Best driving roads near Mackay, QLD
Mackay's driving combines Whitsunday coastal access with inland sugar-cane country climbs into the Eungella Range.
- 01
Matheison Road
QLDResidential1 km122.3 km away7.2RQS - 02
Majors Road
QLDResidential1 km148.2 km away7.0RQS - 03
Dunwoody Road
QLDResidential1 km140.8 km away6.9RQS - 04
Laws Road
QLDResidential1 km121.1 km away6.8RQS - 05
Snake Road
QLDResidential2 km100.1 km away6.7RQS - 06
Chelmans Road
QLDResidential3 km101.2 km away6.7RQS - 07
Ian Reddacliff Drive
QLDResidential2 km135.2 km away6.7RQS - 08
Currans Gully Road
QLDResidential1 km102 km away6.7RQS - 09
Upper O'Connell Road
QLDResidential2 km124.4 km away6.7RQS
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 Matheison Road (QLD, RQS 7.2/10, 122.3 km away); Majors Road (QLD, RQS 7.0/10, 148.2 km away); Dunwoody Road (QLD, RQS 6.9/10, 140.8 km away). All are within a two-hour touring drive of the city.
Are there good motorcycle roads near Mackay?+
Yes. Matheison Road scores 7.4/10 for motorcycles and sits 122.3 km from Mackay. Several other strong rides sit within the same radius.
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.