What to do and see in North Queensland, Queensland: The Best Gift & Specialty Shops

Mission Arts is a vibrant community arts centre located in Mission Beach, QLD bringing a variety of creative opportunities and experiences to the residents and visitors of the Cassowary Coast. The centre was opened in August 2010 and consists of a gallery, gallery shop, open air workshop space, dedicated pottery shed, and a combined administrative/catering/storage area. We are the largest completely self-sustaining community arts organisation in the Far North and operate as a completely volunteer led and volunteer run organisation. We host approximately 12 exhibition openings a year, which are free and open to the public and facilitate more than 100 workshops a year, covering a range of areas such as basketry, mosaic and glass work, pottery, creative writing, drawing and painting. Our facility is available for hire and we welcome conversations with interested artists, individuals and groups wishing to further explore their connection to the arts.

Emu Ridge Gallery is the famous Fossil/Gemstone Museum and gift shop in the township of Kuranda, Far North Queensland; well known for displaying a life-size, museum quality Allosaurus skeleton. It all began as a collaboration between two enthusiastic and passionate gemstone fossickers, Chris Maaten and Shane Hebbard. Chris and Shane spent many decades fossicking, cutting and polishing the crystals and gems found and soon turned their hobby into a business, officially commencing in July, 2001. Proudly celebrating 18 years of being open as of the 1st of July 2019, Chris and Shane continue to source natural authentic Gems, Crystals, Minerals and Fossils from likeminded fossickers and collectors from around the world with Australia being the main source. Our gift shop consists of a wide range of Australian gemstone jewellery, locally sourced gems, crystals and fossils. Chris and Shane hope to share their passion with their free Gemstone and Fossil Museum that runs underneath the shop.

Local Kuranda artist, Rebecca Koller's photo-realistic wildlife illustrations displayed and available for sale along with apparel, homewares and hand crafted clay sculptures. Clay sculptures of flying foxes are hand made and sold raising money for a local wildlife organisation. Over 140 artworks of wildlife with a focus on species endemic to Australia are available. Rebecca, who works in wildlife rehabilitation can answer questions about local wildlife. Open 7 days a week, visit to see the extensive collection available.

Stocking a unique combination of handmade and sourced products, you will find a wide array of jewellery, home decor, stationery and perfect gift ideas.Our retail store also plays home to our studio where all our handmade items created onsite with many One Of A kind creations. Our sourced products are an amazing combination of the on-trend & vintage inspired with something to appeal to all ages.