Get from anywhere to Airlie Beach with ease, especially with new airlines operating from Sunshine Coast and Newcastle – you can fly, drive, take the bus or the train or even your boat!
Fly
Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine)
The closest airport is in Proserpine just 20 minutes from Airlie Beach by car. Fly directly from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Newcastle and Cairns with Jetstar, Bonza or Virgin Australia. Shuttle buses meet all flights – options include Whitsunday Transport Company
Great Barrier Reef Airport (Hamilton Island)
You can also fly to Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns with Jetstar, Qantas or Virgin Australia and take a ferry with Cruise Whitsundays to Airlie Beach.
Drive
Cairns to Airlie Beach
Driving from Cairns south to Airlie Beach via Townsville is an experience you will never forget. Journey past verdant fields and scenic towns stopping for a break at Mission Beach or the enchanting coastal city of Townsville. Cairns to Airlie Beach takes approx. 8 hours by car.
Sunshine Coast to Airlie Beach
Driving from Sunshine Coast up to Airlie takes approximately 11 to 12 hours. Stop in at Yeppoon and visiting Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary on the way and stay for the night. The drive from Yeppoon to Airlie Beach is approximately 6 hours, or make a stop at beautiful Mackay. The journey from Mackay to Airlie Beach will take approximately 2 hours.
Train
The train journey from Cairns to Airlie takes around 11 hours while Sunshine Coast to Airlie takes 14.5 hours but you are promised beautiful views of the surroundings. Queensland Rail services link Proserpine to all major destinations from Cairns to Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and beyond. Shuttle buses meet all trains.
Bus
The cheapest travel option from Cairns to Airlie Beach. Travelling through the scenic region, enjoy the view without the stress of driving yourself. The bus journey from the Sunshine Coast to Airlie Beach takes 19-20 hours.
