Townsville to Innisfail road trip: Distance, driving time & best stops.
The Townsville to Innisfail drive covers a 259km distance in a driving time of around 3h7m. Top road trip stops include Ingham, Cardwell and Mission Beach.
The Townsville to Innisfail road trip takes you through some of the most scenic stretches of north Queensland.
It’s an easy enough drive to complete in one day, but there are several tempting stops to add to a road trip itinerary.
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 Innisfail distance and driving time
The Townsville to Innisfail drive is 259km in distance. By car, this makes for a driving time of around three hours and seven minutes.
The best stops along the way are around Ingham, Cardwell and Mission Beach.
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.
Townsville to Innisfail drive: Paluma Range National Park and Ingham
If you’re turning the Townsville to Innisfail drive into a road trip, stop at the Paluma Range National Park. This national park hosts several waterfalls, but in the rock pools of Crystal Creek is the highlight.
Carry on up the Bruce Highway, and you’ll reach Ingham. Branch off here for Girringun National Park and Australia’s highest waterfall, Wallaman Falls. Ingham accommodation options include the Ingham Tourist Park and the Tropixx Motel, which has its own restaurant.
Townsville to Innisfail road trip: Cardwell and Hinchinbrook Island
After Ingham you’ll hit Cardwell. This small town is where you catch a boat transfer to Hinchinbrook Island. Don’t expect resort facilities here – this is Australia’s largest island national park, and it is deliberately kept in its natural state.
That makes Hinchinbrook Island more appealing to walkers than sunbathers. The 32km Thornsborne Trail, usually tackled over four days, is one of Australia’s top walks.
If that doesn’t appeal, you can simply go for a dip in the Cardwell Spa Pools. This rainforest swimming hole is an eerie shade of blue due to the minerals in the water.
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.
Click through for the next section: Tully and Mission Beach.