Gold Coast to Mackay road trip: Distance, drive time & stops
The best stops on a Gold Coast to Mackay road trip itinerary include Hervey Bay, Bundaberg and Yeppoon. The distance from the Gold Coast to Mackay is 1,046km, with a driving time of around 11h20m.
A Gold Coast to Mackay road trip takes you from south Queensland’s most popular holiday strip to the biggest city on the Whitsundays coast.
The Gold Coast offers sunset cruises, parasailing, jet boat rides and amphibious vehicle tours. Mackay, meanwhile, brings fast boat snorkelling cruises. You can also go whale-watching during whale season.
To choose from the best Mackay tours and experiences, head this way. To select the right Mackay accommodation for you, book here.
However, a Gold Coast to Mackay road trip offers the opportunity to string together several more great spots along the Queensland coast. Turn the journey into a holiday, and you’ll likely have a fantastic time.
Gold Coast to Mackay distance and driving time
By car, the distance from the Gold Coast to Mackay is 1,046km. This makes for an approximate Gold Coast to Mackay driving time of 11 hours and 20 minutes.
This time and distance is measured from Surfers Paradise. From elsewhere on the Gold Coast, it will vary slightly.
7 Gold Coast experiences worth booking in advance
- See waterfalls and natural wonders – on a full day Springbrook National Park tour.
- Be awed by massive migrating humpbacks – on a great value whale-watching cruise.
- Feast as you explore the Gold Coast waterways – on a dinner cruise.
- Kayak with dolphins and snorkel with hundred of sub-tropical fish – on the same tour.
- Enjoy high speed thrills along the waterways – on a jet boat adventure.
- Glide above the beautiful hinterland – on a serene hot air balloon flight.
- Taste the best Scenic Rim wines – on an indulgent Tamborine Mountain wine tour, with lunch.
Gold Coast to Mackay road trip: Theme parks and Brisbane
Leaving the Gold Coast, you’ll pass the region’s famous theme parks on the way into Brisbane.
Warner Brothers Movie World, Paradise Country, Australian Outback Spectacular and Wet N Wild Gold Coast are around Oxenford. Dreamworld and Whitewater World cluster a little further north in Coomera.
Other attractions on the way into Brisbane include the Beenleigh Historical Village and Museum, Logan River Parklands, Springwood Conservation Park and Mt Gravatt Lookout.
For things to do in Brisbane, take a look at the Museum of Brisbane, the Streets Beach, the public art trails and City Botanic Gardens.
9 brilliant Brisbane experiences to book in advance
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tickets (or entry plus river cruise combo) – hold a koala and see lots of adorable native wildlife.
- Brisbane River cruise – see the key sights and learn about the city on the way.
- Story Bridge Adventure Climb – walk along the top of Brisbane’s famous bridge, with 360 degree views.
- Combine the Southbank Parklands, City Botanic Gardens and Kangaroo Point Cliffs on a fun Segway tour.
- Helicopter flight – see the city from a bird’s eye view.
- Kayaking tour – choose the night tour to see the city light up, the day tour to enjoy the sunshine.
- XXXX brewery tour – see how Australia’s most famous beer is made.
- Guided wine flight tasting – get an Aussie wine introductory course.
- See Brisbane’s spooky side on a city centre ghost tour.
Marvellous Brisbane accommodation choices include the hip W Brisbane, the historic Treasury and the photogenic Ovolo.
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