Just an hour or two south of Cairns is an area renowned as the place for energetic bushwalkers, indolent sunlovers and those whose ideal holiday includes a little of both. Queensland's highest mountains, Bellenden Ker and Mt Bartlefrere, rise from pristine rainforests and offshore from the miles of white coral sand beaches are 20 uninhabited and resort islands scattered among pristine coral reefs.
Named for the majestic flightless bird which inhabits its forests, the Cassowary Coast extends south of Cairns to Cardwell beside a scenic highway which winds through World Heritage areas and small towns. Take a hire car or explore in your own vehicle at your own pace - off the highway are seaside villages, sugar and fruit plantations, crocodile farms, a pioneer's dream castle in an environmental park, an orchid display, a horse riding ranch, rivers for rafting, canoeing, cruising and fishing.
Access to the Great Barrier Reef is simple with day trips and cruises departing from Mission Beach, which is the closest mainland point to the reef, just 22 nautical miles distant.
Mission Beach takes its name from the Aboriginal mission established early this century, and today is a self-contained holiday haven of four small village communities stretching along 14km of beautiful beaches; South Mission, Wongaling, Mission Beach and Clump Point.
Forest grows right up to the wide sandy beaches lined with small resorts, motels, apartments, hostels and caravan parks with on-site cabins. There are cruises to the reef and islands, water taxis to Dunk Island, adventure and sporting activities, day tours, restaurants, shops, galleries and weekend markets.
The region's largest centre, Innisfail, is a town with an intriguing streetscape and many hills. It sits on the junction of the Johnstone and North Johnstone rivers, offering a scenic spot for relaxing right in the middle of the town. The high annual rainfall makes Innisfail the 'green heart' of the Cassowary Coast. The town has always had a strong Chinese influence, left over from the Goldrush Days, and the famed Joss House temple - one of only a few still existing in Australia - is cared for by the Chinese community.
Most of the region's towns began with the sugar industry but have outgrown their similarities over a century. Gordonvale preserves its Queensland-style town square; Babinda promotes its legendary Boulders. Tully is famous for its white water rafting and kayaking; Cardwell is the base for cruising Hinchinbrook Channel, one of Australia's most spectacular waterways, and fishing excursions to the reef. Bramston and Kurramine Beaches have secluded holiday accommodation.
Dunk and Bedarra Islands have idyllic luxury resorts. Hinchinbrook, Australia's largest island national park, has a small resort and hiking tracks through the wilderness of rainforests, everglades and mountains. Camping permits are available for some of the uninhabited islands which are accessible on regular or charter cruises.
Some national parks, including Bellenden Ker, offer a strenuous walking challenge for the fit and adventurous. Others have easy tracks to waterfalls and the birdlife of the Eubenangee Wetlands. If you're keen to explore, ask your tour desk for local recommendations.
