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Coffee and cassowaries, what a way to the start the day! Seriously, this happens here at Licuala Lodge in Mission Beach. Perhaps not every day at breakfast, but we do see them here most days, at various times and locations, and what a way to kick start your 72 hours in Mission Beach.
Our little pocket of paradise is truly nature’s playground. Ancient World Heritage listed rainforest, which once covered the entire Australian continent and is now just a narrow band on Queensland’s north east coast, sliding down to golden sandy beaches, with tropical islands and the Great Barrier Reef beyond.
If you’re planning your trip and don’t know where to start, how much time to allow and what to do, we’re pleased to provide an epic itinerary for your 72 hours in Mission Beach.
This Mission Beach stay ticks all the right boxes. Rainforest accommodation and exploration. Reef trip and some serious adventures. Come make some memories!
Pulling off the Bruce Highway and driving into Mission Beach, you watch the sugar cane fields transition into tropical fruit farms and finally rich rainforest. Towering trees line the road, and the Cassowary signs remind you to slow down and watch out, for these iconic rainforest residents. The adventure begins and if you just can’t wait to get amongst it, pull into the Lacey Creek Circuit which is on your way in, between the highway turn-off and Mission Beach.
This 1.2km circuit loop track criss-crosses the river and has a viewing platform looking over Lacey Creek, which is home to freshwater fish and turtles. Cassowaries are sometimes seen in this area, and you can read about them with interpretive signage.
Ready for lunch? Love burgers? Then you need to get yourselves straight to Lansi’s Gourmet Burger Bar, which is Poppin’ up at Joey’s Mission Beach, 2/42 Donkin Lane Mission Beach. These guys do the best burgers in Mission Beach and are open from 2pm – 8pm, Friday through Tuesday. In addition to seriously good burgers, made with fresh local produce, they also do onion rings, shoestring and sweet potato fries and shakes. Hunger satisfied, time to head on over to Licuala Lodge and check-in for your 2-night stay.
Our property is surrounded by lush rainforest and borders Lot 66, a Mission Beach Cassowary corridor. That’s why we see them so frequently here, our landscaped gardens are a part of their home terrain.
You have reached your destination, time to stop and relax. As our guests, you’re welcome to do as much or little as you like. The pool is an awesome place to relax, surrounded by nature. Swim and soak in the serenity on the sun lounges, if you’re lucky, a Cassowary might even wander by the pool fence, before disappearing back into the rainforest.
The three Queen Rooms are in their own elevated ‘wing’ and have a shared balcony, which provides amazing views over the gardens and towering trees beyond. Not to sound like a nature documentary (and many film crews choose to stay here for this very reason!) – but spend 5-10 minutes here and you will see so many different plants and animals.
Head to the beach to catch the last rays of the day. The sandy stretch of Mission Beach is surprisingly wide (especially at low tide) and is bordered by coconut trees and the Coral Sea. The sea breeze is refreshing and it’s the perfect time of day to get the sand between your toes and go for a walk on the beach. NB: When you’re staying with us at Licuala Lodge, you’re close enough to walk down, but you can also drive, so you decide what you prefer.
Dinner options are yours to choose. There’s a fully equipped, communal kitchen at Licuala Lodge which you’re welcome to use if you want to self-cater. Alternatively, dine out at one of the restaurants or get takeaway.
Now back to the coffee and cassowaries – the coffee is guaranteed, the cassowaries are wild creatures, so they’ll come and go as they please. It’s a short walk from your room to the upper deck continental breakfast spread, which is included in your room rate. The fruit salad features seasonal delights, many picked fresh from our garden including dragonfruit, paw paw and passionfruit. Array of cereals, homemade bread, preserves and cake, as well as filter coffee and selection of teas. If you’d prefer a cooked breakfast you can order this too, but it’s an additional cost.
The deck is the place to be for wildlife watching, especially butterflies – the gorgeous, electric blue Ulysses often floats on by, as does the Cairns Birdwing butterfly.
At Licuala Lodge we love the rainforest and the reef, and that’s what our area is known for. So, a visit to the Great Barrier Reef and/or one of the many offshore islands, is a must do in our 72 hour Mission Beach itinerary. We recommend Mission Beach Dive. Locally owned and operated they run outer reef dive and snorkel trips, as well as island cruises and transfers to and from Dunk Island. This gives you the flexibility to pick what reef experience is best for you.
On the outer reef you can snorkel and dive (for introductory dives and certified divers), while at the islands you can snorkel from the beach to offshore fringing reefs. Whichever you choose will be amazing.
Keeping the blue front and centre for day 2, we suggest dinner at Buko Mission Beach – part of the Castaways Resort complex. This place is known for its fresh produce and channels all that’s good about beachside dining, with a little elegance and a lot delicious. The tables provide views to the coconut trees, beach and Coral Sea beyond. The menu is bursting with options to suit all tastes, from shared seafood platters to slow roasted prime rib, miso spatchcock chicken, salmon skewers and more.
Not forgetting the drinks. Extensive and exciting cocktail list including some signature blends such as the ‘Wilson’, a combination of coffee liquor, reposado tequila, coconut rum and pineapple juice.
The soundtrack of the rainforest by night is provided by frogs and cicadas. As the night deepens around you, Licuala Lodge once again becomes your haven for the night. There’s an overarching feeling of peace and serenity here, where you can disconnect from the everyday, and just relax and unwind. Should you be feeling social, there’s the communal loungeroom, where you might want to share your adventures with other guests. This great space has lounges, tables and chairs and is well stocked with books, cards and assorted games to keep you entertained.
You’re welcome to bring your own drinks, or you can make use of our guest bar, where you can purchase bottles of wine, beer or soft drink.
You’re sliding into the final day of your 72 hour Mission Beach adventure itinerary, so it’s time to let it fly. Mission Beach Skydive will seriously blow your mind! These are tandem jumps, which means you don’t need any experience and your guide has got you covered – literally. Choose your own adventure with two heights to jump from, 7,500ft or 15,000ft. What’s the difference you ask, it’s all in the freefall; the higher you start the longer the freefall – up to 60 seconds of freefall when you choose the 15,000ft tandem skydive.
Other than the pure adrenaline of the jump and freefall, it’s all about that view and your location. Floating gently down you can soak it all in. The Great Barrier Reef, the rainforest and the beach – which is your dropzone and landing point.
Jumping out of planes is hungry work, so re-fuel your tanks with a blast of fresh and fabulous food from Shanti Café at Mission Beach. These guys do amazing brunch, bakes and views – keeping their menu small but their flavours big. The coffee is always good and you can choose from croissants, eggs benny, flat breads, burritos, wraps, smoothies, freshly squeezed juices and more. Did we mention the cakes?! The Shanti crew are always trying different flavour combos with changing specials.
These guys get rave reviews and there’s plenty of comfortable seating, under their shaded deck, in the courtyard and under the trees. A great place to get your feet and tummy, back on firm ground.
It’s nearly time to leave Mission Beach, but make the most of every moment and take the time to explore the Kennedy Walking Track. This is one of our favourite trails here at Licuala Lodge, as it has a little bit of everything we love about this region. Cool rainforest, sandy beaches and the big blue sea, all together in one awesome walk. In fact, this is considered to be one of the most scenic walks on the Cassowary Coast.
The track itself is 4km and is mostly shaded and includes boardwalks. A highlight is Lover’s Beach at Lugger Bay, a secluded little beach that epitomises everything a tropical beach should be. Coconut trees, golden sands, clear blue waters and soft sea breezes.
This brings your action packed 72 hours in Mission Beach itinerary to its end and we bid you adieu. This suggested list of activities is all about connection and adventure. Exploring the rainforest, providing as many opportunities as possible to see the iconic Southern Cassowary, visiting the reef and flying through the sky. It is by no means an exhaustive list of what you can do in Mission Beach, so we say farewell but not good-bye and hope to see you again.
Mission Beach is a part of the Cassowary Coast, located between Cairns and Townsville. An idyllic tropical retreat which is big on experiences and small on crowds. For more trip inspo check out the 102 things to do on the Cassowary Coast.
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