Drive North Queensland Map 2023

WELCOME TO NORTH QUEENSLAND

Fr om mackay t o the Tip of Cape York

From reef to rainforest to outback, driving North Queensland is an unforgettable experience with something for every kind of adventurer.

Discover ancient World Heritage rainforests, sail to secluded beaches in the Whitsundays and encounter wildlife, from the wallabies of Cape Hillsborough to the Longhorns of Charters Towers.

Explore the many ways to see the Great Barrier Reef, dive an underwater museum, head into the outback with its incredible geological wonders, or take a trip right up to “the tip”.

It’s time to plan for your adventure!

drivenorthqueensland.com.au

. Cover: Magnetic Island Keswick Island

RAINFOREST TO REEF

mAcKAy t o tHE W h ITS UNDaYS

Distance: 187km one way

On this road trip from the rainforest to the reef, you’ll experience all the amazing history and natural wonders this region has to offer, including quaint towns, lush rainforests, wild rivers, pristine beaches and tropical island paradises. Starting in the sugar town of Sarina, immerse yourself in its history, stop by hidden beaches on your way to Mackay and the nearby tropical Eungella National Park and spot crocs on the Proserpine River before landing at Airlie Beach, gateway to the picturepostcard perfection of the Whitsunday Islands.

Sar iNa S UgaR SheD

Take the tour and taste the action. Experience their miniature sugar mill, taste fresh sugar cane juice and a range of homeade products including fresh fairy floss. See their distillery and taste their selection of rum and liqueurs distilled onsite.

Field of Dreams Parkland, Railway Square, Sarina

T 07 4943 2801

sarinasugarshed.com.au

MACKAY SARINA

TRAVEL THE MINING TRAIL

mAcKAy t o tHEreSa C reEK Dam

Distance: 500km one way

Reimagine the inland adventures of the early pioneers driving the Mining Trail. This awesome outback excursion takes you through the wide-open plains and offers panoramic views of the Isaac countryside. Discover Queensland mining’s historical past at the ghost town of Mt Britton; enjoy the natural, clean waters of Lake Elphinstone; unearth the rich mining history of Moranbah and Clermont before your final stop at Theresa Creek Dam. Make sure you grab a permit to fish the fullystocked dam, or just chill by the water’s edge.

MORANBAH

THERESA CREEK DAM

CLERMONT

THE BEST OF THE WHITSUNDAYS

THE WH iTSUNDaYS rEgI oN

Distance: 415km one way

It’s super-easy to experience The Whitsundays, so why not take the time to discover the hidden secrets of the region? Start with a country retreat in The Heart of the Whitsundays Outback, Collinsville, then check out the charming country town of Proserpine, bask on the beautiful beaches of Bowen, and enjoy the buzz of the tropical resort town of Airlie Beach. Airlie is your jump-off point for the world-famous Whitsunday Islands, in The Heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

PROSERPINE

COLLINSVILLE

ADVENTURES IN THE WHITSUNDAYS

CEDaR CREek FALLS To Bo W eN

Distance: 194km one way

Have you already planned your island getaway and are now searching for a thrilling mainland adventure in The Whitsundays, despite having limited time? Then get off the beaten track and discover diverse scenery and enjoy unique experiences on an action-packed 3-day trip from Cedar Creek Falls to Bowen. From the hinterland to the coast there’s epic scenery everywhere you look. You’ll experience breathtaking waterfalls, secluded bays, outof-the-way beaches, hidden hikes, delicious food and local secrets on this unforgettable adventure.

Hydeaway Bay

airlie beach

cedar creek falls

eLy S IaN eC o reTreAt

An adult’s only, gourmet food experience in the most secluded resort in the Whitsundays. Elysian is the first 100% solar powered resort in the Great Barrier Reef.

Paradise Bay, Long Island, Whitsundays

T 1800 765 687 www.elysianretreat.com.au

gR aND v i EW H oTEL

Situated in the heart of Bowen, the Grand View Hotel is open 7 days from 10am until late. You won’t find a better waterfront location to enjoy live music, fresh local produce and great company.

5 Herbert Street, Bowen

T 07 4786 4022 grandviewhotelbowen.com.au

BoWEN’S B i G MaNgo

Located at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre, just 5km south of Bowen on the Bruce Highway, you can’t miss this iconic attraction. It is a great place for a photo opportunity. While you’re there, try a delicious mango sorbet and check out the great range of merchandise and local produce.

18309 Bruce Highway, Bowen

T 07 4786 4222

www.tourismbowen.com.au

SEaL IN k W h ITS UNDaYS

Explore the beautiful Ngaro Sea Trail as you cruise in airconditioned comfort on the fully guided SeaLink Big Island Day Tour through the stunning Whitsunday Islands. Enjoy a gourmet lunch and stop off at the famous Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach.

Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, Whitsunday Drive, Shute Harbour

T 1300 317 445 sealink.com.au/whitsundays/

SEaL IN k mAGNEtiC iSLaND

Whether you are looking to relax on a secluded beach, cruise or snorkel in tropical waters, or try one of the many adventure activities on offer on Magnetic Island, they can plan the perfect holiday for you. SeaLink North Queensland is your quickest link to Magnetic Island and can get you to paradise in just 20 minutes.

Breakwater Ferry Terminal, Sir Leslie Thiess Dr, Townsville

T 1300 317 445

sealinkqld.com.au/magnetic-island

WILDLIFE TRACKER

CHARTERS TOWERS

aYr to H i NcH INBroo K VIa to WNSVILLE

Distance: 555km one way

Get acquainted with creatures of the land, water, and sky of North Queensland. Burdekin boasts wetlands, rivers and a famous shipwreck, all teeming with life. Get up-close at Townsville’s Billabong Sanctuary and at Magnetic Island, admire koalas, wallabies, turtles, and butterflies in the wild. Meet magnificent Longhorns in Charters Towers. Spot rainforest creatures and the elusive platypus in Paluma. Finally, discover Hinchinbrook - home to birds, dugongs, and turtles.

FR oStY maNGo

Take a walk in their exotic tropical fruit orchard and then satisfy your hunger with a serve of pancakes or a freshly made wrap or sandwich. Indulge in one of their delicious 34 flavours of ice-cream, all made on site from fresh fruits harvested in their orchard. 1

PALUMA

TOWNSVILLE

HINCHINBROOK

BASALT

aYr to H i NcH INBroo K VIa to WNSVILLE

Distance: 200km one way

Discover the iconic gems of North Queensland –Townsville’s glittering Strand, the Museum of Underwater Art nestled in the Great Barrier Reef, Magnetic Island’s pristine bays, Paluma’s lush rainforest and rockpools, Hinchinbrook’s magnificent Wallaman Falls and all the wonders in between. From coast to rainforest, this drive takes you on an adventure laden with diverse sights and experiences – wildlife encounters, underwater escapades, island paradises, tranquil rainforests, crystalclear cascades, and thundering waterfalls.

THE MATILDA WAY

CUNNamu LLA to KAr Um BA

Distance: 1,812km one way

The Matilda Way is one road that most definitely leads to adventure. The fully-sealed 1812km highway stretches from the New South Wales border all the way to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Traversing the ‘real outback’ route, follow in the footsteps of Australia’s Outback heroes, explorers and pioneers. Discover the unspoilt beauty of Outback Queensland, including quintessential Outback attractions and events, dinosaur experiences, rivers and waterholes, and spectacular star-filled nights.

CUNNAMULLA

BLACKALL

LONGREACH WINTON

CLONCURRY

CHARLEVILLE

outBAcK aT ISa

You can’t say your outback adventure is complete without stopping by Outback

At Isa, located in the heart of Australia’s largest inland city, Mount Isa. Discover the mining and rodeo history, sit back and relax in the cafe, use the free WiFi or grab a souvenir in the gift shop.

19 Marian Street, The Gap, Mount Isa

T 07 4749 1555

outbackatisa.com.au

o Su NSEt t ouriSt park m UNT iSa

E njoy true outback hospitality in Mount Isa’s only locally owned and operated park. The beautiful park is pet friendly and has powered and unpowered sites, cabins, villas, budget accommodation, new magnesium pool, camp kitchen and community vege garden.

14 Sunset Drive Mount Isa

T 07 4743 7668

www.sunsettop.com.au

aBaCuS M oTEL mo UNT iSa

Experience country hospitality at its best at Abacus Motel Mt Isa, just 5 minutes from the CBD. Enjoy a warm welcome and comfortable beds for a relaxing stay. Book now!

163 Barkly Highway, Mount Isa

T 07 4743 1500

abacusmotelmtisa.com.au

STaCk BAr & gRILL mo UN t ISa

Offering delicious food options and classic Aussie dishes, including the best from the grill, chicken parmis, and home cooked favourites! Hearty meals and cold drinks served with warm smiles.

163 Barkly Highway, Mount Isa

T 07 4743 1500

abacusmotelmtisa.com.au/ stack-bar-and-grill.html

THE OVERLANDER'S WAY

ToWNSv iLLE to cAm] ooWEaL

Distance: 1,097km one way

From the pristine beaches of Townsville to the rugged rocky outcrops and red sand of north-west Queensland, the Overlander’s Way will take you through towns rich with Australian history, dinosaur discoveries, Indigenous culture, and some of the world’s quirkiest events. Towns filled with friendly local characters, family-friendly attractions and experiences, unspoiled natural sites and ancient landscapes and the unique charms of each town along the way.

JULIA CREEK

gI LBErt oN o UTBaCK RETREat

Gilberton Outback Retreat is your 5-Star luxury passport to the Outback, where you’ll encounter the experience of a lifetime.

Einasleigh

T 07 4062 5329

www.gilbertonoutbackretreat.com

outBAcK moTEL mou NT ISa

The perfect location to stay on your next trip to Mount Isa, catering for both business and vacation travellers with swimming pool, BBQ area and onsite licensed restaurant.

45 West Street, Mount Isa T 07 4743 2311

outbackmotelmtisa.com.au

BarRamuND I D iScovERY CeNTrE & HatCHERy

Come and visit their award-winning venue, discover the flora and fauna of the Gulf Savannah and look behind the scenes at the only hatchery in the world to breed the Southern Gulf Barramundi!

149 Yappar Street, Karumba

T 07 4745 2211

www.barracentre.com.au

THE SAVANNAH WAY

CaIRNS t o BooDjamu LLA (LaWN H iLL)

Nat ioNAL Park

Distance: 1,100km one way

The Savannah Way is an epic journey across the top of Australia. Leave the lush rainforest of the coast behind and head to the cool of the Tablelands and the dramatic landscapes of the Queensland Outback. Walk through ancient geological formations, have a yarn with the locals in tiny country pubs and catch Barramundi in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria. You’re in for quite an adventure.

TaLAroo Hot SpRi N gS

Take an unforgettable guided tour of the ancient hot springs and bathe in the healing waters. Stay longer to enjoy the campground, café, bike trail, swimming pool and river walk.

Gulf Savannah Way, Mount Surprise

T 0456 793 764

talaroo.com.au

normanton

COBBOLD GORGE

MY

LAWN HILL GORGE

EPIC CAPE YORK

CaIRNS t] o cAPE y o rK vIA c] o oKtoWN

Distance: 1,182km one way

Cape York is Australia’s ultimate self-drive destination. On every serious four-wheel-driver’s bucket list, a trip to “The Tip” is an unforgettable off-road adventure taking you all the way to the very top of Australia. Tackle challenging creek crossings and corrugations, camp on remote cattle stations, experience authentic traditional culture in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, discover relics of Australia’s wartime past, and wash off the dust in some of the most pristine waterfalls you’ll ever see.

COOKTOWN

F ITZroY iSLaND RESorT & DaY tourS

Fitzroy is a national park on the Great Barrier Reef, 45 minutes on the Fitzroy Flyer from Cairns. Come for the day or stay overnight in our modern resort. Activities incl; Snorkel Tours, Diving, Glass Bottom Boat, Turtle Hospital, 5 bush walks plus Nudey Beach. Foxy’s beachside Bar and Cafe is open daily from 10am.

Booking Office, 1 Spence St, Cairns

T 07 4044 6700 fitzroyisland.com

oCEAN SafArI

Ocean Safari offers an exhilarating ride to snorkel the pristine Great Barrier Reef off the Daintree Coast at Cape Tribulation.

Ocean Safari is also home to Turtle Rock Café and Safari Lodge, offering a complete reef and rainforest experience.

Turtle Rock Café, Cape Tribulation Road, Cape Tribulation

T 07 4098 0006

oceansafari.com.au

KIRRAMA RANGE ROAD

CArDWELL To UNDaR a

Distance: 359km one way

When travelling the Kirrama Range Road you’ll wonder why this drive isn’t as well known as some of North Queensland’s other epic 4WD road trips. Connecting the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest, the road climbs up to the Atherton Tablelands. Stop at breathtaking lookouts and pristine swimming holes, soak in hot springs, discover cascading waterfalls and unearth underground caves. Try and give yourself three days, making overnight stops at Blencoe Falls and Mt Garnet before descending to the famous lava tubes of Undara National Park.

UNDaR a EXPEri ENCE

Right next to Undara Volcanic National Park, this award-winning Savannah Way resort delivers authentic outback hospitality amongst Savannah Woodland and native wildlife. Discover the lava tubes, hike Kalkani Crater and stay in a vintage rail car!

Undara Road, Mount Surprise

T 07 4097 1900

CARDWELL

UNDARA BLENCOE FALLS

MT

KiNg rEef RESorT – k urr im INE BEACH

Wake up, dine and drink with stunning tropical ocean views. Offering six accommodation styles to stay your way and a beachfront bar and bistro onsite, King Reef Resort is the seaside and stress-free coastal getaway you’ve been looking for.

73 Jacobs Road, Kurrimine Beach

T 07 4065 6144

kingreef.com.au

BaLI HAi HoLIDaY pArK MISSIoN BeaCH

Bali Hai Holiday Park is a stone’s throw from the beachfront and your home away from home. Offering cabins, bungalows, a beach house, caravan and camping areas. Share the peace and tranquillity of this special place. You’ll love it! Pet-friendly (sites only). Unlimited free WiFi.

1 Wongaling Beach Road

Wongaling Beach

T 07 4068 9237

balihaiholidaypark.com.au

m ISS i o N BeAcH reS or T

Mission Beach Resort, a 5-minute walk from 14km of world-class beaches that meet the rainforest, has a bistro and sports bar and on-site entertainment. They also cater for special occasions, conferences, and events. See their friendly staff for information, tour bookings, and local attractions.

Lot 4 Wongaling Beach Road

Mission Beach

T 07 4088 8288

missionbeachresort.com.au

CarDWELL BeaCHcomBEr motEL AND T oU rISt paRK

Pick the pace that suits you! The Cardwell Beachcomber Motel and Tourist Park, overlooking Hinchinbrook Island, is a great base to explore the unique Cassowary Coast, a paradise for boaties, bush walkers and nature lovers.

43a Marine Parade, Cardwell

T 07 4066 8550

cardwellbeachcomber.com.au

HArTLEY’S C roc o DILE aDveNtURES

The Far North’s leading crocodile and wildlife attraction. Experience crocodile cruises, wildlife presentations, crocodile feeding, farm tour and more. See cassowaries, koalas, wombats, kangaroos, reptiles, rainforest and predatory birds; all immersed in a natural habitat. Licenced Restaurant.

4019 Captain Cook Highway, Wangetti

T 07 4055 3576

crocodileadventures.com

KuraNDa K oaLA gArDENS & BI rDW orLD

In the Heritage Markets, these boutique attractions offer an outstanding wildlife experience. At Koala Gardens discover wombats, quokkas, bilbies, kangaroos, wallabies, freshwater crocodiles, reptiles and more with the option to hold a koala for a souvenir photo. At Birdworld, surround yourself in living colour with hundreds of friendly Australian native and exotic bird species.

2/4 Rob Veivers Dr, Kuranda

Th E REeF HoteL CAS

The Reef Hotel Casino. Cairns #1 Entertainment Hub. 5 star hotel, gaming machines, table games, sports arena and dining options. Tamarind, Flinders Bar and Grill, Soy Kitchen Street Food, Merchant Café and BAR36 with free live entertainment.

DUND eE’S R eSTa uraNTS

The finest of Australian local produce, specialising in seafood, steak, pasta and bushtucker. Modern Australian cuisine with an extensive menu catering to diverse culinary tastes and a full special dietary menu (Vegan/GF/DF). Locally owned and operated for 35+ years - A MUST DO IN FNQ.

T 07 4051 0399 @ The Waterfront Press 1

@ Cairns Aquarium - Press 2 dundees.com.au

PAro NELLa parK

Built in the 1930s, Paronella Park is one of Queensland’s earliest and most popular attractions. Featuring waterfalls, bridges, tunnels, and castles, along with 7,000 trees, this property is a delight to explore. Come see why it was voted the “Number One Must-Do in Queensland!”

1671 Innisfail Japoon Rd, Mena Creek

T 07 4065 0000

paronellapark.com.au

m U tropiCaL SKYWaLK

Take a walk in the clouds in Wooroonooran National Park just 15 minutes out of Innisfail. Elevated walkways, a cantilever, and observation tower offer visitors the exhilarating experience of being high in the rainforest canopy.

Palmerston Hwy, East Palmerston T 07 4064 5294

mamutropicalskywalk.com.au

m ENa crEEK HoTEL

200m from Paronella Park, a country pub providing delicious meals served with a side of the best customer service there is to offer. In farmland surrounds, with breezy balcony dining, the relaxed atmosphere is sure to mean that you’ll come for lunch, and never want to leave.

1 Mena Creek Rd, Mena Creek

T 07 4065 3201

menacreekhotel.com.au

SAILAWaY PorT Dou GLAS

Enjoy an incredible day out sailing and snorkelling with a skilled team who genuinely care about people and the environment. Sailaway is known as one of Australia’s leading Eco Tourism Operators. Experience Low Isles, Mackay Cay Outer Reef or Sunset Sail. Crystalbrook Marina, Port Douglas

T 07 4099 4200

sailawayportdouglas.com

CAI rNS AQUArium

Get up close to the animals and eco systems of the tropics. On your journey from river to reef, discover shark feeds, touch tanks and animal presentations. Take the plunge with a scuba dive into the reef tank or join Cairns’ best after dark experience, Aquarium By Twilight.

5 Florence Street, Cairns

T 07 4044 7300

cairnsaquarium.com.au

raIN f o rESTaTI oN NaturE paRK

Amidst the World Heritage rainforest in Kuranda, Rainforestation has three unique experiences: Army Duck Rainforest tours on land and water, the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience, and iconic Australian animals in the koala and wildlife park.

1030 Kennedy Hwy, Kuranda

T 07 4085 5008

rainforest.com.au

W\i LDL IFE HABiTaT p o Rt D ]ou GLAS

Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas is an advanced eco-accredited park that allows guests to interact with Australian wildlife in open, spacious ecosystems. Handfeed kangaroos, meet endangered species, and “Swim With The Salties” at the brand-new CrocArena.

Port Douglas Rd, Port Douglas

T 07 4099 3235

wildlifehabitat.com.au

Australian Tourist Publications acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land represented on this map and pay their respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the map information, no representation is made about its reliability or suitability for any particular purpose and the publisher disclaims any liability for all loss or damage incurred due to any inaccuracy or incompleteness.

Publisher: Australian Tourist Publications 119 Hartley Street, Cairns, QLD.

© Mapuccino and Drive North Queensland.

Images courtesy of Tourism Events Queensland and Tourism Tropical North Queensland.

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Image: Cobbold Gorge