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)

Beyond the sand, sea and food scene, Townsville is shaping up to be the new events capital of the Sunshine State.

Townsville is quickly making a name for itself as an events capital of Queensland. From worldwide sporting events to celebrations of the arts, there’s never been a better time to align your next tropical getaway with the unbeatable vibes of an event in Townsville.

The yearly calendar is full, meaning there’s an event for everyone. But these are shaping up to be some of the biggest events in 2025.

1. North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA)

24 Sep – 12 Oct 2025

While sun, sea and sand might be the first images conjured up at a mention of Townsville, the tropical city is fast making a name for itself as a cultural hub. Experience it at its best during the North Australian Festival of Arts.

Over several weeks, the famous Strand in Townsville will be bursting with colour, sound and energy as it celebrates the arts, culture and community. Catch theatre, cabaret, dance, circus acts and so much more. Stop to listen to world-class live music and even get involved with interactive workshops.

In previous years, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra performed a free outdoor concert and Brisbane Author, Trent Dalton, was there to share his latest book.

performers at North Australian Festival of Arts (NAFA) — Catch live music and more.

2. Supercars NTI Townsville 500

11-13 July, 2025

Sports fans will be pleased to know that Townsville boasts more than just the NRL Cowboy’s. Those facing the comedown of this year’s Formula 1 can bounce back with the 2025 NTI Townsville 500. Each year, the event draws motorsport enthusiasts from around the country as Supercar racing takes over the streets of Townsville.

Off the race track, the weekend also promises plenty of car tricks and displays – think drifting, car builds and the MotorEx automotive expo – plus live music, ADF displays, freestyle motocross and more.

crowd watching Supercars NTI Townsville 500, townsville events — See supercars take over Townsville.

3. Australian Festival of Chamber Music

25 July – 2 Aug 2025

Clear your ears of the sounds of revving engines with one of the city’s longest-running events, The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM). Here, some of the world’s most celebrated musicians head to Townsville to perform an impressive 30 concerts over nine days.

The best part? AFCM features exclusive shows that can only be experienced at the festival, like AFCM Concert Conversations, where visiting festival musicians share their personal and professional lives.

lead image for Australian Festival of Chamber Music, townsville events — Experience exclusive events at the AFCM. (Image: Andrew Rankin)

4. SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week

28 Aug – 2 Sep 2025

Just 20 minutes from the city, koala-filled Magnetic Island is a must-do at any time of year. Time the trip for the annual SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week to not only enjoy paradise, but also five days of tropical racing fun with a twist.

Every August to September, enjoy live bands, parties, beach festivals, markets, long lunches and even mud crab races. All while taking in tropical island views.

SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week — Enhance Magnetic Island trips with five days of tropical racing. (Image: TEQ)

5. Wedgwood: Artists and Industry exhibition

23 Apr – 24 Aug 2025

Hailing from England, Wedgwood has been a household name almost since the brand started in 1759 (by Charles Darwin’s grandfather). With over 260 years under the company’s belt since then, its ceramics and designs are popular all over the world.

And now, Wedgwood: Artists and Industry will showcase highlights of the brand’s history – straight from the UK’s Victoria and Albert Museum – at Townsville’s Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.

Wedgwood teacup — See the best of Wedgwood. (Image: Getty/ Photonewman)

6. Wallabies v Argentina

6 September

Rugby fans should time their Townsville getaway for September to add watching the Wallabies clash against Argentina from Queensland Country Bank Stadium to their itineraries.

The home ground of the NRL North Queensland Cowboys, this vibrant and stylish $185 million sporting venue in South Townsville is the perfect setting to enjoy sports.

aerial of Queensland Country Bank Stadium in townsville — See the rugby at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. (Image: TEQ)

Start planning your event-filled getaway at townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au .

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