The reef is only 40km off the coast at Mission Beach, which means less time traveling, and due to the fact that Mission Beach is a small coastal community, you can expect to see less boats and less people. Giving you a more personalised experience on the reef.
Highlights of Mission Beach reef tours vary, depending on expectations. Some rave about the colourful corals and giant clams. Others are amazed at the diversity of fish species and most love to see turtles. Being a natural attraction, there’s no guarantee on what you will see but you’re sure to love it all.
A number of Barrier Reef tours start at Mission Beach, don’t forget to look them up.
There is a number of PADI Instructors in Mission Beach that can teach you. Alternatively, if you’re already certified or wanting a day tour for snorkelling only, there are also offers for you. Whatever your preference, you just can’t miss spending at least a day of your Mission Beach itinerary, on the Great Barrier Reef.
Their boat, Reef Goddess.
Photo: Mission Beach Dive.
Related to Nemo.
Of wonderous colours.
Diagonally-banded Sweetlips.
Mission Beach reef tours.
We just love them.
Mission Beach reef tours are well established, with the owners having years of experience. Most of the tours are owned and operated by local families. People who are passionate about the reef and visit it every day – they know the best places to explore and will take you there. Budget permitting, there’s even the option to charter a boat (The Brahminy) for an exclusive half or full day Mission Beach reef tour accompanied by Marine Biologist Dr Adele of Mission Beach Charters.
Some of the things you might see on your visit to the reef include, but are not limited to, Parrotfish, Angelfish, Anemonefish, Chromis, Giant Clams, Sea Cucumbers, Green Turtles, Starfish, Coral Trout, Yellow-tailed Fusiliers and more. All living in harmony on coral gardens, which are just offshore from magical Mission Beach. At Licuala Lodge we are able to book your Mission Beach reef tours for you.
Mission Beach has always had close ties with the Great Barrier Reef – literally, in regard to its proximity – but also as the place where the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) started. Today GBRMPA is recognised for providing world-leading marine park management, protecting this vast natural asset for the benefit of future generations.
The reefs around Mission Beach have been monitored and protected from the beginning of reef conservation in Australia. Mission Beach reef tours can include stops at one or more of the tropical coastal islands, or maximise your time exploring the amazing underwater world of the reef.
My partner and I recently spent 5 nights at Licuala Lodge, and we had an amazing time. They tended to our every need and provided us with many suggestions of places to visit and things to do. Their hospitality really enhanced our stay at Mission Beach and helped us get the most out of our time there. The homemade bread and cakes, as well as the fruit bowl were delicious. We were also stoked to see the resident wild cassowary and his chick's wander through the grounds on multiple occasions. Our stay here was truly a treat.
Nazli Y
We stayed for two nights however honestly would have loved to stay a week! Delicious breakfast on the deck, comfortable room with access to the veranda, loved the resident Cassowaries and chicks. An easy 25 min walk to the Mission Beach Resort or you can book a courtesy bus if walking is not for you.
Loraine A
Our stay at Licuala Lodge was the highlight of our trip to NQ. We saw a cassowary and chick every day and delighted in bird watching from our balcony (sun birds, metallic starlings, helmeted friar bird, dusky honeyeater, yellow oriole, etc. The gardens are exceptional. Breakfast was delicious with home made ingredients.
Lorna C
We stayed here for two nights and wished we could have stay longer. Arriving here was like arriving in paradise; the gardens stunning and full of wildlife, with the accommodation clean, relaxing and with modern touches. The owners were fantastic, helpful, social and so welcoming. Breakfast was delicious served on the balcony. Cannot recommend this place enough!
Cat J
The hosts were really lovely, helpful and informative. The property is excellent and is next to the rainforest. Cassowaries visit the gardens from time to time and if you want to see one, then this is the accommodation to reserve. We enjoyed our two nights there very much.
Jeffrey H
I loved my stay here. The gardens are magical. The free breakfast was delicious. The hosts are lovely and super helpful. I got to see a cassowary for the first time. Highly recommend.
Rachael R
My wife and I had the absolute pleasure of staying here for 2 nights. We could not have been more pleased when we realised the location was set in the countryside. Not only was the setting beautifully positioned off the road but also looked the part too. A real paradise as you go along the driveway to something exceptional. The hosts recommended restaurants to eat at, as well as walks and items that may be of interest. Their cooked breakfast was a terrific start to both days. The rooms are clean and cosy. If you want to relax and be looked after, we highly recommend here. We’ll be back !!!
Adrienne B
Try to stay 2 or 3 days in this paradise. It is so relaxing, peaceful and beautiful! Excellent breakfast. Cassowaries pass by during the day!
Dagmar M
Not very common to stay at a place where every morning the Cassowaries visit! A very special place looked after by special people. Nice special breakfast – home baked bread, special mix yoghurt, local fruits. This is the best place if you like a nice and quiet place to stay, surrounded by tranquil garden and lots of birds. Highly recommended!
Emily W
We picked this place because it looked a little bit different from the regular beachfront accommodation and we weren’t disappointed. As we drove in, we were literally greeted with a Cassowary and his chicks strolling past and disappearing into the rainforest that surrounds this special property. This Cassowary was no stranger either, he hung around. While you are still close to the beach, you get to fall asleep to the sounds of the rainforest, and wake up to a beautiful breakfast served high on the deck of this pole home looking down on a tropical garden.
Kim P
The quiet, peacefulness of this property was a tonic for our soul. The breakfast was amazing and the hospitality was helpful warm and respectful. We loved this property.
Murray A
This is one of the best kept secrets in Oz! 6-star experience of a lifetime. This beautiful stay nestled in enveloping, beautifully landscaped luscious tropical gardens, along with meandering local Cassowaries that gives you a feeling of total isolation, yet only minutes to local shops/dining/attractions. Their sumptuous breakfast of homemade bread/jam/cake inc much more, leaves you so fulfilled ready for a day of amazing adventure in this most wonderful place named Mission Beach.
Zena C
We were lucky enough to stay at this lodge for a couple of nights. We were impressed with the impeccably clean rooms, wonderful garden surroundings, fresh fruit and friendly hosts. We got to see one of only a few hundred rare Cassowaries wondering through the garden one morning, which was super special. The lodge has a fantastic location surrounded by World Heritage rainforest on one side and the stunning beaches and the Great Barrier Reef on the other. We loved it at Licuala Lodge and cannot wait to come back again.
W Shim
We really enjoyed our short but delightful stay at this lodge. The room was clean and comfortable. The gardens and pool area are well tended and lovely. Felt we were in the rainforest in this secluded and cosy accommodation. There was a communal area where breakfast was served. Full English breakfast was delicious. Thank you to Dawn and Blair who made us feel so welcome. Only wish we could have stayed longer.
Julie L
Paradise in the rainforest! Beautiful room, nice veranda, great hosts. Nice swimming pool and a delicious breakfast in the morning. And of course Charlie the cassowary who comes by. A truly special stay, highly recommended!
Houkje R
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