melbourne to mackay qld road trip

Top 10 trips from Melbourne to Mackay

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The driving time from Melbourne, Victoria to Mackay, Queensland is:

25 hours, 13 minutes.

Average driving speed: 57.2 mph Kilometers per hour: 92.1 km/h This is based on typical traffic conditions for this route.

• Melbourne to Mackay drive
• trips from Melbourne to Mackay

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Map of driving directions from Melbourne, Australia to Mackay, Australia

View a map with driving directions using your preferred map provider: Google Maps , Bing Maps , or MapQuest . You can use DriveDistance.com to find out how far is it to drive from Melbourne to Mackay with full directions.

More trip calculations

• Driving Distance
• Cost To Drive
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• Places To Stop
• Hotels near Mackay, Australia
• Flight Duration
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• airports near Mackay, Australia
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Driving time from Melbourne, Australia to Mackay, Australia

How long is the drive from Melbourne, Australia to Mackay, Australia? The total driving time is 25 hours, 13 minutes .

Your trip begins in Melbourne, Australia. It ends in Mackay, Australia.

If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Melbourne, Australia to Mackay, Australia .

You can also calculate the cost to drive from Melbourne, Australia to Mackay, Australia based on current local gas prices and an estimate of your car's best gas mileage.

Since this is a long drive, you might want to stop halfway and stay overnight in a hotel. You can find the city that is halfway between Melbourne, Australia and Mackay, Australia .

Planning to fly a plane instead? You might be more interested in calculating the flight time from Melbourne, Australia to Mackay, Australia.

Melbourne, Victoria

Related links.

• airlines serving Melbourne, Australia
• hotels near Melbourne, Australia
• airports near Melbourne, Australia
• cities near Melbourne, Australia

Mackay, Queensland

• hotels near Mackay, Australia
• cities near Mackay, Australia

Driving time calculator

Travelmath helps you find the driving time based on actual directions for your road trip. You can find out how long it will take to drive between any two cities, airports, states, countries, or zip codes. This can also help you plan the best route to travel to your destination. Compare the results with the flight time calculator to see how much longer it might take to drive the distance instead of flying. You can also print out pages with a travel map.

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How to travel from Melbourne to Mackay, Australia

The distance between Melbourne and Mackay is around 2,175km (1,351 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take the bus which takes around 6h 45m.

5 routes found

We've found 5 different ways to get from Melbourne to Mackay by plane, bus, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out Mackay → Melbourne if you're planning a return trip.

Plane and Bus

Fly from Melbourne (MEL) to Hamilton Island (HTI) then take the bus to Mackay.

• Duration 6h 45m
• Flight time 2h 55m
• Typical cost A$515 ( $345 )

Multiple operators

Take the train to Central Station then Brisbane and then to Mackay.

• Duration 1 day 14h
• Departs 5 times a week
• Typical cost A$350 ( $235 )

Multiple train operators

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

Take the bus to Sydney then Brisbane and then to Mackay.

• Duration 1 day 22h
• Departs once daily
• Typical cost A$460 ( $310 )

Multiple bus operators

Drive to Mackay.

• Duration 1 day 2h
• Distance 2,289km (1,423 miles)

Frequently asked questions about travel between Melbourne and Mackay

Popular questions, how do i get from melbourne to mackay.

There are several options for getting from Melbourne to Mackay by plane, bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around A$350 ($235) and will take around 1 day 14h. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and then take the bus and arrive in approximately 6h 45m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately A$515 ($345).

What is the distance between Melbourne and Mackay?

The distance between Melbourne and Mackay is around 2,175km (1,351 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 1,898km (1,179 miles)

How long does it take to travel from Melbourne to Mackay?

It takes around 6h 45m to get from Melbourne and Mackay by plane and bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 1 day 2h to drive there.

What is the fastest way to travel from Melbourne to Mackay?

The quickest way to get from Melbourne to Mackay is to fly and then take the bus which takes around 6h 45m and will set you back approx A$515 ($345).

What is the cheapest way to travel from Melbourne to Mackay?

The cheapest way to travel between Melbourne and Mackay, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around A$350 ($235) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Is there a train that runs from melbourne to mackay.

Yes there is a train service that runs between Melbourne and Mackay. It typically takes around 1 day 14h and departs 5 times a week.

Is there a direct train service from Melbourne to Mackay?

There are no direct train services that runs from Melbourne to Mackay. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Central Station and Brisbane. These services run 5 times a week and will take a minimum of 1 day 14h.

Who runs the train services between Melbourne and Mackay?

XPT, NSW TrainLink and Queensland Rail Travel run train services between Melbourne and Mackay. Trains depart 5 times a week and will take around 1 day 14h, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Is there a bus that runs from Melbourne to Mackay?

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Melbourne and Mackay. It typically takes around 1 day 22h and departs once daily.

Is there a direct bus service from Melbourne to Mackay?

There are no direct bus services that runs from Melbourne to Mackay. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Sydney and Brisbane. These services run once daily and will take a minimum of 1 day 22h.

Who operates the bus services between Melbourne and Mackay?

Greyhound Australia, Firefly Express and Premier Motor Service run regular bus services between Melbourne and Mackay. Buses run once daily and take around 1 day 22h on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Can i fly from melbourne to mackay.

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Melbourne to Mackay. We recommend that you fly from Melbourne (MEL) to Hamilton Island (HTI) then take the bus to Mackay. instead which will take 6h 45m.

What is the closest airport to Mackay?

The closest major airport to Mackay is Mackay Airport (MKY) (MKY) which is approximately 4km (2 miles) from Mackay. Hamilton Island Airport (HTI) (HTI) and Cairns Airport (CNS) (CNS) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Can i drive from melbourne to mackay and how long does it take.

Yes it is possible to drive from Melbourne and Mackay. The distance is around 2,289km (1,423 miles) by road and it will take around 1 day 2h in normal traffic conditons.

How do I get from Melbourne to Mackay if I don't have a car?

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Melbourne to Mackay is to fly and then take the bus which takes, on average, 6h 45m and will usually cost around A$515 ($345).

Compare travel options between Melbourne and Mackay

Top carriers operating between melbourne and mackay.

Virgin Australia

Train operators

NSW TrainLink

Queensland Rail Travel

Bus companies

Premier Motor Service

Firefly Express

Airports near Mackay

The following major airports near Mackay offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Australia and internationally.

Mackay Airport (MKY)

Hamilton island airport (hti), cairns airport (cns), where to next from mackay, arvó is currently in private beta testing.

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Featured Events in Mackay in Apr 2024 (Continuously Updated)

In the vibrant city of Mackay, April 2024 is set to be an exciting month filled with a variety of events. The city will be buzzing with activity, offering a diverse range of experiences for locals and visitors alike. From cultural festivals to sporting events, the April 2024 events in Mackay promise to cater to a wide array of interests. The city's event calendar is packed with unique and engaging activities, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Whether one is a music enthusiast, a food lover, a sports fan, or simply someone looking for a fun-filled day out, the April 2024 events in Mackay are sure to deliver. The city's commitment to hosting a diverse range of events is a testament to its vibrant community spirit and its dedication to providing memorable experiences for all. So, mark the calendar and prepare to immerse in the lively atmosphere of Mackay in April 2024.

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More EV drivers embracing outback roads amid plan to expand Queensland's charger network

Queenslander Justin Searle lives almost 1,000 kilometres from the nearest service centre, but that did not stop him from buying an electric vehicle (EV).

The outback miner says the decision to ditch the country favourite 4WD surprised his mates.

"There is definitely the perception that EVs don't work in the bush, but if the charging infrastructure is there it really is easy," Mr Searle said.

Fifty-five public charging stations are now switched on across rural and remote Queensland and Mr Searle is among a growing number of EV drivers taking to the open road.

He says the installation of charging stations along the arterial Flinders Highway from Mount Isa to Townsville mean he can easily navigate the 10-hour drive to the coast.

"I get 440 kilometres on a full charge and it takes about an hour to charge fully from near-empty," Mr Searle said.

"But the reality is you're probably going to make a few stops along the way to stretch your legs, doing top-up charges, which all-up will probably tag about an hour onto your trip," he said, adding that it costs him about $40 to travel 900km.

Mr Searle said that while the environmental benefits of EVs were a plus, it was the long-term economic perks that convinced him to go electric. 

"The final point that put me over the line was the fringe benefits tax exemption that you get with a novated lease.

"I end up saving about $45,000 over five years," he said.

Opening up the outback

As tourist season gets underway in rural Queensland an increasing number of electric car owners are heading to the outback from the coast, according to Sam Bush, a manager for assets and operations with Yurika, which is a branch of Energy Queensland that is installing chargers in remote areas.

"We're seeing an uptick in EV type tourism," he said.

"We have a lot of customers that comment about how it's providing them the ability to take their families on holiday using their EV.

"We're actually starting to see some of the regional areas becoming real hotspots for EV owners."

The purchase of electric cars in Australia more than doubled in 2023, when 98,436 new EVs hit the road, according to the Electric Vehicle Council.

The group predicts the market will continue to grow by 30-50 per cent each year.

Vandalism, charging fears

But Mr Searle said limitations including a lack of EV mechanics and examples of targeted EV vandalism were holding back rural communities.

"Although the EVs are low maintenance compared to your diesel and petrol cars, if something does go wrong I still have that anxiety with the closest service centre being in Townsville," he said.

Mr Searle said cases of vandalism against vehicles and charging stations were also a deterrent.

"Some people are just deliberately targeting EVs," he said.

"There have been cases in Mount Isa where people run shopping trolleys into them and things like that."

Mr Searle said there could also be a risk of queuing at the charging stations dotted along the highways as more EV drivers headed to the bush.

Mr Bush said there would be plans to expand existing services if demand rose.

"As more vehicles use the electric highway, we will be upgrading the technology to larger capacity charges, so that, potentially, people will only be required to charge for five to 10 minutes," he said.

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Brisbane to Mackay road trip: Distance, driving time & stops

• David Whitley
• Practicalities

The best stops on a Brisbane to Mackay road trip include the Glass House Mountains, Fraser Island and Yeppoon. The distance from Brisbane to Mackay is 968km, with a driving time of around 11h2m.

A Brisbane to Mackay road trip can string together several highlights of Queensland , including the Sunshine Coast and Fraser Island. Unfortunately, many of the top attractions are away from the Bruce Highway , which is the quickest driving route between the two cities.

Mackay is home to an excellent value Whitsunday Islands cruise which includes snorkelling equipment and paddleboards. To choose from the best Mackay tours and experiences, head this way . To select the right Mackay accommodation for you, book here .

The best thing to do in Mackay is a snorkelling cruise around the South Cumberland Islands .

Brisbane to Mackay distance and driving time

The distance from Brisbane to Mackay by car is 968km. This makes for a driving time of around eleven hours and two minutes.

6 supreme Brisbane day trips that will improve your holiday

• Moreton Island day trip – with kayaking, sandboarding and snorkelling or with dolphin-feeding and desert dunes adventure .
• Springbrook National Park glowworms and rainforest tour – including Tamborine Skywalk.
• Eumundi Markets day trip – Australia’s best markets, plus the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa.
• North Stradbroke Island day tour – with cruise, wildlife spotting and guided walk.
• Tamborine Mountain winery tour – with gourmet lunch.
• Maialia rainforest walking and wildlife tour – visit lesser-known D’Aguilar National Park.

Departing north from Brisbane, the Brisbane to Mackay drive passes Burpengary and  Caboolture . The cracking views from the  Wild Horse Mountain scenic lookout are next to the highway, but a short detour towards Mount Ngungun and Mount Tibrogargan in the Glass House Mountains is more rewarding.  Australia Zoo is also nearby.

Click for the next section: Sunshine Coast attractions worth stopping for.

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Sunshine Coast (Queensland) to Mackay drive

Sunshine coast (queensland) to mackay road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Sunshine Coast (Queensland) to Mackay. If you're planning a road trip to Mackay, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Sunshine Coast (Queensland) drive for about 58 minutes

10:58 am   Gympie stay for about 1 hour and leave at 11:58 am drive for about 1.5 hours

1:29 pm   Childers stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:29 pm drive for about 2 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 4.5 hours

10:00 am  leave from Tannum Sands drive for about 1.5 hours

11:30 am   Rockhampton stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:30 pm drive for about 4.5 hours

5:09 pm  arrive in Mackay

day 2 driving ≈ 6 hours

Where should I stop along the way?

Gympie Childers Tannum Sands   (2 answers)     questions about Tannum Sands:         What is your favorite restaurant in Tannum Sands? Rockhampton

What are some things to do in Mackay?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Mackay.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Mackay to Sunshine Coast (Queensland) drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Sunshine Coast (Queensland) to Mackay . Or get a full Sunshine Coast (Queensland) to Mackay flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Sunshine Coast (Queensland) well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Sunshine Coast (Queensland)!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Sunshine Coast to Mackay

places to eat

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