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.

Carl W

Relocation Specialist

3 min read
road-trips

📍 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!

Gold Coast à Mackay Calculateur de Carburant

Gold Coast to Mackay road trip scenery

Coût Estimé du Carburant

A$178.80

Basé sur le prix moyen de essence A$1.90 par litre

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