Experience indigenous culture on this four day Townsville to Mission Beach road trip

Day One: Magnetic Island and Townsville

AM

Rise and shine: you’ve got a huge day of exploring ahead. Start with a breakfast that’s been fortifying locals for years – the Asian chicken omelette at JAM Corner – or take your pick from these breakfast hot spots.

This morning’s adventure lies just 20 minutes by boat from the mainland, so set sail with local family guides on Aquascene’s Discovery Cruise to Magnetic Island to see the sights and swim amongst the vibrant fringing coral reefs and marine animals that bring colour and life to these waters. 

PM

Back on dry land, this afternoon you’ll soak up the city’s indigenous history.

Make your way to Jezzine Barracks on the Garabarra headland to learn about Townsville’s wartime history and its traditional owners, the Bindal and Wulgurukaba People. Explore the outdoor sculpture gallery that features pieces created by local Aboriginal artists, and enjoy the coastal views while you’re here.

Then, connect with the world’s oldest living culture in the heart of the city,. Umbrella showcases a range of First Nations art, including exhibition Legacy: Reflections on Mabo which brings together a selection of 22 works in the spirit of reconciliation twenty-five years after the historic achievement of the Native Title Act.

End your evening with a sunset stroll along The Strand, before grabbing dinner at one of the city’s favourite restaurants.  When it’s time to crash out, you’ll have your pick of boutique and luxury accommodation here. 

Day Two: Mungalla Station

Hit the road early today to begin the 1.5 hour drive north to Mungalla for one of the most unforgettable Indigenous experiences of your road trip.

Cool off en route with a quick dip in the rainforest-clad swimming holes at Big Crystal Creek, before reaching your destination: Mungalla Station. Led by Mungalla Aboriginal Tours, you’ll tour the homestead and discover the stories of its Traditional Owners, the Ngwaigi people, and learn of the former cattle ranch’s dark and chequered colonial past. Try your hand at boomerang-throwing before wrapping up the day with a traditional kup murri dining experience, in which food is cooked underground amid burning embers.

If you want to make a night of it, sleep under a blanket of stars right here on the Station: there’s a handful of campsites available to pitch your tent.

Otherwise, jump back in the car and make tracks to quiet Taylors Beach. Cabins, caravan and campsites are available at the Holiday Park, and you’ll wake up just a stone’s throw from the shoreline. 

Day Three: Cardwell

AM

Fuel up with an espresso in Queensland’s Little Italy (you’ll find the locals at JK’s Deli), before tracking north toward Mission Beach, one of the undiscovered jewels of our tropical north.

Your first port of call is Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre, home to weavers, painters, potters, textile artists and makers of traditional objects that tell the stories of this ancient culture. The centre represents artists from nine Traditional Owner Groups of the Girringun: the Nywaigi, Gugu Badhan, Warrgamay, Warungnu, Bandjin, Girramay, Gulnay, Jirrbal and Djiru people. A working arts centre, you’re likely to see local artists create new pieces before your eyes during your visit. Tour the exhibitions, and shop from a beautifully curated selection of local art and wares.

Then, head back into the rainforest to find Cardwell Spa Pool, a naturally-fed seasonal creek with milky blue waters that will stun you (best visited May – September).

Got a little extra time up your sleeve? The detour to Wallaman Falls in Girringun National Park is well worth it: you can view Australia’s tallest single drop waterfall from the lookout, or trek to its base to feel the thunder. 

PM

Welcome to Mission Beach. First stop: a late lunch at Bingil Bay Café, a family-run cafe loved by locals and visitors alike. Then strap on your hiking boots for a 7km trek along the famous Kennedy Walking Track and drink in the spectacular views of Dunk Island, or make friends with the inquisitive giant turtles that call the Coral Sea home as you explore the bay by kayak.

Tonight, you’re staying at Castaways Resort and Spa, just steps from the white sands of Mission Beach.  

Day Four: Tully Gorge and Mission Beach

AM

Step into the sacred wilderness of rugged Tully Gorge National Park and feel nature come alive around you. Part of the world-heritage Wet Tropics, the gorge, falls, and its surrounding rainforest has great significance for the local Gulngay and Jirrbal peoples. Head into the Tablelands section of the park to witness Tully River plunge into the gorge from Tully Gorge Lookout, then follow the river walk to immerse yourself in its Jurassic beauty.

Or stick to the coastal section, closer to Tully, to tackle the steep summit of Mount Tyson: you’ll be rewarded with glistening coastal views, and you’ll probably have them all to yourself.

Keep your eyes peeled while driving today: this is one of the best spots in Queensland to see endangered cassowaries in the wild.

PM

Head back to Mission Beach and chill out for the evening. Wander or ride a bike along the beach, sit back in a café, and soak up the charm of this off-the-radar destination. You could easily spend a few days here embracing the slower pace; or dial up the adventure with mountain biking in Djiru National Park and a day trip to the outer Great Barrier Reef.

Feature image by @_roamingaus_