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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
59 km
ProfileAllSportsMotorcycleEV4WDCaravan
SurfaceAll surfacesSealedMixedUnsealed
Min scoreAny score6+7+8+
  1. 01

    Industrial Road

    QLDResidential1 km133.1 km away10 grey spots
    8.4
    RQS
  2. 02

    Sunset Drive

    QLDResidential1 km140.6 km away44 grey spots
    8.3
    RQS
  3. 03

    Mia Mia Connection Road

    QLDSecondary5 km108.9 km away14 grey spots
    8.3
    RQS
  4. 04

    Refalo Drive

    QLDResidential1 km141.1 km away2 grey spots
    8.1
    RQS
  5. 05

    Gilbert Avenue

    QLDResidential2 km47.9 km away5 grey spots
    8.1
    RQS
  6. 06

    Palm Ridge Drive

    QLDResidential1 km143.5 km away1 grey spot
    8.1
    RQS
  7. 07

    Barnes Road

    QLDResidential1 km142.3 km away11 grey spots
    8.1
    RQS
  8. 08

    Mirani Mount Ossa Road

    QLDSecondary38 km116.7 km away80 grey spots
    8.0
    RQS
  9. 09

    Lawrie Road

    QLDResidential1 km124 km away4 grey spots
    8.0
    RQS
  10. 10

    Gardiners Road

    QLDResidential2 km141.5 km away3 grey spots
    7.9
    RQS
  11. 11

    Miltons Lookout Road

    QLDResidential1 km128.2 km away2 grey spots
    7.9
    RQS
  12. 12

    Logan Crescent

    QLDResidential1 km140.1 km away5 grey spots
    7.8
    RQS
  13. 13

    Palomino Parade

    QLDResidential1 km140.3 km away1 grey spot
    7.8
    RQS
  14. 14

    Palmetto Crescent

    QLDResidential0 km149 km away3 grey spots
    7.6
    RQS
  15. 15

    Stevic Street

    QLDResidential1 km132.6 km away3 grey spots
    7.6
    RQS
  16. 16

    Leichhardt Place

    QLDResidential0 km47.7 km away2 grey spots
    7.6
    RQS
  17. 17

    Stellajean Crescent

    QLDResidential1 km143.2 km away3 grey spots
    7.6
    RQS
  18. 18

    Dobinson Street

    QLDResidential0 km149.4 km away1 grey spot
    7.6
    RQS
  19. 19

    Illawong Drive

    QLDResidential1 km145.8 km away1 grey spot
    7.6
    RQS
  20. 20

    Danmaar Drive

    QLDResidential1 km141.4 km away3 grey spots
    7.5
    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); Sunset Drive (QLD, RQS 8.3/10, 140.6 km away); Mia Mia Connection Road (QLD, RQS 8.3/10, 108.9 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. Sunset Drive scores 8.3/10 for motorcycles and sits 140.6 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 20 roads within range of Mackay - sections where the posted speed limit does not match the road geometry. Industrial Road has 10. 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.