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Best driving roads near Mackay, QLD

Mackay's driving combines Whitsunday coastal access with inland sugar-cane country climbs into the Eungella Range.

Roads scored
20
Median RQS
7.9/10
Total kilometres
82 km
ProfileAllSportsMotorcycleEV4WDCaravan
SurfaceAll surfacesSealedMixedUnsealed
Min scoreAny score6+7+8+
  1. 01

    Industrial Road

    QLDResidential1 km133.1 km away
    8.4
    RQS
  2. 02

    Mia Mia Connection Road

    QLDSecondary5 km108.9 km away
    8.3
    RQS
  3. 03

    Sunset Drive

    QLDResidential1 km140.6 km away
    8.3
    RQS
  4. 04

    Lawrie Road

    QLDResidential1 km124 km away
    8.2
    RQS
  5. 05

    Refalo Drive

    QLDResidential1 km141.1 km away
    8.1
    RQS
  6. 06

    Palm Ridge Drive

    QLDResidential1 km143.5 km away
    8.1
    RQS
  7. 07

    Stevens Road

    QLDResidential0 km127.4 km away
    8.1
    RQS
  8. 08

    Miltons Lookout Road

    QLDResidential1 km128.2 km away
    8.0
    RQS
  9. 09

    Palomino Parade

    QLDResidential1 km140.3 km away
    7.9
    RQS
  10. 10

    Mirani Mount Ossa Road

    QLDSecondary38 km116.7 km away1 grey spot
    7.9
    RQS
  11. 11

    Gilbert Avenue

    QLDResidential2 km47.9 km away
    7.8
    RQS
  12. 12

    Yakapari Seaforth Road

    QLDSecondary23 km137.1 km away
    7.8
    RQS
  13. 13

    Gardiners Road

    QLDResidential2 km141.5 km away
    7.7
    RQS
  14. 14

    Logan Crescent

    QLDResidential1 km140.1 km away
    7.7
    RQS
  15. 15

    Rosalind Vista

    QLDResidential1 km147.2 km away
    7.7
    RQS
  16. 16

    Clermont Connection Road

    QLDSecondary2 km121.9 km away
    7.7
    RQS
  17. 17

    Murrays Road

    QLDResidential0 km144.7 km away
    7.6
    RQS
  18. 18

    Michael Mifsud Drive

    QLDResidential0 km143.4 km away
    7.6
    RQS
  19. 19

    Sunita Drive

    QLDResidential0 km149 km away
    7.6
    RQS
  20. 20

    Illawong Drive

    QLDResidential1 km145.8 km away
    7.6
    RQS

Eungella Range Road climbs 7 km west of the city through rainforest switchbacks to the plateau. Peak Downs Highway west opens up to the Bowen Basin for long-run highway driving. The Bruce Highway north links to the Whitsundays and south to Rockhampton.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best driving roads near Mackay?+

Contour's top three scored roads near Mackay are Industrial Road (QLD, RQS 8.4/10, 133.1 km away); Mia Mia Connection Road (QLD, RQS 8.3/10, 108.9 km away); Sunset Drive (QLD, RQS 8.3/10, 140.6 km away). All are within a two-hour touring drive of the city.

How far should I drive from Mackay to find a great road?+

The nearest excellent-rated road (RQS 8+) is Industrial Road, about 133.1 km from Mackay. Plenty of good options sit closer if you don't want the full drive.

Are there good motorcycle roads near Mackay?+

Yes. Industrial Road scores 8.3/10 for motorcycles and sits 133.1 km from Mackay. Several other strong rides sit within the same radius.

What's the best sealed road near Mackay?+

Industrial Road is fully sealed and scores 8.4/10 for driving quality. It's 133.1 km from Mackay.

Are there any dangerous sections on roads near Mackay?+

Contour has identified grey spots on 1 roads within range of Mackay - sections where the posted speed limit does not match the road geometry. Mirani Mount Ossa Road has 1. Take extra care in wet conditions.

When is the best time to drive near Mackay?+

Cyclone-class wet (December-March) closes much of the inland; dry season is the driving window.

Scores are based on road geometry, surface quality, traffic density, and crash history. Always drive to conditions and follow local road rules.