📷 Photo by Erin Simmons on UnsplashBundaberg to Mackay: Southern Reef and Capricorn Coast
Turtle beaches, coral cays of the southern Great Barrier Reef, the tropic line at Rockhampton and the rainforest ranges behind Mackay along the Bruce Highway.
- Distance
- 1,140 km (709 mi)
- Driving
- 12 h 26 min
- Suggested days
- 7
- Stops
- 12
- States
- Queensland
- Updated
- May 2, 2026
At a glance: 7-day road trip of about 1,140 km (709 mi) with 12 stops, from Bundaberg to Cape Hillsborough National Park. About 12 h 26 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Queensland
Route description
Base yourself in Bundaberg for the first two days. Mon Repos, about 15 km east, is the mainland east coast’s turtle hotspot; nesting runs roughly November to January and hatchlings emerge to about March, with guided evening tours only. In town, the rum distillery runs tours, and light aircraft fly to Lady Elliot Island from Bundaberg and Hervey Bay for reef snorkelling and manta rays.
Drive about two hours to Agnes Water and the Town of 1770, a relaxed surf town where Captain Cook landed in 1770. Day cruises to Lady Musgrave Island leave from the Town of 1770 and spend several hours in a calm lagoon. Next, Gladstone lies about 130 km north on the Bruce Highway, with boats and helicopters to Heron Island for snorkelling and diving.
From Gladstone, Rockhampton is about 105 km and little over an hour on the Bruce Highway. The Quay Street heritage precinct and the Tropic of Capricorn spire are quick stops, and Capricorn Caves lie about 23 km north of the city, with tours only. Yeppoon is about 40 km east on the coast, a good base for beaches and the islands off Keppel Bay.
North to Mackay is a long day of roughly 330 km, about four hours, on the Bruce Highway; fuel up early and avoid dusk, when wildlife is on the road. Mackay has its Art Deco streets, then Eungella is about 85 km west on a steep, winding road, for platypus at Broken River, and Cape Hillsborough lies about 50 km north. Obey crocodile and stinger signs from here north.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Bundaberg
Queensland - 214 km
Mon Repos Turtle Rookery
NatureBundaberg, QueenslandThe largest nesting site for loggerhead turtles on the east coast of mainland Australia. Females nest from about November to January and hatchlings emerge to about March; night visits are by guided tour only and need booking.
- 3102 km
Agnes Water
Queensland - 472 km
Lady Musgrave Island
NatureAgnes Water, QueenslandA tiny coral cay in the Bunker Group, ringed by reef and holding a calm turquoise lagoon good for snorkelling. Day cruises run from the Town of 1770; camping on the island needs a permit from Queensland Parks.
- 5139 km
Gladstone
Queensland - 697 km
Heron Island
NatureGladstone, QueenslandA coral cay in the Capricorn Group with reef right off the beach, popular for snorkelling and diving, and for green turtle nesting roughly from November to March. A university research station shares the island; access is from Gladstone.
- 7172 km
Rockhampton
Queensland - 828 km
Capricorn Caves
NatureRockhampton, QueenslandLimestone caves about 23 kilometres north of Rockhampton, explored on guided tours that include the large Cathedral Cave. The caves shelter microbats, and cool air underground is a welcome break from the heat.
- 932 km
Yeppoon
Queensland - 10328 km
Mackay
Queensland - 1183 km
Broken River Platypus Viewing, Eungella
NatureEungella, QueenslandA viewing platform and picnic area on Broken River in Eungella National Park, among the more reliable places in Australia to see wild platypus, usually at dawn and dusk. Keep quiet and still; the park’s rainforest is isolated from similar forest elsewhere.
- 1274 km
Cape Hillsborough National Park
NatureCape Hillsborough, QueenslandA volcanic headland where kangaroos and wallabies come onto the beach around sunrise, a sight few places offer. There are also rainforest and mangrove boardwalks. Obey crocodile and stinger warning signs along this coast.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
7 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Bundaberg → Lady Musgrave Island · 188 km · 2 h 03 minOn the way: Mon Repos Turtle Rookery, Agnes Water.
- Day 2: Lady Musgrave Island → Gladstone · 139 km · 1 h 31 min
- Day 3: Gladstone → Heron Island · 97 km · 1 h 03 min
- Day 4: Heron Island → Yeppoon · 231 km · 2 h 31 minOn the way: Rockhampton, Capricorn Caves.
- Day 5: Yeppoon → Mackay · 328 km · 3 h 34 min
- Day 6: Mackay → Broken River Platypus Viewing, Eungella · 83 km · 0 h 54 min
- Day 7: Broken River Platypus Viewing, Eungella → Cape Hillsborough National Park · 74 km · 0 h 48 min
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–April and November. Hot in January. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Bundaberg to Mackay: Southern Reef and Capricorn Coast?
7-day road trip of about 1,140 km (709 mi) with 12 stops, from Bundaberg to Cape Hillsborough National Park. About 12 h 26 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Bundaberg to Mackay: Southern Reef and Capricorn Coast?
We suggest 7 days: about 12 h 26 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Bundaberg to Mackay: Southern Reef and Capricorn Coast start and end?
It starts in Bundaberg and ends in Cape Hillsborough National Park.
Which states does Bundaberg to Mackay: Southern Reef and Capricorn Coast pass through?
Queensland.
When is the best time for Bundaberg to Mackay: Southern Reef and Capricorn Coast?
The most pleasant months are usually May–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in February–April and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
