Where to park your car at Whitsunday Airport?
Are you flying out of The Whitsunday Coast Airport but unsure on where to park your car? Look no further as we have the solutions for you! Whether you’re a newfound Whitsundays local or travelling through on a road trip, driving yourself to the airport feels like the easiest option but the stress of trying to figure out where to park can deter you from the idea. Luckily, The Whitsunday Coast Airport offers safe and affordable parking that is conveniently located opposite the departure and arrivals terminal.
The Whitsunday Coast Airport (also known as the Proserpine Airport) is located 37km from Airlie Beach which is roughly a 40 minute drive. The car parking is easy to find with clear and direct 'public parking' signs pointing you in the right direction. The airport is relatively small so there’s no chance you’ll miss the airport parking signs!
How much is the parking at The Whitsunday Coast Airport?
If you’re zipping off an overnight getaway or business trip and want to park your car for the night, you’re looking at between $22 and $24. If you’re only picking or dropping someone off, the first 30 minutes are free. Parking for up to 2 hours is $6.50, 2 - 8 hours is $13, and 8 - 30 hours is $22. After 30 hours the parking is capped at $22 a day.
Alternatively if you’re someone who frequently travels in and out of the Whitsundays, there is an Annual Corporate Parking Card you can purchase which is $2,040 for the year. That averages at about $40 a week which would save you plenty of money if you find yourself using the Proserpine Airport parking weekly.
If you’re not too keen on paying the parking fees, a way around it is to catch a bus or taxi to the Proserpine Airport from Airlie Beach. There are plenty of free parking zones in the Whitsundays where you can securely leave your car for a few days if you’d prefer to save money. The price of the bus is as little as $22 one way. However, to make it even easier for you, there are shuttle buses that pick you up directly from your home or accommodation. Heart of the Reef express shuttle bus service can get you to the airport for $25 one way ($42 return) which is another option!
What destinations can I fly to from the Whitsundays Coast Airport?
If you’re wondering what destinations you can fly to from The Whitsunday Coast Airport, there are plenty! You can book a flight from the airport that will take you anywhere you need to go. But if you’re chasing direct flights with no stopovers, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne are ideal weekend away getaways. It was recently announced that you can now fly direct from The Whitsundays to Cairns. Previously you’d have to stop over via Brisbane or Sydney just to travel that short distance north to Cairns.
Do I need a car if I'm flying into the Whitsundays?
If you’re flying into the Whitsundays and don’t have a car, thankfully the buses, shuttle buses and taxi services can get you to where you need to go! The bus is a $22 trip one way from the airport and the shuttles start at $25. Taxis are a little more expensive depending on your destination but are the most efficient public transport option. Another option is hiring a car. Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz all provide modern and reliable cars for hire from the Proserpine Airport. They can book out quickly so be sure to book one in advance so you don't miss out!
As for travelling around the Whitsundays if you don’t have a car, daily buses run throughout the region to get you from A to B. Taxis are always there too! Realistically, it's unlikely that you will need a car in the Whitsundays. The area is relatively accessible by walking. If you’re staying in Airlie Beach, you will find that you’ll likely only need to walk at most 15 minutes from your accommodation to the main street which has everything you need to make the most of your holiday. If you’re staying out on an island you definitely won’t need a car. Hamilton Island offers golf buggies for hire and the other islands are small enough to walk everywhere.
