Getting around the Whitsundays
The Whitsundays group of islands are spread across a large area. Most of the islands are within just a short chartered flight, air taxi or helicopter ride or local fixed wing and helijet service by air but some of the more remote islands take a bit longer to get to. Water access to the islands is available by launch from Shute Harbour or Hamilton Island and numerous small docking areas on the islands.
On the mainland, taxis, hire cars, bicycles, scooters and local bus services are available, depending on your budget. There's a great local bus service covering the port, railway and airport.
If you're staying on the mainland, car rental is probably the best way to get around as you can go where you want, when you want during your stay without having to co-ordinate public or chartered transport.
Car Rental
Getting around Mackay, Townsville and of course Airlie Beach is made so much easier when you rent a car. It’s simply a must for exploring these jumping off points to the Whitsundays. Enjoy scenic drives in the country, winding your way through rainforests, traipsing around from one beautiful beach to the next and taking a picnic up to a high point.
Bus Services
Airlie Beach has a bus station one minute from the city centre and a stones throw from the main beach. The local bus service, Whitsunday Transit, covers the port at Shute Harbour, the railway in Proserpine and the Proserpine Airport. Timetables are available around the town and at most resorts.
Taxis
The Whitsundays is serviced by a 24 hour local taxi service from Australia Wide Taxis. There is a taxi rank in the centre of Airlie Beach. You can make an advanced booking online if you don't need a taxi right away, otherwise you can book for an immediate taxi by calling them directly.
Ferry - Island Hop Pass
Explore the Whitsunday Islands at your leisure with a flexible hop-on hop-off one day ferry ticket. Travel between Airlie Beach, Daydream Island Resort and Long Island Resort as many times as you like in one day. You'll get a timetable and map so you can explore these beautiful islands at your own leisure. Find out more...