How I found a hidden paradise in Northern Queensland, Australia

Have you ever gone somewhere to find your own peaceful paradise and it has been full of tourists?

You literally can’t relax and enjoy your downtime because there are people everywhere around you? Well, that is certainly not a case when visiting Mission Beach in Queensland, Australia.

Northern Queensland is one of the most beautiful regions of Australia.If you are planning a trip to Australia, don’t miss this astonishing coastline and islands. Where the rainforest meets the sea and a warm tropical vibe. It’s an ultimate paradise that will satisfy the pickiest summer gypsy.

Everyone always goes to Cairns when visiting the Great Barrier Reef but did you know you there are beaches and secluded spots just around the corner from Cairns?

I know that many who travelled Australia will say that it is quite easy to find a hidden jewel anywhere in Oz as it is such a big and beautiful country, but Mission Beach has something unique to offer.

Explore Mission Beach, Northern Queensland

This secluded tropical jewel is tucked in behind sugar cane and banana plantations less than 30 km east of the Bruce Hwy. It is hidden among World Heritage rainforest that extends to the Coral Sea.

Mission Beach offers wide empty beaches that give you the castaway feel of a tropical island.

I had a pleasure to stay at Elandra Resort at the South Mission Beach– a unique place, with a stunning view of a Dunk Island. If you are looking for a little bit of a luxury Elandra is the place to stay. Located mids rainforest and beach cliffs with no crowds, no people around. Perfect spot for a romantic gateway. Not to mentioned that we had no neighbours during our stay.

But it wasn’t all sweet and beautiful for Elandra. It suffered a massive category- five cyclone Yasi that crossed Queensland in 2011. It was the worst cyclone over 100 of years destroying absolutely everything in the area.

I always book my accommodation with Booking.com as you don’t have to pay in advance, you will be charged on the day of arrival. Check for more accommodation in Mission Beach here:

Booking.com

What makes Mission Beach a great tropical escape:

• Enjoy picturesque paradise with no crowds. You can feel the tropical vibe, be in a fantastic hotel and have no one around you. Mission Beach is the hidden gem of Northern Queensland.
• Explore the Daintree rainforest (a world heritage listed forest) or if you are an andrelin junkie – there is skydiving where you land right on the sand.
• If you want to find a paradise within a paradise, go to a Dunk Island for the day nearby. Most of the time, there are hardly any people around, its bliss. – catch a water taxi and within 15 minutes you arrive – cute little island, here you can chill in a whole castaway theme, get a bucket of prawns and some beers from a local bar.
• The rivers and estuaries are incredible for fishing and spotting crocodiles. Yes Crocodiles!!!
• It’s a perfect location for a wedding. Elandra is known for being a spectacular and exclusive wedding location.
• Enjoy the world class heritage listed Greet Barrier Reef and World Heritage Rainforest within the same day! A rare place where the rainforest meets the ocean.

Quick boat trip to absolutely isolated Dunk Island

What you need to know before exploring Northern Queensland, Cairns and Mission Beach:

• The stinger season is from around November to May. During this time you should swim only inside the stinger enclosures at the beaches. Believe you don’t want to be stung by one of those nasty creatures.
• Be mindful of crocodiles, they might be lurking mainly in bushes or near the river spots. I was lucky enough not to run on any of them;)
• The cyclone season is from November to May.

How to get to Mission Beach? It is located mid way between Cairns and Townsville.

• Fly to Cairns and rent a car at the airport or simply visit this website to find out more options.

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