.
ESSENTIALS
GETTING THERE From Cairns, follow the Bruce Highway south. The Mis-
sion Beach turnoff is at the tiny town of El Arish, about 15km (9 1 2 miles) north
of Tully. Mission Beach is 25km (16 miles) off the highway. It's a 90-minute trip
from Cairns. If you're coming from Townsville, there is an earlier turnoff just
north of Tully that leads 18km (11 miles) to South Mission Beach.
Airport Connections ( & 07/4099 5950 ) operates door-to-door shuttles
twice a day from Cairns for A$39 (US$25) adults and A$20 (US$13) children,
and from the northern beaches for A$44 (US$29) adults and A$25 (US$16)
children. McCafferty's ( & 13 14 99 in Australia) and Greyhound Pioneer
( & 13 20 30 in Australia) coaches both stop in Mission Beach proper (not
South Mission Beach) several times daily on their Cairns-Brisbane-Cairns runs.
The fare is A$16 (US$10) from Cairns, or A$187 (US$122) for the 26-hours-
plus trip from Brisbane.
Five trains a week on the Cairns-Brisbane-Cairns route call at the nearest train
station, Tully, about 20km (12 1 2 miles) away. One-way travel from Cairns on
the Tilt Train costs A$43 (US$28) for the 2-hour 50-minute journey. From Bris-
bane, fares range from A$183 (US$119) in an economy seat to A$345
(US$224) for a first-class sleeper on The Sunlander . For more information, call
Queensland Rail's long-distance division, Traveltrain ( & 13 22 32 in Australia,
or 07/3235 1122). A taxi from Tully to Mission Beach with Tully Taxis &
Buses ( & 07/4068 3937 ) is about A$40 (US$26).
A bus transfer to Mission Beach with Mission Beach Bus & Coach ( & 07/
4068 7400 ) is A$7 (US$4.55). You must book the transfer in advance.
VISITOR INFORMATION The Mission Beach Visitor Centre, Porters
Promenade, Mission Beach, QLD 4852 ( & 07/4068 7099; fax 07/4068 7066;
www.missionbch.com), is located at the northern end of town. It's open Mon-
day through Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday from 9am to 4pm.
GETTING AROUND Mission Beach Bus & Coach ( & 07/4068 7400 )
travels day and night between the beach communities, stopping outside all the
accommodations houses listed below, at Clump Point Jetty, and at Wongaling
Mission Beach Money Matters
There's no bank in Mission Beach; in fact, the only ATM is at Mission Beach
Resort, Wongaling Beach, so come with enough cash, traveler's checks,
and/or a credit card.
Tips
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