Hughenden and surrounds are serviced by rail, plane and bus routes and is a very accessible destination for those who prefer self-drive. There are five major roads entering Hughenden, from the north, south, east and west. Situated on the Overlander’s Way approximately half-way between Townsville and Mount Isa, the Hughenden region is a hub for many destinations.
By CAR
Driving is the most common choice for travellers, as it allows visitors more flexibility and accessibility to see all the attractions and experiences.
Hughenden does not have car hire options however larger towns or cities nearby (such as Townsville, Mount Isa or Longreach) do have options if you are looking at travelling further into Outback Queensland.
The fully sealed Flinders Highway (Overlander’s Way) runs from Townsville to Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory. Hughenden is 376km west of Townsville and 519 km east of Mount Isa. Access from the north is through the Kennedy Developmental Road. This partly sealed road is best checked before travelling as rain can change road conditions very quickly. Heading south on the Kennedy Developmental Road to Winton is a sealed road and accessible to all vehicles. The unsealed road to Muttaburra also takes travellers south and is only recommended for 4WD and high clearance vehicles. Hughenden is also part of Australia’s Dinosaur Trail which connects Hughenden, Richmond and Winton together in a prehistoric trail for young and old.
Please check road conditions prior to travel by contacting the Flinders Discovery Centre or viewing road conditions here https://www.flinders.qld.gov.au/our-infrastructure/roads.
By Coach
BUS QUEENSLAND
Bus Queensland service runs between Townsville & Mt Isa with a break in Hughenden. Services run Monday & Saturday at lunchtime (TSV to Hughenden), Tuesday & Sundays (Hughenden to TSV) & Wednesday 6pm (TSV to Hughenden). Bookings can be made at Hughenden Agencies or www. busqld.com.au or by contacting 1300 287 537
Bookings: Hughenden Agencies – 4741 1230
Meal Stop: Lights on the Hill
Departs: Hughenden Agencies (at arrival time)
| Westbound | Location | Mon & Sat | Wed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Departs | Townsville | 7.00 am | 6.00 pm |
| Arrives | Hughenden | 11.35 am | 10.35 pm |
| Departs | Hughenden | 12.25 pm | 11.35 pm |
| Arrives | Mount Isa | 7.00 pm | 6.00 am |
| Eastbound | Location | Tue & Sun | Thurs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Departs | Mount Isa | 7.10 am | 7.10 pm |
| Arrives | Hughenden | 1.40 pm | 1.40 am Fri |
| Departs | Hughenden | 2.20 pm | 2.20 am Fri |
| Arrives | Townsville | 7.00 pm | 7.00 am |
GREYHOUND
A Greyhound Australia service runs between Townsville and Tennant Creek (Northern Territory) travelling on the Flinders Highway, passing through Hughenden. Services run Wednesday & Sunday (Townsville to Alice Springs) Wednesday & Saturdays (Alice Springs to Townsville. Bookings can be made online at www.greyhound.com.au or by contacting 1300 473 946.
Bookings: Bookings are through Greyhound either Online or via phone
Meal Stop: Lights on the Hill
Departs: Lights on the Hill
| Westbound | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Departs | Townsville | 7.00 pm (Wed or Sun night) |
| Arrives | Hughenden | 11.35 pm |
| Departs | Hughenden | 12.15 am (Thurs or Mon morning) |
| Arrives | Mount Isa | 7.00 am |
| Eastbound | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Departs | Mount Isa | 12.10 am (Tue or Fri morning) |
| Arrives | Hughenden | 6.05 am |
| Departs | Hughenden | 6.40 am |
| Arrives | Townsville | 11.20am |
By AIR
REX Airlines fly every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Townsville to Mount Isa, which stops in Hughenden.
For bookings contact REX on 13 17 13, online at www.rex.com.au or visit the local Agent Flinders Discovery Centre.
| Westbound | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Departs | Townsville | 7:05 am |
| Arrives | Hughenden | 8.10 am |
| Departs | Hughenden | 8.25 am |
| Arrives | Mount Isa | 10.40 am |
| Eastbound | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Departs | Mount Isa | 12.30 pm |
| Arrives | Hughenden | 2.45 pm |
| Departs | Hughenden | 3.00 pm |
| Arrives | Townsville | 4.00 pm |
By Rail
Queensland Rail operates the Inlander passenger train, which gives travellers the opportunity to experience the heritage and natural treasures of north Queensland’s rugged yet beautiful inland. The service travels two times per week travelling from Townsville to Mount Isa on Wednesday and Saturday and Mount Isa to Townsville on Friday and Monday.
Bookings can be made by phoning Travel Train on 132 232, online at www.queenslandrailtravel.com.au or visit local agent Flinders Discovery Centre.
| Westbound | Location | Wed & Sat |
|---|---|---|
| Departs | Townsville | 12.40 pm |
| Arrives | Hughenden | 8.05 pm |
| Departs | Hughenden | 8.20 pm |
| Arrives | Mount Isa | 9.35 am (Thurs or Sun morning) |
| Eastbound | Location | Fri & Mon |
|---|---|---|
| Departs | Mount Isa | 1.30 pm (Thurs or Sun afternoon) |
| Arrives | Hughenden | 2.25 am (Fri or Mon morning) |
| Departs | Hughenden | 2.40 am |
| Arrives | Townsville | 10.10 am |