Located between Townsville and Cairns, Mission Beach is surrounded by rainforest and made up of four villages linked by 14km of beaches.
German-born author, illustrator and mother-of-four, Eva Welsh, moved to Mission Beach in North Queensland 16 years ago. Daily wildlife sightings inspired Eva to write several children’s books, including Cassy’s Tale, Where is Croaky? and Nipper the Crocodile.
She shares what she loves about the area with Out & About with Kids.
Hi Eva Welsh, why did you move to Mission Beach?
I love the tropics and the lifestyle. I was living in Western Australia after I emigrated in 1989. I like Mission Beach because it’s smaller than Cairns. I’m not a city person, I’m more of a nature person.
My favourite things about Mission Beach are the warm weather, beautiful scenery and a slower pace of life. It’s a nice place for kids to grow up.
How has Mission Beach inspired your children’s books?
The wildlife of Mission Beach, and the beauty of their habitats, inspired me to illustrate and write about them. Cassowaries, crocodiles, goannas, kookaburras, flying foxes, sea eagles, bush stone curlews, parrots, cockatoos, wallabies, snakes … the list goes on.
How often do you see cassowaries?
I could see them daily if I wanted to. I used to live in South Mission Beach and they came from the rainforest down to my house every day. When I drive to Tully I see them quite a lot on the side of the road. The best place to spot them is in, or near, the rainforest.
Eva Welsh's favourite things to do with kids in Mission Beach
Top 3 must-do activities
Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, walking through the rainforest and picnics at the beach.
Walking tracks
When tourists visit, I take them to our many local, tropical, walking tracks, such as the Licuala Fan Palm Walk, Lacey Creek Circuit or the Cutten Brothers Walk near the jetty.
Great Barrier reef trips
We would also do a boat trip on the Coral Sea to picnic on an island and go snorkelling, as Mission Beach is close to the Great Barrier Reef.
Crocodile spotting
In winter, I take them to our local river, the Hull River, at low tide for crocodile spotting. When it’s sunny the crocs sit on the bank.
Day trips from Mission Beach
I recommend Etty Bay, about 40 minutes’ drive north, where cassowaries walk down to the beach daily. Also, the Atherton Tablelands has many amazing little towns, walking tracks and waterfalls such as Murray Falls, where you can camp, go swimming and slide down rocks into the water.
Family-friendly restaurants
I feel all restaurants are great, depending on what you prefer. The diversity is great. The Garage Bar & Brewhouse is good for families. Mission Beach Resort has a play area for kids, while Castaways Resort has beautiful views of palm trees and the beach.
Why should families come on a holiday to Mission Beach?
To experience what life is really about. For me, it’s the love for the wildlife and nature.
More information: evabooks.com.au or missionbeachtourism.com
