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Beaver Reef Dive Site

Natural Attractions

Beaver Reef Dive Site

Beaver Reef is one of the most popular dive sites off Mission Beach with coral gardens, bommies and sloping coral walls in depths to 22 metres. Off the southern side of the reef is a site called Shark Alley. Cruising the sloping coral wall at this site are a constant parade of pelagic fish and reef sharks. It is common to see several whitetip and blacktip reef sharks on a dive at Shark Alley. The most popular dive site off the northern side of Beaver Reef is Beaver Cay. Just off this small coral cay are wonderful coral gardens in depths from 12 metres to 22 metres. While the usual array of tropical reef fish can be seen, divers should also keep an eye out for turtles, stingrays and reef sharks.

Mission Beach QLD

0.0 km away

Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef off Cairns — Image credit: TTNQ

Natural Attractions

Great Barrier Reef Islands

Stretching more than 2,000 kilometres along the Queensland coastline and covering 35 million hectares, the Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef! It is home to an abundance of marine wildlife - including more than 1,500 brilliantly coloured species of tropical fish, 4000 species of molluscs, 400 species of sponge and 300 species of hard corals. The Great Barrier Reef's islands and cays support bird species by the hundred, including reef herons, ospreys, frigate birds and sea eagles. The reef is also of cultural importance, containing many archaeological sites of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin. Some notable examples include Lizard and Hinchinbrook Islands with their spectacular galleries of rock paintings. The many diving and snorkelling opportunities provide visitors with the best way of getting close to the Great Barrier Reef's many wonders. Tourism operators offer professional accredited dive courses, introductory reef dives and for the experienced, extended dive charters incorporating night dives or guided ecology dives. If delving into the deep blue is not for you - there are semi-submersible craft, glass bottom boats and a variety of land-based reef attractions.

Mission Beach QLD

0.2 km away

C4 Environment Centre, Mission Beach — Image credit: Kate Blank

Galleries, Museums and Collections

C4 Environment Centre

Located in iconic Mission Beach, the C4 Environment Centre is an essential stop for visitors and locals looking to engage in meaningful, hands-on experiences with the region’s unique environment and wildlife. Mission Beach, in the heart of the Cassowary Coast, is one of Australia’s most biodiverse areas. Nestled between the ancient Wet Tropics rainforests and the renowned Great Barrier Reef, Mission Beach is home to endangered cassowaries and rich marine habitats. At the C4 Environment Centre, visitors gain unique insight into the delicate balance between conservation and development, guided by passionate local experts dedicated to protecting this extraordinary region. There’s always something happening, from tree planting and guided walks to nursery tours, cassowary awareness workshops, and habitat restoration projects. These activities offer the chance to slow down, connect with the environment, and leave a positive impact during your visit. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning local, the C4 Environment Centre provides a welcoming space to explore, learn, and contribute to safeguarding Mission Beach’s natural treasures for future generations. C4 is wheelchair accessible, with dedicated onsite parking, ensuring everyone can enjoy this enriching experience. Visit C4 to connect with nature and make a difference during your time in Mission Beach!

Mission Beach QLD

0.7 km away

Barra Fishing — Image credit: Ryan Sprague

Amusement and Theme Parks

Barra Down Under

Barra DownUnder is a commercial Barramundi farm which offers 'Catch and Release' or 'Catch and Keep' fishing This is a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction nestled on the edge of the lush Australian rainforest, offering an unforgettable mix of adventure, nature, and hands-on experiences. It's the perfect place to relax, learn, and get up close with one of Australia's most iconic fish, the mighty barramundi. Catering for all ages and people regardless of their fishing experience. All rods, gear and lures are supplied.

Maria Creeks QLD

9.8 km away

Family, connection and memories — Image credit: owner of RC Homestead

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

RC Homestead Animal Encounter Mission Beach

RC Homestead Animal Encounters is a calm, hands-on family farm experience in Mission Beach, Far North Queensland, where guests can meet, feed and interact with friendly farm and rescue animals in a relaxed tropical setting. The experience focuses on small-group animal encounters, guided interactions, family connection, educational farm experiences, and relaxed outdoor experiences for children and visitors. Visitors can enjoy feeding larger farm animals, small animal cuddle experiences, guided animal encounters, private party experiences, and educational and sensory-friendly sessions.

Carmoo QLD

10 km away

Products — Image credit: Melissa Berryman

Shopping and Markets

Murdering Point Winery

Murdering Point Winery is unique in every sense; the name, the unmatched range of exotic tropical wines, the location and the passion that drives the owners to accept only the best as demonstrated by the awards won annually, through the use of traditional wine making methods and modern technology. In addition to the tropical fruit wines such as lychee, mango, jaboticaba, and passionfruit, Murdering Point produces wines of outstanding quality from the Australian Bush Tucker fruit, Davidson Plum. The Winery is also home to "The Point" port and the heavenly "White Devil" port, and the "Black Devil", a unique blend of black sapote and cognac, Banana Cream, Mocha Cream and Choc Mint Cream. New additions, The Riser, coffee aperitif and The Mariah, spicy vanilla aperitif. Murdering Point Winery is open seven days. Visitors are invited to enjoy tastings and to learn the history of the region in the unpretentious surroundings of the cellar door and tropical landscaped gardens.

Silkwood East QLD

15 km away

Lower Refreshment Rooms — Image credit: Paronella Park

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Paronella Park

Everyone has a dream. José Paronella's dream became a reality. On five hectares beside Mena Creek Falls he built his castle, a picnic area by the falls, tennis courts, bridges, a tunnel, and wrapped it up in an amazing range of 7,500 tropical plants and trees. He even harnessed the waterfall for his electricity. Paronella Park opened to the public in 1935. Today, visitors to the park marvel at the achievements of one man. Admission to Paronella Park is valid for 24 months and covers both the tours. There is a 35 minute guided walk that explains the extraordinary story and takes you through the highlights of the park, as well as the stunning Darkness Falls Tour where the castles and waterfall are flood-lit to allow for amazing photo opportunities. Admission also includes the souvenir guide book, fish food, umbrellas, access to the online photo gallery, as well as a site for one night in the adjacent van park.

Mena Creek QLD

29 km away

Mena Creek Falls

Natural Attractions

Mena Creek Falls

Mena Creek Falls is a spectacular sight. This waterfall rolls over seven million-year-old basalt rock and is even more stunning at night when the falls are illuminated. Located 19 kilometres south of Innisfail, the Mena Creek Environmental Park is accessible by the public at all times on the south side of the falls with public toilets, historic interpretive signs, a beautiful grassed picnic area and access to the suspension bridge that spans the falls. There is also a walking track leading from the toilets to a viewing platform on the bank of the creek with views of the waterfall across to the Paronella Park lower tea gardens. On the northern side of the falls lies the world-renowned Paronella Park. Visitors to the park are treated to many different views of Mena Creek Falls. With its diverse wilderness and abundant national parks, Tropical North Queensland is home to many beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes. It's important to always follow the advice from Queensland Parks and never venture into out of bounds areas, flooded waters or dangerous areas to prevent serious injury or death.

Mena Creek QLD

29 km away

Etty Bay

Natural Attractions

Etty Bay

Located 15km from the township of Innisfail, Etty Bay is a popular locals beach, just big enough for the beach, a road, the Surf Life Saving Club and a small caravan park. The soft white-sand beach is backed by a narrow, tree-shaded reserve, then steep, forested slopes rising up to 250 m behind the beach! Etty Bay is frequented by the famous Southern Cassowary, seen patrolling the area most days with sights more common during the early morning and late afternoon. Visitors are able to swim at the beach, but read the warning signs and stay between the flags or in the stinger nets during the summer months.

Etty Bay QLD

32 km away

Eddy Reef

Natural Attractions

Eddy Reef Dive Site

Eddy Reef is located off Mission Beach and is accessible on day boats. Divers exploring this reef will find a maze of coral ridges in depths from 10 to 20 metres that are covered in some of the most beautiful corals – wide gorgonians, lovely pink whip corals and delicate soft corals. Between these corals live angelfish, surgeonfish, boxfish, pufferfish, lionfish, wrasse and many other reef species. Some of the larger fish found at Eddy Reef include barramundi cod, coral trout and gropers, but a close inspection of the coral will also reveal many small critters like nudibranchs, flatworms, shrimps and coral crabs.

Mission Beach QLD

35 km away

Cassowary Dreamtime Trail

Natural Attractions

Goondoi Dreamtime Trail

The Goondoi Dreamtime Trail is a culturally rich walking experience that invites visitors to journey through living Country while learning the ancient stories, knowledge, and traditions of the Goondoi people. Winding through wetlands, bushland, and coastal environments, the trail connects natural landmarks with Dreamtime narratives that explain the creation of the land, sea, plants, animals, and people. Along the trail, visitors encounter interpretive signage and guided storytelling that share Traditional Ecological Knowledge, cultural practices, and the continuing custodianship of the Goondoi community. The experience highlights the deep relationship between people and Country, demonstrating how land and sea are cared for through respect, law, and ceremony. More than a walk, the Goondoi Dreamtime Trail is an opportunity for reflection, learning, and connection. It offers an immersive cultural experience that honours the past while celebrating the strength and resilience of living culture.

East Innisfail QLD

37 km away

Lady Bowen

Natural Attractions

Lady Bowen Dive Site

The Lady Bowen was a 66 metre long schooner, which hit reef almost 48 kilometres from where she eventually sank, and now sits in the ocean as a reef herself, off the coast of Mission Beach. At over 100 years old and resting under 34 metres of water, the Lady Bowen dive site is now home to amazing coral formations and a plethora of colourful and friendly marine life. Nature’s finest will be waiting at the hull of the wreck to meet you, in the form of gropers, sea snakes, giant turtles, lionfish and barracuda. The depth and enormity of the wreck make it perfect for intermediate to advanced divers.

Mission Beach QLD

39 km away

Edith Street, Innisfail after the 1918 cyclone (10 March 1918) - note dead horse on left of picture — Image credit: Innisfail & District Historical Society Inc.

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Innisfail Museum

The Innisfail Museum which is run by the Innisfail and District Historical Society Inc. contains a plethora of historical local artifacts which a volunteer will guide you through each Friday morning. You will learn about what life was like in the early days of Innisfail and its surrounding area. There is a room allocated to the early Chinese pioneers of the district. Two restored paintings of the See Poy children (c. 1907-1910) take pride of place in the display. Other rooms highlight cyclones which have impacted Innisfail and surrounds, local indigenous heritage, wartime items from both world wars, and other more general rooms. Entry is by donation.

Innisfail QLD

39 km away

Innisfail Riverfront — Image credit: HDEvolution

Natural Attractions

Innisfail Riverfront

The township of Innisfail is nestled at the junction of the Johnstone and South Johnstone rivers just one block from the Central Business District. On the foreshore there is a shade cloth covered children's playground, several barbecues and picnic shelters. There is a carpark to park your car and boat trailer and two spaces for caravan/motorhome parking. It is a short stroll to buy your fish and chips. Then you can sit in the park on the riverbank and enjoy the view over the river. Check out the Art deco architecture on Jubilee Bridge which crosses the South Johnstone River. This replacement bridge has been adorned with Art Deco motifs. If you are a fishing fan you can launch your tinnie from the boat ramp beside Jubilee Bridge. The riverfront is the start of several kilometres of walking paths along both sides of the rivers. This is popular activity with the locals. Go on a boat tour down the river to see if you can spot a salt water crocodile in its natural habitat or any of the many birds that inhabit the riverbank trees.

Innisfail QLD

40 km away

Cantilever Viewing Platform — Image credit: Mamu Tropical Skywalk

Natural Attractions

Mamu Tropical Skywalk

The Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway is a spectacular walk through the canopy of World Heritage rainforest. It is an iconic tourist attraction in the heart of the Wet Tropics. With a 350 metre long elevated walkway through the canopy, a cantilever, a 37 metre observation tower and more than 1200 metres of walking tracks, this attraction is a must do for anyone visiting the region. The cantilever provides tantalising views over the North Johnstone river gorge. The 37 metre observation tower emerges high above the canopy, offering sweeping views over a pristine rainforest-clad mountainous landscape, homeland of the Mamu Aboriginal people. Located within Wooroonooran National Park, the attraction was built in natural clearings in the rainforest caused by cyclone Larry in March 2006 and constructed from durable unpainted galvanised steel and recycled plastic. It is located close to other National Park walking tracks and picnic areas, making a day visit to the area, armed with a picnic hamper and walking shoes, a must-do experience!

Innisfail QLD

43 km away

Ponytail Falls

Natural Attractions

Ponytail Falls

Nestled in the rainforest along the Tully River, Ponytail Falls is the perfect place to spend those hot, humid days. There's two ways to reach Ponytail Falls – drive or raft. By car, follow the river downstream from Cardstone Weir and look out for the number 11 painted on the road. For a more adrenaline-pumping mode of transport, try white-water rafting and admire the falls from the embankment overlooking the falls. With its diverse wilderness and abundant national parks, Tropical North Queensland is home to many beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes. It's important to always follow the advice from Queensland Parks and never venture into out of bounds areas, flooded waters or dangerous areas to prevent serious injury or death.

Cardstone QLD

45 km away

Attie Creek Falls — Image credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland

Natural Attractions

Attie Creek Falls

Attie Creek Falls is a seasonal waterfall located along the Cardwell Forest Drive in Girringun National Park in the coastal town of Cardwell, just 2.5 hours south of Cairns! This beautiful waterfall is just a five minute drive from the Instagram-famous Cardwell Spa Pools and can be reached by a 700 metre walk from the Attie Creek Car Park. This relatively thin falls flows into a calm pool, which makes it perfect for swimming. With its diverse wilderness and abundant national parks, Tropical North Queensland is home to many beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes. It’s important to always follow the advice from Queensland Parks and never venture into out of bounds areas, flooded waters or dangerous areas to prevent serious injury or death.

Cardwell QLD

45 km away

Cardwell Spa Pool

Natural Attractions

Cardwell Spa Pool

The Cardwell Spa Pool is a naturally-fed seasonal creek. Located in the coastal town of Cardwell, just 2.5 hours south of Cairns, the pools are somewhat of a geological wonder! Thanks to the chemistry of the rocks and water, the colour can vary from a bright, baby blue to a more milky-blue colour depending on the time of day and available sunlight. May to September is the best time to visit the pool, as rains during the summer months will usually flush the creek out, returning it to normal levels from around March each year.

Cardwell QLD

45 km away

Tchupala Falls

Natural Attractions

Tchupala Falls

Tchupala Falls is part of a network of waterfalls in the Palmerston section of Wooroonooran National Park, sharing the trailhead off the Palmerston Highway with Wallicher Falls. Cascading over two major falls, Tchupala Falls can be viewed just a short stroll from the trailhead at the lookout above. Stay on the lookout for tropical wildlife including the majestic Southern Cassowary. With its diverse wilderness and abundant national parks, Tropical North Queensland is home to many beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes. It's important to always follow the advice from Queensland Parks and never venture into out of bounds areas, flooded waters or dangerous areas to prevent serious injury or death.

Wooroonooran QLD

46 km away

Wallicher Falls

Natural Attractions

Wallicher Falls

Wallicher Falls is part of a network of waterfalls in the Palmerston section of Wooroonooran National Park. The falls are located just a short walk upstream along the picturesque Henrietta Creek from the Tchupala Falls Trackhead. To reach the swimming spot above the falls, follow the track up to the top of the waterfall. Cassowaries can sometimes be seen in this area, so keep an eye out and catch a glimpse of one of Tropical North Queensland’s prized animals!

Wooroonooran QLD

46 km away

Nandroya Falls

Natural Attractions

Nandroya Falls

The Nandroya Falls Circuit is part of a network of walking trails in the Palmerston section of Wooroonooran National Park. Beginning at the Henrietta Creek campground, the trail to the falls runs about 6.6 kilometres, winding approximately 700 metres into the rainforest before forking to form a circuit. The right-hand fork is about two kilometres longer to reach Nandroya Falls offering scenic views, small rock pools, smaller waterfalls and rapid streams along the way. The two routes meet just below the picturesque falls, the perfect place to relax and swim and enjoy the Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest before the return journey. With its diverse wilderness and abundant national parks, Tropical North Queensland is home to many beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes. It's important to always follow the advice from Queensland Parks and never venture into out of bounds areas, flooded waters or dangerous areas to prevent serious injury or death.

Wooroonooran QLD

49 km away

Fishing on Hinchinbrook Island

Natural Attractions

Fishing on Hinchinbrook Island

Discover an island with a Jurassic outlook which abounds in flora, fauna, palm fringed beaches and extensive mangrove lined waterways. Hinchinbrook Island offers extensive flats and channel systems which are home to many prime tropical sportfish. This region boasts one of the few places in Australia where that much prized fly fishing adversary, the Permit (Snub Nosed Dart), can be targeted with some level of anticipation. Fishing with the majestic backdrop of Hinchinbrook Island is spectacular enough, but to be able to target good quality sportfish including barramundi, mangrove jacks, trevally, queenfish, salmon, fingermark, grunter and cod, makes this a fishing experience you'll never forget. Due to the magnificent mangrove environment, relative isolation in comparison to waters closer to Cairns and the lack of fishing pressure, this region is renowned for producing quality sportfish that are of a better average size than more heavily fished locations. The surrounding areas of Lucinda and Cardwell also offer great land based fishing with Duncan Wharf, Lucinda Wharf, Taylor's and Forrest Beaches being popular hot spots.

Hinchinbrook QLD

53 km away

Mungalli Falls

Natural Attractions

Mungalli Falls

Mungalli Falls lies just a short 14 minute drive from Millaa Millaa Falls. Mungalli Falls remains one of the top natural attractions in this pocket of farmland on the Atherton Tableland. It is the only privately-owned World Heritage listed waterfall in Queensland. To see the falls, take the bushwalk paths from the Mungalli Falls Outdoor Education Centre to the viewing platforms. There is also a platypus viewing platform along the way. With its diverse wilderness and abundant national parks, Tropical North Queensland is home to many beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes. It's important to always follow the advice from Queensland Parks and never venture into out of bounds areas, flooded waters or dangerous areas to prevent serious injury or death. To preserve the natural surroundings of the area, stay on the paths and platforms at all times.

Mungalli QLD

56 km away

The Babinda Museum

Galleries, Museums and Collections

The Babinda Museum

The Babinda Museum is located in Babinda and is an award-winning contemporary community museum celebrating the rich and diverse history of Babinda and the surrounding area in tropical Far North Queensland through modern interpretive display. Winner of three awards at the 2023 Gallery and Museum Achievement Awards, the museum includes kids activities and a gift shop. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 3pm. Entry by donation. The museum is complimented by the Babinda Museum Walk, a self-led historical walk through the town centre with 18 historical plaques on display. Babinda is approximately 60km from Cairns or about 50 minutes by car, ample car parking available in the street. The Museum is well worth a visit for those that are taking a break in Babinda between Townsville and Cairns, or spending time in the area so that they can visit two of Queensland's premier nature-based tourist attractions, the Babinda Boulders and Josephine Falls.

Babinda QLD

62 km away

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