Gold Coast To Townsville Roadtrip Guide

From golden beaches and laid-back towns to lush hinterlands and tropical islands, this Gold Coast to Townsville drive showcases the best of Queensland's east coast. With a $1/day car relocation deal from Imoova, you can explore over 1,300 km of coastal beauty on a budget β€” no campervan needed, and no camping required.

Carl W

Relocation Specialist

3 min read
road-trips

πŸ“ Day 1: Gold Coast to Noosa

πŸ›£οΈ Distance: 210 km | πŸš— Drive Time: 2.5–3 hrs

Things to Do:

  • πŸ„ Walk Noosa National Park coastal trail

  • πŸ›οΈ Stroll Hastings Street shops

  • 🐨 Spot wild koalas in the trees

Food Spot:

  • Betty’s Burgers – a Noosa classic πŸ”

  • Bistro C – beachfront dining for sunset πŸŒ…

Where to Stay:

  • Motel or apartment stays in Noosa Heads or Noosaville

πŸ“ Day 2: Noosa to Hervey Bay

πŸ›£οΈ Distance: 190 km | πŸš— Drive Time: 2.5 hrs

Things to Do:

  • πŸ‹ Whale watching (Jul–Nov)

  • 🚲 Bike along the Esplanade

  • πŸ›Ά Optional half-day kayak or boat tour

Food Spot:

  • Enzo’s on the Beach – perfect for breakfast or sunset drinks

  • Bayaroma CafΓ© – laid-back brunch by the ocean

Where to Stay:

  • Beachside hotel or Airbnb in Torquay or Scarness

πŸ“ Day 3: Hervey Bay to Agnes Water / 1770

πŸ›£οΈ Distance: 215 km | πŸš— Drive Time: 2.5–3 hrs

Things to Do:

  • πŸ–οΈ Chill at Queensland’s most northern surf beach

  • β›΅ Sunset tour or paddleboard in 1770

  • 🚢 Easy coastal hikes with killer views

Food Spot:

  • Drift & Wood – relaxed coastal eats

  • 1770 Marina CafΓ© – for coffee with a view

Where to Stay:

  • Boutique hotels or beach cottages in Agnes Water

πŸ“ Day 4: Agnes Water to Yeppoon

πŸ›£οΈ Distance: 280 km | πŸš— Drive Time: 3.5 hrs

Things to Do:

  • 🐒 Visit Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary

  • 🚀 Optional Keppel Island day trip or ferry

  • πŸŒ… Sunset stroll along the Yeppoon Foreshore

Food Spot:

  • The Rocks Yeppoon – rooftop cocktails and share plates

  • Lure Living – beachside breakfast spot

Where to Stay:

  • Hotels and seaside motels near the Esplanade or Rosslyn Bay

πŸ“ Day 5: Yeppoon to Airlie Beach

πŸ›£οΈ Distance: 490 km | πŸš— Drive Time: 5.5–6 hrs

Things to Do:

  • πŸ›₯️ Optional half-day Whitsunday cruise

  • 🏊 Chill by the Airlie Beach Lagoon

  • 🎢 Explore bars and nightlife by the marina

Food Spot:

  • La Tabella Trattoria – Italian with a view

  • Bohemian Raw CafΓ© – great for brunch

Where to Stay:

  • Central hotel or apartment-style stay in Airlie Beach

πŸ“ Day 6: Airlie Beach to Townsville (via Bowen)

πŸ›£οΈ Distance: 270 km | πŸš— Drive Time: 3.5 hrs

Morning Stop in Bowen:

  • 🐠 Snorkel or swim at Horseshoe Bay

  • πŸŽ₯ Spot mural locations from Australia (the movie!)

Things to Do in Townsville:

  • 🚠 Ride the Castle Hill lookout road for sweeping views

  • 🌴 Relax along The Strand

  • πŸ›₯️ Ferry to Magnetic Island (optional overnight add-on!)

Food Spot:

  • Longboard Bar & Grill – on The Strand, great for sunset

  • City Lane – stylish laneway dining

Where to Stay:

  • Central hotel or waterfront accommodation in Townsville

With Imoova’s unbeatable $1/day car rental offers, this Gold Coast to Townsville drive becomes the perfect balance of comfort, scenery, and spontaneity. Forget the campervan β€” this one’s made for coastal cruisers with no tent required!

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Gold Coast to Mackay Fuel Calculator

Gold Coast to Mackay road trip scenery

Estimated Fuel Cost

A$178.80

Based on average gasoline price A$1.90 per litre

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