Mission Beach

"Most people skip out on Mission Beach but there’s one very specific reason you shouldn’t skip out on it and that’s to skydive. If skydiving is on your bucket list, then there’s not better place to do it than over the Great Barrier Reef with a beach landing. Seriously, it’s amazing. Mission Beach is quite small with very little to do but you are in the rainforest and it offers some stunning views. I went with the sole purpose of skydiving and absolutely loved it. SkyDive Australia picks you up from your accommodation and takes you to their office. People will also do this from Cairns but if you plan on doing it, just spend 2 nights at Mission Beach. You pass it to get to Cairns from Magnetic Island anyways and if you do it from Cairns, you’ll have to bus down 2 hours and back 2 hours just for the day. I stayed at Jackaroos Treehouse and it was absolutely lush. Such a clean hostel with stunning views over the rainforest. The owner recently opened an attached bar and cafe but just know, you are truly in the middle of nowhere and it’s an expensive taxi to get into town so stop at the Woolworths at the bus stop when you get off and stock up on food before you go. I cooked all my meals for the 2 nights I was there. "

"Mission Beach is a remote and tiny town, its uniqueness relies on the fact that is the place where more cassowaries live. You might have chances to see them here, also is a popular place for backpackers to do skydiving and there are multiple hikes. Other than that, is a very quiet place to relax and enjoy. "

"The palm trees in paradise. "