Mission Beach activities can be as strenuous or relaxing as you’d like and one thing is for sure, one night is never enough. When planning your Mission Beach itinerary, it’s good to know what activities are available and that’s why we’ve prepared this page of information on some of the best things you can do here. Some are free, some are tours – all are amazing! From walking to beachcombing, snorkelling, diving, white water rafting and cycling, it’s all here waiting for you.
Of course, one of the best parts of Mission Beach is the relaxed lifestyle. So, when planning your stay, make sure you allow plenty of time for lounging around the Licuala Lodge pool, watching the birds and butterflies float on by.
Licuala Lodge can assist with local advice, information and tour bookings to ensure you make the most of your stay here.
Mission Beach is part of the Cassowary Coast region, nestled between the major cities of Cairns and Townsville. It’s known for the rainforest, reef, beaches and tropical islands. It’s a place where you come, when you want to connect and engage with the best of nature in North Queensland. So, leave the cities and suburbs behind and make your way to Mission Beach for an idyllic tropical holiday retreat, the place to really relax and connect with your surroundings in a way that’s most meaningful to you.
Are on twice a month.
The world class Tully River.
Or bring your own rod & reel.
Many excellent local trails.
At Mission Beach.
Full day tours.
Fringed by swaying coconuts.
Beautiful, big rainforest birds.
Local farm and tastings.
The diversity of Mission Beach activities is astounding, there really is something for everyone. For lovers of craft and local produce, make sure you visit the Mission Beach Markets. They’re held on the 1st and 3rd Sunday every month of the year in Ulysses Park. Well supported by local residents, the markets are a place to browse the stalls beneath the trees for a range of treats and treasures.
Anglers have plenty of places, they can go fishing at Mission Beach. So, bring your own rod and reel, or book one of the guided fishing charters. If you’re feeling active Mission Beach also has bicycle hire giving you the means to ride the beach or explore the many landscaped bike paths, or hire a kayak/SUP for the day.
Mission Beach has long stretches of clean golden sand with, in most places, the rainforest literally fringing the pristine beaches. One of the things that will amaze you about Mission Beach, is that none of the beaches are crowded – if you are looking for peace and tranquility, then your search is over! This is one place you can laze under the shade of a palm tree and soak in the true tropics.
Just off the coast are the beautiful Family Group of islands, including the famous Dunk Island and the exclusive Bedarra Island. Dunk Island is probably one of the best known of Australia’s tropical islands, largely due to the writings of E.J.Banfield, the beachcomber. He lived there from 1897 to 1923. Dunk is just 4.5 kms offshore, accessible via a 10 – 15 minute journey in the Water Taxi.
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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