Cassowary Coast

ECO Certified Destination (Ecotourism) since 2025.

Nestled between the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Wet Tropics Rainforest in Far North Queensland, this region offers an extraordinary connection to the natural world.

The golden sands of Mission Beach stretch for 14 kilometres, where rainforest fringes the coastline and meets the Coral Sea. This Great Barrier Reef destination is ideal for world-class snorkelling, diving, and island adventures. Just offshore, Dunk and Hinchinbrook Islands offer easy escapes for hiking, camping, and discovering secluded beaches surrounded by biodiversity-rich landscapes.

Named after the endangered Southern Cassowary, the region is one of the few places in the world where these prehistoric birds roam freely. Spotting a cassowary in the wild—whether along a rainforest edge or a coastal path—is an unforgettable moment for any visitor.

Venture inland and discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest, home to some of the planet’s oldest living ecosystems. Explore the treetops at Mamu Tropical Skywalk and learn about the rare flora, towering trees, and the important role this rainforest plays in our environment. Near Cardwell, cool off in crystal-clear freshwater swimming holes, hidden among the greenery.

For those craving adventure, Tully Gorge National Park is a must-visit, offering some of Australia’s best white-water rafting. But the region also caters to slower moments—swimming in rainforest streams, enjoying a picnic beneath a giant fig tree, or watching the morning mist lift over the mountains.

On the Cassowary Coast, nature isn’t just a backdrop—it’s the main attraction. This is a place for meaningful, grounding experiences in landscapes shaped over millennia. Here, you can unplug from the everyday and reconnect with the natural world in its purest form.

Our community

The Cassowary Coast Region, located in Far North Queensland between Cairns and Townsville, is a vibrant and diverse area known for its natural beauty and strong community spirit. With a population of around 30,000, the region includes the townships of Innisfail, Tully, Mission Beach, and Cardwell, and is framed by the Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

Home to the Traditional Owners—the Mamu, Djiru, Girramay, Gulngay, Jirrbal, Warrgamay, and Bandjin peoples—the region has a deep Indigenous cultural heritage that is celebrated alongside the traditions of multicultural farming communities. Local events such as the Feast of the Senses, Feast of the Three Saints, town markets, and Mission Beach Film Festival reflect the area’s artistic and cultural vibrancy. A growing creative sector is supported by galleries, workshops, and community art projects.

The local economy is primarily driven by agriculture, with the Cassowary Coast being one of Australia’s largest producers of bananas and sugarcane, alongside tropical fruits and aquaculture. Tourism is another key industry, centred on eco-adventure experiences like diving, trekking and biking, and rainforest exploration. Other sectors show emerging opportunities in agritourism and sustainable development.

The lifestyle here is relaxed and nature-oriented. Residents enjoy a close-knit community, tropical climate, and easy access to national parks, beaches, and reef islands. Community values are strong, reflected in active volunteerism, sporting and community clubs, and local initiatives.

The Cassowary Coast is a region of opportunity—balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship and cultural celebration. It is a unique place to live, work, visit, and invest.

Sustainability

The Cassowary Coast is not just a destination—it’s a living example of ecotourism and conservation in action. Nestled between two World Heritage areas—the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef—this region is home to some of Australia’s most fragile and important ecosystems, and the local community takes its role as environmental stewards seriously.

One of the most iconic conservation initiatives is the effort to protect the endangered Southern Cassowary. Local groups like Mission Beach Cassowaries and C4 (Community for Coastal and Cassowary Conservation) work on habitat restoration, wildlife corridors, and community education. Interpretive trails, such as those at Djiru National Park, allow visitors to walk through cassowary habitats, gaining a deeper appreciation of the delicate balance between tourism and conservation.

On the ground, eco-certified businesses are leading by example. From reef-friendly sunscreen at dive shops to low-impact rainforest walks, tourism operators integrate sustainability into their everyday practices. Guides from tours and Indigenous-led cultural experiences encourage guests to tread lightly, respect Country, and understand traditional ecological knowledge.

Marine conservation is also a focus. Local reef tours involve citizen science, where visitors assist in reef health monitoring and learn about climate change impacts. Great Barrier Reef Safaris and other small operators run snorkelling tours that support reef research and encourage minimal environmental impact.

Eco-accredited businesses like King Reef Resort and Paronella Park are committed to providing inclusive access and use sustainable operational practices, renewable energy, and local produce, facilitating a tourism system that benefits both the environment and the local economy.

Through education, action, and authentic experiences, the Cassowary Coast is redefining tourism—where every visit can contribute to sustaining the very environment that makes it special.

Enjoy Local

While visiting the area sample seasonal local produce at local cafes and restaurants, or tropical fruits direct from the farm gate.