Cairns to Townsville: Exploring the Hinchinbrook Way

A quintessential Tropical Queensland road trip awaits.

Only 350 kilometres of road connect Cairns to Townsville, and you can drive it in just over four hours. But really, it’s best to take four days. Or four weeks. Known as The Hinchinbrook Way , this route is home to ancient rainforests, Australia’s highest single-drop waterfall, rugged tropical islands and the Great Barrier Reef running the whole way along.

It’s a place where breathtaking scenery, unique wildlife, world-class fishing experiences, delicious, locally sourced food, inspirational art and 60,000 years of culture are all woven into one incredible road trip. Eager to explore? Here’s our guide to the best places to stop from Cairns to Townsville.

Mission Beach

white water rafting with Raging Thunder Adventures — Brave the river rapids for a potent hit of adrenaline. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Made up of four beautiful beach villages (Bingil Bay, North Mission, Wongaling Beach and South Mission), Mission Beach is a great place to start your off-the-beaten-path tour.

Aside from uncrowded beach time and local cafe gems, there’s a surprising amount of high-adrenaline activities to get stuck into. From tandem skydiving and white water rafting to exploring the Outer Great Barrier Reef , you’ll leave feeling like you’ve accomplished something unbelievable.

a woman exploring the castle at Paronella Park — Walking around Paronella Park is like falling into a fairytale. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Paronella Park is also nearby if you’re interested in something a little more low-key but no less intriguing. This surreal parcel of land has a stone structure that resembles a small castle hidden among a plethora of verdant foliage.

The park’s ‘refreshment rooms’ were inspired by the late owner’s childhood memories of Catalan castles. Stay a while and stroll around the park, soaking up the abundant flora and fauna and admiring Mena Creek Falls.

Hinchinbrook Island

an aerial view of the sandy beaches at Thorsborne Trail — Tackle the epic 32-kilometre Thorsborne Trail. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Just a boat ride away from Cardwell or Lucinda is Hinchinbrook Island , where sapphire water, sandy beaches and emerald rainforest collide.

With no resorts or vehicles around, the island remains relatively untouched, so you’re free to choose your own adventure by foot; hike, kayak, or cast a line from a secluded beach; marvel at the picturesque landscapes or snorkel the fringing Great Barrier Reef Marine Park waters.

a man standing on a rock admiring the Zoe Falls — Stop to take in the sights at Zoe Falls. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Most bushwalking trails on the island can be done in just a few hours, but if you’ve got time up your sleeve and have a thirst for adventure, you may want to tackle the Thorsborne Trail. This epic 32-kilometre walk is rated as one of the top 10 walks on the planet and should take you around four days to complete while camping along the way.

A permit to hike the Thorsborne Trail can be booked out months in advance, but there are plenty of day trips to enjoy too. Camp overnight at Zoe Bay for a castaway treat.

Ingham

a wild cassowary in the forest, TYTO Wetlands — Spot a wild cassowary at TYTO Wetlands. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Along The Hinchinbrook Way, you’ll find bakeries and cafes, steakhouses, and pubs, as well as Queensland’s Little Italy – Ingham . Renowned for its exceptional diversity and quality of Italian culture, make sure to sample the region’s finest Italian-inspired delicatessens.

Ingham is the main town centre of the Hinchinbrook Region, so it’s absolutely worth carving a dent into your itinerary to spend more time here. There’s a variety of hotels, motels, B&Bs, and a caravan park to choose from, so it couldn’t be easier to base yourself here.

a couple enjoying a picnic at TYTO Wetlands — The wetlands make for a perfect backdrop to a romantic picnic. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

You’ll also find a birdwatcher’s paradise at TYTO Wetlands . With over 240 species of birds to spot, a myriad of photographic opportunities exist along its extensive walking tracks, viewing platforms, and 11-metre-tall observation tower. Time your visit for early morning or late afternoon and look out for the adorable crimson finch, red right down to the end of its beak.

On your way out of Ingham, stop for a taste of the tropics at the iconic Frosty Mango and try unusual tropical fruits (or ice cream flavours) like sapodilla, canistel, soursop and Brazilian cherry. Tip: abiu fruit tastes just like crème caramel.

Paluma Range National Park

an aerial view of Abergowrie State Forest — Abergowrie State Forest is surrounded by exotic pine plantations and eucalypt forests. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Nearby is Paluma Range National Park, famous for its idyllic rainforest setting at Jourama Falls. Its swimming holes and shallow streams are a cooling escape on a hot day. Or a little further out in the scenic Herbert River Valley is Abergowrie State Forest, where you can stroll along the 1.6-kilometre return Rainforest Walk, relax in your very own calm water rocky nooks and stop for a BBQ lunch.

Girringun National Park

a scenic aerial view of Wallaman Falls — Wallaman Falls is the highest single-drop waterfall in Australia. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

This is the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, so you aren’t short of wonderful waterfalls for a freshwater swim . Among them, Wallaman Falls in Girringun National Park is Australia’s highest permanent single-drop waterfall (268 metres) and throws misty beauty across the surrounding rainforest.

But that’s not all that you’ll find here – there’s also Herbert River. Abundant big fish swim in these warm waters, and fishing fans will enjoy many world-class fishing opportunities . Take a charter boat and try your luck at bagging barramundi, coral trout, red emperor, and giant trevally. You can also get out into the rugged landscapes of Herbert River Gorge and try your luck at heli-fishing.

Mungalla Station

Learn more about the history and culture of the Nywaigi Aboriginal people at this award-winning cattle station , where you can tour the property and its old homestead, enrich yourself with cultural experiences, spot birds and crocodiles, find out about the Indigenous relationship with the environment, and try your hand at throwing a boomerang. You’ll also learn about Pacific Islander and European settler influences on the land.

Forrest Beach

While you’re spoilt for beaches on this stretch of coast, Forrest Beach is a particularly special small coastal locality, running right over the horizon, and dragging your gaze out toward several islands. You’ll find patrolled sections, netted areas for swimming, and plenty of empty sand for a romantic sunset stroll or – if you stay overnight – an early morning jog. No complaints about the little town either, which has accommodation options and provides fish and chips or a cold pub beer to round off a lovely day.

Orpheus Island

Surrounded by a national park, decorated with fine beaches and fringed in reefs, the secluded Orpheus Island is not to be missed and has plenty of snorkelling opportunities.

The recently restored Yanks Jetty, used by American ships and submarines during the Second World War, is the perfect spot to bliss out for the day. Duck your head into a big blue world filled with colourful corals, fish, and occasional turtles and reef sharks. You can camp overnight or stay at a luxury resort on the island.

Now you’ve arrived in this tropical city of Townsville, check out our ultimate guide on what to do in Townsville.

This article was originally written by Brian Johnston with updates by Jemma Fletcher.

This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.

White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.

pool at The Sundays Hamilton Island — Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.

Laid-back luxury

The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.

This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.

Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.

Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.

balcony view from room at The Sundays — Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views

Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.

Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.

Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.

inside a room at The Sundays — Stylish rooms feature natural, soothing tones. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Excellent activities and amenities

Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.

Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.

Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.

Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.

aerial shot of The Sundays pool and catseye beach — Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Delectable dining

What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club .

Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.

“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.

table spread including a lobster dish from Catseye Pool Club, The Sundays — Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.

A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.

view from catseye pool club at The Sundays hamilton island — Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Exploring the island

While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.

Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin .

Looking for more tasty treats? Visit one of the island’s restaurants – there are more than 20 to choose from.

Hikers on passage peak hike on hamilton island — Take on the beautiful hikes of Hamilton Island. (Image: Nick Leary)

Book your stay at The Sundays through hamiltonisland.com.au.

Cairns to Townsville drive: Top places to stop on this epic road trip