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Best driving roads near Townsville, QLD

Townsville's driving is a mix of coastal sealed highway and inland gravel access - less technical than the southern corners but long-run and open.

Roads scored
20
Median RQS
7.6/10
Total kilometres
16 km
ProfileAllSportsMotorcycleEV4WDCaravan
SurfaceAll surfacesSealedMixedUnsealed
Min scoreAny score6+7+8+
  1. 01

    Arcadia - Horseshoe Bay Road

    QLDSecondary2 km139.9 km away1 grey spot
    9.2
    RQS
  2. 02

    St James Drive

    QLDResidential1 km126 km away1 grey spot
    8.4
    RQS
  3. 03

    Nelly Bay Road

    QLDSecondary2 km135.8 km away3 grey spots
    8.1
    RQS
  4. 04

    Bill Court

    QLDResidential0 km126.8 km away4 grey spots
    8.1
    RQS
  5. 05

    Splendour Circuit

    QLDResidential0 km125 km away2 grey spots
    8.1
    RQS
  6. 06

    Girraween Avenue

    QLDResidential1 km116.5 km away5 grey spots
    8.0
    RQS
  7. 07

    Melrose Crescent

    QLDResidential1 km110.4 km away3 grey spots
    7.9
    RQS
  8. 08

    Mango Parkway

    QLDResidential0 km137.2 km away2 grey spots
    7.7
    RQS
  9. 09

    Pandanus Drive

    QLDResidential1 km140.5 km away9 grey spots
    7.6
    RQS
  10. 10

    Minaret Way

    QLDResidential1 km119.1 km away3 grey spots
    7.6
    RQS
  11. 11

    John Dory Street

    QLDResidential1 km142.3 km away8 grey spots
    7.6
    RQS
  12. 12

    McCabe Crescent

    QLDResidential1 km138.5 km away2 grey spots
    7.6
    RQS
  13. 13

    Mueller Street

    QLDResidential0 km121.7 km away2 grey spots
    7.6
    RQS
  14. 14

    Coolibah Court

    QLDResidential0 km126.6 km away7 grey spots
    7.5
    RQS
  15. 15

    Wallaby Way

    QLDResidential1 km139.8 km away12 grey spots
    7.5
    RQS
  16. 16

    Nobel Street

    QLDResidential0 km121.3 km away2 grey spots
    7.4
    RQS
  17. 17

    Country Road

    QLDResidential1 km125.9 km away16 grey spots
    7.4
    RQS
  18. 18

    Rutherford Street

    QLDResidential1 km33.7 km away20 grey spots
    7.3
    RQS
  19. 19

    Jonquil Crescent

    QLDResidential0 km120.1 km away2 grey spots
    7.3
    RQS
  20. 20

    Sargeant Street

    QLDResidential1 km122 km away1 grey spot
    7.3
    RQS

The Hervey Range Developmental Road climbs the escarpment west of Townsville with long sweeping corners. Paluma Range Road north is a short steep climb through rainforest. Further west, Charters Towers and the Greenvale mine roads extend the range for longer-day trips.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best driving roads near Townsville?+

Contour's top three scored roads near Townsville are Arcadia - Horseshoe Bay Road (QLD, RQS 9.2/10, 139.9 km away); St James Drive (QLD, RQS 8.4/10, 126 km away); Nelly Bay Road (QLD, RQS 8.1/10, 135.8 km away). All are within a two-hour touring drive of the city.

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

The nearest excellent-rated road (RQS 8+) is Arcadia - Horseshoe Bay Road, about 139.9 km from Townsville. Plenty of good options sit closer if you don't want the full drive.

Are there good motorcycle roads near Townsville?+

Yes. Arcadia - Horseshoe Bay Road scores 9.1/10 for motorcycles and sits 139.9 km from Townsville. Several other strong rides sit within the same radius.

What's the best sealed road near Townsville?+

Arcadia - Horseshoe Bay Road is fully sealed and scores 9.2/10 for driving quality. It's 139.9 km from Townsville.

Are there any dangerous sections on roads near Townsville?+

Contour has identified grey spots on 20 roads within range of Townsville - sections where the posted speed limit does not match the road geometry. Arcadia - Horseshoe Bay Road has 1. Take extra care in wet conditions.

When is the best time to drive near Townsville?+

Wet season (December-March) closes much of the inland gravel; winter is dry and clear.

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