Ultimate Whitsundays Q & A
Do the Whitsundays Have Uber or Lift?
No, we do not - but we do have a great network for private buses for airport transfers and taxis!
Airport Transfers - Sailing Whitsundays
How much is transport from the Airport to Airlie Beach?
It only costs $36 return for Airport transfers - see this link for more information:
Airport Transfers - Sailing Whitsundays
What do boat companies mean by 'zipless bags'?
Bags without a zipper on them. Boats have limited storage space so you will need to bring a smaller, soft and zipless bag (Bed bugs travel in bags with zips)
Essential packing list for the Whitsundays - Sailing Whitsundays
Are there crocodiles in the water of the Whitsundays?
Located in The Whitsundays is Proserpine River, one of the highest populated crocodile rivers in Australia. Despite this, the crocodiles usually stick to the river and away from our beautiful blue waters - we have never had a reported attack.
Saltwater Crocodiles - Sailing Whitsundays
Do I need to worry about sharks in the Whitsundays?
Similarly to other swimming destinations in Australia, it is always suggested to take precaution when swimming in the ocean. Swimming in the Whitsundays is the same as swimming anywhere else, be aware, but no need to worry.
Shark Smart: Shark Safety in the Whitsundays - Sailing Whitsundays
How do you stay safe in the water of the Whitsunday Islands?
- Wear stinger suits during stinger season
- Avoid swimming around dusk & dawn or in shark populated areas
- Swim in clear water away from fishers
Swim in the Whitsundays - Sailing Whitsundays
Can I swim around the Heart Reef?
Due to the Heart Reef’s protected status, you cannot dive or snorkel around it. However, there is a nearby lagoon where you are able to drop your anchor and explore the beautiful coral away from the crowds. Or alternatively, take a dive off the pontoon into the crystal clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
Visit Heart Reef, Whitsundays - Sailing Whitsundays
CW: Great Barrier Reef Tour from Airlie Beach - Sailing Whitsundays
Can I bring my dog on holidays to Airlie Beach?
Yes, you can bring your pet to Airlie Beach!
There are many pet-friendly accommodations including:
- Airlie Beach Motor Lodge
- Island Gateway Holiday Park
- Big 4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort
- Discovery Parks Airlie Beach
- Seabreeze tourist park
Does anyone mind dogs while I go on a day trip?
In the pet loving town of Airlie Beach there are multiple places that allow you to leave your dog there whilst you go enjoy your day of activities. These include:
- Whitsunday Pet Resort
- Dog boarding Airlie Beach
- Petbacker
What to do with your dog when you book a Whitsunday tour - Sailing Whitsundays
Where are the Whitsunday Islands?
An area of 74 tropical islands, the Whitsundays lie just off the Queensland coast, nestled right on the Great Barrier Reef. People travel here from all over the world to see the white sands of Whitehaven Beach and the stunning beauty of Heart Reef.
The 74 Whitsunday Islands - Sailing Whitsundays
What are transportation options in Airlie Beach?
Taxi
Shuttle bus
Public bus
Getting around Airlie Beach - Sailing Whitsundays
Which airlines travel to the Whitsundays?
Jetstar from most capital cities
Virgin from Sydney and Brisbane
What should I pack?
For a day trip
Camera, swimmers, a beach towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and walking shoes (thongs will usually do)
For an overnight trip
Small bag with no zips. Wash bag, Bathers, beach towel, sunscreen, hat, sunnies and BYO alcohol if allowed.
Raincoat if the weather looks rainy and long pants or windcheater in winter or if you are prone to feeling cold.
Essential packing list for the Whitsundays - Sailing Whitsundays
How do I get to and from the airports in the Whitsundays?
Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast) Airport
This airport is located approx 40 minutes drive from Airlie Beach. Options to get to and from the airport include the airport shuttle which costs $36pp return, or simply use our taxi service.
Hamilton Island Airport
From Hamilton Island Airport you will need to get a ferry to the mainland, arriving at Airlie Beach. There is only one ferry company called Cruise Whitsundays, and their ferries run frequently and in-line with flights. Ferries cost around $60pp one way and take around 60 minutes.
Airport Transfers - Sailing Whitsundays
Where can I park my car and/or campervan in Airlie beach?
See attached link for a list of places to park in the Whitsundays.
Where to park in the Whitsundays - Sailing Whitsundays
What are the snorkeling and sailing options in the Whitsundays?
Our most popular snorkeling tour options include:
- Whitsunday Bullet
- Great Barrier Reef Adventurer
- Ocean Rafting
- Whitsunday Bullet - Sailing Whitsundays
- CW: Great Barrier Reef Tour from Airlie Beach - Sailing Whitsundays
- Ocean Rafting - Northern Exposure - Sailing Whitsundays
Our most popular sailing tour options include:
- Camira
- Southern Cross
- Atlantic Clipper Day Tour
- CW: Camira ex POA - Sailing Whitsundays
- Southern Cross Day Tour - Sailing Whitsundays
- Atlantic Clipper Day Tour - Sailing Whitsundays
Is the Great Barrier Reef accessible from The Whitsundays?
Yes, the Great Barrier Reef is located off the Whitsundays. One of our most popular reef tours is GBR Adventurer day tour with Cruise Whitsundays.
CW: Great Barrier Reef Tour from Airlie Beach - Sailing Whitsundays
How long does a boat ride take to get to the Great Barrier Reef?
It takes approximately 3 hours by the Cruise Whitsundays vessels.
What are the odds of getting stung by jellyfish or marine stingers?
During the ‘stinger season’ months, it is advised you wear a stinger suit or swim within the nets at Boathaven Beach. The chances of being stung by a stinger are very rare, but it’s certainly not worth taking the chance.
Whitsundays Stinger Season - Sailing Whitsundays
Is there a beach in Airlie Beach?
Yes, there are beaches you can relax and swim at in Airlie Beach. These include:
- Boathaven Beach
- Airlie Beach
- Cannonvale Beach
- Coral Beach
Best beaches on the Whitsundays mainland - Sailing Whitsundays
How can I go about planning an event in The Whitsundays?
Sailing Whitsundays can help you with all your event planning in the Whitsundays. From birthdays to hens nights and work events, Sailing Whitsundays has got you covered. Chat to one of our friendly staff today.
When is the best time to whale watch?
The Whitsundays is renowned as a whale watching hotspot during the months of June- September and you can spot a whale almost every time you go on a boating tour.
Whale Season in the Whitsundays 2020 - Sailing Whitsundays
Am I allowed to camp on the islands?
On some islands you are allowed to camp as long as you have a camping permit.
Some areas which you are allowed to camp include:
- Cairn Beach, Whitsunday Island
- Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island
- Chance Bay, Whitsunday Islands
- Naris Beach, Whitsunday Island
- Dugong Beach, Whitsunday Island
- Joe's Beach, Whitsunday Island
- Curlet Beach, Hook Island
- Crayfish Beach, Hook Island
- Maureen’s Cove, Hook Island
- Steens Beach, Hook Island
- Northern Spit, Henning Island
Camping on the Whitsunday Islands - Sailing Whitsundays
Is there accommodation or camping on Whitehaven Beach?
There isn't any accommodation on Whitehaven Beach but there is a specific camping ground which you are allowed to camp at.
Is it possible to take my car to the islands?
You are unable to take your car to the islands but there are transportation options once you arrive on the islands.
On Hamilton Island, you can opt to take golf buggies or the shuttle bus. Daydream Island is very walkable.
Where can I fish in the Whitsundays and do I need a permit?
If you’re looking to fish off the mainland, the most popular fishing locations include the Shute Harbour public jetty, the VMR Rockwall (Whisper Bay) and Cannonvale Beach. Have access to a boat or are chartering a yacht? There’s some incredible places to fish around the islands!
Are there markets in Airlie Beach?
There sure is! The beloved Whitsunday Saturday Markets are on every weekend from 7AM-1:30PM. They boast a wide range of delicious food and drink, handmade bric-a-brac and other nifty purchases. The markets are super popular with both locals and tourists!
10-20 Airlie Esplanade, Airlie Beach QLD 4802
