Townsville to Ingham, QLD | Distance, driving time and road trip attractions
The Townsville to Ingham drive is 112km in distance, with a Townsville to Ingham driving time of 1h23m. Road trip attractions along the way include Balgal Beach and Crystal Creek in the Paluma Range National Park.
The Townsville to Ingham leg of the Townsville to Mission Beach drive has a surprising number of worthwhile attractions. If you’re heading up the Queensland coast from Townsville to Cairns, it’s worth setting aside a bit of time for this leg.
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.
Townsville to Ingham distance and driving time
The Townsville to Ingham drive is almost entirely up the Bruce Highway, with a distance of 112km.
That makes for a Townsville to Ingham driving time of around one hour and 23 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.
If you go the quickest route, you’ll pass through non-descript settlements such as Clemant, Mutarnee and Yuruga. It’s fair to say that no-one comes to Queensland to visit these places.
But the whole point is getting off the Bruce Highway to explore. On the coastal side of the Highway, you’ll pass Balgal Beach and Halifax Bay Wetlands National Park.
Paluma Range National Park on the Townsville to Ingham drive
The real treats are on the western side of the Highway, however. The Paluma Range National Park runs most of the way up the drive from Townsville to Ingham, with several distinct sections worth visiting.
Australia Travel Questions has a guide to the Paluma Range National Park. But if pressed for time, the two main road trip attractions here are the rock pools of Crystal Creek and the delicately pretty Jourama Falls. Both are fantastic spots for a swim surrounded by the rainforest.
Once in Ingham, you can branch off towards Girringun National Park. This North Queensland national park is home to Australia’s highest waterfall, Wallaman Falls.
Ingham accommodation options include the budget-conscious Ingham Tourist Park and barbecue-equipped Motel Ingham.
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.