Proserpine to Townsville road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops
The best road trip stops on the Proserpine to Townsville drive along the Queensland coast are Bowen and Ayr. The distance by car is 261km, with a driving time of around 3h5m.
This independent, Australia travel expert-researched guide is aimed at travellers planning a road trip itinerary from Proserpine to Townsville in Queensland.
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 Proserpine to Townsville drive, including the distance, driving time and the best stops along the route, read on…
Planning a Proserpine to Townsville road trip itinerary
The Proserpine to Townsville drive connects the gateway to the Whitsundays region with the largest city in North Queensland. It’s a drive likely to be undertaken as part of a longer road trip up the Queensland coast. Most notably, it’s a significant chunk of the Airlie Beach to Cairns drive.
Proserpine to Townsville distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Proserpine to Townsville is 261km. That makes for a driving time of around three hours and five minutes.
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 first leg is from Proserpine to Bowen along the Bruce Highway.
Proserpine to Townsville road trip: Cape Gloucester and Bowen
The main turn-off worth considering on the Proserpine to Bowen leg comes just north of Myrtlevale. Here, the Dingo Beach Road runs towards Dingo Beach and Hideaway Bay on Cape Gloucester.
Both are simple, relaxed holiday towns with none of Airlie Beach’s frenetic energy. Holiday homes are the best bet for accommodation on Cape Gloucester.
On the way into Bowen, you drive past the Big Mango – one of Australia’s endearingly silly roadside Big Things.
Things to do in Bowen include enjoying the views from the Flagstaff Hill Lookout, going snorkelling at Horseshoe Bay and getting a history lesson at WWII Catalina Flying Boats memorial.
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.
Click through to the next section: Cape Upstart and Ayr.