Are there crocodiles in Mission Beach?

Mission Beach in Queensland is in Croc Country, although any big crocodiles spotted here are targeted for removal.

Mission Beach, on the Cassowary Coast of far north Queensland on the route from Townsville to Cairns, is a justifiably popular holiday spot. It consists of four beach villages spread out over 14km, and also offers reef snorkelling tours, eco-cruises, island day trips and beach landing skydives. However, before considering a swim at Mission Beach, you need to know about what might be in the water with you.

Is Mission Beach in crocodile country?

Mission Beach is in Croc Country, which the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science defines as north of the Boyne River in Gladstone. This means it is within the boundaries of the region where saltwater crocodiles live.

The crocodiles tend to be more prevalent further north, but there have been several crocodile sightings at Mission Beach over the last couple of decades.

5 great Mission Beach experiences to book in advance

Small group Great Barrier Reef snorkelling cruise – with pristine snorkelling on the Outer Reef, barbecue lunch and snorkelling equipment provided.
Hull River National Park eco cruise – spotting wildlife in the mangroves.
Full day sports rafting on the Tully River – tackle the rapids while rafting through the rainforest.
Skydive from 15,000ft – and land on the beach.
Dunk Island day trip – with plenty of time for rainforest hikes.

Will I see crocodiles at Mission Beach?

While there might be crocodiles at Mission Beach, it is unlikely that most visitors will encounter one. This is partly because crocodiles don’t tend to live on beaches. They prefer the murky, still water of creeks and lakes to the moving, clear water of the ocean. This is partly because it is easier to capture prey by stealth when they can’t be seen.

Also, if locals see a crocodile at Mission Beach, they’re reporting the sighting pretty quickly. Lives and livelihoods depend on crocodiles being removed from the area.

Why Mission Beach is the best place to skydive in Australia

Mission Beach is the best place to skydive in Australia because:

You can jump from 15,000ft – which means extra freefall time.
On the way down, you see the rainforest on one side, and the Great Barrier Reef on the other.
The Mission Beach skydive lands on one of the most incredible beaches in the country.

Find out more (and book if you want to)

Are crocodiles removed from Mission Beach?

The Queensland Crocodile Management Plan divides areas up into six zones. The beaches of Mission Beach are in Zone D – the transitory zone.

This means it is not core habitat, but crocodiles are sometimes seen passing through. Any crocodiles longer than two metres, or those displaying dangerous behaviour, are targeted for capture and removal.

Normally, a crocodile passing through will be spotted pretty quickly, but at night this is more difficult. Walk along the beach after dark at your own risk.

Is it safe to swim at Mission Beach?

Aside from crocodiles, the main dangers in the water at Mission Beach are marine stingers. These are far more prevalent from November to May. Wear a stinger suit if entering the water then.

There are netted swimming enclosures at North Mission Beach and South Mission Beach. These are the safest spaced to swim, although the smallest stingers – Irukandji – can get through the nets.

Other Mission Beach activity options include white water rafting on the Tully River and taking the ferry to Dunk Island.