EVENT HUB - SOUTH MISSION BEACH
Mission Beach would be better referred to as Mission Beaches with its 14km stretch of sand interlinking three beaches and four villages. Lesser known are the smaller beaches and coves that make up a huge part of its charming appeal.
Mission Beach is a part of the Cassowary Coast region and as the name suggests, home to the endangered Southern Cassowary. It’s a popular destination for people looking for some peace and quiet or those wishing to explore its natural surrounds. Flanked by two World Heritage sites – the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest – Mission Beach is the closest point on the mainland to the Great Barrier Reef and the birthplace of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
While famed for its 14km of coconut lined stretch of golden sand, the area also includes smaller coves where not seeing another soul is the norm, except for the occasional cassowary of course. Begin at Garners Beach, a secluded strip where the rainforest threatens to claim the beach with overhanging branches almost touching the water. It’s the perfect place to pull up a shady spot for a picnic or some much needed R&R. Nearby, unmarked on many maps is Brookes Beach. To get here, turn right off of Garners Beach Road onto Holt Road and keep an eye out for the pandanus clad pathway leading down to the beach. You’ll be greeted with expansive sands and views to Bicton Hill over a smaller rainforest covered headland.
The Red Bull Defiance Event Hub will be located in South Mission Beach (at the Northern End of the Kennedy Esplanade). With dramatic views to Dunk Island, a beautiful beach & many accommodation options, South Mission Beach provides the perfect base for your Red Bull Defiance experience & the days following to relax & enjoy.
https://cassowarycoasttourism.com.au/whats-on/red-bull-defiance-25-27th-august-2023/
NORTHERN QUEENSLAND
Tropical North Queensland is such a diverse region and you’ll be charmed by the ever-changing landscapes, sleepy seaside villages and pretty country town just waited to be discovered. Listed below are some of the treasures of North Queensland and the qualities that cement their uniqueness. Whether you’re traveling alone, with friends or your family, there is something for everyone, so read on and start planning your dream adventure holiday!
MISSION BEACH & CASSOWARY COAST
Mission Beach & Cassowary Coast is where Red Bull Defiance is held and provides the quietest stretch of the Tropical North Queensland coast and is considered to be a largely undiscovered gem. 14kms of golden sands connect this community where the rainforest and reef lay side-by-side. This quiet stretch of the Tropical North Queensland coast is the closest point to the Great Barrier Reef on the mainland. Flanked by lush rainforest, the dreamy beachside enclave of Mission Beach is a must to explore. Click here to learn more.
CAIRNS & NORTHERN BEaCHES
Cairns & Northern Beaches are a vibrant tropical hub and the perfect starting point for your Queensland adventure. From urban culture to the Great Barrier Reef and rainforest, Cairns is tropical city living at its best. Click here to discover more of the beauty of Cairns and the Northern Beaches region.
PALM COVE
Palm Cove is a tiny enclave in Tropical North Queensland and home to the most glamorous beach villages. Famous for its abundance of spas and resorts, this seaside village is a true flop and drop location. To explore more of the relaxing vibe and natural environment of Palm Cove click here.
PORT DOUGLAS
Port Douglas is Tropical North Queensland’s original resort town and still the capital of barefoot luxury. Spend time by the beach, venture to the reef or shop till you drop. The famous Four Mile Beach runs along the edge of Port Douglas, a pretty stretch of golden sand that’s remained largely undeveloped. Flop on the sand, swim in the warm waters of the Coral Sea or explore the rock pools at the beach’s northern end. To discover more on Port Douglas’s beaches, luxury resorts and restaurants visit this link.
THE DAINTREE & CAPE TRIBULATION
Daintree and Cape Tribulation are an ancient and fascinating place where the rainforest meets the reef. It’s a great place to disconnect from modern life and perfect for the adventurous at heart or those who want to chill in nature. In the Daintree and Cape Tribulation, the rainforest meets the reef, mountains scrape the sky and life moves more slowly, to explore more on what is on offer visit here.
KURANDA
Kuranda is a colourful, quirky, mountain village that’s known for it’s buzzing arts community. Set in the rainforest and full of marketplaces, wildfire parks and cafes. Venture here by train or gondola & discover the beauty of this area. With a cool climate charm, two buzzing market towns and a wondrous wildlife this treasure is not to be missed and can be explored through their website.
COOKTOWN & CAPE YORK
Reach the very tip of Australia, traveling through one of the wildest regions in the country at Cooktown and Cape York. Australia’s 4WD capital, full of rugged national parks, pristine waterways and secluded beaches. Described as a drive of a lifetime and a slice of history this one stop you don’t want to miss. Click here to lock in your next adventure.
TORRES STRAIT
Torres Strait allows visitors to discover an ancient culture on these remote islands off the northern tip of Tropical North Queensland. 274 islands surrounded by coral reefs make up this isolated area north of Cape York. With a fascinating mix of indigenous and Melanesian cultures the Torres Strait is a glimpse into history and not one to be missed. Learn more by clicking here.
THINGS TO DO - SNORKELLING
Grab your family & friends, plan your trip or extend an existing one and create memories that will last a lifetime. There’s always something to do in Queensland!
Snorkelling is an easy, safe and fun way to explore the reef, moving at a slow and gentle pace so you have time to admire the intricate coral gardens or see one of thousands of marine species going about their day.
Snorkellers are spoiled for choice in Tropical North Queensland. The Great Barrier Reef is just offshore and trips depart to the inner and outer reef every day from Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas, Cairns and Mission Beach. Most reef trips will be accompanied by a marine biologist who will point out specific corals and marine life, and share their insights into the fascinating life of the reef.
Some islands, like Fitzroy, Normanby and Lizard, are blessed with fringing coral reefs, so you can strap on your mask and snorkel straight from the beach. Nothing beats the thrill of stepping into the water and finding yourself drifting past giant clams, angelfish and clownfish sheltering within the tentacles of a sea anemone. Keep your eyes peeled for slightly larger creatures – like rays, sharks and turtles – while snorkelling fringing reef systems off coastal islands and sand cays.
Check out your snorkelling and diving options here and book a tour today!
THINGS TO DO - MOUNTAIN BIKING
If there was ever a place that was made for cycling it’s Tropical North Queensland, the only place in the world where you can ride alongside two World Heritage areas – the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Then there’s the Cairns region, which has more than 700km of easily accessible tracks radiating out from five different MTB hubs.
There are trails to suit every rider, from downhill adrenaline junkie to more relaxed family adventures. Australia’s oldest operating downhill trail, the Kuranda DH, has produced several World Cup stars and more than a few legendary tales of two-wheeled thrills and spills. There’s plenty of more placid rides too, such as the gentle two-hour meander through the rainforest on the Musgrave Track, located on the Cassowary Coast, or along the family-friendly golden sands of Mission Beach.
The tropical climate around Cairns means you can ride here at any time of year – the Atherton Tablelands are cooler with less humidity and are ideal for mid-summer.
If you’ve entered Red Bull Defiance you probably love riding! Check out more tracks here and book in a day trip!
THINGS TO DO - SPEAR FISHING
One of the oldest forms of angling in the world, spearfishing is a great way to mix ocean swimming with the thrill of the hunt!
Spearfishing in TNQ’s estuaries and creeks isn’t recommended due to the presence of saltwater crocodiles but there are plenty of boat trips and charters that will take you out to fishing grounds where spearfishing is allowed. Good catches include barramundi, coral trout, blue fin tuna, giant trevally and more.
Hungry? Click here to find out more and book a tour today!
THINGS TO DO - INDIGINOUS TOURS
Forge your own connection with these sacred surrounds. Be welcomed to Mossman Gorge at a smoking ceremony that cleanses and diverts bad spirits, learn traditional hunting techniques at Cooya Beach near Port Douglas on fishing grounds of the Kuku Yalanji people, or gain insights to ancient artforms with Jarramali Rock Art Tours near Laura.
Follow the song lines across the Savannah Way to Burketown where the night skies come alive with the stories of ancestors from the Gangalidda-Garawa people on Yagurli Tours.
Make your next trip to Queensland a memorable one, book a tour today!
