Getting Here

Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays can be reached by road, rail, and train or by air.

By Road

Approximate travel times and distances to Airlie Beach:

All Flights, Trains, Bus, Land and Ferry transfers can be booked direct with Destination Whitsundays

Self Drive Options

Self drive is an increasingly popular option for travellers in Australia. Car rentals are available through any of the major car rental chains such as Hertz, Thrifty, Europcar & Avis. Campervan rentals are also readily available.

Parking

If you'd prefer to have your car and belongings safe and sound (and out of the tropical sun!) whilst you're on your sailing holidays. Pick-ups and drop offs to Abel Point Marina are available.

By Air

Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays have 2 carriers servicing the area from most capital cities in the country with daily flights from budget carriers such as Virgin Blue and Jetstar. Direct flights are available from most capital cities in Australia and if you're lucky and find a special, can be as little as $59 each way! plus taxes.

You have a choice of three different airports to fly into the Whitsundays including - Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine ), Hamilton Island Airport , and Mackay just over one and a half hours drive away.

Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine)

Daily Direct flights are available from most capital cities via Jetstar & Virgin Blue. Transfers to Airlie Beach take approximately 40 minutes by bus or taxi.

Transfers to Airlie Beach:
Whitsunday Transit buses meets all airline arrivals and transfer guests to the bus stop nearest their accommodation. Coach Transfers cost approx: $15.00 - Taxi: Transfers from the airport into Airlie Beach cost approximately $60.

Hamilton Island Airport

Both Jetstar, Virgin Blue & Qantas fly daily directly into Hamilton Island from most capital cities. Transfers to the mainland are via ferry or light plane.

Air Transfers:
Island Air Taxis: Offer transfers from Hamilton Island to Airlie Beach. Transfers take approximately 15 minutes and cost around $75. It is a short taxi ride from the airport (approx. $13). Transfers must be pre-booked.

Ferry Transfers:
Fantasea Cruises: Offer ferry transfers to Shute Harbour on the mainland approx. 11 kms from Airlie Beach. Transfers take between 30 & 60 minutes, depending on the route, and costs $51.00 per Adult one way plus fuel surcharge Cruise Whitsundays offer Ferry transfers to Daydream Island, South Molle Island and Hamilton Island Airport from Abel Point Marina and costs $50.00 per Adult one way

Transfers from Shute Harbour to Airlie Beach:
Whitsunday Transit offers a regular bus service from Shute Harbour to Airlie Beach, which costs approximately $6.00
Taxi: Taxis from Shute Harbour cost approximately $17

Mackay Airport

Mackay is located about 150 km south of Airlie Beach so it isn't as convenient as Hamilton Island or Proserpine, but it does give you more options on flight schedules. Qantaslink, Jetstar, Tiger Airlines & Virgin Blue all have services into Mackay.

Transfers to Airlie Beach:
Connections from Mackay Airport to Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour and onto the Islands can be arranged, just contact us and we will do the rest.

By Bus

There are regular coaches runs to Airlie Beach with Greyhound/McCafferty's and Premier Bus Service both North and South. The bus terminal in Airlie Beach is located just across from the sailing club in the centre of town.

By Train

If you'd like a more scenic means of transportation, we recommend trying our state rail service, Queensland Rail. Sleeper cars are available, in addition to the regular coach class, and can offer a unique way to see the countryside without sacrificing comfort. The Tilt Train Service offers 3 Southbound and 3 Northbound services per week to Proserpine from Cairns and Brisbane as well as the Queenslander Train Service and the Sunlander Service.

Transfers to Airlie Beach: Our local bus service (Whitsunday Transit) provides return transfers from Proserpine and the transfers take approximately 30 minutes. All transfers must be pre-booked.

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