Travel Stories - Australia

"mission beach"

introduction

I arrived at the dream beach in “Mission Beach” at the end of the morning situated at the Coral Sea. What I have understood is this whole strip with beach establishments is called this way and that’s about 15 km long. I check in the hostel I found in my travelguide which is one of the many backpackers places and walk back to the beach for lunch, internet and to buy some groceries. After I’m back I repack my big backpack and pick up a book to read something at the pool of the hostel. It doesn’t take long because after the moment I sit down I meet some other Dutch people and they invite me for a game of pool and then a beer – an offer I can’t refuse.

The history of “Mission Beach”:

The first white settlers came to Mission Beach in 1882 and cultivated mango, bananas, coffee, citrus fruit, coconuts and pineapple. Sometimes temporary people showed up who cut trees for the wood. She used cheap forces such as local Aboriginals who paid them with barter. It seems that in the beginning of the 20th century in the region Chinese farmers grew bananas and hired cheap labor such as the local Aboriginals. Through opium addiction and conflicts with European settlers, the local administration decided to establish an Aboriginal settlement in the current Mission Beach. Work began in 1914 and the settlement was more like a penal colony than a peaceful solution. In any case, the town owes its name to it - a mission on the beach.

Looking for the cassowary

One of the highlights of Mission Beach is besides a visit to the beach - where you have to pay attention to jellyfish by the way - is a walk in the tropical rainforest. First we walk through the village which is quite extensive especially because of tourism; but because it is so scattered, the town retains the village's intimate atmosphere. It is called "Licuala" here and the information center warns that cassowaries are running around. This animal is a kind of ostrich, can not fly and is dearly threatened. This species seems to be rather aggressive and I can’t think of that idea if my habitat was getting closer every year. Especially agriculture is gasping up more and more rainforest, but motorists and cars are also killing many cassowaries every year. We are with five people and are aware of those animals when we’ve got of the main path and go into the rainforrest. It is hot, stuffy, sticky but also beautiful but we do not see the dreaded ostrich (unfortunately). We spot many beautiful birds that the area is also known for. After our walk we decide to go back.

We do some shopping with the whole “gang” and afterwards we relax at the hostel. In the evening we drink a beer together, play some pool and discuss our experiences in Australia and our plans in the coming days and weeks. Really nothing special.

tips & advice (2003)

Greyhound Pioneer and McCafferty's buses stop outside the Port O'Call cafe. There is also a stop at the Mission Beach Resort in Wongaling Beach. There is no real busstation.

Mission Beach - Townsville: there is definitely a bus at 09:15 arriving at 13:00 in Townsville. Price will be around 47 AUSD.

Name: "Mission Beach Backpackers Lodge"

Address: 28 Wongaling Beach Road

Price: 18 AUSD (dormitory)

Phone nr. : 4068 8317

E-mail: mblodge@znet.net.au

Content:

A lovely cozy backpackers lodge with a relaxed atmosphere in the center of activity in Mission Beach. A big garden with a rather big swimming pool. It’s looks a bit like a American colonial building with two floors. There are two separate buildings; one with dorms and another with singles and double rooms. There is also a big area inside with pool tables and a big kitchen.

Travel Stories - Australia

"mission beach"

introduction

Looking for the cassowary

tips & advice (2003)

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