Australia Day Events Mission Beach and Dunk Island 2026
We have found all of the Australia Day Events Mission Beach and Dunk Island 2026. The long weekend offers visitors to Mission Beach and the Cassowary Coast a range of events across multiple venues. From beachfront live music to pool parties with waterslides, here’s what’s happening from Friday 23 January to Monday 26 January.
Dunk Island: Australia Day Celebrations 2026
The Dunk Island will be open for its final days of the 2025-26 season during the Australia Day long weekend, with a special event planned for Monday 26 January.
Dunk Island
Opening Days:
- Thursday 22 January
- Friday 23 January
- Saturday 24 January
- Sunday 25 January
- Monday 26 January (Australia Day special event)
- Thong Throwing Competition
The Dunk Island Restaurant operates from 11am with lunch service available. Following the long weekend, the Beach Club will close from Tuesday 27 January for a seasonal break. The campgrounds and BBQ picnic area on Dunk Island remain open year-round.
About Dunk Island
The Dunk Island venue opened in 2025 as part of the redevelopment of Dunk Island under new ownership. Located on the sand spit, it operates as a casual beachfront venue serving food and drinks with views across to the mainland. The venue is cashless, so visitors should plan accordingly.
Dunk Island is accessible by ferry from Clump Point, Mission Beach. Mission Beach Adventures operates a daily ferry service departing at 8:30am and returning at 2:30pm.
Club Wyndham Mission Beach
Club Wyndham Mission Beach (formerly Castaways Resort & Spa) is running events across all four days of the Australia Day long weekend at the Castaways Beach Bar and Grill.
Friday 23 January
- Burger and Beverage Special
- Any burger and fries with a house beer, wine or soft drink for $25
Saturday 24 January
- Live Music, Cocktails and Food Specials
- $14 cocktails and food specials all day
- Live music with Alisa Q
Sunday 25 January
- Surf, Turf and Score Big
- $29 surf and turf
- Every surf and turf ordered provides entry into a raffle
Monday 26 January (Australia Day)
- Family Fun + Beer and Prawn Buckets Special
- Family games with prizes
- Free face painting
- $30 beer and prawn buckets
About Club Wyndham Mission Beach
Club Wyndham acquired Castaways Resort & Spa in May 2025, making it the 67th property in the Club Wyndham South Pacific portfolio. The resort occupies an absolute beachfront position on Mission Beach, approximately 90 minutes south of Cairns.
The property features 48 studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and loft-style apartments. Facilities include two swimming pools with ocean views, the Castaways Beach Bar and Grill restaurant, and Drift Day Spa. The resort underwent refurbishment from September to December 2025.
The Castaways Beach Bar and Grill is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and welcomes non-guests.
Address: Seaview Street, Mission Beach QLD 4852
Phone: 07 4068 7444
Laundro Lounge
Laundro Lounge in Mission Beach is hosting Australia Day festivities on Sunday 25 January and Monday 26 January.
Laundro Lounge is promoting:
- Monday 26 January
- 11am–4pm
- Free sausage sizzle with any purchase
About Laundro Lounge
Laundro Lounge combines a premium laundromat with a bar and restaurant. The concept allows visitors to have a drink and meal while taking care of laundry, though the venue welcomes all customers.
The kitchen features a rotating menu that changes weekly, offering different cuisines. The bar stocks an extensive selection of gin, whiskey, cocktails and wines. The venue has received positive reviews for its food quality and friendly service.
Address: 15/46-48 Porter Promenade, Mission Beach QLD 4852
Phone: 0408 609 664
Hours: 9am – 9pm daily
King Reef Resort, Kurrimine Beach
King Reef Resort is hosting a free beachfront concert on Sunday 25 January as part of its Australia Day long weekend celebrations.
King Reef Resort Live Music – Sunday 25 January
- Event: Jimmy and the Jive Train
- Time: 5pm – 9pm
- Cost: Free
- Location: Beachfront at King Reef Resort
About King Reef Resort
King Reef Resort is a beachfront accommodation and dining destination in Kurrimine Beach, a small coastal town approximately 30 minutes north of Mission Beach and 90 minutes south of Cairns.
The resort complex includes a beachfront pub, bar and bistro, cafe, bottle shop and resort-style swimming pool. Accommodation options range from hotel rooms and poolside apartments to beachfront cabins and powered caravan sites.
Kurrimine Beach offers a quieter alternative to busier tourist destinations. At low tide, visitors can walk out to explore rock pools and coral. The beach is known for fishing, with species including flathead, whiting, mackerel and tuna available from shore.
Address: 75 Jacobs Road, Kurrimine Beach QLD 4871
Phone: 07 4065 6100
BIG4 Kurrimine Beach Holiday Park
BIG4 Kurrimine Beach Holiday Park is hosting “The Big Aussie Luau” pool party on Australia Day.
Monday 26 January (Australia Day) – The Big Aussie Luau Pool Party
- Time: 10am – 4pm
- Pool and Waterpark Entry: Free for the Australia Day event
- What’s On:
- Live music
- Pool games
- Prizes
- Cocktails
- Cold beer on tap
- Ice cream
- Full menu from the Pool Deck Cafe
The Pool Deck Cafe will be serving a full menu plus specials. Menu items available include seafood and chips, lamb kebab snack packs, prawn skewers, burgers and more.
For guests staying at the park: Every booking comes with a 4pm late checkout (subject to availability).
About BIG4 Kurrimine Beach Holiday Park
BIG4 Kurrimine Beach Holiday Park is a family-owned holiday park located a short walk from Kurrimine Beach. The park is known for its waterpark facilities, which include a large saltwater swimming pool, three waterslides and a tipping bucket.
Accommodation options include Sea Breeze Cabins, Holiday Huts, Queen Villas, King Villas and Family Studios, plus caravan and camping sites. The park is pet-friendly with a dog hydro bath available.
The Pool Deck Cafe operates on-site and is open to both guests and day visitors. Day entry to the pool and waterpark is normally $8 per person outside of special events.
Address: 9 Coyle Street, Kurrimine Beach QLD 4871
Phone: 07 4065 6166
Mission Beach Dive: Reef Adventure: Dive and Snorkel
Cruising crystal-clear waters, exploring vibrant coral gardens, and soaking up the Aussie Day atmosphere at sea
If you’re keen to get out on the water over the long weekend, this is one to lock in early.
What’s included:
- Reef snorkelling & diving
- Stunning coral & marine life
- Relaxed reef vibes with an Australia Day twist
Contact number: 0435 075 589
Cassowary Coast Pool Parties
Cassowary Coast Regional Council invites the community to celebrate Australia Day at free pool parties across the region, offering a fun, relaxed and family-friendly way to enjoy the national day.
Pool parties are happening on Australia Day, Monday, 26 January 2026, at these locations:
- Innisfail Swimming Pool: 10am – 2pm
- Mission Beach Aquatic Centre: 10am– 2pm
- Cardwell Swimming Pool: 10am– 2pm
- Tully Swimming Pool: 3pm– 7pm
Entry to all events is completely free, with attendees able to enjoy music to set the celebratory mood and a BBQ sausage sizzle hosted by local community groups.
The pool parties are proudly supported by the National Australia Day Council, local swimming and fitness providers including Marlin Coast Swimming and Fitness, Grimsey’s Aquatics and Cotter Aquatic Swim and Fitness, as well as community groups who will be hosting the BBQs.
For more information about Australia Day events visit cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/australiaday or call 1300 763 903.
Mission Beach Tennis Club – Pool Party BBQ
- Hosting the free BBQ at the pool party on Aus Day
- 100-number board fundraiser: $5 a number
- Winner pockets $250
We are a friendly community club, run by volunteers to provide Tennis for the greater community. They offer Social and Fixture nights during the week and our courts can now be hired by members and non members through our booking tab.
Mission Beach Resort
Mission Beach Resort is hosting Australia Day festivities on Sunday 25 January, featuring a full day of competitions, challenges and a sausage sizzle.
Sunday 25 January – Australia Day Festivities
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 11:00am | Thong Throwing Competition |
| 11:30am | Pie Eating Competition |
| 12:30pm | Ping Pong Competition |
| 1:30pm | Ben’s Chilli Wings Challenge ($1,000 prize) |
| 3:00pm | Best Dressed Aussie Bogan ($100 venue voucher) |
| 4:00pm | Gold Coin Donation Sausage Sizzle |
The chilli wings challenge offers a $1,000 prize for anyone who can complete it, while the best dressed competition awards a $100 venue voucher.
About Mission Beach Resort
Mission Beach Resort (also known as Nightelier Mission Beach) is centrally located at Wongaling Beach, approximately 500 metres from the beach and within a five-minute walk of 14 kilometres of coastline where rainforest meets the Coral Sea.
The resort features 68 guest rooms spread across four landscaped areas, each with its own pool and BBQ facilities. Accommodation ranges from Superior Rooms to Two Bedroom Apartments.
On-site facilities include the Family Bistro and Sports Bar, which is open seven days for lunch and dinner. The venue also has a gaming room with pool tables and other amusements. The resort caters for functions, conferences and events.
Address: Wongaling Beach, Mission Beach QLD 4852
Website: missionbeachresort.com.au
Plenty Restaurant & Bar
Plenty Restaurant & Bar will be open throughout the Australia Day long weekend with extended hours and live music on Sunday.
Australia Day Long Weekend Hours
Friday 24 January
- Dinner: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday 25 January
- Breakfast Indulgence: 8:30am – 11:00am
- Lunch: 11:30am – 2:00pm
- Dinner: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Sunday 26 January
- Live Music by Andy G: 12:00pm – 3:00pm
- Breakfast Indulgence: 8:30am – 11:00am
- Lunch: 11:30am – 2:00pm
- Dinner: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Monday 27 January (Australia Day)
- Dinner: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
About Plenty Restaurant & Bar
Plenty Restaurant & Bar occupies a beachfront position on Donkin Lane in the heart of Mission Beach village. The alfresco dining area offers views across the Coral Sea to nearby islands including Dunk Island.
The menu features Modern Australian cuisine with Asian influences, specialising in seafood and steak. Popular dishes include Thai fish cakes, coconut-crumbed prawns, and the 10-hour slow-cooked red coconut beef. The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of cocktails, wines, gins and whiskeys.
Plenty has established itself as one of the top-rated restaurants in Mission Beach, with reviewers praising the food quality, generous portions and beachfront setting. The venue welcomes families and offers highchairs for young children.
Address: 42 Donkin Lane, Mission Beach QLD 4852
Phone: 07 4027 9507
Website: plentyrestaurant.com.au
Plan Your Visit
Getting to Mission Beach
Mission Beach is located approximately 140km south of Cairns (1.5 hours drive) and 240km north of Townsville. Cairns is the nearest major airport.
Getting to Kurrimine Beach
Kurrimine Beach is approximately 25km north of Mission Beach, or 115km south of Cairns. Take the Kurrimine Beach Road turnoff from the Bruce Highway.
Getting to Dunk Island
Dunk Island is accessible by ferry from Clump Point, Mission Beach. Mission Beach Adventures operates daily transfers. The ferry departs at 8:30am and returns at 2:30pm.
Stinger Season Reminder
January falls within stinger season (November to May) in Far North Queensland. Marine stingers including box jellyfish may be present in coastal waters. Swim only within stinger nets where available, or wear a stinger suit for water activities.
Accommodation
Mission Beach and the surrounding area offers a range of accommodation options for the Australia Day long weekend, from beachfront resorts and holiday apartments to caravan parks and backpacker hostels.
Event Summary
| Venue | Date | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Dunk Island Beach Club | Thu 22 – Mon 26 Jan | Season finale + Australia Day special |
| Club Wyndham Mission Beach | Fri 23 Jan | Burger & Beverage Special |
| Club Wyndham Mission Beach | Sat 24 Jan | Live Music with Alisa Q |
| Club Wyndham Mission Beach | Sun 25 Jan | Surf & Turf Raffle |
| Club Wyndham Mission Beach | Mon 26 Jan | Family Fun Day |
| Laundro Lounge | Sun 25 Jan | Competitions & Sausage Sizzle |
| Laundro Lounge | Mon 26 Jan | Free sausage sizzle with purchase |
| King Reef Resort | Sun 25 Jan | Jimmy and the Jive Train |
| BIG4 Kurrimine Beach | Mon 26 Jan | The Big Aussie Luau Pool Party |
