Townsville, the vibrant gateway to North Queensland, is not just a fantastic place to visit—it’s also the perfect starting point for some incredible road trips. Whether you have just a day or a full weekend, here are the top short road trips to take from Townsville that showcase the region’s natural beauty, charming towns, and adventure spots.
1. Magnetic Island (1-Day Trip)
Distance: 20-minute ferry + 10 km drive
One of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Townsville is a visit to Magnetic Island. While you’ll need to take your rental car on the SeaLink or Magnetic Island Ferries, it’s well worth it to explore the island’s stunning beaches, hiking trails, and wildlife encounters.
Highlights:
- Horseshoe Bay – Perfect for water sports, swimming, and a beachfront lunch.
- Forts Walk – A moderate hike with historic WWII ruins and breathtaking views.
- Alma Bay – A picturesque, family-friendly beach.
- Rock Wallabies at Geoffrey Bay – A chance to feed these adorable locals.
2. Paluma Range National Park (1-Day Trip)
Distance: 80 km (1.5 hours each way)
Head north of Townsville and escape into the lush rainforests of Paluma Range National Park. This tranquil getaway is ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Highlights:
- Little Crystal Creek – A scenic spot with a historic stone bridge and rock pools for swimming.
- Big Crystal Creek & Paradise Waterhole – Ideal for a refreshing dip.
- Paluma Village – A charming rainforest town with cafés and walking tracks.
- Cloudy Creek Walk – A short but scenic rainforest hike.
3. Charters Towers (1-2 Day Trip)
Distance: 135 km (1.5 hours each way)
Step back in time with a road trip to Charters Towers, a historic gold rush town filled with character and heritage-listed buildings.
Highlights:
- Stock Exchange Arcade – A glimpse into Queensland’s gold rush history.
- The Miner’s Cottage – Hands-on gold panning experience.
- Towers Hill Lookout – Stunning sunset views and WWII bunkers.
- Texas Longhorn Tours – Unique Australian outback experience.
If staying overnight, book a room in one of the town’s charming heritage hotels.
4. Hinchinbrook Island Lookout & Forrest Beach (1-Day Trip)
Distance: 120 km (1.5 hours each way)
Drive north to the Hinchinbrook region, where you’ll find secluded beaches and breathtaking views of Hinchinbrook Island, Australia’s largest island national park.
Highlights:
- Hinchinbrook Lookout – A panoramic view of the island and surrounding waterways.
- Forrest Beach – A quiet, unspoiled beach with picnic spots and crystal-clear waters.
- Lucinda Jetty – The longest service jetty in the Southern Hemisphere.
5. Ayr & Alva Beach (1-Day Trip)
Distance: 90 km (1 hour each way)
A relaxing coastal drive south of Townsville leads you to Ayr and Alva Beach, famous for stunning landscapes and some of the best diving spots in Queensland.
Highlights:
- Alva Beach – A great spot for beach driving, fishing, and kite surfing.
- SS Yongala Dive Site – One of the world’s best wreck dives.
- Burdekin Bridge – An engineering marvel spanning the Burdekin River.
- Delta Cinemas & Burdekin Theatre – Local entertainment options if you prefer an easygoing day trip.
6. Wallaman Falls (1-2 Day Trip)
Distance: 275 km (3 hours each way)
For those willing to take a longer drive, Wallaman Falls, Australia’s highest permanent single-drop waterfall, is a must-visit.
Highlights:
- Wallaman Falls Lookout – Unparalleled views of the 268-metre waterfall.
- Djyinda Walk – A challenging hike to the base of the falls.
- Camping & Wildlife Spotting – Stay overnight and experience the rich biodiversity of Girringun National Park.
Final Thoughts
Townsville is the perfect base for these unforgettable road trips, whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both. Hiring a car from Redspot Car Rentals gives you the flexibility to explore these fantastic destinations at your own pace.
So, which road trip will you take first? Pack your bags, fuel up, and hit the road for your next Townsville adventure!
