The ultimate guide to Cassowary Coast, QLD's hidden gem

It’s time to ditch the crowds and discover the hidden gem of Queensland’s coastline.

White sand beaches, nearby tropical islands, the colourful marine life of Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and a laid back lifestyle travellers can’t help but relax into; it’s time to talk about the Cassowary Coast .

Discover 14 kilometres of palm-fringed beaches from Cardwell to Garradunga (and inland to East Palmerston) in a friendly small-town atmosphere, free from crowds. It’s the quintessential tropical getaway.

Mission Beach, Cassowary Coast — Discover Mission Beach, birthplace of the Great Barrier Reef. (Image: TEQ)

Birthplace of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

When it comes to sustainability, the Cassowary Coast is leading the way. In fact, Mission Beach was the birthplace of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority – the group responsible for the care and protection of the GBR.

This is thanks to John Busst, who worked hard in the 1960s and 70s to save nearby Ellison Reef from limestone mining. In 1981 the reef was listed as a world heritage site.

Today the Cassowary Coast remains dedicated to protecting its bountiful natural environment, with the help of traditional owners, and is set to gain its official ECO Certification by 2024.

Mission Beach Dive — Snorkel among the incredible marine life. (Image: TEQ)

Things to do on the Cassowary Coast

Whether you’re on the land or exploring the sea, Cassowary Coast is a natural playground. The GBR sits just 40km offshore from Mission Beach, making it the closest access point to the reef. The lack of crowds means snorkelers and divers are unlikely to have to share their section of the reef with other humans.

Make the most of it with a dive or snorkel with group tour providers like Mission Beach Dive , or organise a personalised tour of the reef and surrounding islands with Mission Beach Charters . You can even hire a kayak and explore them yourself. You’re very likely to swim with manta rays, turtles and more.

Speaking of islands, Cassowary Coast has several to visit. The most famous are Hinchinbrook and Dunk Islands, where you can go for a day trip, or spend the night camping. Find incredible hiking trails that reward adventurers with panoramic views over the lush islands and bright blue ocean. In fact, the 32-kilometre Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island is considered one of the best coastal hikes in Australia.

Those looking for luxury should head to Bedarra Island where the only accommodation is a sustainable, romantic retreat that allows a maximum of 20 guests at a time to stay in their twelve private villas, surrounded by 45 hectares of tropical rainforest. The resort provides a quality restaurant and bar onsite, plus a range of activities to help guests explore the natural beauty. If you want to feel like you have your own private section of the GBR, this is a must.

Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island — Hike the Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island for incredible vistas. (Image: TEQ)

Back on the mainland, you’ll find more beautiful hikes through dense, green rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls and unique swimming holes.

The striking blue colour of Cardwell Spa Pool is social media famous, and you don’t even have to hike to it. The five-kilometre Coastal Walking Track links Caves Beach and Pinny Beach and provides some of the best views of Hinchinbrook. Meanwhile, the 20-kilometre Gorrell Track – spotted with creeks and waterfalls – is popular amongst cyclists and hikers alike.

Swim in the naturally creamy blue of Cardwell Spa Pools. (Image: TEQ)

Cassowary Coast restaurants and cafes

From classic Aussie staples to seafood straight from the source, food options along the Cassowary Coast don’t disappoint.

Gaze over the beautiful ocean while dining on locally sourced seafood at Cardwell’s Beachcomber Restaurant , or opt for something more casual (and locally iconic) like Jesse’s Cardwell Pies – a bright yellow food truck serving home-made pastries, pies and sausage rolls for almost 40 years.

Heading further north, stop in for a coffee break at the adorable Petals & Beanz cafe in Tully (and maybe even leave with a bunch of flowers or homewares they sell), before continuing on to Mission Beach.

Buko restaurant, Cassowary Coast — Find modern Australian cuisine at Castaways Resort’s Buko restaurant.

Here you’ll be spoiled for choice. Find modern Australian cuisine at Castaways Resort’s Buko restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Locals rave about the coconut prawns on an Asian-influenced menu served up by beachside restaurant Plenty , and family-owned Bingil Bay Cafe is open all day serving up classic cafe dishes along with fresh juices and a decent beer list all in a cosy, bright setting.

The Garage Bar and Brewhouse is perfect for a cold brew, some very creative pizza topping combinations and quality pub fare for lunch or dinner, while those with a sweet tooth must make a stop at Charley’s Chocolate Factory . Take a tour of the factory once judged as being in the top 18 finest cocoa producers on Earth, then spend your time in the onsite shop.

Before you leave town, be sure to grab a coffee and shop for tasty local produce at The Bowerbird’s Pantry . Another place you’ll want to stock up in is Oliveri’s Continental Deli in Innisfail, renowned for its food platters, hampers and made-to-order lunch offerings since 1983.

Charley's Chocolate Factory, Cassowary Coast — See how the best chocolate gets made, then stock up your supply at Charley’s Chocolate Factory.

Cassowary Coast accommodation

From camping to luxury resorts, Cassowary Coast accommodation comes with stunning views, beachfront locations and the peaceful sounds of nature.

Hinchinbrook Island is the largest island on the GBR, but numbers are strictly controlled to 40 people at a time (so book well in advance ). Pack your tent and camp in truly undisturbed surroundings. Dunk Island is also a popular camping destination.

For those who prefer four walls (and day trips to the islands), there are plenty of options on the mainland. Cardwell’s Beachcomber Motel & Tourist Park is popular for its beach-adjacent location, onsite restaurant and friendly staff. King Reef Resort on Kurrimine Beach offers rooms, cabins and camping just a short walk from the GBR’s King Reef, a nesting ground for turtles.

Beachcomber Motel & Tourist Park, Cardwell — Stay in the quaint Beachcomber Motel & Tourist Park.

Around Mission Beach, you’ll find cosy bed and breakfast Licuala Lodge is located in the middle of the rainforest (yes, you might be lucky enough to spot a cassowary), while Mission Beach Resort offers four-star luxury just a five-minute walk from the beach (or take a dip in the resort pool). They also have several bars and restaurants onsite.

Settle into the spot where the Wet Tropics rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef at Mission Beach’s Eco Village . They offer self-contained villas and spa suites with private beach access. Castaways Resort & Spa is another popular option for its modern design, beachfront location and central location to Mission Beach shops.

Eco Village, Mission Beach, Cassowary Coast — Enjoy beachfront access to the Great Barrier Reef at Mission Beach’s Eco Village. (Image: TEQ)

This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.

White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.

pool at The Sundays Hamilton Island — Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.

Laid-back luxury

The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.

This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.

Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.

Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.

balcony view from room at The Sundays — Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views

Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.

Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.

Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.

inside a room at The Sundays — Stylish rooms feature natural, soothing tones. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Excellent activities and amenities

Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.

Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.

Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.

Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.

aerial shot of The Sundays pool and catseye beach — Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Delectable dining

What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club .

Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.

“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.

table spread including a lobster dish from Catseye Pool Club, The Sundays — Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.

A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.

view from catseye pool club at The Sundays hamilton island — Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Exploring the island

While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.

Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin .

Looking for more tasty treats? Visit one of the island’s restaurants – there are more than 20 to choose from.

Hikers on passage peak hike on hamilton island — Take on the beautiful hikes of Hamilton Island. (Image: Nick Leary)

Book your stay at The Sundays through hamiltonisland.com.au.

Your ultimate guide to the Cassowary Coast, QLD’s hidden gem

It’s time to ditch the crowds and discover the hidden gem of Queensland’s coastline.

Birthplace of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Things to do on the Cassowary Coast

Cassowary Coast restaurants and cafes

Cassowary Coast accommodation

The best restaurants and cafes in Port Douglas

13 of the best things to do in Port Douglas

9 of the best bars and pubs in Port Douglas

The best Port Douglas accommodation to suit every budget

Embrace that Sunday feeling at Hamilton Island‘s newest resort