Brisbane to Proserpine road trip: Distance, drive time & stops

Brisbane to Proserpine road trip: Mackay to Proserpine

North of Mackay, there are a couple of little side trips you may wish to build in. First is a visit to Eungella National Park, renowned for platypus-spotting at Broken River. You can hike to the waterfalls and swimming holes of Finch Hatton Gorge on the way.

Otherwise, Mount Martin National Park and Bluff Hill National Park are options for nature-lovers, but the kangaroos on the beach in Cape Hillsborough National Park are likely to hold the most appeal. Stay at the Cape Hillsborough caravan park if so.

Proserpine is home to the Whitsunday Coast Airport. You can do a crocodile-spotting cruise on the Proserpine River nearby, but for most it’s merely the gateway to Airlie Beach.

The Proserpine River has the highest concentration of saltwater crocodiles in Queensland. Whitsunday Crocodile Safari runs Proserpine River crocodile cruises through the mangroves. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions

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.