What to do when you want to travel but a long trip is just not possible? š
That is the question that has been playing on a loop in my head recently. Ā I am pretty damned good at working around obstacles and getting what I want ā especially if it involves travel ā but I had to accept that a long trip was probably not going to happen within the next few months.
See if you can instead wrangle a couple of days away. š
We did however have two nights available for a short escape and we grabbed them like a drowning person grabs a lifebuoy.
Choosing the Destination.
Wongaling/Mission Beach immediately came to mind as a likely destination for us. At 3 hours driving distance from our home in Townsville, North Queensland, it was far enough away to give that on holiday feeling, yet close enough not to eat into our available time.
If you are lucky enough to live in a city that is a major transport hub, look at all inclusive getaways on offer from the Airlines, Travelzoo or online booking agencies.
Consider a different style for your mini-break-away.
Different can be fun ā why not try white water rafting or camping ā set your own limits. š
From Wongaling Beach a 5 hr white water rafting trip costs 189.00 AUD at the nearby Tully River.
Choosing accommodation for our mini-break-away.
On a break of two or three months I would normally scour Airbnb for the cheapest accommodation, sacrificing luxury for affordability, but with only two days at our disposal, I changed the focus to location, location,Ā locationĀ comfort.
Take a look at the view opposite our Accommodation. 
Enter ā ONNA MISSIONĀ ā perfect because
Of itās waterfront position only 30 metres from Wongaling Beach with unhindered views of Dunk and Bedarra Islands.
Of itās affordable by Aussie standards price range. Ā It slept six in three different areas so would become super affordable in that circumstance. Ā There are extra affordable weekly rates for those with more available time.
We had the whole ground floor of the two storey dwelling at our disposal while Teri and Ray the owner/managers resided above.
Although we had Total PrivacyĀ we could pop upstairs to ask little questions like where isĀ the best place for coffee and cake? Ā The strangely named Cafe Bang BangĀ beingĀ the answer.
The apartment included everything we required and much more ā Tropical decor, soft fluffy bath and beach towels, quality linen, fresh flowers from the garden, plenty of room, tropical gardens, outdoor eating alcove with BBQ, direct access from carport to apartment, A/C, fans, washing machine, dryer, large indoor kitchen/dining area, T.V., books. Ā There were even beach toys for the kids.
We could self cater if we wished or walk to the very closeĀ Millers Bar and Grill or Nana Thai Cafe which unfortunately was having its own mini-break while we were in town.
There were two bedrooms to choose from. Ā No prizes for guessing that we chose the front bedroom with ocean views! Ā There is something special about drifting off to the sound of lapping waves. At times living in North Queensland is too good to be true.
Update 2018: Millers Bar and Grill is permanently closed due to fire.
Ā
Travel is not always about exotic locations and different cultures.
Mission Beach is a favourite destination of ours so we were familiar with the area. Ā This worked well as we felt no need to spend our days exploring. Instead our time was spent sleeping, enjoying casual courtyard breakfasts, taking extra long beach walks, not to mention happy hours on the beach and dining out.
The result was that at the end of our break we felt wonderfully pampered, relaxed and ready to return to reality.
Happy Hour Beach Seats. Ā TheseĀ reworked Boat Seat Cushions were super inviting. š
Ā 
Things to Know and Budget Talk
Wongaling Beach is one of the communities that join together to be known jointly as Mission Beach.
They are in order from south to north. South Mission Beach, Wongaling Beach, North Mission Beach, Bingil Bay, Garners Beach.
The Onna Mission Apartment cost us 145.00 AUD/night.
Millers Bar and Grill is not open Monday Night. Ā On Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday between 4 and 7 p.m. they have pizzas for $10 each eat in only.
Jump from14,000 ft. onto Wongaling Beach with Tandem Sky DivesĀ from 334.00 AUD per person.
The Southern Cassowaries are endangered please beware of them on the roads.
The vegetation at Mission Beach is still recovering from Cyclone YasiĀ in 2011.
The sun generally sets over land in Queensland. Ā These mellow sunset colours are reflected onto the sky behind Dunk Island.
What tips can you share on planning a mini-break.Ā
Join Nancie over at Budget Travelers Sandbox forĀ Travel Photo Thursday.
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Tuesday in Townsville and a Mini Break at Mission Beach
Hi Jan, waht a great mini-break you had, Not being to take long trips for sometime is a good excuse explore places nearby. Your destination looks beautiful and relaxing. Te be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves is divine! What I like about driving trips from home is that I can just throiw in anythning in my luggage without worrying about weight limits. Also thereās no hassle of checking in and security lines.
I agree Marisol it is wonderful to be able to take whatever you fancy with you, and you donāt have to take it out of the car when you arrive. š
Wow, Jan, thanks for taking us on this mini-tour. Iām not sure which is more inviting ā the beach or those seats.
Thereās so much to consider when planning a trip but Iām glad you found such a delightful spot to stay. I can feel the stress of the day just melting away when I look at water.
This is another unknown little piece of paradise that you have introduced me to. At $145.00/night it is a bargain.
Happy to oblige Kathy š
I thought it was a good price too Kathy, considering itās position and the fact that we had it to ourselves apart from the very considerate owners upstairs.
The first photo of the beach looks divine ā¦
The happy hour beach seats is such a great idea ā never seen cushion seats on a beachā¦
Cafe bang bang ā what a bangingā name!
Glad you approve Rachel, lol.
I loved that shot too Rachel. I got right down at ground level to take it, something I shall try more often.
I love short weekend breaks at the seaside. It gives you a lot of freedom and itās so relaxing. The beach is so beautiful!
Living near the sea is what I am used to but I still love being near the ocean on holidays too. I donāt think I could live away from it for too long. Thanks for commenting Agness.
Wongaling Beach looks like a fab mini-break to me. I really like those boat cushions on the beach. I definitely think that one of the perks of staying close to home is the ability to give yourself the permission to just relax instead of feeling that you must āseeā something.
Itās been a while since weāve traveled, and our next trip is still a couple months away. I canāt get away for an overnight in the meantime, but Iām hoping to at least do one or two daytrips.
How are you enjoying being back in Texas Michele? Hope you get those day trips happening. š
Looks like a nice āquick get-awayā spot.
Looks like a nice place for a quick get-away.
We hope to be able to get away a bit more often Dick. Mission Beach is a special place. Thanks for commenting.
You two certainly picked a great location for your mini-break. What a wonderful piece of paradise. Those reworked Boat Seat Cushions are so creative and inviting. With kids in school and full-time jobs, we know how it feels not to be able to travel long-term so we do like these mini-breaks too. Sometimes, even spontaneous ones can result to good bargains on lodging.
The boat seats were so comfortable too ā much nicer than sitting on a log for any length of time. I guess we are lucky that our kids have finished school and left home, but we have a different set of responsibilities now. Thatās life š We will get to go on another trip some time soon I hope. Thanks for commenting.
Jan, I agree. If I had this little gem to visit on the weekend, I might be there way too much. Love the seats on the log!
I donāt know why we donāt go more often Corinne š
As a Canadian, I canāt get over the exotic tropical paradise feel of Queensland, all while realizing all the comforts of the first world are readily at hand. Canāt wait to see it for myself!
Hi Caroline, Canada is one of my favourite countries. I think it is the most beautiful country I have seen. Australia is beautiful too but in a more tropical way as you say. Thanks for commenting.
Love the soft sunset colours over on the East ā¦ but also love the palm fringed beaches which I will one day explore more š Wondering how Mission Beach is faring these days?
Wongaling and Mission Beach are very close. All five beaches are good, the palms are very patchy and the council seems to have replanted some She Oaks. Apart from that nothing has changed. Dunk Island resort has not reopened since Yasi but the Day Area on Dunk (water taxi) has a rep for good reasonably priced food and drinks. Lots of businesses in Mission Beach closed but that may be seasonal. Now that it is hotter (still pretty cool though), the grey nomads go back south and that leaves the backpackers and locals. š
What a lovely relaxing spot, Jan! When it comes to getting away, like you, I take what I can get! The nice thing about a quick getaway is that often we can afford to stay somewhere normally out of our price range (at least I do). Your accom. looks perfect!
Yes taking breaks when and where we can get them certainly adds a little spice in life š
PSā¦that bench has my name on it!
Right next to the one with my name on it Nancie ā meet you at happy hour.
This looks like absolute paradise on a mini break. A great way to make the most of your time on a mini-break is decide what youāre doing before you go. If itās a city break, decide what tourist attractions youāre going to see and how to get there. But on a delightful beach break like yours you can just go with the flow and relax. Asking the locals for tips is always a great idea too.