Mission Beach Activities

Mission Beach activities split between the river and the sea: white water rafting on the Tully River, a tandem skydive that lands on the beach, and boat trips to Dunk Island and Beaver Reef. Rainforest parks fill the quieter days. Most of it runs out of Mission Beach itself, on the coast between Cairns and Townsville, with the rainforest parks a drive inland.

White water rafting on the Tully River from Mission Beach

White water rafting from Mission Beach is on the Tully River, through grade 2 and 3 rapids in rainforest. The rafts are sports rafts, so everyone paddles, and the guides start on gentler water to teach the strokes before the bigger rapids. The half-day Tully River trip covers 6km of river, and the full-day trip covers 12km, so the choice is mostly about how much of the river you want. Both run with Wildside Adventures, which picks up from Mission Beach.

Bring a towel, a camera, sunscreen, a waterproof bag, enclosed footwear or sandals, and a change of clothes. A GoPro is welcome, and the operator can supply cable ties to fix it on.

A tandem skydive at Mission Beach

The Mission Beach tandem skydive is a popular choice here. You jump from up to 15,000ft with an instructor, fall for up to a minute at around 200km/h, then float down to a beach landing lined with coconut palms. On a clear day the view takes in the Great Barrier Reef, the islands and the rainforest. Transfers run from Mission Beach and from Cairns, and the whole experience is a 4-hour outing.

Snorkelling and Dunk Island trips from Clump Point

Snorkelling and scuba diving from Mission Beach start at Clump Point, where the boats leave. The Dunk Island half-day tour is a 4-hour trip on a fast rib boat for up to 10 guests, with snorkelling gear and wetsuits included, stops at Pirates Cave and Granite Hole, and free time on Coconut Bay beach.

The Beaver Reef and Dunk Island day trip goes further out. Beaver Reef is just over an hour from Mission Beach, and the trip includes two guided snorkel safaris and a visit to Dunk Island on the way back. If you'd rather stay dry, the Dunk Island day package takes a catamaran across and leaves the island's walking tracks to you, including the steep 7km-return climb to Mount Kootaloo.

Rainforest and heritage days out near Mission Beach

On a day off the water, the rainforest parks inland are the alternative. Paronella Park at Mena Creek is a garden of ruins and waterfalls built by José Paronella between 1929 and 1935 beside Mena Creek Falls, and it is a popular choice for a day out. A 2-park pass with Mamu Tropical Skywalk adds the elevated walkway and 37m observation tower in Wooroonooran National Park. For more rainforest days out, try Mission Beach attractions.

How to choose a Mission Beach activity

The adrenaline picks are the skydive and the rafting, and the rafting is the one you can stretch to a full-day trip. The boat trips are calmer. The rib boat to Dunk Island carries up to 10 guests, the Beaver Reef trip is an 8-hour day on the water, and the catamaran package is the unhurried one, with the island's tracks left to you. Each of these takes half a day or more, so they sit best on separate days.

Frequently asked questions

How old do you have to be to skydive at Mission Beach?

You must be 16 or older to skydive at Mission Beach, and there is no maximum age, although reasonable fitness is required. Set aside a 4-hour window for the full outing.

What grade are the Tully River rapids?

The Tully River rafting trips from Mission Beach run grade 2 and 3 rapids, after a practice stretch on gentler water. The half-day trip lists tickets for ages 6 and over.

Where do the Dunk Island trips leave from?

The Dunk Island trips from Mission Beach leave from Clump Point, at the marine facility and boat ramp on Clump Point Road. The skydive drop zone is a separate address, on Porter Promenade.

How far is Mission Beach from Cairns?

Mission Beach is about 139km south-south-east of Cairns. The skydive includes return transfers from both Cairns and Mission Beach.

What should I bring white water rafting at Mission Beach?

Bring a towel, a camera, sunscreen, a waterproof bag, enclosed footwear or sandals, and a change of clothes. Wet and dry sets are worth packing.

Can you snorkel at Dunk Island and Beaver Reef?

Snorkelling at Dunk Island and at Beaver Reef is on offer from Mission Beach, with gear included on the trips. The Beaver Reef trip adds two guided snorkel safaris and a shore visit to Dunk Island.

Mission Beach activities cover the river, the reef and the island, so the real decision is which morning goes to the rafting or the skydive and which day goes to the boat.