140km (87 miles) S of Cairns; 240km (149 miles) N of Townsville

Tucked away off the Bruce Highway, Mission Beach is a conglomeration of four beachfront towns: South Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach, Mission Beach proper, and Bingil Bay. Most commercial activity centers on the small nucleus of shops and businesses at Mission Beach proper, but there are bigger shopping center developments springing up. One of the great attractions -- apart from the beach -- is the chance you might spot a cassowary emerging from the rainforest to cross the road. Rainforest hides the town from view until you round the corner to Mission Beach proper and discover appealing hotels and cabins, small shops, and smart little restaurants. Just through the trees is the fabulous beach.