6-day tropical road trip: Mackay to Townsville

Immerse yourself in the tropical wonders of North Queensland with a leisurely road trip through its centre. Winding your way from Mackay to Townsville along the Pacific Coast Way, making a quick stop in The Whitsundays, you’ll enjoy a taste of the area’s best sights and best-kept secrets. Embark on the following six-day trip and you’ll be able to get up close and personal with a combination of the region’s leading tourist attractions and under-the-radar escapes. 

Day one: Mackay to Cape Hillsborough

Drive time: One hour

Begin your journey in Mackay, an 11 hour drive (or a 1 and a half hour flight) from the Queensland capital of Brisbane. Spend days frolicking in Australia’s longest stretch of sub-tropical rainforest, and exploring the collection of national parks in its hinterland laden with unique flora and fauna.

But first take a stroll around town centre, taking the opportunity to enjoy a dip (or a fish) at the 30-odd beaches nearby. There are five patrolled offerings to choose from, including Bucasia Beach, Eimeo Beach, Harbour Beach, Lamberts Beach, and Sarina Beach. After a day relaxing, make your way an hour north to Cape Hillsborough, spending the night at the adjoining Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park.

Day two: Cape Hillsborough to Finch Hatton Gorge

Drive time: One hour

Rise with the sun and enjoy dawn on the beach with the rather well-known population of friendly wallabies, before making your way to local landmark Finch Hatton Gorge and Eungella National Park, just an hour’s drive from camp. Overflowing with waterfalls and volcanic boulder formations, there are plenty of things to do to spend the day at this must-see attraction.

Make sure you bring some walking shoes - bushwalking tracks litter these parts, including the 1.6 kilometre stretch to Araluen waterfall, and the rather challenging scramble to the Wheel of Fire Cascades. You can cool off with a swim in the rock pools after your stroll, or enjoy a picnic in the designated grassy stretch. Or indulge in something a little more unique - you can scuba dive through rainforest waters in search of platypus, or a zipline through the treetop canopy. Return back to Mackay central to spend the night.

Day three: Brampton and Carlisle Islands

Drive time: One hour

It’s from Mackay you can hop aboard a Wildcat Mackay tour to reach the neighbouring Brampton and Carlisle Islands, just 32 kilometres north-east of Mackay. Sitting at the southern entrance of the Whitsunday Passage, Brampton Island is a tropical haven consisting of largely national park, seven sandy beaches, and its own coral reef.

This region’s nickname is the ‘fishbowl’ for good reason - snorkelling is a non-negotiable during your stay thanks to the sheer number of reef sharks, turtles and fish which call the district home. Or keep dry instead, making the most of the hikes that scatter Brampton, including the trek to its highest point, Brampton Peak. While you're welcome to drop by for just the day, Brampton Island has a range of accommodation options if you’d prefer to stay awhile.

Day four: Mackay to Airlie Beach

Drive time: 90 minutes

Make your way north this morning to the gateway town of Airlie Beach. It’s here that you’ll find easy access to the surrounding Whitsundays, including international icon Whitehaven Beach. Spend some time getting better acquainted with this sandy stretch, considered one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, joining one of the many day trips to its alabaster sands and crystalline waters. For a truly iconic experience, take a scenic flight over the romantically-shaped Heart Reef, or even join the Journey to the Heart tour for a helicopter trip to Heart Reef pontoon where you can snorkel its surrounding turquiose lagoon.

Of course, if you’re not short on time, why rush? Make a separate holiday of Airlie Beach and its neighbours, getting to know the region better with some time spent on the surrounding islands. There’s something for everyone in these parts - from family haven Daydream Island, to the luxury resorts of Hamilton Island, and the honeymoon-favouring Hayman.

Day five - Airlie Beach to Bowen

Drive time: One hour

Back on the mainland you’ll continue your journey from Mackay to Townsville, making your next stop in Bowen. Within an hour of hitting the bitumen from Airlie you’ll yourself in the heart of the fruit bowl. This picturesque seaside town is best known for being the home of the Big Mango, a 10-metre-high statue which is a must-see for all visitors.

But post-photo shoot, be sure to take a swim in one of the region’s eight palm-fringed beaches with your snorkel in tow - stunning coral reef surrounds the calm bays of this producer-heavy region.

Day six: Bowen to Townsville | 2.5 hours

Today you find yourself en route towards your final destination on this Mackay to Townsville road trip. While well-recognised as one of Queensland’s largest army bases, Townsville offers so much more to its visitors - grab brunch in town before dropping in to picturesque Horseshoe Bay.

Or, if you have the time, head for Magnetic Island, just a 20-minute ferry away. A world of wonder awaits you here, from rainbow reefs to national park reserves, and hidden beaches. Not to mention the Museum of Underwater Art, the only underwater gallery in the southern hemisphere. Whether you're gazing at the Ocean Siren sculpture from Townsville's waterfront The Strand or diving amongst submerged statues out at John Brewer Reef, these installations by the world’s leading underwater sculptor, Jason deCaires Taylor, which merge art, science, culture and conservation are unforgettable. 

Staying a while in Townsville? Discover the best waterfalls and swimming holes.