Exploring Whitsunday Islands: A Travel Guide

The Whitsunday Islands are a tropical paradise located off the coast of Queensland, Australia. With turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and lush rainforests, the Whitsundays offer a range of activities such as sailing, snorkelling, and diving. The best way to get to the Whitsundays depends on your budget and location. You can fly into one of the two airports, Proserpine Airport (Whitsunday Coast Airport - PPP) or Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island (HTI), and then take a ferry to the mainland. Alternatively, you can drive or take a coach to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays, and book tours or boat charters from there.

Getting to the Whitsunday Coast Airport

The Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) is located in Proserpine and is the closest airport to Airlie Beach, which is the gateway to the Whitsundays. It is approximately 25 to 40 minutes from Airlie Beach by car.

The airport is serviced by five domestic carriers: Bonza, Qantas, Skytrans, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar, which offer flights to and from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns.

If you are flying into Whitsunday Coast Airport, you can either hire a car, take a bus, or a taxi to Airlie Beach. Buses meet all incoming flights, and the transfer takes around 25 minutes. A one-way shuttle bus transfer to the township costs around AUD$22, while a taxi or ride-share will also be available.

If you are driving to Airlie Beach, the Bruce Highway is the major road linking Queensland's coastal cities and towns. The highway runs through Proserpine and Bowen, with Airlie Beach located approximately 20 minutes off the highway at Proserpine. Follow the signs to Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands along Shute Harbour Road.

You can also take a coach with Greyhound Australia or Premier, which include The Whitsundays in their regular scheduled services from all major centres along the east coast of Australia.

Getting to the Great Barrier Reef Airport

The Great Barrier Reef Airport, also known as Hamilton Island Airport (IATA: HTI, ICAO: YBHM), is located on Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays. The airport is serviced by Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar, with flights from Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne.

By Plane

The Great Barrier Reef Airport is accessible by plane from Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar offer flights to the airport.

By Ferry

If you are already in the Whitsundays region, you can take a ferry or high-speed catamaran to Hamilton Island from Airlie Beach or other island resorts. Cruise Whitsundays operates ferry services from Hamilton Island for transfers to Airlie Beach and other island resorts.

By Car

If you are driving, the Bruce Highway is the major road linking Queensland's coastal cities and towns. Airlie Beach is located approximately 20 minutes off the Bruce Highway at Proserpine. Follow the signs to Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands along Shute Harbour Road.

By Rail

Queensland Rail services connect Proserpine to major destinations such as Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. Taxis and Whitsunday Transit buses are available at the Proserpine train station to provide transfers to Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour, and the island resorts. Coach transfers between Proserpine and Airlie Beach are included in rail travel passes.

Getting to Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsundays, and most tours begin here. The best way to get to Airlie Beach depends on your budget and where you're travelling from.

By Plane

The most efficient way to get to Airlie Beach is to fly to Proserpine Airport (also known as Whitsunday Coast Airport) (PPP). There are daily flights to Proserpine from several major cities in Australia, including Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. From Proserpine Airport, Airlie Beach is about a 30-minute drive away. You can take a local shuttle to the township (AUD$22 one-way or $36 return), or book a ride-share or taxi.

Alternatively, you can fly into Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne with Qantas, Virgin Australia or Jetstar. You can then take a ferry or high-speed catamaran to Airlie Beach. This option may be better if you plan on using Hamilton Island as your base to explore the Whitsunday region.

By Train

If you're looking to take in the scenery on your way to Airlie Beach, you can take the Queensland Rail Spirit of Queensland service from Brisbane to Cairns, which stops at Proserpine. Taxis and Whitsunday Transit buses meet every arriving train to provide transfers from Proserpine to Airlie Beach. Coach transfers between Proserpine and Airlie Beach are included in rail travel passes.

By Car

If you're road-tripping around Australia, you can drive straight to Airlie Beach. The Bruce Highway connects the towns and cities between Brisbane and Cairns and runs through Proserpine and Bowen, with Airlie Beach located approximately 20 minutes off the highway at Proserpine. Just follow the signs to Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands along Shute Harbour Road.

By Coach

Major national coach operators such as Greyhound Australia and Premier include The Whitsundays in their regular scheduled services into the coastal community of Airlie Beach from all major centres along the east coast of Australia.

Getting around the Whitsundays by boat

The Whitsundays, located off of Airlie Beach on Australia's east coast, is a popular destination for travellers. Sailing through blue waters, snorkelling above coral reefs, and soaking in coastal views are just a few of the attractions that make the Whitsundays a tropical paradise.

There are various options for getting around the Whitsundays by boat, ranging from crewed overnight trips to private charters and bareboat charters. Here's everything you need to know to plan your trip:

Crewed Overnight Trips

The most popular way to explore the Whitsundays is by joining a crewed overnight sailing trip. These trips typically last three days and two nights, with boats departing midday on the first day and returning in the morning on the third day. The price of these trips usually includes the crew, meals, activities (excluding diving), snorkelling gear, and marine park fees. You can expect to pay between AUD 379 and AUD 499 per person for a two-night sailing trip, with rates varying based on the size of the boat and the standard of accommodation.

Private Charters

If you prefer a more exclusive experience, you can opt for a private charter. This option allows you and your group to charter an entire vessel, complete with a skipper and hostess. The price of a private charter will depend on the size of your group and the specific company you choose.

Bareboat Charters

For those seeking independence, a bareboat charter might be the ideal choice. Bareboat charters are skipper-yourself trips, giving you the freedom to create your itinerary and explore at your own pace. However, it's important to note that bareboat charters require you to have the necessary sailing skills and qualifications to navigate the waters safely.

Transfers and Connections

Cruise Whitsundays is the primary ferry service provider, offering transfers to and from Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island, and Daydream Island Resort and Spa. These ferries operate according to the Hamilton Island Airport flight schedule, ensuring convenient connections for travellers.

Additionally, there are taxi and bus services available for transfers from Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine) Airport to Airlie Beach and the surrounding island resorts. These transfers are typically similar in price and offer a hassle-free journey to your destination.

Whether you choose a crewed trip, a private charter, or the freedom of a bareboat charter, getting around the Whitsundays by boat promises to be a memorable experience. With stunning natural scenery, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life, the Whitsundays is a boating destination that should not be missed.

Getting around the Whitsundays by air

The Whitsundays is an archipelago of 74 islands located off the coast of Queensland, Australia. The best way to get around the Whitsundays is by boat, but if you want to see the scenery from above, you can travel around by air. Here's everything you need to know about getting around the Whitsundays by air:

Air Travel Options in the Whitsundays

The Whitsundays offers a range of air travel options, including seaplanes and helicopters. Flying over the islands gives you a bird's-eye view of the picturesque landscape and the Great Barrier Reef. Most scenic flights are only a couple of hours long, with occasional stops at iconic locations like Whitehaven Beach.

Airports in the Whitsundays

The Whitsundays has two main airports: Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) and Great Barrier Reef Airport (Hamilton Island). Whitsunday Coast Airport is located about 30-40 minutes from Airlie Beach, the main hub for travellers, and offers flights to and from major Australian cities. Car hire is also available at this airport.

Getting to the Whitsundays by Air

The most efficient way to get to the Whitsundays by air is to fly into Proserpine Airport (PPP), with daily flights from Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast. From the airport, you can take a shuttle, ride-share, or taxi to Airlie Beach.

Alternatively, you can fly into the Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island from Brisbane, Sydney, or Melbourne, and then take a ferry or high-speed catamaran to Airlie Beach. This option is ideal if you plan to use Hamilton Island as your base for exploring the region.

Air Travel Packages

To enhance your experience, consider booking combo packages that include both a scenic flight and a boat tour. This allows you to explore the region from both the air and the sea, giving you a comprehensive view of the Whitsundays' natural beauty.

So, whether you're short on time or prefer a more luxurious experience, getting around the Whitsundays by air is a fantastic option to consider. With convenient airports and a range of flight options, you can easily explore this tropical paradise from above.

Frequently asked questions