There are several local operators such as Calypso Reef Cruises, Quicksilver Cruises andWavelength, each offering daily tours from Reef Marina in Port Douglas. If youve given it a fair go and still no luck, theres fish and chips at Lucinda Point Hotel Motel Restaurant. 5:07 pm arrive in Townsville. Australia's Best Teachers 2023: Digital technologies teacher David and others. disabilities to adjust the websites UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs. Photo: Nodotel_ of Instagram. "resetPassword": { Your journey may draw to an end in Townsville, but there are plenty of things to do in this historic town before continuing your East Coast adventure. }, Mission Beach would be better referred to as Mission Beaches with its 14km stretch of sand interlinking three beaches and four villages. The Atherton Tablelands are lovely, and in September the nights will still be cool. Other less-frequented highlights of the park include: Free Camping at Japoonvale Rest Area - is on the banks of Liverpool Creek. Choose Townsville to get to Airlie Beach (which will then be a three-hour drive south), the place to easily reach the famed Whitsunday Islands. The area is named after the endangered Eastern Grass Owl (TYTO Capensis) and is one of the few places in the world where you may be fortunate enough to spot one. Photo: Evokedotie via Instagram. descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc. Townsville is located in tropical north Queensland. Although they're both tropical cities, Cairns and Townsville are as different as chalk and cheese in many ways. Make sure you check road conditions for images that are not described. Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Townsville accommodation recommendations. Photo: Julianchiarotto via Instagram, Babinda Boulders. It's okay, you can start planning your Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. 532 helpful votes. "startScreen": "gigya-update-profile-screen" The half way point is Townsville which might be worth a stop. Hit the famous waterfall circuit, uncover those lesser known or stretch a little further and take a dip in Australias widest, single-drop waterfall on the Atherton Tablelands. Detour to Queensland's oldest hotel at the Nindigully Pub and try the 1.2 kilogram 'Road Train' hamburger - if you dare! Take a dip in the beautiful blue Cardwell Spa Pools and Attie Creek Falls, and enjoy scenic lookout points. Provided by Google Tag Manager to experiment advertisement efficiency of websites using their services. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA. This is the eastern half of the . Cream Magazine by Themebeez, Townsville to Cairns road trip: Distance, drive time and best stops, Cape Patton Lookout, Victoria: Great Ocean Road photo stop, Birdie Beach, NSW: The Central Coasts nudist beach, Maroochydore to Gympie road trip: Distance, drive time & stops. Continuing along the Cook Highway, stop halfway at Rex Lookout for magical views over the Coral Sea beaches, before reachingPort Douglas. Qantas and Regional Express fly from Townsville to Cairns 5 times a day. If youve built up a sweat en-route, theres plenty of places to cool off: Paradise Waterhole at Big Crystal Creek offers sparkling green waters and natural waterslides; Little Crystal Creek has a series of cascading pools centred around a 1930s concrete arch bridge; while jaw-dropping Jourama Falls features swimming holes and lookout points to the 180m multi-tiered waterfall. Stay: Head to Babinda Quarters for some much-needed shut eye in a restored art deco guesthouse, that was once the nurses and doctors quarters. "FYASignUpDtmConfig": { Cairns or Townsville? Which Tropical Queensland City To Visit The giant golden gumboot is 7.9 metres tall, homage to the highest annual rainfall this town has received. Forget what you've heard, Townsville is just as much a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef as any of its northern neighbours. Spend the night atPeppers Beach Club, nestled in a garden setting just steps from the beach. There are several waterfalls to see here, but the highlight is swimming in the rock pools of Crystal Creek. In the centre of Mossman turn left into . Edmund Kennedy National Park makes a rewarding detour to mangrove forest boardwalks, empty beaches, and enormous lace monitor lizards. Back on the road, continue north along the Bruce Highway to return to Cairns, gateway to the islands, rainforest and reef of Tropical North Queensland. Make way to Tully, 30 minutes north and go grab a photo with a classic Aussie big thing. The total driving time is 4 hours, 17 minutes. For families: Discovery Parks Townsville. Brisbane to Cairns road trip: Long and short itineraries - Finder Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs, there may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Tully River is popular with whitewater rafters and you cansee these thrill seekers take on the rapids fromFlip Wilson lookout. Dunk Island is only 4km off the coast of Mission Beach, and takes only 10mins with Mission Beach Water Taxi, so its almost rude not to visit. Paluma Range National Park. While in Innisfail, download the Cassowary Coasts Tropical Deco App for a self-guided Art Deco and historical walk around the town, and jump aboard a croc-spotting and wildlife tour with Snapping Tours. Trippy is where The bus journey time between Cairns and Townsville is around 5h 30m and covers a distance of around 376 km. Keep an eye out for the Frosty Mango along the Bruce Highway before you reach your final destination of Townsville. He and fellow Gold Coaster Seb Twaddell, 22, head to the US this weekend for the World Long Drive tour, golf's answer to cricket's Big Bash. The direct drive from Cairns to Mackay is 457 mi (735 km), and should have a drive time of 9 hrs 25 mins in normal traffic. Tweet. Continue 400 kilometres south (249 miles) to the enchanting outback town ofCharters Towers, where the heritage streetscapes hark back to the gold rush days of the late 19th century. But what makes Ingham particularly interesting is Lee's Hotel (formerly known as the Day Dawn hotel). The ten sites are spread generously across the campground, some tucked away into forest nooks, giving you privacy. Then continue north on the Mulligan Highway for 20 minutes to historic Cooktown, and climb to the top ofGrassy Hillin the town centre for a breathtaking view. If youre lucky enough to spot one of these fascinating ancient birds, make sure you are cass-o-wary and keep a safe distance, especially if their chicks are nearby. When to visit. Back on the road, drive beside a golden chain of beaches to affluentPalm Cove. Follow the signs to Henrietta Creek Campground where you'll find the beginning of theNandroya Falls circuit. When you're there, if . We love this section of Australia for its diversity, culture, hinterlands and . This oft-overlooked coastal town gives you a base to reach Magnetic Island. > 7. But the facilities are in need of an upgrade. Take Moss Road (off the Bruce Highway) for about 100 metres until you see a narrow gravel track on the right marked with a red rectangle. Mini Road Trips Around North Queensland - Cairns & Great Barrier Reef After a day on the water, wine and dine amid a tropical garden at the well-knownNautilus Restaurant. Stops and things to do on Townsville to Cairns drive or road trip Password (8+ characters) . and leave at 5:47 pm. Single Cab Utility - One way from Cairns to Townsville . Going direct, the Townsville to Cairns drive is 347km in distance. Linger over lunch at eternal favouriteCasa Pastathen walk off the authentic Italian fare by joining the signposted Hinchinbrook Heritage Walk, between Ingham and neighbouring Halifax. }, Join a local guide for a tour and discover the history of the park, which was built by Spanish cane farmer Jose Paronella in 1935. Great Inland Way - OUTBACK QUEENSLAND Dogs are welcome on this part and there are many great spots to pull up and enjoy your lunch along the way. Ingham is the second major township along Bruce Highway between Cairns and Townsville. Or, gain a deeper connection to the rainforest with a guided Dreamtime walk. Walk one kilometre (0.6 miles) return toAlligator Creek lookoutfor a photogenic canopy-level view of the creek, before a quick dip in the nearby swimming area. It's often overlooked by international visitors, in favour of its northern counterpart, Cairns. > 12. Join to apply for the Geotechnical Engineer | Cairns or Townsville role at Golder. Townsville to Cairns - 4 ways to travel via train, plane - Rome2rio Townsville->Airlie Beach is 280km or 3 hours. Day 12-13. Continue to Townsville in time for lunch atThe Beet Barfor superfood bowls, salads and juices that celebrate local produce. What is the biggest national park in Australia? Day 11: Drive from Townsville to Mission Beach, with a detour to Wallaman Falls. Heart of Reef Shuttles, 48-50 Carlo Drive, Cannonvale, Queensland 4802 Phone: 1800 216 223, 40 French Street, Eagle Farm, Queensland 4009 Turn the drive into a Townsville to Cairns road trip, instead, and you can enjoy the Paluma Range National Park, Mission Beach and Behana Gorge. > 11. Hop aboard Mission Beach Dive to explore the coral gardens of the outer reef, or snorkel the fringing reefs of Dunk Island. Your return journey to Cairns will end with a dash of luxury if you take the time to spend the night at Mount Mulligan Lodge. In addition to the highlights listed on road trips #4 and #5, the Sydney to Cairns drive includes Babinda Boulders, Josephine falls, The Pyramid summit climb, Paronella Park, Mission Beach, Hinchinbrook Island, and empty palm-fringed beaches and national parks in which to camp. Journeying through over 12 national parks, it's easy to see how the Great Green Way got its name. Green Island day trip. Veer back towards the coast to Mission Beach, four seaside villages linked by a 14km stretch of golden sand. As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is teeming with an abundance of restaurants offering fresh, local catches and exceptional seafood. Pack your togs and soak in the emerald-green water at the Babinda Boulders or slide down the smooth rockslide at Josephine Falls. Borroloola to Limmen National Park. Although you cant walk on the jetty, you can head to the nearby fishing jetty to throw a line for giant trevally, Spanish mackerel, queenfish or northern bluefin tuna. 149km. Luckily you can break up this long journey with a stop at Tina Berries in Bundaberg for an ice cream or two! The Queensland leg of the Great Inland Way road trip extends 1863 kilometres from Outback Queensland to the Coral Sea. screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the websites functions. driving 4.5 hours. It is surrounded by rainforest bythe banks of Henrietta Creek ona grassy clearing. Turn off Bruce Highway to visitParonella Park, a labour of lovebuilt in 1935 by Spanish immigrant Jos Paronella andinspired by Catalan castles. Facilities include a pizza oven, pool, gym, camp kitchen, BBQ area, showers and laundry. Considered one of Australias favourite skydiving destinations, Mission Beach is made up of four small towns spread along a 14km stretch of palm-fringed beach. Australias largest island national park is covered in mountains, fragile heathland, tropical rainforest and mangrove fringes. Hughenden to Richmond. Weve all seen those gorgeous wisps of whiteness poking out from an azure sea on Great Barrier Reef. Cool off at nearby Little Crystal Creek before driving the remaining 45 minutes to Ingham, a sugar cane town with a distinctly Mediterranean feel thanks to the Italian and Spanish migrants who came here at the end of the 19th century to work in the cane fields. For what you want (to stop half way), Mission Beach or Tully would suit. Give yourself half a day to enjoy everything this scenic drive has to offer. It takes 4-5 hours to drive the Great Green Way between Cairns and Townsville if you drive without stopping. You can stop off at Lake Barrine for morning tea and scones, then onto the curtain fig tree, then onto the Hypipamee Crater . Lucinda. Tickets cost $55 - $110 and the journey takes 5h 40m. Spend a few days here indulging in the lodge's outback excursions, like private picnics and gold mine tours, or simply relax in the landscape of rolling hills and ancient rock formations. and answers related to Townsville. 457km (one way) How. Parking is on a private sugar cane farm so don't block the road. Typically 21 buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. Weather conditions: Check road conditions from Cairns to Townsville, or you can get reverse directions from Townsville to Cairns.If you're trying to avoid mountains or steep grade roads, check the elevation profile from Cairns to Townsville.Or if you are hungry, look for places to eat between Cairns and Townsville.If you want to plan a road trip with stops along the way, you can view a full . Check intoCape Trib Beach Housefor the night which is set on seven acres (2.8 hectares). Stops and things to do on Cairns to Mackay drive or road trip We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, You can also calculate the cost to drive from Cairns, Australia to Townsville . If youre craving more swimming, make way to Behana Gorge behind Walshs Pyramid and embark on a 7.4km return hike with the stunning Clamshell Falls as a cooling reward. But what are they? Pop into Babinda Bakery to stock up on some tasty treats, before heading to Babinda Boulders. If you can spare the time to go via the Gillies highway from Cairns, through the southern part of the Atherton Tableland then it is an excellent drive. 257km. A 15-minute walk will lead you to an impressive 25m waterfall; you can swim at the base of the falls, so make sure you bring your swimmers. Make a few hours of it and tuck into takeaway from Etty Bay Kitchen or save your appetite and head to the famous Oliveris Deli in Innisfail for European-inspired lunches and gourmet products. Beyond Mount Garnet: National Parks Camping: Drive North Queensland: Cairns to Airlie Beach Road Trip. Appropriately named, you wont be surprised to discover a series of smooth granite boulders at this freshwater swimming hole. "screenSet": "Aus-V3-RegistrationLogin", Alternatively, Greyhound Australia operates a bus from Townsville to Cairns twice daily. From the camping area, stroll along the Butterfly walk (its renowned for the Ulysses butterflies that flit along this passage between September and February)through World Heritage-listed rainforest to the gorge. "startScreen": "aus-link-account" There are two free campervan-friendly campsites nearby, which are mapped at the end of the article. Woman taken to hospital following two vehicle crash | Townsville Bulletin Gold Coast golfer Matt Stubbs off to US for World Long Drive tour Mackay to Townsville drive - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Take the long track back to the campground and enjoy a rainforest dip at Douglas Creek. Great Barrier Reef From Townsville | Queensland For the keen hikers, there is a 6km return walking track that climbs up to the summit. Meander through the ancient forest on your own along theRainforest Circuit Track, which begins at Rex Creek bridge and entails a 2.5-kilometre (1.5-mile) loop with incredible views. Phone: 1800 216 223, 440 Sheridan Street, Cairns, 7 km south of Cardwell, and just off the highway, is Five Mile Creek Swimming Hole where you can take a quick dip and enjoy a picnic. The accommodation options between Cairns and Townsville are mostly motel/holiday park affairs and theres not much above 3 stars. Afterwards, spend the evening at the historic Civic Club, play billiards on one of two 100-year-old tables and don't forget to make a booking for their famous Friday night barbecue. The route may look simple on the map, but you'll need to factor in which roads are sealed and unsealed, which are four by four only, and which have supply stops along the way. > 5. If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Cairns, Australia to Townsville, Australia. Cairns to Townsville Bus | Greyhound Australia Set on five hectares (12.4 acres) of tropical gardens beside Mena Creek, you can peruse the castles architecture and ingenious hydroelectric system, as well as a waterfall, gardens, museum and caf. Your Cairns to Darwin ultimate road trip guide and itinerary "event": "taCustEvent", Townsville to Cloncurry road trip: Distance, drive time and stops Cape Tribulation-Cooktown (4WD only) 100km. This information is used to pick out ads delivered by the platform and assess the ad performance and its attribute payment. Set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category . Visit the Aquarium. 0. The best bets for Townsville accommodation are For beachside location: Water's Edge The Strand. Hotjar sets this cookie to know whether a user is included in the data sampling defined by the site's daily session limit. Flights from CNS to TSV are operated 33 times a week, with an average of 5 flights per day. Police deploy stingers and arrest one following Fairfield Waters Night This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. . Airlie Beach-Townsville 280km. How far is it between Cairns and Townsville.