Emerald to Townsville road trip: Distance, time & best stops
The Emerald to Townsville drive covers a 611km distance in a driving time of around 6h32m. The best road trip stops to add to an itinerary are Clermont and Charters Towers.
This independent, Australia travel expert-researched guide is aimed at travellers planning a road trip itinerary from Emerald to Townsville in Queensland.
For Emerald accommodation, book 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 Emerald to Townsville drive, including the distance, driving time and the best stops along the route, read on…
Planning a Emerald to Townsville road trip itinerary
The drive from Emerald to Townsville connects one of Queensland’s biggest inland towns to the largest city in northern Queensland. You might pass along this route while on a road trip further north.
Emerald to Townsville distance and driving time
By car, the Emerald to Townsville drive covers a 611km distance. You can expect a driving time of around six hours and 32 minutes.
Where to stay in Emerald
The best Emerald accommodations options are:
- For central location: Motel 707.
- For a more stylish motel: Abode37.
- For a good quality motel with cheap rates: A&A Lodge Motel.
- For families: Discovery Parks Emerald.
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.
The Emerald to Townsville road trip starts off along the Gregory Highway, and the first town you’ll pass through is Capella. It comes equipped with a racecourse and golf course, but isn’t going to get too many visitors excited.
Emerald to Townsville: Clermont attractions
Much more interesting is Clermont. Here, the Clermont Historical Centre delves into gold prospecting heritage and the catastrophic 1916 flood that killed 65 people.
Top Clermont accommodation options
The best places to stay in Clermont are:
- For a cheap, decent motel for a one night stay: Clermont Hotel Motel.
- For a bit of character, plus a pool, restaurant and gardens: Clermont Country Motor Inn.
- For overall quality: Smart Stayzzz Inns.
After Clermont, the Gregory Highway becomes the Gregory Developmental Road.
Click through for the next section: Blackwood National Park.