31 October 2007

bus time changes

From time to time Greyhound changes its bus timetables for Mission Beach. The website link from our site has the most up to date bus times. We have also sent out an email to all key businesses. The changes are not huge but it is always helpful to be kept up to date. And we try to be helpful kinda guys!

30 October 2007

Dunk Island Staff

Staff from Dunk Island love to visit the Mission Beach Information Station on their days off. We have great internet, faxing services, digital photo processing and a team of helpful staff to serve them. When they come off the 'rock', they often need time & a bit of hand to adjust to main land life!

29 October 2007

Sultry weather

Love the word sultry, it is just so right for our weather today. We are hot, sticky, humid and tropical. Just what you expect in Mission Beach at the start of the wet season. Normally you will have great sultry days and then heavy tropical rains overnight at this time of the year. Personally I love it!

28 October 2007

Transporting visitors to Mission Beach

One of my favourite jobs with Sea Patrol is transporting people to Mission Beach. I love telling them all about the area and the great things they can do while they are visiting. It really is a fabulous and easy part of the job, because I'm always having a good time here and hope that they will too.

Air Fraser Island

FRASER ISLAND: Air Fraser Island is an award winning tourist based air charter service specialising in scenic aerial tours of World Heritage Listed Fraser Island, using the beach as its unique airstrip.

Pleasure Divers

MAGNETIC ISLAND: Pleasure Divers is the only PADI 5 star centre on Magnetic Island, and we have been teaching people to dive for well over a decade. Our goal is to offer the best possible training and service at the best price. All of our courses are run to PADI standards, as well as the high standards we set for ourselves. By limiting our course size to a maximum of 8 students, we give you all the attention and services required to make your diving experience a real pleasure.

Adrenalin Dive

TOWNSVILLE: Adrenalin Dive is a PADI dive facility situated in Townsville, a rapidly expanding city in the state of North Queensland, in Australia. Townsville is situated on the waterfront, with Magnetic Island just a 20 minute trip by fast boat.

Dingo's Backpacker Adventure Resort

RAINBOW BEACH: Located on beautiful Rainbow Beach, just 15 minutes from Fraser Island, Dingo’s Backpacker Adventure Resort is truly heaven on earth. Experience it for yourself.

Lake Tinaroo Terraces

LAKE TINAROO: Lake Tinaroo Terraces is the newest Atherton Tablelands accommodation, offering absolute lakefront lodges on the shores of Lake Tinaroo. Only one and a half hours west of Cairns.

Tropical Diving

AIRLIE BEACH: Cruise, dive or learn to dive at the lovely Whitsundays. Family run business.

27 October 2007

too cute, how do they survive

What is it with the cute young lads? How do they survive? We just had Mr 19 year old English cutie who has been in Australia for only 5 days and has already lost 2 plastic cards...... he has $50 in his pocket until he can get to a bank. The nearest bank to Mission Beach is in Tully, a $20 bus fare, and it's not open until Monday. What's the bet one of us softens up and organises a lift for him, we have already sourced the cheapest accommodation and suggested that he asks if he can mow the lawn for beer money! Good luck to him and all the other cuties out there!

Quarterdecks Harbour Retreat

HERVEY BAY: Located within the Boat Harbour precinct, offering unrivalled service, designer collection furniture, and warm Fraser Coast hospitality. The 61 Villa retreat is of contemporary design with a distinct touch of luxury. Guests may choose from a one or two-bedroom villa with private courtyard or the more spacious two level three-bedroom villa with media lounge or better still the deluxe three level villas that can sleep up to eight guests, with a massive master bedroom on the third level with a large spa in the ensuite.

Dalrymple Tourist Van Park

CHARTERS TOWERS: Consider yourself invited to experience our wonderfully warm country hospitality and ideal facilities at the Dalrymple Tourist Van Park

25 October 2007

Friends

I am very excited as we have friends coming for the weekend. They used to live in Mission Beach, but have moved to Brisbane....why did they leave???? Anyway we are going to the Reef at the weekend, and I can not wait to go snorkeling again, it was so beautiful!!! They have never been to this part of the Reef so they are very excited too. They are diving, which is something I must learn to do soon....roll on Sunday!

mission perfect

cant believe how wonderful the weather is, flat seas, blue skies.......how lucky people on holidays are, must admit living here in Mission Beach is also way cool!

24 October 2007

Being Young, Living in Mission Beach

There are so many opportunities for young people going to school in and around Mission Beach. I spent my primary school years at Mission Beach State School and i now attend Tully State High School. Many people believe small country schools won't provide as many opportunities for young people as apposed to larger city schools. This is far from the truth. Recently i was given the opportunity to participate in a program called YAA ( Young Achievement Australia). YAA is an organization that enables young people to establish, run and liquidate their own company. Over the past 8 months, myself as well as 18 of my fellow class mates have been running an extremely successful company and we have gained may life long skills.Last week myself as well as another class member went down to Townsville to present our company in front of a panel of business people. Seven other schools and university's from Townsville also presented their company's . From this day judges decided on which company's would win which award. Overall Tully State High School won 9 out of 10 awards, including Company Of the Year and Business Person of the Year. We are now going to compete in Brisbane at the state finals. Going to a smaller country school has definitely given me many opportunities to excel in my chosen subject area.

22 October 2007

Koolamarra

Koolamarra
4 Bedroom Fully Self-Contained
Sleeps up to 10 people with 2 x king bed and 6 x single bed. Ideal for 2 families with 2 main bedrooms, each with the own semi-ensuite and French doors opening onto deck with magnificent views. Features include:

Fully equipped designer kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, gas, etc)
Fully furnished with Balinese furnishings
TV, VCR, DVD and sound system
Outdoor entertaining area and barbeque
Full laundry, linen and bath towels provided
Pool with deck
Magnificent views of Dunk and Bedarra Islands from large timber deck

21 October 2007

Cassowary sighting

Finally, after countless trips from Mission Beach to Cairns and back, I was able to show some of our Sea Patrol visitors not one but three cassowaries in the same day. I was so excited! It's one of the most frequent questions that we get here at the Information Station.....Where can I see a cassowary? Of course we just can't guarantee a sighting so to see three was just great.

19 October 2007

Rain rain go away!!!

I don't mind the rain at all in Mission Beach because I am here all the time so a bit of rain can be pleasant at times. The thing is I work at Mission Beach Information Station, and when I book day trips for people or skydives, the weather can stop them going or just not let them see things they would have seen on a clear day!! It is frustrating because you feel disappointed for them. So please get shining again sun and save the rain for the wet season!!!!

18 October 2007

Hidden spots that Locals know

It really pays to chat to a local when you are in Mission Beach. We know some hidden little spots that are great fun....... so pop in for a chat and we might just let you in on the secrets......where to go to see turtles, where the best climbing trees are and some nice quiet swimming spots.

16 October 2007

PhotoTeller Creative

Come into our shop and have a play with the new PhotoTeller Creative digital photo booth. Instantly print your digital photos or create an album, coffee cup, t-shirt, keyring or even a canvas print from your favorite images. Digital camera, mobile phone camera, CD or images from the internet!

Planning verse flexibility

Just another quick reminder to travellers coming to Mission Beach and the East Coast of Australia, for many of you planning is a little scary, let us help, we will not plan your every move, but we will make sure you dont miss out on great sailing trips, skydives, rafting, snorkeling adventures, etc because you failed to get organised. You can plan and be flexible, ask us how.

14 October 2007

Palace Backpackers- Hervey Bay

HERVEY BAY: Newest apartment-style hostel in Hervey Bay. 5 minute walk from the beach and esplanade. Loads of fun!

Staying in Mission Beach

Its a funny thing but I have been living in Mission Beach for over a year now and finally I am getting an opportunity to visit so many of the wonderful accommodation places here. I was lucky enough to get a job with Sea Patrol while they are filming here in Mission Beach, there are lots of cast and crew staying in town, and they are scattered throughout the beach. So if your thinking of a visit to Mission Beach just remember there will be somewhere to stay for all tastes and budgets.

Proserpine River Eco Tours

AIRLIE BEACH: Locally owned and operated, we hold Advanced Eco Certification with Ecotourism Australia, and our tour has a distinctive nature focus. The highlight of our Safari is spotting crocodiles on Proserpine River, but the region boasts an abundance of other Australian native wildlife including birds, reptiles, mammals and indigenous flora.



13 October 2007

Tropical Weather

Well folks it has heated up, our lame winter is over and it is getting hot, hot, hot. Gotta love living in tropical Mission Beach. Yesterday we had a classic tropical day, with a bright morning, thundering afternoon and overnight rain.

Mission Awareness on the Reef

Educational and fun full colour presentation the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. A must for anyone traveling to the reef or with a passion for nature. Sessions are generally held on a Friday night at the Progress Hall in north Mission Beach. Call Pete Faulkner on 0439 490 088 for further information and bookings.

12 October 2007

Croc spotting

There was a sighting of a croc in Mission Beach a few weeks ago. There was a warning sign in German?? saying that there had been a sighting and to beware. I am happy to say that the sign has been removed and I for one will definitely be back swimming in the sea...just hope I am not the next croc spotter!!!!

Mission Awareness on the Reef

Tonight we are attending the local Mission Beach information session on the Great Barrier Reef, will let you all know how it goes!

Mission Awareness – On the Reef

Enjoy a fascinating full colour presetation on the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

6.00pm – 7.45pm, Progress Hall, Porter Promenade, Mission Beach.

$10.00 Adults, $7.00 children under 15. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Contact Pete Faulkner on 0439 490 088, www.conusdivetcs.com.au

White Water Rafting - The sequel

I can only agree totally with my friend's previous blog about our day out white water rafting. Everything she said was true, the day was action packed, the scenery was gorgeous and the staff were great. They made everyone's day one to remember. So if you are in Mission Beach and want to book a trip, come and see us at the Mission Beach Information Station, and we will make it happen for you too!!!!

11 October 2007

Caring for Country

The 2nd National Indigenous Land and Sea Management conference and festival is now on! The Festival is being held this coming weekend, loads of great music, films, workshops & fun to be had. See you at Cardwell! Just a 45 minute drive south on the Bruce Hwy from Mission Beach. Log onto www.caringforcountry.com.au for more information.

Denise's Eco Tours

Explore World Heritage Rainforests with your own personal and fully qualified eco tour guide. Range of tours available, including short tours to Lacey Creek and the Licuala Fan Palm walk and full day trips talking in the wonders of Wooroonooran National Park in the Atherton Tablelands.

10 October 2007

White Water Rafting

On Monday a friend from work and myself went White Water Rafting on the mighty Tully River. It was FANTASTIC!!! We had the best day, and the weather was perfect. Rafting on the Tully not only gives you the adrenaline rush and but it allows you to take in the beautiful sights of the Tully George. The guides were very friendly and were willing to have a joke, the whole atmosphere of the trip was extremely welcoming. I would highly recommend rafting to anybody visiting the Mission Beach area.

09 October 2007

Sam and Chris' Place

This spacious 2 bedroom, fully self contained ground floor unit offers terrific budget accommodation in a very convenient location. A short stroll will take you to the golden sands of Mission Beach.

08 October 2007

Mission Beach rocks

I so so love my home! We live on 14km of sand, MissionBeach is so so cool.

07 October 2007

Barrier Reef Motel

INNISFAIL: Innisfail is the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Australia's World Heritage listed Rainforests and the Barrier Reef Motel is the perfect choice for your Barrier Reef Holiday Experience of a lifetime! Your first accommodation choice. Although centrally located to all of the wonders of North Queensland the Barrier Reef Motel offers a quiet and serenity not found in other North Queensland tourist areas.

Kuranda Rainforest Park

KURANDA: Surrounded by some of the most ancient rainforest on the globe, the sheer purity of the air, makes this beautiful part of the world such as a soothing sanctuary for the soul. We are proud to offer our guests a peaceful multi-choice accommodation and nature park, here in the cool mountains above Cairns, in Tropical Far North Queensland, Australia.

Trinity Beach Pacific Apartments

CAIRNS: Prime Trinity Beach Pacific Apartments offers affordable 4 star accommodation with all apartments fully refurbished in May 2004. Conveniently situated only 500 metres from local restaurants, shops and the beautiful, palm-fringed Trinity Beach.

Coral Lodge Bed & Breakfast Inn

TOWNSVILLE: An inn-teresting place to stay. Budget with style. Quaint, cosy, clean, quiet and close to town.

Deep Sea Divers Den

CAIRNS: Day Trips, Liveaboard Trips and all PADI Courses.

06 October 2007

The Aquatic Festival

Here I am at work thinking I would be the only one not at the aquatic festival but here I am at the Mission Beach Information Station with a shop full of people. They are happily typing away, maybe even blogging too...so I don't feel so bad, I have company! But hey there is always tomorrow and tonight for that matter to catch up with everyone at the festival. It's never dull in Mission Beach that's for sure!

05 October 2007

Aquatic Festival Fun

The best weekend of the year is here......Mission Beach's Aquatic Festival. It is going to be great fun, so head down to the Rotary Park section of Wongaling Beach and enjoy the stalls, rides, parade & fun!

04 October 2007

Reef Daytripper

Reef Daytripper can offer you this superb personalised service from Cairns, which normally is only available on a privately owned yacht. Enjoy the open ocean in this romantic atmosphere on your excursion to Upolu Cay on The Great Barrier Reef.

02 October 2007

Living in Mission Beach

I absolutely love living in Mission Beach. On my day off yesterday, my mum and I went for a drive up to Clump Point lookout and watched the sea patrol boat cruise over to Dunk Island. It was great sunny weather and we could see all the way from Hinchinbrook Island to Kurrimine Beach. After that we went for lunch at North Mission Beach and walked up to Porters Creek along the beach front.