General News
27 May, 2026
Goodbye
A FERRY and cruise operator, whose services included runs between Mission Beach and Dunk Island, has quit and will move away from the Far North altogether.
Myroo, also known for its boat name ‘QuickCoast’ and as Dunk Island Reef Adventures, suspended its services last October after a dispute with Cassowary Coast Regional Council over the use of the council-managed Clump Point boating facility.
Myroo had hoped to ‘relaunch’ the service just before Easter this year but that did not go ahead.
Owner Bry Penfold said at the time repairs to QuickCoast – needed after the vessel went adrift across to a sandbar at Kurrimine Beach earlier in the year – were delayed. But last week, followers of Dunk Island Reef Adventures’ Facebook page – including customers who had pre-booked trips to the island for the re-launch – were given the news that the service would not be returning.
“QuickCoast by Myroo is very sad that we are to announce that, despite our best efforts to reconcile with the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, we have made the difficult decision not to return QuickCoast operations to Mission Beach,” Mr Penfold said in a post.
“Even with further investment in infrastructure, we no longer have confidence in the management approach following numerous events, actions and representations made since early 2023, shortly after agreeing to relocate QuickCoast from Cairns to Mission Beach after many meetings with council at the time,” the statement continued.
“Our workplace health and safety obligations to our crew and passengers must remain our highest priority.
“Following a number of decisions and ongoing operational difficulties affecting our business, including matters relating to The Spit camping area (on Dunk Island), we have ultimately concluded that continuing operations under the current circumstances is no longer commercially or operationally viable.”
Council issued a lengthy statement about the issue after Myroo suspended its service last October, the boat operator saying at the time there had been an “unreasonable demand by council” that Myroo use a pen berth which it believed unsuitable for day-to-day use by its large vessel.
At the time a council spokeswoman said the southern pontoon had to be free for use by commercial and recreational users for up to 30 minutes to load and unload passengers and cargo. The northern side of the southern pontoon was also used for refuelling.
After the newspaper's deadline council provided the following response:
“Mission Beach is well serviced by providers including Mission Beach Dive, Mission Beach Adventures and the Dunk Island Group that offer regular boat transfers between Mission Beach and Dunk Island.
“Additionally, Dunk Island Group offers free shuttle transfers and accommodation and a restaurant on the island.
“The Cassowary Coast Regional Council recently conducted a public tender for all commercial pen berths and swing moorings at the facility. The tender closed on 18 May 2026.
“Mr Penfold was invited to submit a tender for a berth if he wished to continue operations at Mission Beach. He chose not to submit a tender.
“Council has engaged openly, honestly, positively and respectfully with Mr Penfold at all times, including up to the week before the tender closed.
“Council cannot speculate on Mr Penfold’s issues with the Dunk Island Spit camping area. Council has no issues with the lessee.
“The Clump Point boating facility is owned by the Queensland Government and is managed by the council under a management plan that focuses on safety and use obligations.
“Refer to our previous statement on 23 October 2025 with regards to Myroo Group and the Clump Point boating facility: https://bit.ly/4dRKzVz”
Mr Penfold was also asked for any further comment but he did not respond by deadline.
Read More: Mission Beach