Last Updated on September 16, 2024 by Felecia at Road Trips Australia
Embark on an adventure through the hidden treasures of North Queensland on a North Queensland Road Trip! Be amazed by towering waterfalls nestled amid the lush tropical rainforest, inviting you to swim in their pristine rock pools. Wander along tropical beaches, hugged by the Coal Sea. Exted the journey westward to uncover Lava Tubes and open outback scenes.
Read on to discover three of the best North Queensland road trips from Townsville. These trips will get you off the highway while offering stunning scenery. Explore the regions from Mackay’s Cape Hillsborough National Park to Townsville’s Paluma Range National Park, extending to Undara Volcanic National Park beyond the Atherton Tablelands.
Uncover the Best North Queensland Road Trips and Camping
But first, ensure you are prepared for your adventure with the all-important food, see our helpful meal planning guide! Also, for a successful journey, see our guide to the best navigation apps. So what are you waiting for? Let’s go! And 4×4 vehicles are welcome!
North Queensland Road Trip: Townsville’s Rainforest and Waterfalls
On this North Queensland road trip, discover towering Waterfalls and tropical rainforests of Girringun National Park and Paluma Range National Park.
Road Trip Overview:
- Distance: 392 km
- Length: 3 Days (off-grid camping)
- When to Visit: April to October
TRAVEL TIP: Waterfalls in this region are best experienced after the wet season, April to July.
Day 1 – Wind up the Paluma Range to Little Crystal Creek. Admire the waterfalls and rock pools framed by the stone arch bridge. Continuing up the range, take in the vista out to the Coal Sea before reaching the small township of Paluma. You can continue through Paluma towards the turn-off to Paluma Dam. Stop into the camp ground at Lake Paluma Campground. Stay for one night.
Things to do at Paluma, Townsville, Qld
- Stop at Rollingstone Pub for a cool drink, or
- Frosty Mango before winding up Paluma range.
- Swimming or relaxing at Big Crystal Creek (Paluma Range National Park).
- Little Crystal Creek for waterfalls and bridge architecture. (Paluma Range National Park)
- Paluma Township and McClellands Lookout.
- Birthday Creek Falls and Paluma Dam.
- Be crock wise.
Day 2 – Follow the unsealed road continues to Hidden Valley. From Hidden Valley, turn towards Mount Fox on Breakaway Road. Navigate to Wallaman Falls, a part of the Girringun National Park. View the longest single-drop waterfall in Australia. Camp by Stoney Creek for one night at the Wallaman Falls camping area.
Day 3—Continue towards Ingham and Townsville. Stop off the highway at Jourama Falls, part of Paluma Range National Park. A scenic walk will take you past cascading rock pools to the elevated viewing platform overlooking Jourama Falls. Camping is available amongst dry tropical bush at the Jourama Falls camping area. From here, return to Townsville or continue north towards Cairns.
North Queensland Road Trip: Tropical Mackay Region
Explore the region south of Townsville towards Collinsville, continuing through the rolling landscape to the back of the Eungella Ranges west of Mackay, North Queensland.
Road Trip Overview:
- Length: 6 Days (Off-grid camping)
- Distance: 930 km (Including gravel roads)
- When to Visit: April to October
Day 1 – From Townsville, take the adventure towards Collinsville. Enjoy the scenic landscape along the Bowen Developmental Road (unsealed road). Turn onto Emu Plains Road, reaching Eungella Dam Camping Grounds. Find an idyllic spot to camp with water and mountain views by Eungella Dam.
Day 3 – From Eungella Dam, continue towards Crediton State Forest to explore the 4×4 tracks. Spot Platypus in Broken River, and enjoy the view from Sky Window Lookout before heading down the range to Finch Hatton Gorge. Stay at Forest Flying for two nights.
TRAVEL TIP: Visit North Queensland from April to October in winter to avoid elevated temperatures and monsoonal rain.
Day 5 – If you have the luxury of time, why not head to the coast? Cape Hillsborough National Park offers stunning beach scenes to explore. Stay at Smalleys Beach camping area or Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park.
Day 6 – Proceed north towards Townsville. Take advantage of a picturesque lunch stop at Horseshoe Bay at Bowen. Enjoy the view from Rotary Lookout over the Coral Sea and the bay below. Continue to Townsville.
North Queensland Road Trip: Townsville and Atherton Tablelands
Witness cascading creeks and rivers hugged by rainforest-covered mountains. Enjoy a tropical beach walk along the Coral Sea, before heading west to Lava tube caves and the northern outback country.
Road Trip Overview:
- Length: 10 nights (Off-grid camping and Holiday Park accommodation)
- Distance: 1027 km (Including gravel roads)
- When to Visit: April to October
Day 1 – Depart Townsville City for the rainforest of Abergowrie State Forest! Cool off in the clear waters of Broadwater Creek, which flows by Broadwater Campground, surrounded by tropical rainforest. Enjoy off-grid camping for one night.
Day 2 – Continue to Tully Gorge National Park. Turn off the Bruce Highway and continue through banana farms towards the forest-covered mountains. Arrive at the lush Tully Gorge camping area by the pristine Tully River. Relax in the rainforest surroundings and explore the Butterfly Walk or experienced walkers can tackle the Mount Tyson walking track. Further, adventure seekers could embark on the Tullt River white water rafting to discover the full beauty of the Tully River Gorge. Enjoy serene off-grid camping for two nights.
Day 4 – Proceed north along the Bruce Highway to pretty Etty Bay. Stay by the Coral Sea at Etty Bay Caravan Park. Saty for one night.
TRAVEL TIP: When travelling in North Queensland, only swim in clear shallow water and keep in mind Estuarine Crocodiles – be crock-wise!
Day 5 – Malanda Falls Caravan Park. Stay at the ultimate location by Malanda Falls! Relax in the tropical surroundings or explore the nearby historic town of Herberton, visit Atherton, or explore the foodie offerings of Gallo Dairyland. Observe unique natural features from the crater lakes of Lake Eacham, Curtain Fig Tree, Mamu Tropical Skywalk to Millaa Millaa Falls. Stay for two nights.
Day 7 – Undara Volcanic National Park. Pull into Undara Caravan Park while exploring the lava tube caves. Stay for one night.
Day 8 – Jervoice Station. Book in advance to stay at this outback station near Greenvale. Powered sites are available, or you can camp out on the property by Wyandotte Creek. Stay for two nights.
Day 10 – Return to Townsville with beautiful memories and a revived spirit, or if time is on your side continue this road trip to Secrets of the Savannah Way…
As this tropical road trip ends, take home the amazing memories and experiences. From the rainforest hugged mountains to towering waterfalls and to the tropical beaches of the Coal Sea, there are many options for a unique escape in North Queensland.
Remember to keep our natural environment beautiful and leave no trace.
SUBSCRIBE for the latest articles and road trip inspiration!
[mc4wp_form id=”3435″]
