Mission Beach, is actually a beautiful stretch of rainforest coast, south of Cairns, that covers a handful of small, beachside settlements. While Mission is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, it is still a very laidback community with a relaxed approach to dining and drinking.
There are a couple of fine cafes serving interesting seafood and vegetarian dishes and a good Italian bistro, 'Piccolo Paradiso'. Try 'On The Bite' for fantastic fish and chips. 'Friends' and 'Blarneys' at South Mission Beach are two popular open air BYO restaurants.
The Sanctuary Retreat, a new accommodation place at Mission, has a great restaurant with views to die for. Definitely worth the 4WD schlep up the hill to get there.
The Mission Beach Hotel in Wongaling Beach does standard, inexpensive bistro meals and backpackers' hostel, Scotty's, is great value and hugely popular for both eating and drinking. Not far from Scotty's is the Hungry Hound Cafe, a lively open air joint popular with backpackers and locals.
For drinks only, try Scotty's for the atmosphere and the Mission Beach Resort Hotel or the Mission Beach Hotel for local color.
Fancy a bit of a view with your martini? Then make the drive to The Horizon Resort where the view across the water to Dunk Island is simply breathtaking. Guests who are not staying on Dunk Island (just a short water taxi ride from Mission) are still welcome to eat at the resort's Beachcomber restaurant.
