Mackay to Cairns road trip: Distance, drive time & stops
Townsville on the drive to Cairns from Mackay
Townsville is North Queensland’s biggest city, with several strong attractions. These include the Museum of Tropical Queensland, the Maritime Museum of Townsville and Townsville History Walking Tours.
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.
You’re better off taking the ferry to Magnetic Island. After disembarking, things to do on Magnetic Island include koala-spotting on the Forts Walk.
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: Ingham and Cardwell.