Dunk Island Reef Adventures

Visit Dunk Island & the Great Barrier Reef with QuickCoast

Dunk Island Reef Adventures | Reef & Island Tours

Dunk Island Reef Adventures operates ferry services and reef tours from Mission Beach to Dunk Island and the outer Great Barrier Reef. They’re part of the Myroo Group, an Australian-owned company based in Queensland that also runs coach transfers from Cairns.

This guide covers their current tours, prices, and what you need to know before booking.

Who Runs Dunk Island Reef Adventures?

Dunk Island Reef Adventures is operated by Myroo Group Pty Ltd, based at Clump Point Marine Facility in Mission Beach. The company is Australian owned and focuses on small group experiences rather than large tourist operations.
Their vessel is the QuickCoast, a fast catamaran that’s licensed to carry over 90 passengers but limited to 50 on tours. It’s air-conditioned with covered deck areas. The boat can reach Beaver Reef in about an hour from Mission Beach.
The company emphasises sustainability and sources food from local producers. A portion of each booking goes towards reef conservation projects.

What to Expect on a Reef Tour

The reef snorkelling happens at Beaver Reef, part of the outer Great Barrier Reef. It’s about an hour from Mission Beach or Dunk Island by fast catamaran.

Recent TripAdvisor reviews mention:

  • Seeing turtles, fish, and healthy coral

  • Small group sizes 

  • Lunch options

  • Helpful staff

The company provides snorkelling equipment. During stinger season (November to April), you’ll need stinger suits for water activities—check with the operator about what’s provided.

Getting to Mission Beach

Mission Beach is 140km south of Cairns, about a 2-hour drive. If you don’t have a car:

Coach from Cairns: Myroo Group’s coach departs 6:30am from Reef Fleet Terminal (Bus Bay 7). The one-way transfer costs $55 if you’re not booking a full tour package.

Self-drive: Take the Bruce Highway south from Cairns, turn off at El Arish and follow signs to Mission Beach. The boat ramp is at Clump Point Marine Facility.

From Townsville: It’s about 240km north, roughly a 3-hour drive.

Fare Categories

All tours use these age brackets:

  • Adult: 15+ years

  • Child: 3-14 years

  • Infant: 0-2 years (usually free or reduced)

Child prices vary by tour—check when booking.

Dunk Island Reef Adventures Tours and Cruises​

Dunk Island Ferry from Mission Beach

The most popular service is the ferry from Mission Beach to Dunk Island. It’s a short crossing—around 10-15 minutes each way.

Dunk Island Ferry | Mission Beach Day Return 
  • Price: $75 adult, child rates available
  • Duration: Full day on island (ferry is 30 min crossing)
  • Departs: 8:45am from Clump Point
Early Bird Saver Fare
  • Price: $65 adult
  • Conditions: Must book at least 3 days in advance
  • Same schedule as standard ferry

The ferry gives you a full day on Dunk Island to walk the rainforest tracks, swim, and explore at your own pace. There’s no resort on the island anymore—it closed after Cyclone Yasi—so bring your own food and water.

Reef & Island Tours (Outer Great Barrier Reef + Dunk Island)

These tours combine snorkelling at Beaver Reef on the outer Great Barrier Reef with time on Dunk Island. Beaver Reef is about an hour from Mission Beach by fast catamaran.

From Mission Beach:

Reef & Island | Outer Great Barrier Reef & Dunk Island | Mission Beach Day Return 

Price: $255 adult

  • Duration: 8 hours
  • Includes: Snorkelling at Beaver Reef, Dunk Island visit
$199 Seasonal Special (Limited time)
  • Same tour at reduced price
  • Check availability when booking

From Cairns:

If you’re staying in Cairns, you can do the same reef and island experience with coach transfers included.

Outer Great Barrier Reef & Dunk Island Full Day Tour | Cairns Day Return 
  • Price: $255 adult
  • Duration: 12 hours (includes coach transfer)
  • Departs: 6:30am from Cairns
$199 Seasonal Special from Cairns (Limited time)
  • Same inclusions at reduced rate
$99 Special | Explore Dunk Island Full Day Tour | Cairns Day Return
  • Price: $99 adult
  • Duration: 12 hours
  • Island-only option (no reef snorkelling)

The reef tours run with small groups—typically 30 passengers or fewer. Reviews mention the crew by name (Brian, Louis) and highlight the personalised experience compared to larger Cairns reef operators.

Dunk Island Day Tours from Cairns

Don’t have your own transport to Mission Beach? Myroo Group runs coach services from Cairns that connect with their ferry and tours.

Explore Dunk Island Full Day Tour | Cairns Day Return | 
  • Price: $125 adult
  • Duration: 12 hours
  • Includes: Return coach from Cairns, ferry to Dunk Island, full day on island
Enjoy Mission Beach | Cairns Return | (Coach Only)
  • Price: $55 adult
  • Duration: 12 hours
  • Just the coach transfer—arrange your own activities in Mission Beach

The coach is a deluxe vehicle with recliner seats. The drive from Cairns to Mission Beach takes about 2 hours each way.

Private Charters

For groups, weddings, or special occasions, QuickCoast is available for private hire.

Private Charter Options from Mission Beach:
Charter TypePriceDuration
Family Islands Luncheon Cruise$2,6954 hours
Family Island Afternoon Cruise$2,6953 hours
Sunset Dinner Cruise$2,6954 hours
Reef & Island (Beaver Reef + Dunk)$5,9168 hours
One-way Ferry (Mission Beach ↔ Dunk)$1,00930 min
Private Charter Options from Cairns:
Charter TypePriceDuration
Reef & Island (full day)$6,65512 hours
Cairns to/from Orpheus Island$6,8956 hours
Townsville to/from Orpheus Island$10,0096 hours

Private charters can be customised. The vessel accommodates up to 75 passengers for transfers, less for cruises with catering.

*Please be advised, times and pricing may change. The details are sourced from the tour operator. 

What's on Dunk Island?

Dunk Island is about 4km offshore from Mission Beach. The old resort was destroyed by Cyclone Yasi in 2011 and hasn’t reopened.

What you can do:

  • Walk the rainforest tracks (several options from easy to challenging)

  • Swim at the beaches

  • Snorkel the fringing reef

  • Look for wildlife (cassowaries live on the island)

  • Visit the Dunk Island Restaurant

What’s not available:

  • No accommodation (unless camping with a permit)

  • Limited facilities

Bring everything you need for the day: food, water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Mission Beach Adventure Tours

Adventure & Nature Tours Mission Beach

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.

Dunk Island Reef Adventures FAQs

Here are some common questions people are asking about Dunk Island Reef Adventures

  • Standard Fares: Fully refundable if cancelled more than 24 hours before departure. Within 24 hours, non-refundable but changeable with a $25 admin fee.

  • Saver Fares: Cheapest tickets, must be booked 72 hours in advance. Changeable up until 24 hours prior with $25 fee. Within 24 hours, all sales are final.

  • Tickets are valid for 365 days and are not transferable.

 

If services are delayed due to weather, technical or operational reasons;
You will be re-booked on the next available cruise at no additional charge.
If delayed for more than 2 hours, you may request a full refund for the service.

If services are cancelled due to weather, technical or operational reasons;
You will be re-booked on the next available cruise at no additional charge or offered a full refund.

Refund and Remedies are also available under Australia Consumer Law.

 

If you choose to cancel due to weather conditions and wish to travel on a different day you will be offered the first available equivalent cruise and have to pay a AU$25 amendment fee per person.

If you choose to cancel due to weather conditions and not travel on an alternate day, normal cancellation conditions apply.

Yes, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance to cover voluntary cancellations, medical conditions, or unforeseen events.

 

Yes. A Reef Levy of $20 per person applies, payable on boarding in Cairns or Mission Beach.
This includes:

  • $8.00 Environmental Management Charge

  • $3.83 Port Fee

  • $8.17 Admin Fee

 
  • Hand baggage: Clothing, books, electronics, passports, jewellery, etc. (carried at your own risk – no liability for loss/damage).

  • Checked baggage & cargo: Suitcases, trekking backpacks, eskys (must meet size/weight restrictions – details on request).

  • Trolleys: Max width 50cm. Oversized trolleys will not be accepted.

  • Large cargo: By prior application only.

  • Dangerous goods (explosives, corrosives, flammables) are strictly prohibited.

  • General pets are not allowed.

  • Certified assistance animals are permitted with 72 hours’ prior written request by emailing quickcoast@myroo.com.au.

  • No smoking anywhere on the vessel, including toilets and decks.

  • Alcohol may only be consumed if purchased onboard. BYO alcohol is not permitted.

  • Some jetties, including Dunk Island Jetty at certain tides, are not fully accessible.

  • Please email us in advance for assistance with accessible jetties, embarkation, and safety requirements.

Cassowary-Coast-Dunk-Island