British backpacker Ross Millen stranded in Rockhampton on way to Mackay

A young British backpacker was stranded in Rockhampton after his bus, which was bound for Airlie Beach, was forced to stop because of the significant rainfall in the state’s north.

British backpacker Ross Millen is trying everything he can to get to Mackay after his bus heading to Airlie Beach stopped in Rockhampton due to a major rain event in Queensland's north.

The ripple effect of major flooding in north Queensland is being felt in the southern areas with travellers becoming stranded and travel plans being stopped in their tracks.

A major rain event at Mackay and the Whitsundays has shut the Bruce Highway in many areas, caused landslides and put homes and businesses under threat.

There have also been a number of rescues with people getting caught in flood waters.

The deluge has also stopped buses and trains from heading north to areas such as Mackay and the Whitsundays.

British backpacker Ross Millen is trying everything he can to get to Mackay after his bus heading to Airlie Beach stopped in Rockhampton due to a major rain event in Queensland's north.

Young British national Ross Millen is currently backpacking the east coast of Australia and was due to tour the Whitsundays on Thursday, which was meant to be a “highlight” of his trip.

He boarded a bus at Rainbow Beach on Monday which was due to arrive in the Whitsundays on Tuesday morning.

But at 3am Tuesday his coach stopped in Rockhampton, unable to go any further and leaving he and other travellers stranded.

“It’s been pretty plain sailing so far until this point,” he said.

“The bus was due to arrive in Airlie Beach about 9am, but everyone had to get off about 3am in Rockhampton with no accommodation which was a bit of a nightmare.

“Thankfully I was able to get my plea out and a couple kindly put me up for the night and gave me breakfast.

“They dropped me off at a service station and I plan on trying to hitchhike to try and get there.”

Mr Millen booked the $500 tour of the Whitsundays after hearing from other travellers it was a “must do” highlight of a trip to Australia.

British backpacker Ross Millen is trying everything he can to get to Mackay after his bus heading to Airlie Beach stopped in Rockhampton due to a major rain event in Queensland's north.

Now he’s trying everything he can to get to the area, with other buses on Tuesday heading north due to stop in Rockhampton.

However the situation was proving difficult with no buses or trains heading towards the Sugar City.

“I know the route is open to Mackay now so I’m just trying to get as far north as possible,” he said.

“I’m just going to have to take my chances...the tour cost me $500 which is a lot for a backpacker, so I’m keen to do it if I can.

“I can’t get it refunded so I might as well try and get as far north as possible otherwise I’ll have to forfeit the money.”

Mr Millen said he understood the weather couldn’t be helped and wasn’t going to let it put a dampener on his trip.

After about 45 minutes of trying, he was kindly offered a lift to Mackay to continue on his journey.