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Getting Here
Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays can be reached by road, rail, train or by air.
BY ROAD
Approximate travel times and distances to Airlie Beach:
| From |
Distance |
Approx. Time |
| Brisbane |
1,180 km |
12.5 hrs |
| Rockhampton |
510 km |
5.5 hrs |
| Mackay |
150 km |
1.75 hrs |
| Townsville |
280 km |
3 hrs |
| Cairns |
630 km |
6.5 hrs |
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 & Avis. Campervan rentals are also readily available. We recommend the following:
Britz Campervans
Wicked Campers
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, we recommend you use Airlie Central Secure Parking . Located just around the corner from our Check In desk, and right in the heart of Airlie Beach, it is fully enclosed and secure parking. Pick ups and drop offs to Abel Point Marina are available. Reservations are highly recommended. Ph: +61 7 4946 4438.
BY AIR
Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays have 3 carriers servicing the area and have greatly benefitted in the last year from increased 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 $49 each way!
You have a choice of three different airports to fly into the Whitsundays including - Proserpine/Whitsunday Coast, Hamilton Island, and Mackay.
PROSERPINE/WHITSUNDAY COAST AIRPORT
Daily flights are available from most capital cities via Jetstar and Virgin Blue. Please refer to individual carriers' webpages for further schedules and prices. Transfers to Airlie Beach take approximately 40 minutes by bus or taxi.
Transfers to Airlie Beach:
- Whitsunday Transit : Meet all airline arrivals and transfer guests to the bus stop nearest their accommodation. Transfers cost approx. $16.
- Taxi: Transfers from the airport into Airlie Beach cost approximately $50. Phone:131 008 (within Australia only).
Hamilton Island Airport:
Both Jetstar and Qantas fly 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 $55. It is a short taxi ride from the airport (approx. $10). Transfers must be pre-booked. Ph: +61 7 4946 9933. See www.heliaust.com.au for prices and reservations.
- Ferry Transfers:
Blue Ferries: 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 start at around $60. Ph: +61 7 4946 5111 for prices and reservations.
Transfers from Shute Harbour to Airlie Beach:
- Whitsunday Transit : Offers a regular bus service from Shute Harbour to Airlie Beach which costs approximately $3.
- Taxi: Taxis from Shute Harbour cost approximately $17. Ph: 131 008 (within Australia only).
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. Qantas , Jetstar and Virgin Blue all have services into Mackay.
Transfers to Airlie Beach:
- Con-x-ion : Provides transfers to Airlie Beach from about $60. Transfers take approximately 1 ¾ hours. All transfers must be pre-booked: Ph: 1300 308 718 (from within Australia only).
BY BUS
There are regular bus runs to Airlie Beach with Greyhound/McCafferty's and Premier. The bus terminal in Airlie Beach is located just across from the sailing club in the centre of town. See www.mccaffertys.com.au or www.greyhound.com.au for timetables and prices.
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 www.tilttrain.com.au offers 3 Southbound and 3 Northbound services per week to Proserpine from Cairns and Brisbane.
Transfers to Airlie Beach:
- Whitsunday Transit : Provides return transfers from $8.20. Transfers take approximately 30 minutes. All transfers must be pre-booked: Ph: +61 7 4946 1800.
*All prices are in Australian Dollars and serve as a guide only. Prices are subject to change at anytime.
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