A Foodie’s Guide to the Cassowary Coast 2026
The Cassowary Coast is the fruit bowl of Australia. Discover the Feast of the Senses festival, best cafes and restaurants in Mission Beach, and local produce to try.
Commanding a spectacular clifftop position above the Coral Sea, The Elandra is a boutique 20-room resort hidden within six hectares of private tropical rainforest at South Mission Beach. Originally introduced in 2008 under the creative direction of Grace Jones, the resort has been reimagined by the team behind the award-winning Bedarra Island Resort.
The resort presents breathtaking, unhindered views of nearby Dunk Island, Bedarra Island, Hinchinbrook Island, and the surrounding Family Group of Islands, with the Great Barrier Reef glistening on the horizon.
Note: Accommodation at The Elandra caters exclusively to guests aged 16 years and older. The restaurant is open to guests of all ages.
The Elandra Mission Beach offers 20 boutique designer resort rooms across two categories:
From $475 per night
From $345 per night
Check-in: 3:00pm | Check-out: 11:00am
Early arrival or late departure may be available on request.
The resort positions itself as a wellness and event destination. Here’s what’s on offer:
An in-house spa offers massages and beauty treatments. Specific treatment menus and pricing aren’t published online — you’ll need to enquire directly with the resort.
The fitness room features a Peloton treadmill, Peloton stationary bike, rowing machine, and free weights. It has ocean views.
The pool deck is the centrepiece of the resort and has previously been voted “Australia’s sexiest pool” by Australian Traveller magazine. A white deck framed by beige sun loungers and palm trees opens to that 180-degree ocean panorama. Pool and sun lounges are reserved exclusively for in-house guests. Pool towels are available from reception.
There’s a quality tennis court with equipment provided, set amid tropical surroundings.
E-bikes are available for rental from reception. They provide access to over 20 km of beachfront cycle trails linking Mission Beach’s coastal villages.
A small shop stocks swimwear, clothing, sunglasses, and resort essentials.
Dining at The Elandra centres on an open-terrace tropical restaurant and bar on the pool deck. The views from here are consistently praised by guests as some of the finest in Australia. The restaurant is open seven days a week to both resort guests and the general public.
Opening Hours:
The kitchen is led by an executive chef formerly of Bedarra Island Resort and focuses on fresh seafood and regional produce. Dishes that get mentioned in reviews include Spanner Crab Spaghetti, Hervey Bay Scallops in lemon butter and herb crust, chargrilled reef coral trout, eye fillet with jus, and wagyu specials. The restaurant accommodates vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free dietary requirements.
The wraparound bar serves craft cocktails, draught beer, premium wines, and an extensive wine list. A poolside menu allows guests to order from their sun lounges. Lunch and dinner bookings are recommended; bar and pool courtyard seating does not require reservations.
Restaurant bookings: +61 (7) 4054 9306 or dine@theelandra.com.au
The Elandra’s clifftop setting makes it a popular destination wedding venue. It can host intimate functions through to multi-day celebrations for up to 120 guests. Five distinct spaces are available:
The Restaurant 120 seated / 150 cocktail style. Bookable exclusively when the entire resort is also booked (minimum 3-night stay required).
Pool Deck Bookable exclusively in conjunction with the restaurant under the same terms.
The Elandra Room (Conference Room) A standalone venue with cathedral ceilings, private balcony, and its own cocktail bar overlooking the islands. Capacity: up to 80 seated / 120 cocktail style.
Private Dining Room Adjacent to the restaurant, open-air with rainforest views. Capacity: up to 20–24 seated / 30–40 cocktail style.
Pool Courtyard Outdoor space with wet-weather marquee option. Capacity: up to 40–60 seated / 60–100 cocktail style.
A Resort Exclusivity Package provides 3+ nights of accommodation for 40 guests across all 20 rooms, daily breakfast, food and beverage for the main celebration and surrounding events, and full event planning support.
The resort also caters to conferences, corporate retreats, product launches, and milestone celebrations. The Elandra Room functions as a standalone conference venue with its own bar.
Address: 23 Explorers Drive, South Mission Beach, QLD 4852
The resort is roughly a two-hour scenic drive south of Cairns Airport, or 2.5 hours north of Townsville.
Transfer options include:
The resort sits on a hilltop, which means the beach is below rather than at your doorstep. You can access it via the Kennedy Walking Track, a 4 km coastal trail that begins steps from the resort. The track winds through rainforest, along sandy beaches, and past rocky headlands. Guests frequently encounter cassowaries (one regular visitor has been nicknamed “Elvis”), wallabies, butterflies, and tropical birdlife.
The town of North Mission Beach, with its shops and cafes, is a 15-minute drive away. Having a car is advisable if you want variety beyond the resort.
Address: 23 Explorers Drive, South Mission Beach, QLD 4852
Reservations Phone: +61 (7) 4054 9300
Reservations Email: stay@theelandra.com.au
Restaurant Phone: +61 (7) 4054 9306
Restaurant Email: dine@theelandra.com.au
Website: theelandra.com.au
Social Media:
The Cassowary Coast is the fruit bowl of Australia. Discover the Feast of the Senses festival, best cafes and restaurants in Mission Beach, and local produce to try.
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For those looking for a more personalised service, QuickCoast provides a fast and convenient way to reach Dunk Island. Their services are ideal for small groups or those desiring a more private experience.
Customised Trips: QuickCoast offers the flexibility to arrange trips at times that suit your schedule, perfect for avoiding the crowds.
Charter Services: They also provide charter services, ideal for special events or a more luxurious journey.
Advanced Bookings: Book now to arrange your custom trip or charter service, ensuring a tailor-made experience that fits your itinerary.
At Mission Beach, accommodation options cater to every preference: from luxury resorts with world-class amenities and stunning ocean views, ideal for romantic or family holidays, to charming B&Bs offering cosy comfort and personalised service.
Self-contained apartments are perfect for groups or families, while beachfront cabins and caravan parks provide a blend of rustic charm and modern conveniences. For nature enthusiasts, eco-friendly camping sites offer serene settings, and boutique retreats present unique luxury with privacy and breathtaking views.
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.
The Elandra welcomes accommodation guests aged 16 years and over only. However, the restaurant is open to guests of all ages.
Garden Rooms start from $345 per night, and Oceanview Rooms start from $475 per night. Rates may vary seasonally.
Yes, The Elandra features an award-winning alfresco restaurant open 7 days a week for breakfast (7:30-10:30am), lunch (11:30am-2:30pm), and dinner (5:30pm-8:30pm). The restaurant is open to both resort guests and the public.
Yes, complimentary continental breakfast is included for accommodation guests, served daily from 7:00-10:00am.
The Elandra is approximately 140km south of Cairns, around 1.5-2 hours drive via the Bruce Highway.
Yes! Dunk Island is visible from the resort and ferries depart from Clump Point, approximately 10 minutes drive away.
Yes, the resort features a spectacular infinity-edge pool with stunning views over the Coral Sea and islands. Pool facilities are for in-house guests only.
Yes, free self-parking is available on-site for all guests.
Yes, the restaurant and bar are open to the public. Lunch and dinner bookings are recommended.
Yes, The Elandra serves as a unique venue for weddings and intimate events. Contact the resort for details.
- QuickCoast ferry (9 AM–4:50 PM)
- Mission Beach Boat Hire
- Budget Boat Hire Mission Beach
- Kurrimine Boat Hire & Fishing Charters
- Mission Beach Charters
- Mission Helicopters
There are various accommodation options ranging from resorts like Castaways Resort and Spa to holiday houses, apartments, bed & breakfasts, and camping holiday parks. View Accommodation
From October to June, dangerous marine stingers, including box jellyfish, are found in the ocean off Mission Beach. It's advised to swim only within netted areas during this period.
