Townsville to Cairns road trip: Distance, drive time and best stops
Mission Beach to Cairns on the Townsville to Cairns drive
On the way north to Innisfail, divert via Paronella Park, a strange Spanish-style mansion slowly being reclaimed by the jungle.
Innisfail, meanwhile, is the gateway to waterfalls, rainforests and mountains in the Atherton Tableland.
Top experiences near Innisfail to book in advance
- Get superlative rainforest views – on the Mamu Tropical Skywalk.
- Enjoy the strange Spanish castle surrounded by jungle – at Paronella Park.
- Save money with a Mamu Tropical Skywalk and Paronella Park combo ticket.
The Mamu Tropical Skywalk, Tchupala Falls and Nandroya Falls are a relatively short detour along the Palmerston Highway.
Serious walkers, however, will have Mount Bartle Frere in their sights. Queensland’s highest mountain is in the Wooroonooran National Park, and the hiking trail goes via Josephine Falls.
After the Townsville to Mission Beach leg of the journey you’ll pass through Babinda, home to yet another fabulous rainforest swimming spot – the Babinda Boulders. The Bruce Highway then passes through Bellenden Ker and Deeral, before reaching Gordonvale.
Click through to the next section: Behana Gorge and Clamshell Falls.