Where Do You Fly Into For Airlie Beach?
You’ve booked your getaway, packed up your belongings, and you’re so excited to experience all that the beach has to offer. The question is, how do you get there?
Whether it’s your first time visiting Airlie Beach or you’re returning to savour the lively nightlife, white sands, warm sun and colourful underwater world once again, figuring out how to get to your dream destination is all part of the thrill!
In order to plan your trip, we share a quick guide below to help you get to Airlie Beach - so when you arrive, all you have to do is relax, swim, dine and enjoy!
How far is Airlie Beach from the airport?
To start off, you can book your flight with Virgin, Qantas, and Jetstar. There are all-year-round and seasonal direct flights available from major cities in Australia like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to get to the Whitsundays.
To get you started, there are two nearby airports from Airlie Beach. You can choose which one is most convenient depending on where you’re coming from. Of course, the rates and travel time may vary during the time of day, so make sure you plan ahead and get your information right by checking your maps!
1. Proserpine Airport (PPP)
If you’re coming from Proserpine, also known as Whitsunday Coastal airport, it’s only 26 km from Airlie Beach. Getting there takes about an hour and it’s a popular route for visitors booking their dream holiday destination!
Our Whitsundays 2 Everywhere has a friendly and reliable transportation staff who pick you up from the airport and drop you to your chosen resort, hotel and accommodation. The transport service also drops you safely at the airport on your flight back home, so you can lay back and relax after days of action-packed adventures!
When you arrive at Airlie Beach, rafting trips are waiting for you like the Ocean Rafting at Whitehaven Southern Lights which sells out quickly! The tour lets you explore the Southern and Northern sights of Whitehaven beach onboard a boat with zooming speeds. And the experience is not complete without a guided bushwalk, tropical lunch and courtesy transport at your fingertips!
Another rafting experience calling for you is the Ocean Rafting - Northern Exposure which gives you access to all areas of Hill Inlet’s swirling sands which no other tour does. With drinks, lunch and a chance to interact with diverse marine life, what are you waiting for? Book your visit before tickets run out!
2. Hamilton Island (HTI)
Hamilton Island airport is an hour away and 30 km from Airlie Beach. When you land, the fastest way to get there is to take the ferry that heads straight to Shute Harbor’s line 860 bus. It should cost you about $62-$64AUD.
On the other hand, if you decide to take the ferry that stops over at Molle islands, which costs only $61AUD, you can take advantage of the Bike and Hike: South Molle Island Experience. It’s the only mountain bike trail at the Whitsunday Island National Park that gives you breathtaking scenery in Molle Islands where you get to explore and discover diverse wildlife and cultural sites! The tour also provides top-of-the-line bicycle equipment and gear. What’s even better? You can then take a dive or a refreshing swim at Sandy Bay as you enjoy delicious snacks!
Each ferry route has a difference of only 10 minutes. And whichever path you choose, they both offer spectacular scenery along the way!
How Long Does it Take to Fly into Airlie Beach?
If you’re coming from Brisbane airport, the flight to Airlie Beach should take you 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on which airline you book with. Some flights can take almost 2 hours to your destination, so be sure to double-check the flights you book!
If you’re flying in from Sydney, the flight to Airlie Beach via Proserpine and Hamilton Island airport usually takes 2 hours and 20 minutes, give or take. However, if you’re coming from Melbourne, the flight will take you about 3 hours.
So, in this case, your fastest route to arrive at Airlie Beach is to fly into Brisbane airport, then head to Proserpine or Hamilton Island airport using the ferry or your personalised transport of choice. At this point, you’re an hour away from the ultimate Whitsunday tropical paradise!
While you’re at it, the Air Whitsundays Seaplane: Panorama Tour treats you to the Great Barrier Reef by air and sea. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a fresh lunch at South Whitehaven Beach where you can view coral reefs in a glass bottom boat and snorkel in a private reef location!
How to get from Airlie Beach to the Airport?
Now that you’ve made your dream destination come to life by immersing yourself in the Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach, snorkelling, scuba diving and getting really close to one of the 7 wonders of the world, you’re ready (or maybe hesitant) to go home! One thing is for sure. You’ll miss the picture-perfect scenery and rare, indulgent experience.
On your way back, you can choose either Hamilton Island or Proserpine airport on your flight home. We recommend that if you picked Hamilton Island airport on your way to Airlie Beach, choose the Proserpine route on your return flight to maximise your getaway experience and explore all that the Whitsundays has to offer!
And now that you know the routes to and from Airlie Beach, coming back to plan and experience your next holiday getaway at Whitsundays should be easy peasy. We can't wait to welcome you into our slice of tropical paradise!
