As the map below shows, there are a number of islands scattered throughout the Great Barrier Reef that make up the Whitsundays and each is as popular as a holiday destination as the other. Getting to your island of choice is relatively simple with flights into Proserpine Airport. From here you can either fly directly to Hamilton Island or be transferred to Airlie Beach.
Air:Jetstar and Virgin Australia operate flights daily to Whitsunday Coast Airport at Proserpine. Connections to Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour are available with Whitsunday Transit via airport shuttle, coach service or private car transfer. Jetstar and Virgin Australia offer daily services into Hamilton Island from ports throughout Australia. QantasLink operates from Cairns. Cruise Whitsundays also operates transfers to/from Hamilton Island and the Whitsundays Coast Airports, Daydream Island, Long Island, Port of Airlie, Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour.
Road: The highway to Proserpine and the road into Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour are suitable for all vehicles.
Brisbane to Airlie Beach: 1146km, 13 - 15 hours
Townsville to Airlie Beach: 291km, 3 hours
Cairns to Airlie Beach: 640km, 7 hours
Rail: Tilt Train services offer a comfortable travel experience and arrive and depart from Proserpine Station twice a week (north and south) with coach connections to major resorts and harbours. The region is also serviced by the more traditional service, featuring the all-inclusive Queenslander Class.
