Airlie Beach to Townsville road trip: Distance, driving time & stops
The Airlie Beach to Townsville drive is 272km in distance, with a driving time of 3h24m. Attractions on the road trip include snorkelling at Horseshoe Bay in Bowen, the Cape Upstart National Park and the SS Yongala Wreck.
This independent, Australia travel expert-researched guide is aimed at travellers planning a road trip itinerary from Airlie Beach to Townsville in Queensland.
Airlie Beach brings Whitsunday Islands sailing and snorkelling cruises, coral and marine life viewing from a glass-bottom boat and day cruises to the staggering white sands of Whitehaven Beach. To explore the full range of Airlie Beach tours and experiences, investigate here. For Airlie Beach accommodation bargains, look here.
Townsville is where you can take the ferry to gorgeous Magnetic Island, enjoy sunset cruises and visit the Museum of Underwater Art. For more Townsville experiences, explore here. To ferret out the best Townsville accommodation deals, look here.
To learn more about the Airlie Beach to Townsville road trip, including the distance, driving time and the best stops along the route, read on…
Planning a Airlie Beach to Townsville road trip itinerary
The Airlie Beach to Townsville drive connects the tourism hub of the Whitsundays to the largest city in north Queensland. It’s a key part of a Brisbane to Cairns road trip, and there are a few decent attractions along the way.
9 memory-making Airlie Beach experiences to add to your visit
- Whitehaven Beach day cruise – with plenty of snorkelling thrown in.
- Glass bottom boat tour – see coral and marine life without getting wet.
- Heart Reef flight – see the islands and Great Barrier Reef from above before flying over Australia’s famous heart-shaped island.
- Proserpine River crocodile safari – see the big crocs from a boat.
- Whitsundays sunset cruise – with free snacks and sparkling wine.
- Sailing on the Camira – glide around the Whitsunday Islands under sail.
- Whizz around the islands on a guided jetski tour.
- Waterfall explorer day tour – with swimming in Hinterland rock pools.
- Enjoy high speed thrills on a jet boat ride.
The distance from Airlie Beach to Townsville is 272km. This makes for an Airlie Beach to Townsville driving time of three hours and 24 minutes. Most of this drive is along the Bruce Highway. However, you’ll pass through Cannonvale and Strathdickie on the way out of Airlie Beach.
Which Whitsundays cruise should I choose?
- For those with limited time: Whitehaven Beach half day tour.
- For the highlights reel: Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island day trip.
- To see the reef two ways: High speed Whitsundays cruise plus scenic reef flight combo.
- For romance, sparkling wine and sunset under sail: Multi-beach and reef Lady Enid cruise.
- To see several islands: Sailing and snorkelling adventure.
- For an overnight sailing adventure: Matador two day yacht cruise.
Airlie Beach to Townsville road trip via Cape Gloucester
Instead of joining the Bruce Highway, however, there is the opportunity to divert north towards Cape Gloucester. Here you’ll find the chilled-out holiday towns of Dingo Beach and Hideaway Bay. There are reefs just offshore here, and the vibe is thoroughly different to that of Airlie Beach.
Otherwise, keep going until you hit charming Bowen.
The best things to do in Bowen include snorkelling at Horseshoe Bay, the walk to the Flagstaff Hill Lookout and learning the story of the flying boats at the Catalina Memorial.
Where to stay in Bowen
The best Bowen accommodation choices are:
- For families: Queens Beach Tourist Village.
- For great value apartments with kitchens: Palm View Holiday Apartments.
- For Horseshoe Bay beachside location: Horseshoe Bay Resort.
- For central location, free parking and kitchenettes: Port Denison Motor Inn.
After the Airlie Beach to Bowen leg of the Airlie Beach to Townsville drive, diversions off the Bruce Highway include the Flathead Fishing Hole at the mouth of the Elliot River and Coconut Beach in the Cape Upstart National Park.
Click through to the next section: Mount Inkerman and Ayr.