Brisbane to Cairns road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops
Brisbane to Cairns drive: Airlie Beach to Townsville
The Airlie Beach to Townsville leg of the Brisbane to Cairns drive is fairly uneventful, too. You can take in chilled-out Cape Gloucester, staying at Dingo Beach or Hideaway Bay.
But the two main stops are Bowen and Ayr. Bowen offers heritage buildings and wide street charm, while Ayr is the gateway to one of Australia’s top dive sites – the SS Yongala.
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.
Townsville is the largest city in northern Queensland, and has a fair smattering of attractions. Most visitors simply hop on the Magnetic Island ferry, however. Once on Magnetic Island, you’ve got fabulous beaches, a gazillion watersports and koalas clinging onto trees.
6 Townsville experiences to book in advance
- Magnetic Island ferry tickets – head over to one of the most beautiful islands in Australia.
- SS Yongala wreck dive – sea how coral and marine life have made the shipwreck home.
- Great Barrier Reef and Museum of Underwater Art cruise – witness the extraordinary underwater art project up close.
- Helicopter ride along the coast – get amazing views from above.
- Sunset sailing cruise – watch the colours over the water, with alcoholic drinks included.
- Jetski tour to Cape Pallarenda – whizz past beaches and giant boulders.
Townsville accommodation recommendations
The best bets for Townsville accommodation are…
- For beachside location: Water’s Edge The Strand.
- For a good value, well located motel: Yongala Lodge By The Strand.
- For a sassy, chic resort: Rambutan Resort.
- For families: Discovery Parks Townsville.
- For business-friendly apartments: Quest Townsville on Eyre.
Click through for the next section: Townsville to Cairns.