If you’re travelling from Cairns - the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef - to the coastal city of Townsville, you’re in for an uplifting and inspiring journey. From high-energy adventures to moments of relaxation, discover the best sights to see along the way in our guide below.

Kickoff in Cairns

First things first, pick up your Thrifty rental car from our Cairns Airport or Cairns Central branch to kick off your exploration of tropical Far North Queensland. Fuel up with breakfast at Helga’s Pancake House in the city for a sweet (or savoury) start to your day. Located in the historic Grafton House, enjoy your breakfast in a funky indoor setting or outdoors to embrace the tropical atmosphere. If you’re visiting Cairns over the weekend and want to add a little local exploration to your itinerary, check out Rusty’s Markets. A local icon boasting over 180 stalls, grab some fresh fruit and veg for your road trip, try out local delicacies and check out an array of works and wares here before leaving Cairns. With breakfast and a morning market under your belt, make your way to Mission Beach, for your next stop en route to Townsville. For hikers and trekkers, the Kennedy Walking Track is a popular 8 km loop track from South Mission Beach to Kennedy Bay with scenic stops and lookouts along the way. Prepare to see a range of wildlife and pack a picnic for lunch at the halfway point.

Coastal Drive to Paluma

After adventuring the Cassowary Coast Region, continue south toward the Paluma Range National Park - about a three-hour drive in your Thrifty rental car. Embrace the seaside views as you cruise past the Family Islands and break up the drive with a stopover in Cardwell. From here, you’ll see Hinchinbrook Island across the coast - where many venture to trek the multi-day Thorsborne Trail - and the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Wet Tropics of Queensland on the other side of town. Visit the Historic Cardwell Post Office & Telegraph Station to delve into local culture before continuing your adventure. Other points of interest in the area include the TYTO Wetlands in Ingham and Wallaman Falls in Girringun National Park. Once you’ve reached the Paluma Range National Park, let your worries melt away as you soak up the ambient rainforest atmosphere. From the Jourama Falls in the north of the Park to the almost 1000-metre-high Mount Spec in the south, you’ll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty here. The Witts Lookout is an easy track that takes you from the shady trees of McClelland's Lookout and through the forest to reach the Lower Lookout. Pause for a picnic here, or take a refreshing splash in Little Crystal Creek.

Escape to Magnetic Island

Next up, continue driving south for around an hour to reach Townsville. But before you explore the city, jump on the ferry to Magnetic Island for a tropical escape. Load up your vehicle and enjoy the 40-minute cruise across the Coral Sea, taking in the serene atmosphere and views of turquoise waters. Magnetic Island is a colourful paradise abundant with natural beauty and wildlife, from the laid-back vibes of Arcadia to the bustling streets of Picnic Bay, there really is something for everyone. Dive into tropical waters and see beautiful marine life before your eyes with a snorkel or scuba dive in one of Magnetic Island’s bays or beaches. Pleasure Divers are based in Arcadia and offer beginner dive courses for those new to scuba. For snorkelling, the Nelly Bay trail is ideal for beginners, with vibrant corals and giant clams seen just under the water, while rainbows of fish species await you at the Geoffrey Bay snorkel trail area, with more challenging sites to explore here for stronger swimmers. Congratulate yourself after a hard day exploring the corals with a pizza and a pint at Sandi’s Beach Bar and Restaurant for dinner. Serving up weekly specials, locally caught seafood and tapas, relax in the stunning setting of Horseshoe Bay and feel the atmosphere of Magnetic Island after dark come to life. If you’re planning on extending your stay on the Island, there are plenty of accommodation options available.

Discovering Townsville

Now that you’ve arrived in Townsville, it’s time to put the long days of driving behind you and relax with city exploration. At Billabong Sanctuary, wildlife lovers will get their fix of all things cute, cuddly and crawly. Ever wanted to take a selfie with a koala or hold a baby crocodile? There are a ton of interactive experiences available here, and the best part is, all of them are free! However, if you do want to elevate your visit, there are exclusive, personalised guided tours on offer as well. With shows throughout the day including crocodile feeding demonstrations and a free flight bird show, you’ll get non-stop entertainment at Billabong whether you visit for a few hours or the whole day. Before the sun sets on your day in Townsville, drive up to Castle Hill - the pink rock formation that stands tall in the city centre. Whether you reach the peak on foot or by car, you’ll get epic views of the city and surroundings here for a perfect way to reflect on your journey so far. End your night on The Strand - Townsville’s booming beachfront promenade. Lined with rooftop bars and restaurants, picturesque parks and unique boutiques, a stroll along The Strand will leave you soaking in the feeling of a beachside holiday, with your next travel destination in your sights.

After your journey from Cairns to Townsville, you’ll have exciting memories and a lifetime of laughs to look back on, whether you’re travelling solo, or with friends and fam. With a Thrifty to accompany you, you can set the pace of your exploration of Far North Queensland and let the open road be your guide.