Four day nature fix: Your Cairns-Tully-Mission Beach itinerary

Fly into Cairns and grab your rental car, because you’re going to get up close to World Heritage rainforest before you even check into your hotel.

Get your nature fix started with a day trip to Barron Gorge National Park.  Zip 40-minutes north-west of Cairns to the upper section of the park to access the Din Din Barron Falls Lookout track. From here it’s an easy stroll along an elevated boardwalk before arriving at the pièce de résistance: Barron Falls. The steep, tiered cascade is quite the sight as the Barron River plunges into the dramatic gorge below, even more so during the wet season when there’s been substantial rainfall.

Rising from the rainforests of Mount Hypipamee National Park, the river actually winds itself 60km across the Atherton Tablelands – through one of Australia’s highest rainforest belts – before making the above descent into the gorge, and eventually out to the Coral Sea.

Before driving back to the city, take some time to peruse Kuranda Village. The eccentric sibling to Cairns, this mountain retreat makes for a colourful centre of World Heritage-listed rainforest. It’s unlikely you’ll leave with empty hands here; there’s two markets in Kuranda with a candy kitchen, fudge bar and tea room all within the town’s centre.

You might also want to check out the Koala Gardens, take a riverboat tour, ride an ATV through the rainforest or see the falls from a different angle on the Skyway before you make tracks for the city.

6pm: Soak up sunset while you sip 

Once you’ve checked in to your Cairns accommodation, make your way to the marina for sunset drinks and nibbles at Salt House Bar and Restaurant. It serves up the best views in Queensland: of Trinity Inlet, the ocean and mountains alongside the seasonal produce woodfired on an Argentinian grill. If you’re feeling more casual, head straight for the outdoor bar to chow down on share plates and cocktails as the sun sets.

Save room for dessert, because you can’t pass up a sweet treat from the crepe shop at the Esplanade Night Markets (it’s a must-eat on the Cairns food trail).

Stay overnight: The Riley | Mantra Trilogy | Pullman Cairns International | Piermonde Apartments

Day 2

8am: Fill your cup

Begin your day at one of the best cafes in Cairns: Caffiend. The artistic space will warm you before the coffee even touches your lips, while the focus on locally-sourced products means everything from the coffee beans to the fruit comes from Cairns businesses. Caffiend’s menu embraces tropical flavours, so settle in for moreish French toast smothered in fruit.

Need more than one flat white to become a morning person? Here’s your go-to guide for where to get your next espresso before you hit the road.

And if you’re here on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, head across the street to Rusty’s Markets to pick up some fresh local produce for your upcoming picnic lunch.

11am: Hit the road, and take a dip

Sitting at the foothills of Queensland’s highest peak, Mount Bartle Frere, the cool mountain water of Babinda Creek weaves its way between huge boulders to create the large, crystalline swimming holes at Babinda Boulders. This is a must-stop on your Cairns to Mission Beach itinerary.

But aside from the aesthetic lure pulling people from far and wide to this popular waterhole, the boulders also hold great significance for the local Aboriginal people, in particular the infamous Devil’s Pool. According to legend, a beautiful young woman named Oolana from the Yidinji tribe was given in marriage to a respected elder named Waroonoo. Shortly after, another tribe came through the valley, and with it a handsome young man Dyga. Oolana and Dyga fell in love at first sight and, knowing their union would never be permitted by their tribes, they ran off into the valley to be together.

The two tribes eventually found the runaway couple and, after capturing and dragging them away from each other, Oolana broke free and threw herself into the water, calling for Dyga, but by then it was too late; he was gone. The land shook with sorrow as she cried out for her love, and huge boulders were thrown up into the creek, with Oolana disappearing into them and becoming part of the stones.

They say her spirit still guards the boulders to this day, searching and calling out for her lost love to return, which is why wanderers are warned to take care in case her cries lead them too close to her beautiful waters.

Note: For your own safety, obey all warning signs and restricted swimming zones.

1pm: Get off the beaten track

Leaving Babinda Boulders, follow the Bruce Highway to Innisfail. It’s time to take the backroads.

Here along the scenic route you’ll get a taste of north Queensland’s charming rural side as farm country and cane fields stretch out before you, and the salty coastal breeze replaced that fresh mountain range air.

From Innisfail, continue on River Ave instead of taking the highway turn off. Stop in at the Wangan Bakery and grab yourself a pie (one of Queensland’s best), before continuing on to Paronella Park at Mena Creek.

Depending on what time you’d like to arrive at Mission Beach, you can either grab yourself a pass and explore the intriguing castle and rainforest parklands, or just have a coffee at the cafe and take a quick walk along the suspension bridge over Mena Creek Falls for a free bird’s-eye view.

When you’re ready to take off again, follow the roads through Mena Creek and Silkwood before getting back on the Bruce Highway.

5pm: Arrive at Mission Beach

Driving deep within the countryside of Djiru National Park, the hidden coastal gem of Mission Beach is a stark contrast as you approach its palm-fringed beaches. Sprawling over 14 kilometres of coastline, the village is home to a tight knit artistic community, laidback cafes and plenty of opportunities to soak up its surrounding nature. This is the barefoot paradise you’ve been searching for.

If you managed to get here before nightfall, make the most of dusk with a sunset walk or bike ride along the beach. Tonight, dinner takes the form of tapas, sliders and craft beer at The Garage Bar and Grill.

Stay: Beachcomber Coconut Holiday Park | Castaways Resort and Spa

Day 3

8am: Embrace the spirit of the rainforest

Welcome to the wettest town in Australia.

Jump in the car and head inland from Mission Beach to discover a new side of the Cassowary Coast. Drive through the maze-like aisles of banana and sugarcane plantations that meet the road, dotted with farm stands to arrive at your first stop.

What tiny Tully lacks in population size, it makes up for in rainfall: receiving 4.4metres annually. In other words, this is a day trip you’ll want to bring your waterproof jacket on. But today you won’t be in town for long. Stop for a photo opportunity at the big gumboot, then hit the road towards world-heritage listed Tully Gorge National Park, part of the Wet Tropics.

Home of the local Jirrbal and Gulngay people, here you’ll find rainforest at its most wild. All that rain means raging rivers and waterfalls, and Tully’s waterfall game is strong. Follow the scenic Tully Falls Road to the awe-inspiring Tully Gorge Lookout, and walk the 800m track to the Tully River above the falls. During wet season Tully Falls plummets 300m from the gorge into the river below.

Whether you’re after big views, a scenic spot for a picnic or a challenging hike, this national park delivers. Tackle the heart-pumping track to the 678m summit of Mount Tyson for amazing views along the coast, or take a leisurely stroll along the Butterfly walk (best between September and February). Remember, this is a day out you’ll need sturdy shoes, drinking water, sun protection and insect repellant for.

Keep your eyes peeled for cassowaries on your way back to Mission Beach: this is one of the best spots in the wild to see them!

6pm: Grab dinner at a local institution

One of the most popular dining spots in town, the family-run Bingil Bay Cafe is a local favourite for good reason. Cosy and laid-back, you’ll find soulful tunes (plus live local music on Friday nights) and a menu that is as diverse as it is flavourous, from German sausages and falafel salads to Thai fish cakes and the crowd favourite, seafood laksa. Enjoy the views across Bingil Bay before you make the drive back to Mission Beach.

Day 4

7am: Start your day at Shanti Café

Great food, good vibes and even better coffee is the mantra at Shanti Café. And it’s the perfect way to start your final day of your Cairns Tully Mission Beach itinerary with a mimosa in hand.

Shanti serves up simple, honest dishes and a sense of community you can feel the moment you step into its plant-filled courtyard. It’s a local’s hub, so do as they do at grab a smashed avo or mezze plate, sit back and unwind.

9am: Explore the Great Barrier Reef 

From the rainforest to the reef, swap the Wet Tropics for something a little wetter: a day of discovery with Mission Beach Dive. Mission Beach is actually one of the closest access points to the reef, and you’ll be able to explore the Outer Great Barrier Reef without another day tripper in sight.

Join a snorkeling and diving day trip, where you’ll explore untouched reefs at two different sites. The shallow reefs full of colour and sealife is a safe playground even if it’s your first time strapping on fins. Experienced divers may wish to book a private SCUBA charter for a personalized, unforgettable day underwater.

For a different day out, soak up a little island time and catch the Mission Beach Water Taxi to Dunk Island. Just a ten minute boat ride into the Coral Sea and you’ll be sinking your toes into the sand here. Drag yourself away from the beach and you’ll see there’s plenty to keep you busy: more than half the island is designated national park, so explore the trails and walk to the peak of Mt Kootaloo for spectacular views over the island and mainland.

4pm: Squeeze in the last of the sunshine