Cairns to Townsville drive
Cairns to Townsville is about 375 km and roughly 4 hours 45 minutes of driving on the coastal route through Innisfail, Mission Beach, Cardwell and Ingham, before stops. The road to the Cassowary Coast is sealed and 2WD accessible. Mission Beach is a detour off the through-route, so allow extra time if you turn off there.
Updated
Key facts
- Cairns to Townsville
- About 375 km and 4 hours 45 minutes via Mission Beach, Cardwell and Ingham
- Innisfail from Cairns
- 88 km, about 70 minutes
- Cassowary Coast road
- Completely sealed and 2WD accessible
- Mission Beach
- Four separate towns along a 14 km stretch of beach
- Cassowary road advice
- Slow down and do not stop a vehicle to view cassowaries on the road
- Licuala detour
- Unsealed road off Tully to Mission Beach Road, 1.6 km to the day-use area
- Lacey Creek
- Day-use area on the El Arish to Mission Beach road
Cairns to Townsville
About 375 km via Mission Beach ยท About 4 hours 45 minutes before stops
Innisfail
88 km
88 km and about 70 minutes south of Cairns; the first town of the Cassowary Coast.
Mission Beach
140 km
52 km on from Innisfail. Four towns along a 14 km beach, so pick one before you turn off.
Cardwell
210 km
70 km and about 50 minutes south of Mission Beach.
Ingham
263 km
53 km and about 40 minutes past Cardwell, with 112 km left to Townsville.
- Townsville
What is on the way south from Cairns?
Innisfail is 88 km south of Cairns, about 70 minutes, and the road to the Cassowary Coast is completely sealed and 2WD accessible. From Mission Beach the coastal legs run 70 km to Cardwell, 53 km to Ingham and 112 km into Townsville, so plan a break or two on a day that is close to five hours at the wheel.
Does Mission Beach fit the drive?
Mission Beach is a detour from the through-route rather than a roadside pause. It is four separate towns spread along a 14 km stretch of beach, so choose a specific beach or activity before turning off. Use the extra time at the coast only if your Townsville arrival is still comfortable.
Where does a normal hire-car road end?
A sealed main road does not make every side road suitable for every rental. The road to the Licuala day-use area is unsealed for 1.6 km, though conventional vehicles can use it. Check your hire terms before taking that road. Lacey Creek day-use area is on the El Arish to Mission Beach road if you prefer a stop without an unsealed approach.
How should you drive in cassowary habitat?
Always slow down in cassowary territory and never stop your vehicle on the road to look at one. Keep the Mission Beach detour and any walk separate from the through-drive; a short day on the road can become an overnight if you want time outside the car.
How should you plan the road and the hire?
Check QLDTraffic for road conditions before each leg, particularly after heavy rain. If you collect at Cairns Airport and return in Townsville, check that the booking offers that one-way pair of depots and leaves enough time for the drive.
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Pickup and return points for this trip
Questions people ask
How long is the drive from Cairns to Townsville?
About 4 hours 45 minutes for roughly 375 km on the coastal route via Mission Beach, Cardwell and Ingham, not counting stops.
Is Cairns to Mission Beach suitable for a 2WD hire car?
The road to the Cassowary Coast is sealed and 2WD accessible. Unsealed side roads need separate rental permission.
What should I do at a cassowary crossing?
Slow down and do not stop your car on the road to watch a cassowary.
Can I hire at Cairns Airport and return in Townsville?
Search the airports as separate pickup and return points to see one-way availability for your dates.
Is Mission Beach a fast stop on the direct drive?
No. Its four towns are spread along a 14 km stretch of beach, so seeing them takes time beyond the through-drive.