Getting Around
Getting around Queensland
So you've finally decided on where you're going; now it's time to figure out how you're going to get around. To help make that a little simpler for you, we've got all of the options you'll need right here. So have a look… there are car hire, buses, airplanes, trains and public transport for you to consider. Don’t forget…venturing off the main roads and beaten track can be half the fun.
Catch a bus
Queensland is a big state and if you prefer to leave the driving to someone else why not catch a bus. Greyhound Australia runs express services in air-conditioned comfort along the Queensland coast and Outback. An alternative is Oz Experience who offer flexible touring passes.
Express Bus
- Sydney - Brisbane 12 hours
- Brisbane - Hervey Bay 5.5 hours
- Hervey Bay - Rockhampton7 hours
- Rockhampton - Mackay 4.5 hours
- Mackay - Airlie Beach 2 hours
- Airlie Beach - Townsville 4 hours
- Townsville - Cairns 6 hours
- Townsville - Mt. Isa11.5 hours
- Brisbane - Longreach 18 hours
Public Transport
Buses, trains and ferries are the most popular forms of transport for getting from A to B - from beaches, hostels, pubs and shops. If you're in South-East Queensland and have a TransLink ticket you can use all three to get between drinking holes. Visit TransLink for timetable information.
Trains
Watch the countryside roll by as you travel in style on a modern trains or go back in time on one of the old rattlers. Train services run along the Queensland coast from Brisbane to Cairns, through the northern gulf and savannah areas, and west to Charleville, Longreach and Mount Isa.
Rail
- Sydney - Brisbane 13.5 hours
- Brisbane - Maryborough 5 hours
- Maryborough - Rockhampton 6 hours
- Rockhampton - Mackay 6 hours
- Mackay - Proserpine 2 hours
- Proserpine - Townsville 4.5 hours
- Townsville - Cairns 7.5 hours
- Townsville - Mt. Isa 7.5 hours
- Brisbane - Longreach 12 hours
Flying
With international airports in Brisbane, Cairns and the Gold Coast, plus many regional airports, air travel is an efficient and reliable way to get around. Qantas, VirginBlue, JetStar and a number of smaller regional carriers have bought the cost of flying down and make it a good option for many destinations.
Driving yourself
Driving yourself is one of the best ways to explore Queensland – but don’t try to do it in one day. Driving distances are likely to be more than you are used to. Taking your time and getting off the beaten track is all the more fun. Either hire a car or campervan, or buy one and sell it when the journey is over.
Car- Outback
- Brisbane - Longreach 1180 km
- Rockhampton - Longreach 680 km
- Longreach - Mt. Isa 650 km
- Townsville - Mt.Isa 900 km
- Cairns - Normanton (the Gulf) 700 km
Car- Coastal
- Brisbane-Gold Coast 100km
- Brisbane-Sunshine Coast 110km
- Sunshine Coast-Hervey Bay 190km
- Hervey Bay-Rockhampton 470km
- Rockhampton-Mackay 335km
- Mackay-Airlie Beach 150km
- Airlie Beach-Townsville 280km
- Townsville-Cairns 350km
- Cairns-Cape Tribulation 150km
- Cape Tribulation-Cooktown (4WD only) 100km
- Cooktown-Cape York Peninsula (4WD only) 815km
BEST WAYS TO GET AROUND
For more information on getting around Queensland check out the links below.
CAR:
Hire:
Buy:
AIR:
BUS:
OTHER:
