Cairns to Mackay: Road Trip Guide & Distance

366.8 miles 590.3 km · straight line
456.2 miles actual route 734.2 km · driving distance
9h 44min estimated drive time
AUD 86 - AUD 106 estimated fuel cost
~1h 14min flight time
143° SE bearing direction

How far is Cairns from Mackay?

The distance from Cairns to Mackay is 366.8 miles (590.3 km) as the crow flies. Mackay is located SE of Cairns. By car, the driving distance is approximately 456.2 miles, taking about 9h 44min. A direct flight would take roughly 1h 14min. Both are located in Australia.

This is a solid day of driving. Be sure to take breaks every 2-3 hours to avoid driver fatigue, and plan your meals ahead of time. Heading East means you'll be driving into the sunrise if you start early. Keep your windshield clean for the best visibility.

Coordinates come from public place data for Cairns and Mackay. The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Cairns to Mackay

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 9h 44min AUD 86 - AUD 106 Flexible stops
Fly ~1h 14min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~11h 41min $36–$68* Budget
Train ~9h 15min $55–$160* Comfort

Flying saves significant time. Driving is better if you want flexibility and stops.

* Estimated range. Actual prices vary by date and provider.

Suggested Stops Between Cairns & Mackay

Quick Facts

Cairns
16.92°S, 145.78°E
Australia/Brisbane
0m elevation
Mackay
21.15°S, 149.17°E
Australia/Brisbane
11m elevation

From Cairns

From Mackay

Explore more routes from Mackay

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 122 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 31 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 67.9 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM