Mission Beach Tours & Vacations

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Cairns is the closest airport to Mission Beach with domestic flights flying to and from most major Australian cities. There are regular long-distance buses that travel up and down the East Coast to Cairns, Townsville, Mission Beach and various other towns and cities. 

Public transport is limited around Mission Beach. However, the region is fairly small and compact, and some of the four major towns are within a 30-minute walk of each other. You will need to join a tour or hire a car to make the most of your time here.

As a tropical destination, Mission Beach sees warm, dry winters and hot, wet summers. However, despite this seasonal variation, you can expect some rainfall throughout the year.

May to November offers the best weather; temperatures aren't too hot, and humidity and rainfall are low. The temperature and humidity soar between December and April, bringing heavy downpours. You can still visit during these months, but be prepared for the heat.

If you visit between October and May, AKA stinger (jellyfish) season, it's advisable to wear a stinger suit when swimming in the sea to protect yourself from possible stings.

Mission Beach is an off-the-beaten-track destination that is so laid back it's almost horizontal. Wearing jeans and a t-shirt to dinner is considered 'dressy' so leave your fancy clothes at home. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, swimmers and a hat, and remember to bring any essentials as there are no major stores at Mission Beach. 

Clothes that breathe are a good idea as Mission Beach can be humid, even in winter. Pretty much anything goes when it comes to dressing for dinner at this laid-back destination, provided it's (reasonably) clean. 

Internet access is limited in Mission Beach and mobile data coverage can be unreliable. Some accommodation providers offer wi-fi but it can be easier to treat your trip to Mission Beach as a chance to disconnect and de-stress. This isn't hard to do with so much natural beauty around you!

If you only want to use it to take photos, sure. But it's unlikely you'll have a signal unless you're with Telstra (and even then your phone may or may not work).

The short answer is yes — as long as you swim in designated areas and obey safety signs. Always swim between the red and yellow flags at lifeguard-patrolled beaches, and never swim when beaches are unattended.

We are committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.