Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Dunk Island
Dunk Island is known to the Djiru Aboriginal people as Coonanglebah (the island of
peace and plenty). They're not wrong: this is pretty much your ideal tropical island, with
lush jungle, white sand beaches and blue water.
Walking trails crisscross (and almost circumnavigate) Dunk: the circuit track (9.2km) is
the best way to have a proper stickybeak at the island's interior and abundant wildlife.
There's good snorkelling over bommies at Muggy Muggy and great swimming at Coconut
Beach.
The island's resort is closed due to cyclone damage, though
camping
(
0417 873 390; per
person $5.15)
has reopened.
Mission Beach Dunk Island Water Taxi
( 07-4068 8310;
www.missionbeachwatertaxi.com
; Banfield Pde,
Wongaling Beach; adult/child return $35/18)
, departing from Wongaling Beach, makes the 20-minute
trip to Dunk Island.
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Mission Beach to Innisfail
The road north from Mission Beach rejoins the Bruce Hwy at
El Arish
(population 442),
home to not much bar a golf course and the memorabilia- and character-filled
El Arish Tav-
ern
(38 Chauvel St)
, built in 1927.
From El Arish, you can take the more direct route north by continuing straight along
the Bruce Hwy, with turn-offs leading to beach communities including exquisite
Etty Bay
,
with its wandering cassowaries, rocky headlands, rainforest, large stinger enclosure and a
superbly sited caravan park.
Alternatively, detour west via the Old Bruce Hwy, also known as
Canecutter Way
castles at the five-hectare
Paronella Park
( 07-4065 0000;
www.paronellapark.com.au
;
Japoonvale Rd;
adult/child $40/20; 9am-7.30pm)
. Built in the 1930s as a whimsical entertainment centre for
the area's hard-working folk, the mossy Spanish ruins now have an almost medieval feel,
and walking trails lead through rambling gardens past a waterfall and swimming hole.
Take the 45-minute daytime tour and/or one-hour night tour to hear the full, fascinating
story. Admission includes both tours, as well as one night at its powered
camping ground
;
