Get to the Great Barrier Reef quicker with Calypso Adventures. Departing daily (subject to weather) from Clump Point Boat Ramp at Mission Beach, Calypso Adventures will have you at the reef within one hour, meaning you have more time to swim and explore this magnificent natural wonder. Calypso Adventures cater to snorkelers and divers, with all equipment and tuition (if required) provided. Experienced divers can enjoy a wreck dive on the Lady Bowen. Sitting 34 metres below the surface, the Lady Bowen offers excellent diving. Highlights include its rusting hull clustered with corals, giant turtles, barracuda, sea snakes and gropers. The reefs visited by Calypso Adventures average 80% live coral cover, compared to the 40% available on most reef sites. Snorkel, dive, swim or just relax in the sun on Calypso Adventures. Private charters also available.
Explore the islands and reef by jet ski! This really is the best way to hit the waters off Mission Beach and explore the Great Barrier Reef. You don’t need a boating license to participate, and guided jet tours are a personalised, fun and educational way to explore this beautiful area. A maximum of three guests are booked per trip, ensuring you get the most from your tour which includes the reef (of course) and stops at deserted beaches that are only accessible by boat. The tours are 1.5 hours long and include fast and furious riding, combined with a laid back and relaxed pace over the reef. This allows you to see manta rays and turtles, frolicking in the reef waters just beneath you. If you want to explore on your own, jet ski hire is also available in 20-minute sessions from Dunk Island (by the beach bar).
This Tropical North Queensland Tourism Award Winner (2009) takes you on a cultural journey of discovery through the ancient World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforest. Experienced Aboriginal Guides take you on a four hour tour through the rainforest, skirting streams and waterholes on your way to Echo Creek Falls. You will learn about traditional plant use, hear dreamtime stories and visit sacred story places on this amazing cultural, educational experience. Bunk bed and dorm style accommodation is available in the ‘Jackaroo Quarters’, which are equipped with all the facilities you need for a self-contained stay. Customise your Echo Creek Adventures and Cultural Camp experience with a range of options including: Spirit of Rainforest Tour, Mahogany Glider Night Tour, Inflatable Kayak River Tour, Local Farm Tour, Adventure or Cultural Activities, including weaving, painting and language classes.
Interested in wetting a line during your Mission Beach getaway? Fishin Mission is the region’s best charter fishing service and provides all inclusive trips to the Great Barrier Reef, where you will enjoy exclusive fishing grounds full of tropical reef and sport fish. So what is included? All tackle and bait, Shimano rods and reels, morning tea, a light lunch, cold soft drinks, masks and fins (if you want to go snorkelling) expert assistance, local advice and the Environmental Management Charge. They’ll even gut and gill your fish for you! What do you need to bring? Your hat, sunglasses, camera, sunscreen and a stinger suit (if you want to get in the water). Fishin Mission trips are subject to weather conditions and minimum passenger numbers: it is a good idea to book ahead.
The beauty of Mission Beach attracts many artists to its golden shores and green hinterland. Helen Wiltshire is one such artist and her works are available for viewing and sale at the Helen Wiltshire Gallery, in Mission Beach. Entry is free and you will be amazed at her bold, richly coloured paintings that embody the vitality of life, colour and movement of this stunning natural paradise. Iconic local features are splashed boldly across the canvases, including the Southern Cassowary, Ulysses Butterfly, tropical reef fish, textured shells and rainforest undergrowth. Helen moved to Tropical North Queensland in the 1970s, leaving Melbourne and a successful career in fashion to take up residence on Bedarra Island. She opened her first gallery in 1980 and today her works feature in private and corporate collections around the world.
Learn more about Australia’s ancient, indigenous culture on this unique 2.5 hour tour. There are many tribal groups comprising the Tropical North Queensland region, each with its own unique identity, language, customs, art and practices. This tour introduces you to the Girramay and Jirrbal culture, specific to the Mission Beach area. It begins with refreshments and an exhibition of precious artefacts stored in the community “Keeping Place”. Meet your guides at Moombay, on the Murray River, and enjoy a guided walk through ancient rainforest. Learn indigenous plant and animal names and uses. See traditional rainforest dwellings and demonstrations of basket weaving and jewellery making. The tour includes morning or afternoon tea and operates Monday, Thursday and Saturday, departing from the Community Store at 10am. Bookings are highly recommended.
Be the skipper of your own boat! Mission Beach Boat Hire will get you on the water, quicker. Based in South Mission Beach, in front of the Coconut Caravan Park, Mission Beach Boat Hire is open seven days a week, weather permitting. They have a variety of vessels ranging from dinghies, to 18hp stesscos, 40hp quintrex, sailing catamarans and single and double kayaks. There are six and 10hp dinghies with tiller control, recoil start and safety equipment. They are suitable for up to four people at 75kg. Dinghies are perfect for close coastal use, exploring the Hull River or getting to Dunk Island. For a family day out or fishing trip, we recommend the Stressco or Quintrex, which has padded swivel seats, a canopy, fish finder, live bait tank and rod holders. The Sailing Catamarans seat up to four people and kayaks are rented by the hour.
Explore the natural beauty of Mission Beach, Dunk Island and the Great Barrier with a NQ Heli-WorX helicopter adventure. Their Robinson R44 Raven II Helicopter is the quickest, most exhilarating way to travel and explore this stunning region. The cabin provides comfortable, two plus two seating. There is no bulkhead or post between the front and rear seats, providing exceptional visibility and uninterrupted views for all passengers. NQ Heli-WorX provides transfers to and from the airport, Mission Beach, Dunk and Bedarra Islands. Charter services are also available, to take you to activities, tours or remote areas that can only be accessed with days of jungle hiking. NQ Heli-WorX specialises in personalised service, competitive rates and delivering a safe, quality adventure experience in Mission Beach.
Fly through the sky, enjoying awesome views of the Great Barrier Reef, glorious Mission Beach and the amazing World Heritage Rainforest, on a heart pumping tandem or solo sky dive with Skydive Mission Beach. Operating since 1989, Skydive Mission Beach has provided over one million guests with the experience of a lifetime from 14,000 feet! Their large turbine aircraft provides plenty of room, allowing you to share this awesome experience with friends or family. Never done it before? Professional tandem masters are available to introduce you to the excitement of free fall at 120mph, controlling the equipment and the parachute, allowing you to kick back and enjoy the rush. Safe and reliable with excellent standards, staff and equipment, Skydive Mission Beach take individual bookings and also cater to groups and parties.
Don’t have a boat, but want to get to the islands? Tropical Islands Picnics and Camping can assist. Based in Mission Beach and servicing the Family Group of Islands, including Dunk, this locally owned and operated company provides an enjoyable boating experience tailored to suit your needs. From simple island transfers, to a personalised island picnic, camping or snorkelling safari, Tropical Island Picnics and Camping can help. Island picnics are a romantic treat everyone will enjoy: your own private beach, splendid isolation, azure waters gently lapping on the sand and a delicious, gourmet picnic lunch with everything provided, including esky & hamper, rug & shade, crockery & cutlery and beverages. Extend you stay with an overnight camping adventure: Tropical Island Picnics & Camping can hire tents, sleeping bags, chairs, air mattresses and everything you need. Snorkelling Safaris are also available with all equipment, including masks & snorkels, stinger suits and aqua shoes provided.
