No crowds, no rush, no stress.

That’s the vibe on the Tropical Coast, ranging from Babinda and Innisfail in the north to Tully and Cardwell in the south with beautiful Mission Beach in the middle. Experience the Great Barrier Reef, the spectacular rainforest, secluded and expansive beaches, and some great Indigenous experiences and culture. This region really has been designed by nature itself.

This amazing region was designed to be explored. It can be discovered in line with your own flexibility in your own time and own vehicle and is a drivers’ delight. When travelling between Townsville and Cairns, take the time to explore the magnificent Tropical Coast — turn down that road, take a walk, check out this beach, that pub or just stop and explore this amazing region. Give yourself at least a week to fully appreciate its unique appeal.

The inspiring landscapes are rated some of the best in the world — at least 7 stars — and “of outstanding value to humanity” according to UNESCO.

Innisfail is a diverse and proud historic town on two mighty Wet Tropics rivers. Built on an area where the South and North Johnstone Rivers meet — mighty waters that fall from the ancient and World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforests — the seat of local government, the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, is found here.

The town has a vibrant retail centre with some national stores and many smaller speciality shops. A highlight is the Indigenous art gallery Jitta Art where you might just catch a didgeridoo workshop or a new exhibition. Innisfail has a range of very impressive Art Deco buildings and is very much the Art Deco capital of North Queensland. The CBD was largely rebuilt in this style following a cyclone in 1918 which destroyed much of the town. Today you can explore the buildings on the Innisfail Town Walk where you will also find The Chinese Joss House, one of only a few still in use in Queensland.

The bird that gives the area its name

Cardwell is a seaside location that boasts world class landscapes and experiences. Explore Cardwell Forest Drive, have a refreshing swim at Attie Creek or check out the Spa Pool and Lookout. Take a step back in time and stroll through the Cardwell Historic Precinct. The foreshore at Cardwell is quite spectacular and offers the opportunity to take in the history of Cardwell on foot.

It’s lunch time — grab a famous crab sandwich or one of Cardwell’s famous pies and relax on the foreshore taking in the views of Hinchinbrook Island. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, why not catch your own lunch? Hire all the gear including the boat and head for the open water. Don’t want to hire a boat? Take a trip over to Hinchinbrook Island, the largest national park in Australia and explore our very own Jurassic Park. When in Cardwell, a must do is a visit to the Girringan Aboriginal Art Centre. The crafts and artwork produced by the locals are world renowned.

Driving up the Bruce Highway you’ll cross the Tully river. Further on is the turn-off to Tully Heads and Hull Heads, two  beachside villages approximately 25km from the highway. Both are located near Googara Beach and overlook the Family Group Islands with fishing the most popular activity. These quiet beach communities have accommodation available at a campground, caravan park and tavern.

Off the highway is the town of Tully. Tully is the agricultural centre of the region with sugar and bananas being the major industries. Here you’ll see the giant Golden Gumboot which is 7.9m tall to mark the record-breaking rainfall received in 1950. The town averages more than 4 metres of rain each year and celebrates it with the Golden Gumboot Festival. Climb inside the gumboot for a great view of Tully, its sugar mill, and surrounding mountains.

You can get lost in scenery like this

Mission Beach consists of idyllic tropical beaches, World Heritage rainforest and Great Barrier Reef islands. Coastline comprises the four villages of South Mission Beach, Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach and Bingil Bay. Mission Beach is a popular base for exploring the surrounding World Heritage listed Wet Tropics rainforest, quiet beaches, and the Great Barrier Reef. Mission Beach is the birthplace of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and one of the closest entry points to the reef along the Queensland coast. Many people come to experience the peace and quiet, relax and do nothing much. It’s that kind of place, whatever experience you seek, it’s all here or within a short drive.

Local's secret: around the many country roads you will find roadside stalls offering fresh tropical fruits and vegetables. These stalls mostly rely on an honesty system for cash payments — hence the name honesty system. Enjoy some of the best produce from the region.

For further details and information on any of the beautiful areas of the Tropical Coast go to tropicalcoasttourism.com.au or contact any of the local Accredited Information Centres within the region.

Category: Destinations
Written: Mon 01 Mar 2021
Printed: March, 2021
Published By: