Roadtrips
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 — no campervan needed, and no camping required.
📍 Day 1: Gold Coast to Noosa
🛣️ Distance: 210 km | 🚗 Drive Time: 2.5–3 hrs
Things to Do:
🏄 Walk Noosa National Park coastal trail
🛍️ Stroll Hastings Street shops
🐨 Spot wild koalas in the trees
Food Spot:
Betty’s Burgers – a Noosa classic 🍔
Bistro C – beachfront dining for sunset 🌅
Where to Stay:
Motel or apartment stays in Noosa Heads or Noosaville

📍 Day 2: Noosa to Hervey Bay
🛣️ Distance: 190 km | 🚗 Drive Time: 2.5 hrs
Things to Do:
🐋 Whale watching (Jul–Nov)
🚲 Bike along the Esplanade
🛶 Optional half-day kayak or boat tour
Food Spot:
Enzo’s on the Beach – perfect for breakfast or sunset drinks
Bayaroma Café – laid-back brunch by the ocean
Where to Stay:
Beachside hotel or Airbnb in Torquay or Scarness

📍 Day 3: Hervey Bay to Agnes Water / 1770
🛣️ Distance: 215 km | 🚗 Drive Time: 2.5–3 hrs
Things to Do:
🏖️ Chill at Queensland’s most northern surf beach
⛵ Sunset tour or paddleboard in 1770
🚶 Easy coastal hikes with killer views
Food Spot:
Drift & Wood – relaxed coastal eats
1770 Marina Café – for coffee with a view
Where to Stay:
Boutique hotels or beach cottages in Agnes Water

📍 Day 4: Agnes Water to Yeppoon
🛣️ Distance: 280 km | 🚗 Drive Time: 3.5 hrs
Things to Do:
🐢 Visit Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary
🚤 Optional Keppel Island day trip or ferry
🌅 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

📍 Day 5: Yeppoon to Airlie Beach
🛣️ Distance: 490 km | 🚗 Drive Time: 5.5–6 hrs
Things to Do:
🛥️ 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 Café – great for brunch
Where to Stay:
Central hotel or apartment-style stay in Airlie Beach

📍 Day 6: Airlie Beach to Townsville (via Bowen)
🛣️ Distance: 270 km | 🚗 Drive Time: 3.5 hrs
Morning Stop in Bowen:
🐠 Snorkel or swim at Horseshoe Bay
🎥 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
🛥️ 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 — this one’s made for coastal cruisers with no tent required!
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Gold Coast to Mackay Fuel Calculator

Estimated Fuel Cost
A$190
Based on average gasoline price A$2 per litre