Sun-soaked beaches, untouched islands, vibrant reef life and World Heritage–listed rainforests await along Queensland’s Great Green Way. So, what are you waiting for? Join us as we spend six days travelling from Townsville to Cairns, exploring some of Australia’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
Day one: Townsville
Begin your time in Townsville by familiarising yourself with the township, where you can explore cafes, boutique stores, restaurants and galleries to your heart’s content. If you’ve got little ones in tow, you can’t go past a visit to The Strand, a beachside promenade stretching two-and-a-half kilometres that is perfect for a family stroll or bike ride.
Day two: Magnetic Island
Tick another item off your bucket list by making your way over to the tropical paradise that is Magnetic Island. Located eight kilometres offshore from Townsville, Magnetic Island is accessible by ferry, and is home to an abundance of nature and wildlife experiences, as well as some of the most breathtaking beaches in all of Australia. For the adventurers among us, there’s snorkelling and diving experiences, jet ski tours, water sports, and four-wheel drive tours.
Day three: Cardwell
Cardwell is the place to be for fishing enthusiasts, with some of the best spots for fishing in Queensland dotted along its coastline. After spending the day casting a line, make your way into town to enjoy the town’s numerous cafes and restaurants, including the Cardwell Country Club Kitchen and Cardwell Beachcombers Restaurant. If fishing isn’t your thing, make your way into Cardwell State Forest and snap a picture of the view at Attie Creek Falls.
Day four: Hinchinbrook Island
There are a number of ways to discover Hinchinbrook Island, whether by foot, by boat or by kayak. If you choose to explore the island on foot, look no further than the Thorsborne Trail, but be aware that this trail isn’t for the faint of heart! Covering 32 kilometres around the island, the trail takes four days to complete and will see you travel along rugged and untouched terrain. There’s also no accommodation available on the entire island, so if you’re planning on staying overnight, you’ll need to come prepared with your camping gear!
Day five: Mission Beach
Mission Beach is the perfect place to take to the water for a spectacular snorkelling experience. There are a range of companies in the area that offer different snorkelling or diving cruises and tours, so book ahead to ensure that you make the best out of your trip!
Day six: Cairns
From Mission Beach, it’ll take around two hours to drive to Cairns, one of Australia’s most iconic tropical townships. With a bit of an inland detour, you can visit Wooroonooran National Park and visit the Mamu Tropical Skywalk, located just 15 minutes from the township of Innisfail. To cool off after exploring the rainforest from up high, make your way to Babinda, just under an hour from Cairns. From Babinda, travel the last leg of the journey and find yourself in Cairns. Here, explore incredible reefs, relax on stunning beaches, and treat yourself at fantastic restaurants and cafes.
To discover more about the Great Green Way, read the Spring 2022 edition of Caravanning Australia.
Image: Hinchinbrook Island (C) Tourism and Events Queensland.