5 Best Activities for a Brisbane to Townsville Road Trip | Motorhome Republic

The drive from Brisbane to Townsville is one of the best stretches of highway for a family road trip in Australia. Queensland has abundant natural wonders, water sports, beautiful beaches, amusement parks and wildlife. Travellers can hire a car or a motorhome in Brisbane, drive to Townsville, North Queensland, and discover the best places worth visiting for a memorable holiday adventure. This road trip offers stunning views and awesome opportunities to visit paradise-like spots, making it a great place for families and adventure seekers alike.

To help you on your journey, we’ve gathered a comprehensive list of the best activities to experience and some handy tips on making your Townsville road trip as smooth as possible.

 

 

What is the distance between Brisbane and Townsville?

The Brisbane to Townsville distance is roughly 1350 kilometres. You will find plenty of exciting places to stop on your journey, so breaking up the drive in your campervan or car hire will be easy.

How long does it take to drive between Townsville and Brisbane?

The total driving distance from Townsville to Brisbane is 1350 km. The direct route takes approximately 15 and a half hours along the Bruce Highway. However, as this is a long trip, you’ll want at least a week (ideally more) to enjoy everything the east coast of the country has to offer.

 

 

Where should I stay between Townsville and Brisbane?

Once you secure campervan hire in Brisbane, we recommend reserving campground space at the major towns along your route—especially during summer and school holidays. These places will book out fast, and travelling with kids can get tricky once the family-friendly accommodations get snapped up. Some of the most popular locations to stay on your holiday include:

• Sunshine Coast

• Noosa Heads

• Central Bundaberg

• Rainbow Beach

• Hervey Bay

• Fraser Island

• Seventeen Seventy

• Rockhampton

• Airlie Beach

• Proserpine

• Whitsunday Islands

• Magnetic Island

 

What are the best activities to do on the Brisbane to Townsville drive?

Without further ado, here are the best places to visit and awesome activities to discover on your road trip from Brisbane to Townsville or Townsville to Brisbane.

1. Go to the best beaches

The East Coast of Australia is renowned for its incredible beaches, each special in its own way. Both domestic and international tourists flock here to spend time in absolute paradise and lie on the beautiful sand and frolic in the warm Pacific waters. Here are the ones you can’t miss on a Brisbane to Townsville, North Queensland road trip.

 

 

Mooloolaba Beach - Sunshine Coast

Mooloolaba Beach is a family favourite and is patrolled by lifeguards 365 days a year. The kids love to splash in the rock pools at the northern end of the beach, while the older kids and adults can go swimming in the ocean and surf in the rolling waves.

• Enjoy a day tour of SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium. Discover over 10,000 sea creatures at this incredible all-weather attraction.

 

Sunshine Beach - Noosa Heads

Noosa Heads exudes an upscale vibe, and its famous main street—Hastings Street—is exclusively dedicated to boutique shopping and cafes. More importantly, the town boasts one of the best beaches in Australia. If you prefer to relax with the odd dip in the water, rest assured Main Beach is patrolled by lifeguards daily. Take a soothing dip in the waters at Tea Tree Bay, where the tea trees of the surrounding area release oil into the water, giving it a brownish tinge and providing a unique and relaxing experience for swimmers.

Elliott Heads - Central Bundaberg

Elliot Heads is a stunning Queensland beach just a 15-minute drive from central Bundaberg. When travelling with the little ones, it’s best to stick to the river mouth, where the calmer waters allow for snorkelling, paddleboarding, and splashing around in the rock pools.

• At Elliot Heads, you’ll find plenty of picnic and caravan park options.

2. Get out on the water

Not only is the East Coast of Australia home to the Great Barrier Reef—one of the most complex natural ecosystems in the world—but it is also host to some of the most incredibly beautiful and unique islands on the planet. On your Brisbane to Townsville drive, holiday-makers must take to the sea to experience this wonderland of sightseeing and water adventures of all kinds.

 

Whitsunday Islands - Airlie Beach

The Whitsundays offer some of the most stunning beaches in Australia. Aqua blue water laps against powder white sand to create the most magical site for visitors willing to venture out to these stunning islands. Sail, snorkel, and swim until your heart's content.

• The coastal town of Airlie Beach is an amazing place to base the perfect family for Whitsundays activities, with plenty of camping and picnic options, as well as dining, entertainment and kid-focused activities.

Moreton Island - Brisbane

A 75-minute ferry ride from Brisbane will bring you to the third-largest sand island in the world. Hop on a sandboard and zoom down the iconic dunes of Moreton Island. Or, explore the Tangalooma Wreck, a cluster of 15 deliberately sunken ships on the island's east side. Take a leisurely walk or go kayaking, swimming, diving or snorkelling—visitors have multitudes to explore here.

• It’s easy to organise a day trip from Brisbane, or there are camping and glamping options for those keen to take in the spectacular sunset and sleep under the stars.

Noosa Everglades - Sunshine Coast

Spend a few hours—or days—exploring this phenomenal network of pristine waterways and wetlands connecting the Northern Noosa River system in the Cooloola Region of the Great Sandy National Park.

• Queensland has one of only two Everglades biospheres in the world (the other is the Florida Everglades).

 

Great Barrier Reef

A world-heritage-listed wonder and the largest living structure on the planet, the Great Barrier Reef is a must-see attraction on your Brisbane to Townsville road trip. Find a reef experience for the whole family and spend a few days in this aquatic wonderland.

• Daily tours allow you to explore manta rays, sea turtles, and thousands of fish species. We recommend taking a glass bottom boat tour to witness the vibrant marine life, colourful coral formations and breathtaking underwater landscapes.

3. Hit the amusement parks

While most theme parks are located south of Brisbane on the Gold Coast, the kids likely won’t mind the extra time in Queensland’s capital. Gear up for family fun at one or two parks, or get a combo deal and hit them all!

 

 

Dreamworld

Australia's largest theme park, Dreamworld, is fun for every family member, with heaps of rides, attractions, restaurants and shopping options. This famous 40-year-old establishment frequently hosts events and keeps the entertainment fresh and new, drawing crowds year-round.

Whitewater World

Next door to Dreamworld is Whitewater World, where the kids, and the kids at heart, can splash around in a truly remarkable waterpark experience. For a bit of luxury, you can opt for a cabana, which gives you shaded lounge chairs, a fridge to keep your drinks cold, and a dedicated locker.

• Ensure you check out the hours of operation, as opening times are seasonal.

Movieworld

Australia’s top-rated theme park, Movieworld, is home to a wide range of fun rides, interesting tours and awesome activities to suit everyone in the campervan. Whether you love speed, spins, thrills, or meeting your favourite stars, this exciting park doesn’t disappoint.

 

 

Wet’n’Wild

Australia's biggest water park, Wet’n’Wild, is home to some thrilling attractions, including the tallest waterslide tower in the country. Kids and parents not keen on adrenaline-pumping slides can take it easy on the Lazy River or Whirlpool Springs.

4. Get close to nature

Hervey Bay - Fraser Island

Hervey Bay sits on the Fraser Coast, roughly three hours north of Brisbane. Hervey Bay is the best place to spot the majestic humpback whales and is the gateway to the unmissable Fraser Island.

• Fraser Island, also known as K’gari, is a Heritage-listed island made entirely of sand. One of Fraser Island’s beaches, 75 Mile Beach, features unique coloured sands, ranging from red, brown and yellow to orange, giving the beach an even more picturesque look. The island is also home to freshwater lakes, a rainforest habitat for dingoes and much more. This is a one-of-a-kind destination along your journey between Brisbane and Townsville. Make sure you visit the picturesque Lake McKenzie, where pristine, white silica sand surrounds the lake and contrasts beautifully with the azure waters, creating a breathtaking scene.

• Ferries to the island leave every 20 minutes south of Hervey Bay and take approximately 30 minutes. If you have the time, you can spend a few nights on the island by booking accommodation at a caravan park or pitching a tent.

 

Springbrook National Park

A drive less than 100 kilometres south of Brisbane will bring you to Springbrook National Park. This World Heritage-listed rainforest is home to beautiful waterfalls, lush green vegetation and ancient beauty. Families can spend a few hours or a few days exploring this gorgeous park.

• The most accessible and popular trail is Natural Bridge, which takes about an hour to complete and is suitable for almost everyone. Walk the paved path leading you through a basalt cave.

Tewantin National Park

Twenty minutes from Noosa Heads, this interesting national park draws visitors with its pristine natural beauty and diverse landscapes of rainforests and woodlands. Stroll along the park's well-maintained walking trails for wildlife encounters, such as kangaroos and wallabies. The area's cultural heritage adds depth to the experience, and its proximity to Noosa makes it easily accessible, offering a nearby escape into nature.

Glass House Mountains

You can stop at the Glass House Mountains near the Sunshine Coast on the drive from Brisbane to Townsville. Comprising eleven rugged volcanic peaks, this stunning attraction offers walking tracks, horse trails and abseiling.

• Take a short walk (10 minutes) up to the Mountain View lookout, with amazing views over Mount Beerwah, Mount Coonowrin, Mount Tibberoowuccum and Mount Tunbubudla. If the little legs are up for it, continue on the Tibrogargan Circuit, walking around the base of Mount Tibrogargan through casuarina groves and open eucalypt and melaleuca forests. (Allow about one and a half hours to complete this 4.1-kilometre circuit of a moderate grade.)

5. Experience the local wildlife

Australia Zoo

Drive one hour north of Brisbane on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, and you’ll arrive at the world-famous Australia Zoo—home of The Crocodile Hunter. Stretched across more than 110 acres of beautiful land and with more than 1200 amazing animals, it’s the most interactive conservation destination on the planet.

• You'll want to book in advance for an interactive animal experience like cuddling a koala. But either way, a spontaneous visit will be worth the trip.

 

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Located just 15 minutes from Brisbane’s city centre is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, home to over 100 koalas and 70 species of other Australian native animals. The kids will love the chance to hand-feed kangaroos and other wildlife. The health and well-being of the sanctuary’s animals are at the forefront of everything they do, along with their extensive research and conservation efforts.

Rockhampton Zoo

Located in Rockhampton between Bundaberg and Airlie Beach along your Brisbane to Townsville drive, you can discover over 100 species of native animals. The free-to-enter Rockhampton Zoo is committed to educating future generations about conserving animal populations and habitats and supporting research that enhances our understanding of the animal kingdom.

Ready to book?

Search campervan rentals in Brisbane City and prepare for your adventure in sunny Queensland!

How much does it cost to drive from Townsville to Brisbane?

Whether you drive from Brisbane to Townsville or Brisbane to Townsville, the cost will depend entirely on the length of your trip, the activities you choose and your spending habits. Renting a campervan will allow you to save money by combining transportation and accommodation. Stock up on local produce at nearby food stores to enjoy the cost-effective convenience of preparing your own meals in the comfort of your motorhome. For current rental prices, compare Brisbane campervans across multiple brands. You’ll also find plenty of budget-friendly caravan park options en route to tropical far North Queensland.

 

 

How do I make the most of my Brisbane to Townsville road trip?

Now that you know the most exciting places to visit on the drive from Brisbane to Townsville, it’s time to start planning and booking your Queensland destinations! You’ll have your pick of the best motorhomes and well-equipped campgrounds when you book your trip well in advance. Make sure you reserve any activity that requires tickets, and organise any equipment you need to make the most of your time spent on Australia’s East Coast. After that, simply follow the road rules and have an amazing time!

If you have more time, a Brisbane to Cairns road trip is also worth a try!