{"id":2021,"date":"2021-10-06T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-06T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"\/blog\/?p=2021"},"modified":"2024-02-05T22:35:50","modified_gmt":"2024-02-05T22:35:50","slug":"drive-cairns-townsville-roadtrip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sixt.com.au\/magazine\/road-trips\/drive-cairns-townsville-roadtrip\/","title":{"rendered":"The Far North up close and personal: Drive from Cairns to Townsville"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Cairns<\/figure>\n\n\n

Cairns to Townsville\u00a0<\/strong>Distance: 347 Kilometers | 4 hours and 30 minutes\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Although they\u2019re both tropical cities, Cairns and Townsville<\/a> are as different as chalk and cheese in many ways. While they\u2019re both synonymous with warm climates, the Great Barrier Reef and rich in North Queensland history, both cities offer up something unique for locals and tourists alike.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s only one way to truly get a taste of the two cities as well as the 350 kilometres that lie between them, and that\u2019s by embarking on a Cairns to Townsville drive to get acquainted with the Far North.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve mapped out a route \u2013 but let\u2019s call it an exploratory journey from Cairns to Townsville.<\/p>\n

Starting point: Cairns<\/h2>\n

Surrounded by reef, rainforests, and a vibe like no other, Cairns really is the great tropical gateway. Each year people flock from all over the world to get a glimpse of this coastal gem, making it the fourth most popular destination for international tourists in Australia.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve snorkelled till your heart\u2019s content, waltzed along the esplanade, dipped in the lagoon (yes, a lagoon!) and perhaps enjoyed a few day trips outside of Cairns, it\u2019s time to hit the road.<\/p>\n

Grab your Cairns hire car<\/a> and set off to conquer the Great Green Way!<\/p>\n

First stop: Babinda<\/h2>\n

60 km South of Cairns | 1-hour drive
<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nestled between Queensland\u2019s two highest mountains, it is no wonder Babinda is home to some of the most stunning waterfalls one might have the pleasure of seeing. The smooth granite boulders make for the most picturesque freshwater swimming holes in the region.<\/p>\n

After an hour of driving in that tropical heat, you\u2019ll need to pull over for a quick dip and a picnic. If you\u2019ve got longer, why not hire a kayak and explore the creek?<\/p>\n

Second stop: Mission Beach<\/h2>\n

80 km south of Babinda | 1-hour drive
<\/strong><\/p>\n

When you hear of a beach situated between the Great Barrier Reef and a World Heritage listed rainforest, you know it\u2019s a worthwhile stop. Palm trees line the 14 kilometres of lush white sands, with secluded inlets and coastal walking trails aplenty.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re lucky, you might even see an endangered cassowary. Adventure-seekers love Mission Beach and can fill their boots here with skydiving, deep-water diving, and white-water rafting!<\/p>\n

Third stop: Ingham<\/h2>\n

123 km south of Mission Beach | 1.5-hour drive
<\/strong><\/p>\n

Time for a culture stop \u2013 Ingham is the heart of the local sugar cane industry and home to one of the largest sugar cane mills in Australia.
Ingham, or Little Italy, also holds the annual Australian-Italian Festival in August, bringing thousands of visitors to experience an authentic collection of wines, cuisine, and music.<\/p>\n

The stunning green landscape of Ingham is also a bird lover\u2019s paradise, with more than 230 different species residing in the TYTO Wetlands.<\/p>\n

Final Destination: Townsville<\/h2>\n

113 km south of Ingham | 1.5-hour drive<\/strong><\/p>\n

You\u2019ve covered some miles, so time to relax and take in Townsville\u2019s cosmopolitan ambiance. Unofficially known as the \u2018Capital of North Queensland\u2019, Townsville boasts a more metropolitan feel due to its urban expansion. Here you can enjoy some boutique shopping on Flinders Street or hit up the local markets. When hunger calls, check out the top-notch restaurant scene on Palmer Street.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t leave Townsville without visiting Reef HQ, which holds many of the native flora and fauna to the Great Barrier Reef and is an absolute must.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ve made it \u2013 Cairns to Townsville and the best in-between. Drop off your car hire at any of the Townsville car rental locations<\/a>, or if you still want more, turn around and do a Townsville to Cairns road trip!<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Cairns to Townsville\u00a0Distance: 347 Kilometers | 4 hours and 30 minutes\u00a0 Although they\u2019re both tropical cities, Cairns and Townsville are as different as chalk and cheese in many ways. While they\u2019re both synonymous with warm climates, the Great Barrier Reef and rich in North Queensland history, both cities offer up something unique for locals and…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":108,"featured_media":4356,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,58,9],"tags":[94,82,116],"class_list":{"0":"post-2021","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tips","8":"category-road-trips","9":"category-travel","10":"tag-cairns","11":"tag-queensland","12":"tag-townsville","13":"entry"},"yoast_head":"\nDrive: Cairns to Townsville Roadtrip | SIXT Car Rental<\/title>\n<meta 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