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

Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
hero media
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.

Mission Beach Dive
Enjoy your own section of the GBR. (Image: TEQ)

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.

Cardwell Spa Pools
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)
Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
See all articles
share plates on the table at Melaleuca, Port Douglas
Port Douglas

The best restaurants and cafes in Port Douglas

From must-eat tropical delights to blink-and-you'll-miss-it destinations you’ll only find up in North Queensland, these are the best places to eat, drink and be merry in Port Douglas.

Read more
an aerial view of the Daintree River
Port Douglas

13 of the best things to do in Port Douglas

Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, go deep into the Daintree and simply wind right down and relax in this charming tropical holiday destination.

Read more
cocktail drinks at Daintree Bar, Sheraton Mirage, Port Douglas pubs
Port Douglas

9 of the best bars and pubs in Port Douglas

Want a frosty schooner or a tangy cocktail? Enjoy the tropical sunshine and long, warm afternoons at these top Port Douglas pubs and bars.

Read more
Bali-like villas with a private plunge pool, Niramaya Villas & Spa, Port Douglas accommodation
Port Douglas

The best Port Douglas accommodation to suit every budget

Whether you need a family-friendly beach resort or a private tropical apartment by the sea, our guide to Port Douglas accommodation is a comprehensive look at the best of the best.

Read more
hero media

An insider’s guide to Noosa’s best-kept winter secrets

    Lucy CousinsBy Lucy Cousins
    Continue
    As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

    As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

    Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

    Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

    Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach
    Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

    Where to eat in Noosa

    Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

    There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

    There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

    diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter
    Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

    Where to stay in Noosa

    Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

    There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

    For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

    a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa
    Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

    Things to do on land

    There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

    A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

    Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

    woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter
    Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

    Things to do in the water

    Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

    You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

    Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

    For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

    women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter
    Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

    Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.