New Year’s Eve 2025 in Mission Beach
NYE Celebrations & New Year’s Day on Dunk Island
Ring in 2026 in Tropical Paradise
Looking for the perfect way to farewell 2025 and welcome the new year? The Cassowary Coast offers everything from beachfront parties with live music to intimate fine dining experiences overlooking the Coral Sea. Whether you want to dance into midnight or enjoy a quieter celebration with exceptional food and champagne, Mission Beach and the surrounding region have you covered.
Here’s your complete guide to celebrating New Year’s Eve 2025 in Mission Beach, plus how to spend New Year’s Day 2026 on beautiful Dunk Island.
New Year’s Eve Events in Mission Beach
Plenty Restaurant & Bar — Beachfront NYE Party
The Vibe: Live music, roaming canapés, and sparkling celebrations by the sea
For those wanting to dance into the new year with their toes in the sand, Plenty Restaurant & Bar is hosting the ultimate beachfront New Year’s Eve party. Located right on Mission Beach’s stunning shoreline, this is the place for a true tropical celebration.
What’s On:
- Live Music by Andy G & Carinda Christie
- Roaming canapés throughout the evening
- Sparkling celebrations with Coral Sea views
- Dance floor and festive atmosphere
Event Details:
| Date | Tuesday 31 December 2025 |
| Time | 8:00pm – 1:00am |
| Location | 42 Donkin Lane, Mission Beach |
Ticket Prices:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | $50 |
| Senior | $40 |
| Kids Under 12 | $25 |
| Kids Under 5 | FREE |
How to Book:
- Phone: (07) 4027 9507
- Pre-booking essential — spots are limited!
Why We Love It: This is Mission Beach’s signature NYE party — the perfect blend of live entertainment, delicious food, and that laid-back tropical atmosphere the region is famous for. If you want to toast to new beginnings with good company under the stars, this is the place to be.
Nala Resort — Intimate Fine Dining NYE
The Vibe: A softer transition into 2026 with champagne, seasonal plates, and ocean views
For those seeking presence over noise, Nala Resort offers an elegant New Year’s Eve celebration designed for couples and discerning diners. This adults-only resort delivers world-class flavours in an extraordinary setting overlooking the Coral Sea.
What’s On:
- Three-course dining experience
- Glass of Bollinger Champagne on arrival
- Seasonal menu featuring local produce
- Intimate atmosphere with ocean views
NYE 2026 Menu:
Guests select one dish per course:
Entree
- Beef Carpaccio, pickled fennel, baby fig, Pedro Ximénez Vinegar, Ricotta Salata
- Burrata, Nectarine, Tomato, Calabrian Chilli, Basil
- Hervey Bay Scallop, Lemon Caper Butter, Pangrattato
Main
- Chargrilled Lobster Tail with Herb Risoni and burnt lemon
- Rib Fillet with Salsa Verde, confit garlic and polenta
- Saffron and Pea Risotto with roast chilli
Dessert
- Cherry Tiramisu
- Chocolate Tart with Blood Orange & Almond
- Cheese Platter with pickles and preserves
Event Details:
| Date | Tuesday 31 December 2025 |
| Location | Clump Point Road, Mission Beach |
| Price | Three-course dinner + Bollinger Champagne on arrival |
| Note | Adults only (18+) |
How to Book:
- Website: nalaresort.com.au/dining
- Phone: (07) 4068 7534
- Limited tables remaining — book now!
Why We Love It: Nala’s philosophy is “luxury isn’t loud” — and their NYE celebration reflects exactly that. This is for couples and friends who want to savour exceptional food, clink glasses of premium champagne, and welcome the new year with the sound of the Coral Sea rather than a crowded countdown.
The Elandra Resort — Clifftop Dining with Live Music
The Vibe: Exquisite dining, stunning island views, live music, and sophisticated celebration
Perched on a clifftop overlooking the Coral Sea with views to Dunk Island and Bedarra Island, The Elandra offers one of the most spectacular NYE dining settings in Far North Queensland. Their New Year’s Eve celebration combines à la carte dining with live entertainment.
What’s On:
- À la carte dining with food and beverage specials
- Live music by Alisa Q
- Stunning views over the Coral Sea and Family Islands
- Sophisticated atmosphere in a boutique resort setting
Event Details:
| Date | Tuesday 31 December 2025 |
| Location | 23 Explorers Drive, South Mission Beach |
| Style | À la carte menu with NYE specials |
How to Book:
- Phone: (07) 4054 9300
- Website: theelandra.com.au/dining
- Bookings essential
January at The Elandra — What’s Coming Up:
If you’re staying in the region after NYE, The Elandra has plenty happening in January:
- Friday Oysters & Aperol (returns 2 January): $3 Oysters, $12 Aperol Spritz, 3-5pm
- Locals Night (returns 5 January): Dinner for 2, $149 — 2 courses and a bottle of wine, every Monday & Tuesday
- Wednesday Special (returns 7 January): Reef Bug Schnitz Slider & glass of Prosecco or beer, $20, 3-6pm
- Yin Yoga: Wednesday mornings 10-11:30am, Thursday evenings 5:30-7pm, $20pp
Why We Love It: The Elandra’s world-class views are reason enough to book, but combined with live music from Alisa Q and their acclaimed restaurant, this is a NYE celebration that feels special without being over the top. Perfect for those who appreciate great food, wine, and scenery.
New Year’s Eve in Cairns
Coco’s Kitchen + Bar at Pullman Cairns International — Seafood Buffet Celebration
The Vibe: Spectacular seafood feast with premium beverages and live entertainment
If you’re staying in Cairns or want to make a night of it in the city, Pullman Cairns International is hosting an indulgent Seafood Buffet Celebration at their signature restaurant, Coco’s Kitchen + Bar.
What’s On:
- Freshest local seafood buffet
- Hot and cold selections plus decadent desserts
- Premium beverage package included
- Live entertainment
- Festive atmosphere in the heart of Cairns CBD
Event Details:
| Date | Wednesday 31 December 2025 |
| Time | 6:00pm – 9:00pm |
| Location | Coco’s Kitchen + Bar, Pullman Cairns International, 17 Abbott Street, Cairns |
Ticket Prices:
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| General Admission | $225 per person |
| Accor Plus Members | $202.50 per person (max 2 tickets) |
| Child (5-12 years) | $112.50 per person |
| Infant (0-3 years) | Free |
Eventbrite booking fees apply
How to Book:
- Eventbrite: Book tickets here
- Limited seating available — book early!
Why We Love It: For seafood lovers, this is the ultimate NYE feast. The premium beverage package means you can toast to midnight without worrying about the bar tab, and being in central Cairns means you’re close to other celebrations if you want to continue the party.
New Year’s Day 2026 on Dunk Island
Start 2026 with Island Vibes
Open from 11am | Dunk Island Beach Club
What better way to ease into the new year than with island breezes, good food, and chilled vibes on Dunk Island? The Beach Club is open on New Year’s Day, ready to serve freshly cooked meals and cold drinks as you recover from the night before — or simply enjoy a perfect tropical day.
What to Expect:
- Freshly cooked meals from the Beach Club kitchen
- Cold drinks and relaxed island atmosphere
- Beautiful beaches and calm waters (weather permitting)
- Walking trails if you’re feeling energetic
- Snorkelling around the island’s coral
New Year’s Day Details:
| Date | Wednesday 1 January 2026 |
| Opens | 11:00am |
| Location | Dunk Island Beach Club |
| Payment | Cashless venue |
Getting to Dunk Island on New Year’s Day:
Several transport options are available from Mission Beach:
QuickCoast Ferry
- Departs Clump Point: 9:00am
- Returns: 4:50pm
- Adult return: From $75
- Journey time: ~15 minutes
Mission Beach Adventures / Get Dunked
- Various departure times
- Smaller vessel, more personalised experience
- Journey time: ~10 minutes
Private Charter/Water Taxi
- Mission Beach Charters
- Mission Beach Water Taxi
- Flexible timing for groups
Important Weather Note: Mission Beach has experienced heavy rain in the lead-up to New Year’s, but winds are forecast to ease and conditions are looking up. When travelling by water or road, please stay vigilant, check conditions, and always take care.
Why We Love It: There’s something magical about starting the new year on an island. Whether you’re nursing a champagne headache from the night before or simply want a peaceful first day of 2026, Dunk Island delivers. The Beach Club’s relaxed vibe is exactly what you need — no pressure, no crowds, just good food, cold drinks, and the Coral Sea at your feet.
Planning Your NYE & New Year’s Day
Suggested Itineraries
Option 1: The Full Celebration
- NYE: Party at Plenty Restaurant with live music (8pm-1am)
- 1 Jan: Sleep in, then ferry to Dunk Island for lunch and recovery
Option 2: The Romantic Escape
- NYE: Intimate dinner at Nala Resort with Bollinger Champagne
- 1 Jan: Lazy morning, then explore Mission Beach or take a rainforest walk
Option 3: The Foodie Experience
- NYE: Fine dining at The Elandra with live music and Coral Sea views
- 1 Jan: Ferry to Dunk Island for lunch at the Beach Club
Option 4: The Cairns & Coast Combo
- NYE: Seafood buffet at Pullman Cairns International
- 1 Jan: Drive to Mission Beach (2 hours), ferry to Dunk Island for afternoon
Accommodation Tips
New Year’s Eve is peak season in Mission Beach. If you haven’t already booked accommodation, here are some options:
- Nala Resort — Adults-only boutique villas from $520/night
- The Elandra Resort — Clifftop luxury from ~$300/night (16+ only)
- Castaways Resort & Spa — Beachfront resort, family-friendly
- Mission Beach Resort (Nightelier) — Central location, multiple pools
- Holiday houses and apartments — Various options via booking platforms
View Mission Beach Accommodation
What to Pack
- Light, breathable clothing for the tropical heat
- Smart casual attire for restaurant dining
- Swimmers and reef-safe sunscreen for New Year’s Day
- Comfortable shoes for walking (especially Dunk Island trails)
- Cash-free payment method (most venues are cashless)
- Camera for those island views!
Weather Considerations
Late December/early January is wet season in Far North Queensland. Expect:
- Warm, humid conditions (28-32°C)
- There has been server storms in the region. Check BoM for more possible afternoon storms or showers
- Marine stinger season — swim in enclosures or wear a stinger suit
- Beautiful green landscapes and fewer crowds than dry season
Always check conditions before water activities and have a backup plan in case of weather changes.
Quick Reference: NYE 2025 Events at a Glance
| Venue | Style | Price | Time | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plenty Restaurant | Beachfront party, live music | $50 adult / $40 senior / $25 kids | 8pm-1am | (07) 4027 9507 |
| Nala Resort | Fine dining, 3 courses + Bollinger | Contact for pricing | Evening | nalaresort.com.au |
| The Elandra | À la carte + live music | À la carte pricing | Evening | (07) 4054 9300 |
| Pullman Cairns (Coco’s) | Seafood buffet + beverages | $225pp ($112.50 kids) | 6pm-9pm | Eventbrite |
Contact Information
Plenty Restaurant & Bar
- Address: 42 Donkin Lane, Mission Beach
- Phone: (07) 4027 9507
- Facebook: Plenty Restaurant and Bar
Nala Resort
- Address: Clump Point Road, Mission Beach QLD 4852
- Phone: (07) 4068 7534
- Website: nalaresort.com.au
- Book NYE: Reserve table
The Elandra Resort
- Address: 23 Explorers Drive, South Mission Beach
- Phone: (07) 4054 9300
- Website: theelandra.com.au
Pullman Cairns International (Coco’s Kitchen + Bar)
- Address: 17 Abbott Street, Cairns
- Website: pullmancairnsinternational.com.au
- Book NYE: Eventbrite
Dunk Island Beach Club
- Website: dunkislandcamp.com.au
- Email: info@dunkislandcamp.com.au
- Ferry bookings: Dunk Island Ferry
Restaurants in Mission Beach
For more amazing places to eat in Mission Beach check out the list here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What New Year’s Eve events are happening in Mission Beach 2025?
Mission Beach has several NYE celebrations for 2025: Plenty Restaurant is hosting a beachfront party with live music ($50 adults), Nala Resort offers intimate fine dining with Bollinger Champagne, and The Elandra has à la carte dining with live music and stunning Coral Sea views.
Is Dunk Island open on New Year’s Day?
Yes! Dunk Island Beach Club opens at 11am on New Year’s Day 2026, serving freshly cooked meals and cold drinks. It’s the perfect place to ease into the new year with island vibes.
How do I get to Dunk Island on New Year’s Day?
Ferries depart from Clump Point, Mission Beach. QuickCoast operates scheduled services (departs 9am, returns 4:50pm, from $75 return). Private charters and water taxis are also available.
Do I need to book for New Year’s Eve dinners in Mission Beach?
Yes, bookings are essential for all NYE events. These are popular celebrations and spots fill quickly. Contact each venue directly to secure your table.
What’s the weather like in Mission Beach for New Year’s Eve?
Late December is wet season, meaning warm, humid conditions (28-32°C) with possible afternoon storms. It’s also marine stinger season, so swim only in enclosed areas.
Is Nala Resort adults only?
Yes, Nala Resort is exclusively for guests 18 years and older, making it ideal for couples seeking a sophisticated NYE celebration.
Can families attend Mission Beach NYE events?
Yes! Plenty Restaurant welcomes families with kids’ pricing ($25 under 12, free under 5). The Elandra’s restaurant is open to all ages. Pullman Cairns also offers children’s pricing.
What time does the Plenty Restaurant NYE party finish?
The party runs from 8pm to 1am, giving you plenty of time to count down to midnight and celebrate into the early hours.
Is there live music at Mission Beach NYE events?
Yes! Plenty Restaurant features Andy G & Carinda Christie, and The Elandra has live music from Alisa Q. Pullman Cairns also has live entertainment.
How far is Mission Beach from Cairns?
Mission Beach is approximately 2 hours drive south of Cairns (140km). If you’re celebrating NYE in Cairns, you can easily drive down for New Year’s Day on Dunk Island.
