Whitsundays and Airlie Beach Location
The Whitsundays and the main resort town of Airlie Beach are located along Queensland’s central coast in north-eastern Australia, approximately 1120km north of Brisbane and 630km south of Cairns. The Whitsundays is the heart of the Great Barrier Reef (there is literally a famous heart shaped reef!) and home to 74 magnificent islands, consisting of resort islands including Daydream Island, Hamilton Island, Hayman Island and Long Island, as well as iconic destinations such as Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, both of which Ocean Rafting visit on its daily tours. The main towns on the mainland’s coastline and hinterland include Airlie Beach, Bowen, Collinsville and Proserpine. Getting to the Whitsundays is easy, via air, road or rail…
By Air
The Whitsundays is accessible by two airports, Whitsunday Coast Airport in Proserpine (PPP) and Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island (HTI), with daily flights from Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney or Melbourne with Virgin Australia, Jetstar, TigerAir and Qantas Link. Access to Airlie Beach is easier through Whitsunday Coast Airport, an approximate direct journey of 25 minutes and buses and taxis meet every flight to transfer guests into town.
By Road
If travelling from north or south on the Bruce Highway, turn off the Bruce Highway north of Proserpine, with Airlie Beach located approximately 20 minutes drive off the Bruce Highway. Follow the signs to Airlie Beach along Shute Harbour Road. Coach operators such as Greyhound Australia and Premier, all have regular scheduled services to the region.
By Rail
Queensland Rail services include the Spirit of Queensland travel to Proserpine, with taxis and Whitsunday Transit buses meeting every arriving train to provide transfers from Proserpine into town.
Ocean Rafting office
The Ocean Rafting check in office and marina berths are located at Coral Sea Marina North (next to Sorrento Restaurant & Bar) in Airlie Beach. Courtesy coach transfers are included for all Ocean Rafting tours, or guests can walk along the beautiful boardwalk from Airlie Beach or Cannonvale to Coral Sea Marina.
