Townsville to Cardwell road trip: Distance, drive time & attractions
Townsville to Cardwell road trip: Ingham and Forrest Beach
When you reach Ingham, you can head west into Girringun National Park – home to Australia’s highest waterfall, Wallaman Falls.
Alternatively, you can drive towards the coastal settlements of Forrest Beach, Taylors Beach and Lucinda for a bit of beach time.
North Queensland road trip attractions: Hinchinbrook Lookout
The Ingham to Cardwell leg is arguably more attractive on the highway, but with fewer obvious stops. Hinchinbrook Island lies to the west, and the Abergowrie State Forest is on the eastern side. The Hinchinbrook Lookout is worth pulling over at just north of Ingham. You can also take in the Cardwell State Forest and Cardwell Lookout on the way into Cardwell.
The Cardwell Spa Pools – one of the most spectacular swimming holes in North Queensland – are to the west of Cardwell.
Best Cardwell accommodation choices
The best places to stay in Cardwell are:
- For a holiday park with an outdoor pool and children’s playground: Cardwell Beachcomber Motel and Tourist Park.
- For prime location: Cardwell Beachfront Motel.
- If those two are fully booked: Kookaburra Holiday Park.
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.
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.
More Queensland travel
Stop at Dalby on the Brisbane to Roma drive.
Stay at Sarina Beach on the Yeppoon to Airlie Beach drive.
How long is the Charters Towers to Townsville drive?
Cruise through Lawn Hill Gorge in Boodjamulla National Park near Camooweal.
Take a Great Barrier Reef helicopter flight from Cairns to Vlasoff Cay.