Airlie Beach to Townsville Drive Itinerary
From Airlie Beach to Townsville

Trip Length: 3 days  Total Distance: 475 km  Road Conditions: All sealed roads
Airlie Beach			Bowen			Ayr			Townsville

Description

Explore the northern tropics with this 3-day coastal tour, including the charming towns of Bowen, Home Hill, Ayr and onto Townsville. The area is home to some of the best weather in the Australia, and the delicious Bowen Mango! The local produce is a definite 'must do' of this tour.

Day to Day Outline

Drive Segment	Duration	Distance
Airlie Beach to Bowen	3 hrs 30 mins	257 kms
Bowen to Ayr	1 hr 30 mins	115 kms
Ayr to Townsville	1 hr 30 mins	103 kms

Day by Day Outline

• Day 1: Airlie Beach to Bowen
• Day 2: Bowen to Ayr
• Day 3: Ayr to Townsville

Day 1: Airlie Beach to Bowen

Spend the morning having a quick look around the local area. The Whitsundays are one of Australia's premier holiday destinations and home to many of the renowned island resorts of Queensland. The main town is Airlie Beach. Shute Harbour, just down the road, is the major departure point for reef and island excursions, home to many of the sailing and diving operators.

Head north to Bowen, and because it's such a short trip today, take a detour out to Collinsville, an old mining town. In Collinsville, a memorial statue at the entrance to the United Mineworkers Club in Railway Road bears testimony to the miners that have been killed in the district over the years and eight murals around town represent aspects of regional coalmining.

Continue on to Bowen, a jewel in the Whitsunday crown, where you will find untouched beaches, beautiful bays and the perfect tropical climate. Bowen is one of the undiscovered treats of Queensland and an ideal destination for those seeking a laidback beach holiday.

Bowen is now home to the famous 'BIG MANGO', situated next to the Bowen Visitor Information Centre on the Bruce Highway. The Centre stocks a range of Mango souvenirs and preserves as well as the famous locally produced 'Mango Ice Cream'.

Overnight in Bowen.

About the Drive

3 hrs 30 mins
257 kms
Sealed

Day 2: Bowen to Ayr

Have a relaxing morning discovering the remaining sights in Bowen, before heading north to Home Hill. Situated at the southern approach of the Burdekin Bridge, Home Hill was originally was part of the Inkerman Downs Cattle Station. The town has most amenities to cater for the traveller and a range of sporting interests are catered for including a golf club and a pistol shooting club. It is the gateway to the popular Groper Creek fishing and crabbing spot.

Home Hill is home to the famous Ashworth's Tourist Centre, where you will find the Ashworth's Jewellers, Rock Shop and the unbelievable Treasures of the Earth Display, all under one roof. See the murals that depict the district's rural life and visit the Lion's Diorama, a tribute to the pioneers and the history of the Burdekin Irrigation Scheme. Spend some time around the town and experience some country town hospitality as well as the Zara Cultural Art Gallery and Museum.

Continue on to Ayr. With more than 300 glorious sunny days each year, today's destination - the Ayr district - truly is the winterless north. The spectacular Burdekin Bridge is known as the silver link and was the longest bridge in Australia for many years. It is the district's best known landmark.

The district is well served by all forms of accommodation and dining options to suit all tastes and budgets and is renowned for its friendly service. And if you happen to be travelling through in September, stop in and enjoy the Burdekin Water Festival.

Overnight in Ayr.

About the Drive

1 hr 30 mins
115 kms
Sealed

Day 3: Ayr to Townsville

Before you head off today, view the vast flat farmlands and wetlands of the Burdekin district from the best vantage points - the lookouts of Mount Inkerman and Mount Kelly.

Just south of Townsville, Bowling Green Bay National Park is a great place to stop for a swim and morning tea or a barbeque lunch.

Arriving in Townsville, visit the Museum of Tropical Queensland, open daily. The museum will fascinate you with its magnificent gallery, the Pandora shipwreck exhibit and treasures of Tropical North Queensland. And if you have some extra time, catch the ferry across to Magnetic Island and spend time exploring the numerous local beaches and scenic coves. The ferry takes 25 minutes each way and operates until approximately 11pm daily. Alternatively you could take your own car via the car and passenger ferry. Explore the beautiful national park walks to 'the forts' overlooking the magnificent views of the whole national park.

About the Drive

1 hr 30 mins
103 kms
Sealed