Cardwell sits on the Bruce Highway (Highway 1) between Cairns (165 km north) and Townsville (180 km south). By car from either city it's about two hours' drive.
The Queensland Rail Tilt Train and the Sunlander service stop at Cardwell station on the coastal rail line. Trains from Cairns take about 2.5 hours; from Townsville about 2 hours. Schedules are limited — typically a few services per week in each direction — so check timetables in advance.
There is no airport at Cardwell. The nearest airports are Cairns (2 hours) and Townsville (2 hours) for domestic connections.
Once at Cardwell, the town is walkable. Water taxis for Hinchinbrook Island depart from the jetty; book in advance, especially in peak season.