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NALA Resort Restaurant Mission Beach
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Australia Day 2026 falls on Monday 26 January, giving you a long weekend to escape to one of Queensland’s most stunning island destinations. Dunk Island, located just 4 kilometres off the coast of Mission Beach in Far North Queensland, offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable Australia Day celebration.
While the big cities host harbour parades and fireworks, locals in Far North Queensland have their own tradition. Every year on Australia Day, boats from Mission Beach and surrounding areas make the short journey across to Dunk Island. They park up on the famous sand spit, drop anchor in the crystal-clear waters of Pallon Beach, and spend the day enjoying everything this tropical paradise has to offer.
Whether you arrive by ferry or join the local boats, Australia Day on Dunk Island is a relaxed, quintessentially Australian celebration of sun, sand and good company.
Australia Day on Dunk Island is all about making the most of this beautiful island setting. While there are no formal organised events, the day has its own special atmosphere as visitors and locals come together to celebrate. The new Dunk Island Beach Club is a great spot to visit, located next to the Dunk Island Jetty. Find cold drinks, great food and a relaxed place to enjoy Dunk Island.
The highlight of Australia Day on Dunk Island is the gathering of local boats south of the sand spit on Pallon Beach. Locals from Mission Beach, Cardwell, Innisfail and beyond load up their tinnies, cruisers and sailing boats with eskies, BBQs, beach cricket sets and everything needed for a perfect day on the water.
The sand spit transforms into a beachside party, with boats lined up along the shore and families setting up on the beach. It’s a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere where strangers become friends over a cold drink and a game of cricket on the sand.
If you have access to a boat, this is the way to experience Australia Day on Dunk Island. Arrive early to secure a good spot, as it gets busy throughout the day.
Beyond the beach celebrations, Dunk Island offers plenty of activities to fill your Australia Day.
The sand spit is one of the best swimming spots on the island. The water is crystal clear with no rocks, making it perfect for families. Brammo Bay, near the main jetty, is also a great spot for a swim, and you can even jump off the pier for a bit of fun.
For snorkelling, head to Muggy Muggy Beach on the northern side of the island. This quiet, secluded beach has calm waters perfect for exploring the coral and marine life.
Stinger Season Warning: January falls within stinger season (November to May), when dangerous box jellyfish may be present in the water. Wear a stinger suit if you plan to swim or snorkel, and check with ferry operators about current conditions.
Dunk Island is part of the Family Islands National Park and offers some beautiful walking tracks through World Heritage-listed rainforest.
Muggy Muggy Beach Track Distance: 3km return Time: 40 minutes Grade: Easy This pleasant walk winds through rainforest, coastal woodland and mangroves before arriving at the secluded Muggy Muggy Beach.
Mount Kootaloo Summit Track Distance: 7km return Time: 2.5 to 3 hours Grade: Moderate to difficult This more challenging walk takes you to the 271-metre summit of Mount Kootaloo. You’ll pass through cyclone-damaged rainforest and eucalypt woodland before reaching the lookout, which offers spectacular views over the Family Islands and the mainland coast. Near the summit, you can explore the remains of a World War II radar station slowly being reclaimed by the rainforest.
Island Circuit Track Distance: 9.2km Time: 3.5 to 4 hours Grade: Moderate The full island circuit takes you up to Mount Kootaloo, through the magical Palm Valley and past Coconut Beach. You’ll encounter diverse birdlife and keep an eye out for the brilliant blue Ulysses butterfly, which has become a symbol of Dunk Island.
Walking Tips:
Dunk Island is home to over 100 species of birds, reptiles and marine mammals. Look out for the iconic Ulysses butterfly, sea eagles, rainbow lorikeets, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a dugong or sea turtle in the surrounding waters.
The fringing reefs around the island are home to diverse marine life, making snorkelling a rewarding experience even close to shore.
Australia Day is a great day to drop a line. The waters around Dunk Island offer excellent fishing, and you can explore nearby Mound Island (Purtaboi) by boat or kayak. Note that Mound Island is closed from October to March due to bird nesting season.
Discover what to do on the island, including exciting tours around Mission Beach, Dunk Island and the Cassowary Coast
Click HereGetting to Dunk Island on Australia Day is easy, with several transport options available from Mission Beach.
Mission Beach Adventures Daily Ferry The Mission Beach Adventures ferry operates daily transfers to Dunk Island from Clump Point. This is the most reliable option for Australia Day visitors.
Note: The QuickCoast ferry service is scheduled to resume operations from Thursday 2 April 2026 after maintenance. For Australia Day 2026, Mission Beach Adventures is operating the daily ferry service.
The Mission Beach Dunk Island Water Taxi operates from Wongaling Beach and offers a quick, personalised service to the island. This is a good option for small groups or those wanting flexibility with their schedule.
Many locals travel to Dunk Island by private boat on Australia Day. If you have access to a boat, this is a fantastic way to experience the day. Brammo Bay has three guest mooring buoys operated by Queensland Parks, and you can anchor or beach your boat on the sand spit.
Clump Point Marina is the departure point for most ferry services to Dunk Island.
With Australia Day 2026 falling on a Monday, you have the perfect opportunity for a tropical long weekend escape. Arrive on Saturday, explore Mission Beach and the surrounding rainforest on Sunday, celebrate Australia Day on Dunk Island on Monday, and head home refreshed and recharged.
The Cassowary Coast has plenty to keep you busy beyond Dunk Island, including white water rafting on the Tully River, rainforest walks, cassowary spotting, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland.
Start planning your Australia Day 2026 adventure on Dunk Island today.
If camping on Dunk Island isn’t for you, Mission Beach offers a fantastic range of accommodation options to suit every budget and travel style. Stay on the mainland and take the ferry across for your Australia Day celebrations.
At the luxury end, you’ll find beachfront resorts with day spas, multiple pools and on-site dining, as well as adults-only boutique properties and exclusive private bungalows with plunge pools. Mid-range travellers are well catered for with self-contained beachfront apartments offering Dunk Island views, tropical gardens and direct beach access. For budget-conscious visitors, there are caravan parks and camping grounds within walking distance of the beach, backpacker hostels in the village, and cabin-style holiday parks with pet-friendly options. Families and groups can choose from a variety of self-contained holiday homes and cottages, many with private pools and space for larger gatherings.
With Australia Day falling on a long weekend, accommodation books up quickly. Secure your stay well in advance to get the best options. For a complete guide to where to stay, visit our Mission Beach accommodation page.
NALA Resort Restaurant Dining at Nala Resort NALA Resort Restaurant
Plenty Restaurant & Bar — Mission Beach Mission Beach Restaurant
Dunk Island Spit Restaurant Dunk Island Restaurant Now Open New
For those looking for a more personalised service, QuickCoast provides a fast and convenient way to reach Dunk Island. Their services are ideal for small groups or those desiring a more private experience.
Customised Trips: QuickCoast offers the flexibility to arrange trips at times that suit your schedule, perfect for avoiding the crowds.
Charter Services: They also provide charter services, ideal for special events or a more luxurious journey.
Advanced Bookings: Book now to arrange your custom trip or charter service, ensuring a tailor-made experience that fits your itinerary.
Discover the exhilarating blend of adventure and natural beauty at Mission Beach. Find a range of Adventure & Nature Tours to fuel your spirit of exploration.
Whether you’re seeking the thrill of rainforest treks, the serenity of wildlife encounters, or the excitement of water-based activities, Mission Beach is your gateway to unforgettable experiences.
Each tour promises to connect you deeply with the stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems of this tropical paradise.
Australia Day is one of the busiest days of the year on Dunk Island. To make the most of your day:
From October to June, dangerous marine stingers, including box jellyfish, are found in the ocean off Mission Beach. It's advised to swim only within netted areas during this period.
