South Mission Beach
QLD 4852 • Queensland
About South Mission Beach
South Mission Beach is a small coastal town in the Cassowary Coast Region of Far North Queensland, located approximately 146 kilometres south of Cairns and 25.7 kilometres east of Tully. With a population of 968 at the 2021 Census, the locality is the southernmost of the four beach communities that make up the Mission Beach area, offering a stunning stretch of tropical coastline backed by World Heritage-listed rainforest. The area is renowned for its pristine beaches facing the Coral Sea and its proximity to Dunk Island, a short ferry ride offshore.
South Mission Beach attracts nature lovers, holidaymakers, and sea-changers drawn to its rare combination of tropical beach, cassowary habitat, and relaxed community lifestyle. The endangered southern cassowary is frequently spotted in the area, making wildlife encounters part of everyday life. The town has a small selection of accommodation, cafes, and local businesses catering to visitors, while Tully and Innisfail provide wider retail and service options. It is a popular destination for snorkelling, kayaking, and exploring the nearby Dunk Island and Bedarra Island resorts.
South Mission Beach falls under postcode 4852 and is governed by the Cassowary Coast Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Kennedy, while state elections fall under the Hinchinbrook electorate.
Location
Ad
Income
ATO taxable income Postcode 4852
Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4852, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.
Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4852; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Greyhound / Queensland Bus — Cairns / Townsville 2h to Cairns
Commute to Brisbane CBD
🛣️ Fly from Cairns Airport (146km north) for interstate connections; very remote location
Small beachside community; most local amenities reachable on foot or by bike, but car needed for shops
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
-
Webb Road
Parks & Reserves
There is 1 park or reserve in South Mission Beach.
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Crime Statistics LGA-wide
These are the latest rates for the Cassowary Coast Local Government Area, which contains South Mission Beach. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.