EXPERIENCE THE
CASSOWARY COAST
RAINFOREST • REEF • ISLANDS
THE CASSOWARY COAST
WORLD CLASS EXPERIENCES DESIGNED BY NATURE
The Cassowary Coast is a truly unique part of Australia – at the centre of the Great Barrier Reef. The perfect getaway immersed in Reef, Rainforest, Indigenous Culture and tropical beaches all to yourself.
RAINFOREST
Cool off in Cardwell Spa, take a rainforest walk, this area is a prime location for spotting the endangered wild cassowaries.
REEF
Mission Beach is one of the closest departure points to the Great Barrier Reef, with access to pristine snorkel and dive sites.
ISLANDS
DESTINATIONS
CASSOWARY COAST'S LARGEST TOWN
INNISFAIL & SURROUNDS
The township is situated at the junction of the North and South Johnstone Rivers, about 5km from the coast and 90km from Cairns along the Bruce Highway. Nearby localities include Mena Creek, Etty Bay, Cowley Beach, South Johnstone, Kurrimine Beach and Silkwood.
YOU CAN WALK TO THE REEF FROM HERE
KURRIMINE BEACH
Kurrimine Beach offers a seaside holiday the way it used to be. Choose from a resort, caravan parks with cabins and campsites, motels, and holiday rentals. The charming village boasts a winery, beachfront pub, cafe, post office, petrol station, general store, and a laid-back atmosphere.
CARDWELL BY THE SEA
CARDWELL & SURROUNDS
Cardwell and Port Hinchinbrook are the southern gateway to the Cassowary Coast region boasting world-class landscapes and experiences. They are also the gateway to Hinchinbrook Island, the biggest island national park in Australia and home of the Thorsborne Walking Trail.
SUGAR CANE PLANTATIONS & WORLD-CLASS RAPIDS
TULLY & SURROUNDS
Surrounded by bananas, sugar cane plantations and world-heritage rainforest, Tully is one of the greenest and wettest towns in Australia. The World Class Tully River has earned an international reputation as Australia’s best rafting river. Enjoy awesome grade 3 & 4 rapids. Tully’s landmarks are scenic Mt Tyson and the Golden Gumboot, a 7.9m tourist attraction celebrating the record-breaking year that 7900mm of rain fell on the town.
14 KILOMETRES OF GOLDEN COAST
MISSION BEACH & SURROUNDS
Mission Beach is truly a jewel of the Tropical Coast and an ideal holiday destination. Known for its world-heritage rainforests, idyllic beaches, island getaways and adventure activities. Its four villages – Bingil Bay, Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach and South Mission Beach – are linked by 14km of palm-fringed golden sandy beaches.
CASSOWARY COAST
TOP THINGS TO DO
Top activities in the area include exploring the rainforest on the Kennedy Walking Track, visiting the nearby Paronella Park, and island hopping to Dunk Island. For adventure seekers, skydiving, whitewater rafting, and exploring Djiru National Park are popular choices. You can also visit Charley's Chocolate Factory, go whale watching, or spot cassowaries in the wild.
CLICK ON THESE EXPERIENCES TO LEARN MORE
KENNEDY WALKING TRACK
This popular coastal trail is an enjoyable and picturesque four kilometre (one way) route that includes beach and forest walking as well as island views.
The track cuts through a wide variety of coastal rainforests to get to beaches and rocky headlands. It offers great views of the Family Group of Islands and the chance to see cassowaries, wallabies and other rainforest animals. Peer down into the ocean from lookout points to spot turtles, dugongs and dolphins.
The Kennedy Walking Track takes you from South Mission to Kennedy Bay, past the landing place of 1848 explorer Edmund Beasley Court Kennedy. If you have the time you can then walk the length of Kennedy Bay along the beach to finish at the Hull River.
The communities of Hull and Tully Heads are on the other side. Return is via the same pathway. This trail is suitable for a wide range of walkers, although the second half includes more stairs and a bit of rock-hopping. There is a wide boardwalk to the first beach, known as Lover’s Beach.
PARONELLA PARK
Experience the unexpected! Their passionate staff will take you on a journey back in time. Paronella Park offers a fully serviced van park (site fee included in admission) plus numerous options for overnight stays, thus allowing you to also experience the Park’s magic at night. Voted the “Number One Must Do in Queensland”.
DUNK ISLAND
The Family Group of Islands is a chain of islands clad in lush rainforest, and ringed by sandy beaches and pristine coral reef. The largest and best known is the beautiful Dunk Island.
ART DECO SELF-GUIDED WALK
Cassowary Coast Art Deco and Historical Self-Guided Walk: Take a step back in time to the roaring 20s and discover the hidden tales behind the Art Deco and historical buildings of interest in the Cassowary Coast. Explore the history and take in the beauty of the region rich in natural assets, positioned where the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Rainforest meet. This is a self-guided location based storytelling tool that gives technical details on decorative architecture as well the history of how Art Deco was built from tragedy.
Call into the museum and pick up your tour guide map and booklet or download the app.
TROPICAL ART DECO APP
WALK TO THE REEF
Experience the unexpected! Kurrimine Beach is one of the closest beaches to the Great Barrier Reef – They are so close that you can walk out to explore King Reef on very low tides.
If you would like to partake in the walk, bring some shoes with you that you don’t mind getting wet – reef shoes are perfect! It is approximately an 800m walk through thigh high water to get out to the reef and usually takes about 30 – 45 mins.
SKYDIVE AUSTRALIA
Your next ultimate thrill is closer than you think!
Mission Beach just got a whole lot higher. This is your moment to see the town from above, freefall from thousands of feet, and take in the breathtaking views you’ve lived alongside your whole life.
Afterpay is available! Lock in your jump today and spread the cost over four easy, interest-free payments. No excuses, just adventure.
rafting on the tully
Experience Australia’s best rafting river, the Tully—home of the 2019 World Rafting Championships! This full-day eco-adventure, packed with thrilling grade 3 & 4 rapids, offers non-stop action from start to finish. Allow around 12 hours for this unforgettable journey, with timing confirmed 24 hours prior due to water release schedules. Set the whole day aside for an epic rafting experience through stunning rainforest terrain!
charlie's Chocolate factory tour
Charley’s chocolate tour is unique in Australia and one of only a few places in the world where you can experience the fascinating journey from cocoa tree to chocolate bar all in the one location.
The highpoint of the tour is the chocolate tasting! Here we feature our multi award winning Australian grown and made premium single origin chocolate. There are dark and milk varieties to suit every palate.
MISSION BEACH DIVE
Dive into adventure with Mission Beach Dive! Experience personalised training, breathtaking tours, and top-tier equipment. Your underwater journey begins here.
RAINFOREST BIRDS
The area around Mission Beach is home to one of the highest concentrations of the endangered cassowary in Australia. These large flightless birds can be spotted walking through fields and gardens, and even occasionally swimming across rivers.
We respectfully acknowledge the Mamu, Jirrbal, Djiru, Gulngay and Girramay peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we gather. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Indigenous Australia.