Australia is huge, with open roads, stunning scenery, and an unforgettable experience. My trip on the East Coast of Australia was from Townsville to Airlie Beach and spanned almost 275 km. This post is about my own experiences, from surprise road adventures to living in a campervan, driving through the Australian bush, and finding accommodation.
Townsville to Airlie Beach Trip
I started from Townsville , a city in the northeastern state of Queensland, and headed toward Airlie Beach. My route was a mix of highways, open landscapes, and tiny towns with barely any people.
| Route | Distance | Estimated Time |
|---|
| Townsville to Airlie Beach | 275 km | ~3.5 hours |
The ride was smooth, with clear roads and virtually no traffic. But as the sun started to set, I realized my fuel tank was almost dry! A nightmare, given how remote these roads are.
Running Out of Gas on an Isolated Road
As I was driving along the open road, there was hardly any traffic or civilization around. All that could be heard was the rumble of my campervan moving down the deserted road. And then, I saw that the fuel gauge was on empty!
I looked at the map, and the nearest petrol station was 8 km away. Would I arrive, or would I be stuck in the middle of nowhere?
Arriving at the station, I was relieved but the station was shut down! This was a genuine “what now?” moment. Luckily, after another couple of kilometers, I spotted an open Caltex station and was able to refuel. But there was a catch they only had premium fuel, which cost much more.
| Fuel Type | Regular Price | Premium Price at Station |
|---|
| Unleaded 95 | 1.75 AUD per liter | 2.02 AUD per liter |
I had no other option but to fill up 36 liters at a cost of almost 72 AUD (~7,200 INR), much higher than I would have anticipated to spend on petrol.
Arrival at Airlie Beach – Where to Stay?
By the time I reached Airlie Beach, it was dark. My initial plan was to camp, but there was a problem the campsite was booked out. Instead, I settled for an alternative:
🔹 Nomads Hostel – Airlie Beach
🔹 Cost: 47 AUD per night (for campervan parking)
🔹 Facilities: Laundry, kitchen, bathroom, common area, swimming pool
I had two choices:
1. Share a hostel room for 65 AUD per night.
2. Park my campervan at 47 AUD per night.
I opted for the campervan option since I wanted privacy. Although the powered site was more expensive (I didn’t require power as my van was solar-powered), it was still the best choice.
Life in a Campervan – A Reality Check
Living in a campervan is not as glamorous as social media makes it seem. There are pros and cons to consider:
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|
| Flexibility – Drive & stop anywhere | Limited space to move/sleep |
| Solar-powered – No need for external electricity | Fuel costs are high |
| Budget-friendly accommodation | No built-in bathroom in my van |
| Easy to park in small spaces | Cooking & laundry need planning |
Airlie Beach – First Impressions
The following morning, I went to discover Airlie Beach, a seaside town renowned for its Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef tours.
The town was surprisingly quiet, with nearly no one on the streets after 5 PM. Most restaurants and shops closed early, which was quite different from the busy cities I had visited before.
Finding a Pharmacy for Medication
Another problem I encountered was dental pain from an old crown infection. In Australia, you cannot purchase antibiotics over the counter without a prescription, so I needed to find a solution.
I went to a chemist in Airlie Beach, and they offered me three choices:
1. Visit a doctor (Cost: ~300 AUD for a consultation)
2. Visit a dentist (~400 AUD)
3. Use an online prescription service (Cost: 45 AUD)
I picked the online prescription option and was able to obtain antibiotics for 56 AUD. This cost me hundreds of dollars less than seeing a doctor.
| Medical Expense | Cost in Australia | Cost in India |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor’s Consultation | ~300 AUD (~20,000 INR) | 500-1000 INR |
| Antibiotics | 56 AUD (~4,000 INR) | 300 INR |
| Total Cost | ~119 AUD (~7,200 INR) | 1,500 INR |
It was surprising to observe how costly medical care is in Australia in comparison to India.
A Simple Dinner and Self-Haircut
As every restaurant closed early, I made a simple dinner in my campervan
🍳 Scrambled eggs
🍞 Bread
Later, I needed a haircut, but the barbershops in my area were all booked for the next two days. So, I cut my hair myself! Not the best, but it was fine.
| Service | Availability | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Barbershop Appointment | 2 days waiting | 40-50 AUD |
| Self-Haircut | Immediate | Free |
Final Thoughts on the Airlie Beach Experience
🔹 Pros of Airlie Beach:
✔️ Beautiful coastal town
✔️ Great base for exploring Whitsunday Islands
✔️ Hostels and camping sites available
🔹 Challenges:
❌ Expensive healthcare and fuel
❌ Stores close early (after 5 PM)
❌ Limited public transport
Would I suggest Airlie Beach? Definitely but plan ahead, particularly for fuel, accommodation, and medical requirements.
What’s Coming Up – Future Plans
Then, I’m going to visit the Whitsunday Islands and do snorkeling close to the Great Barrier Reef. Tune in for more fun on my Australia road trip!✨
I hope you enjoyed this detailed Airlie Beach travelogue. If you’re planning a road trip in Australia, be prepared for surprises from running out of fuel to struggling with medical emergencies. Let me know in the comments what you think of my journey!
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