Let’s head to Moranbah!

Moranbah is located in the north of the Isaac Regional Shire. It’s one of the youngest towns in Queensland and was created primarily for miners and their families to live in. It’s a vibrant town, full of community spirit and warmth, which you’ll notice as you drive through. 

You might be here for an extended stay, or to use as a base for some other travels. The town sits just 200 kilometres from shore, so plenty of road trips are possible with Moranbah as your base. But, take the time to explore the town itself - there’s plenty to do, see, and discover within its boundaries. 

A hire car is an optimal choice for travelling around Moranbah. Hire one from our Thrifty Moranbah Downtown offices so that you can get out and about easily, and truly make the most of your stay. 

See Moranbah in your Hire Car

One of the standout elements of Moranbah is the Town Square. 

Take note of the public art projects on display here. The Queensland Arts Council commissioned the Musical Railway and Musical Table and Chairs with the Queensland Music Festival. Enjoy the artwork and explore the exhibition: it’ll be a fun couple of hours out and about in the community experiencing the artwork. 

Perhaps also visit the ‘Australia Remembers’ mural. It’s a poignant tribute to the brave men and women who served in World War II. The mural was originally painted in 1995 by a group of Moranbah State High School Students as part of a community program. 

With all this exploring, you’ll likely work up an appetite. Head to one of the many restaurants in the area, like Woods and Irons Restaurant, Moranbah Workers Club, or Mexicasa Restaurant and Bar. Each eatery is delicious and well worth a visit. 

Explore Queensland in your Hire Car

Moranbah lies just 200 kilometres from Mackay, a much-loved tourist destination that is known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, Harbour Beach, Bluewater Lagoon, and beautiful marina. 

Consider making the 4-hour trip to Mackay. Perhaps drive over for a few days of adventure and exploration - you won’t regret it! Some highlights include Eungella National Park, with Eungella meaning ‘a land in the clouds’. This phenomenal sight won’t disappoint, as clouds constantly decorate the peaks of Eungella - trust us when we tell you it’s beautiful. But, be warned, this spot is 800 metres above sea level, meaning that it can get a bit chilly. Make sure to pack a spare jumper in your rental car, as even though you’re in the glorious Queensland sun, you might get cold at the top. 

Of course, it goes without saying that no trip to Mackay is complete without a visit to the Reef. The Great Barrier Reef sits just a couple of hours offshore, so drive up to the harbour and park up for the day, as this trip is not to be missed. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is simply incredible, which you can see for yourself on a boat tour. 

Moranbah is a great place to stay. The youngest town in Queensland, it has a fantastic vibrancy that you’ll notice as soon as you leave our Thrifty Moranbah Downtown location. Enjoy your trip!