Getting to the Whitsundays

Air

The Whitsundays are serviced by two domestic airports, Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island* and Whitsunday Coast Airport on the mainland at Proserpine. Flying time is around 1.5 hours north of Brisbane, 2 hours north of Sydney, 3 hours from Melbourne and 1.5 hours from Cairns to Hamilton. Direct services operate from Cairns, Brisbane Sydney and Melbourne, with domestic and international connections via Brisbane, Sydney and Cairns airports.

Qantas and Sunstate Airlines operate flights daily to Proserpine from throughout Australia. A local coach service, courtesy coaches from accommodation houses, and taxi and hire cars are available from the airport to Proserpine, Cannonvale, Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour. The two aiports are serviced daily by Virgin Blue and Qantas. Whitsunday Coast Airport - Proserpine airport is 20km away from Airlie Beach and is roughly a 30 minute drive. The aiport offers a transfer to Airlie Beach. Hamilton Island also boasts an aiport. Five kilometres up the coast from Airlie Beach is the Whitsunday Airport - a light plane aiport which is a hive of activity.

*Fantasea Cruises operate regular services from Great Barrier Reef Airport (Hamilton Island) with a direct travel time by comfortable high speed catamaran of 35 minutes. Fantasea also operate services from South Molle Island and Long Island. Contact Fantasea for Reservations on 07 4946 5111 from within Australia or +617+4946 5111 for International callers.

Rail

Queensland Rails 'Sunlander' and 'Queenslander' services depart Brisbane and Cairns for Proserpine several times weekly. Sitting chair and sleeping berths are available. Also the Great South Pacific Express services this area. Queensland Rail provides both passenger and frieght rail services through Proserpine Station. The northbound trains from Brisbane to Cairns are the Sunlander. The Sunlander runs on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings. It arrives at Prosperine late afternoon, the following day. The Spirit of the Trops leaves Brisbane for Townsville in the evening Wednesday and Sunday. It arrives at Proserpine early afternoon the following day. First Class passengers can book roomettes and twinettes. Economy sleepers may also be available on sum trains. The trains have a dining car and a club car.

With the introduction of the innovative Tilt Train last year travelling between Brisbane and Cairns three times a week , access between North Queensland and the Whitsundays has never been easier. Daylight running of the Tilt Train, 3 times weekly in each direction, allows passengers to enjoy the picturesque landscapes in a convenient, comfortable environment, ensuring that arrive refreshed and relaxed for their holiday escape.

Coach/Bus

Greyhound has several daily services through Airlie Beach that run northbound from Brisbane and southbound from Cairns. Phone Greyhound on 132 030 for the latest schedule or check their website on www.greyhound.com.au. Premier Motor Service have a Brisbane northbound which arrives at Airlie Beach in the morning. The southbound from Cairns arrives in Airlie Beach late afternoon. For bookings call 133 410.

Road

The Bruce Highway runs from Brisbane to Cairns. Airlie Beach turn off is one kilometre north of Proserpine and is then a 20km trip into the beach town. The highway to Proserpine and the road into Cannonvale, Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour are suitable for all vehicles. For detailed maps and travel tips, the comprehensive Motoring Holiday Guides to Queensland are a must for all travellers. For your copy contact Tourism Queensland offices on 13 88 33, within Australia only.