Whitsundays snorkeling
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Whitsundays Attractions

Getting to the Whitsundays

Your gateway to the Whitsundays

Fly into two tiny-but-mighty hubs—Hamilton Island Airport (HTI) right in the archipelago, or Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) near Proserpine on the mainland—and you’re only a ferry ride from those famous swirling sands. Coach services link PPP to Airlie Beach in just 30 minutes, while rail travellers can step off the Spirit of Queensland in Proserpine and hop a shuttle to the coast. Self-drivers steer the Pacific Coast Way north from Brisbane for a classic 1,100-km road trip dotted with farm stalls and lookout pull-offs. However you arrive, Headout’s transport tickets bundle airport shuttles, ferries, and seaplane transfers so you can stitch the final miles together without juggling multiple bookings. Choose live inventory, secure your seat in seconds, and keep plans flexible—most passes allow free date change up to 24 hours out.

Key Travel Details

Major airports

Hamilton Island (HTI) handles direct jets from Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne; Whitsunday Coast (PPP) hosts budget carriers plus connecting flights via Brisbane. Both airports have luggage services, cafés, and reef-safe sunscreen dispensers so you can swap tarmac for turquoise in under an hour.

Average flight times

Sydney to HTI clocks in at 2 h 30 m; Brisbane to PPP is a breezy 1 h 35 m. Allow an extra 15 minutes gate-to-jetbridge buffer, especially on morning departures when demand peaks and boarding groups move fast.

Airport shuttle cost

Shared coaches from PPP to Airlie’s Port of Airlie cost about A$24 one way or A$42 return. Look for combo deals that fold ferry tickets into a single voucher and save around 10 %. Private transfers start near A$110 per vehicle.

Driving distance from Brisbane

Expect roughly 1,100 km via the Bruce Highway—12-13 hours without major stops. Most road-trippers split the journey over two days, overnighting in Bundaberg or Rockhampton to dodge fatigue and squeeze in coast-hugging side trips.

Ferry frequency

Cruise Whitsundays runs up to 13 crossings daily between Airlie, Daydream, Hamilton, and Whitehaven during high season (June–September). First boats sail around 7 am; last island returns typically depart by 5:30 pm.

Transport options explained

Fly

  • Pros & cons – Fastest access and breathtaking island runway approach, yet checked-bag allowances can be tight on smaller jets; factor in ferry or shuttle add-ons.

  • Average cost & booking window – Return fares sit between A$180–260 in low season; prices double for Christmas. Lock flights at least eight weeks out for peak-school-holiday savings.

Drive

  • Pros & cons – Total flexibility and photo-op freedom, but fuel, tolls, and multi-day parking at the marina add up. Plan for traffic snarls near Gympie on long weekends.

  • Average cost & booking window – Car-hire deals hover around A$60 a day; book three months ahead for automatic models or seven-seaters.

Bus & coach

  • Pros & cons – Cheapest seat-in-coach option with Wi-Fi and reclining seats; overnight legs test comfort levels and arrival times can shift with highway conditions.

  • Average cost & booking window – Brisbane–Airlie sectors start at A$99 one way when purchased 14 days beforehand; look out for backpacker hop-on/hop-off passes for added flexibility.

Save time & money

Book early in peak season

June–September visibility lures divers, and Christmas holidays see island beds vanish months ahead. Secure flights and ferries at least 10 weeks out for fares that can be 40 % lower than last-minute rates.

Compare flight + ferry combos

Some airlines partner with Cruise Whitsundays to package “bag-to-beach” tickets, bundling checked luggage all the way to island resorts. Bundles shave roughly A$25–30 off stand-alone fares and guarantee same-day seat protection if flights delay.

Travel light for boat transfers

Catamaran crews cap checked bags at 23 kg and charge around A$15 for excess. Skipping bulky suitcases speeds boarding and leaves you hands-free on narrow island jetties. Consider storing surplus luggage at Airlie Beach lockers for A$10 daily.

Check the weather window

The tropics swing between calm trade-wind days and short-notice squalls. Download the BOM MetEye coastal forecast two days in advance and build a 24-hour buffer into departure plans to dodge rescheduling hassles.

Catamaran sailing in the Whitsundays with lush islands in the background.
Snorkeler exploring coral reef on Fitzroy Island day trip from Cairns.
Langford Island sandbar surrounded by turquoise waters, Whitsundays, Australia.
Tourists sunbathing on a sailboat deck in the Whitsundays.
Tourists riding a banana boat in the Whitsundays.
Sailing catamaran with tourists in Whitsundays, person diving into the sea.
Tourists enjoying a sunset sail in the Whitsundays, Australia.
Catamaran sailing near rocky shore in Whitsundays, Australia.
Snorkeling

From Airlie Beach: Whitsundays Sail and Snorkel Tour with Lunch

Enjoy an award-winning Whitsundays sailing adventure with snorkelling, banana boat rides, and a fresh lunch.

  • Everything you get: Sail the Whitsundays to Langford Island with eco‑certified guides. Snorkel reefs, enjoy a banana boat ride, and refuel with morning and afternoon snacks plus a freshly prepared lunch as you take in panoramic views of islands and fringing reefs.
  • Why choose this: Adventure‑packed and all‑inclusive, this eco‑certified sailing trip blends reef snorkelling, fun water sports, and stunning Coral Sea sunsets.
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Check availability
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

8 hr. 30 min.
Meals included

Enjoy an award-winning Whitsundays sailing adventure with snorkelling, banana boat rides, and a fresh lunch.

  • Everything you get: Sail the Whitsundays to Langford Island with eco‑certified guides. Snorkel reefs, enjoy a banana boat ride, and refuel with morning and afternoon snacks plus a freshly prepared lunch as you take in panoramic views of islands and fringing reefs.
  • Why choose this: Adventure‑packed and all‑inclusive, this eco‑certified sailing trip blends reef snorkelling, fun water sports, and stunning Coral Sea sunsets.

Inclusions

  • Full-day cruise from Airlie Beach

  • Snorkelling at Langford Reef (inner fringing reef)

  • Banana boat ride

  • Lunch and snacks (menu here)

  • Lycra suit, stinger suit (during summer months), & wetsuit (during winter months) for hire

  • Snorkelling equipment (mask & snorkel only)

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats, & sunscreen
  • Towels
  • Underwater camera or GoPro
  • Jacket
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Reusable water bottle

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What’s not allowed

  • Glassware
  • Red wine (as it may stain the boat’s surface)

Accessibility

  • Not wheelchair accessible.
  • Not suitable for pregnant people and children under 12 years old.

Additional information

  • Snorkelling is a physical activity. You must be a confident swimmer and have a certain level of fitness to participate.
  • The order of locations visited may change depending on the tides and wind. Your crew will select the best snorkelling locations based on weather and visibility conditions.
  • You can bring your own alcohol and snacks. The crew will provide you with an esky to store them. Ice is also available onboard.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Tourists riding jetskis in the Whitsundays with lush green hills in the background.
Aerial view of jetski trails near lush island in Whitsundays, Australia.
Tourist riding a jetski on open water.
Tourists receiving jetski tour information from a guide in Whitsundays.
Tourists walking with a guide on a pier in the Whitsundays before a jetski tour.
Aerial view of a person riding a jet ski in a circular motion on turquoise water.
Tourists riding jetskis in the Whitsundays with lush green hills in the background.
Tourists on jetskis in formation near Whitsundays beach, aerial view.
Jet Skiing

Whitsundays Islands 1.5-Hour Guided Jet Ski Tour

Ride a jet ski from Airlie Beach with expert guidance and stunning island views.

  • Everything you get: Zoom across Airlie Beach’s tropical waters on a 1.5‑hour guided jet ski tour, with scenic views of coastal bays and marine life. All riding gear is included, plus round‑trip transfers and free photos from your ride uploaded to Facebook after the tour.
  • Why choose this: Perfect for thrill-seekers who want to explore the Whitsundays with expert guidance, scenic views, and no gear or experience needed.
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Check availability
Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

2 hr. 30 min.
Guided tour
Transfers included

Ride a jet ski from Airlie Beach with expert guidance and stunning island views.

  • Everything you get: Zoom across Airlie Beach’s tropical waters on a 1.5‑hour guided jet ski tour, with scenic views of coastal bays and marine life. All riding gear is included, plus round‑trip transfers and free photos from your ride uploaded to Facebook after the tour.
  • Why choose this: Perfect for thrill-seekers who want to explore the Whitsundays with expert guidance, scenic views, and no gear or experience needed.

Inclusions

  • 1.5-hour guided jet ski tour from Airlie Beach

  • Experienced tour guide

  • Live commentary

  • Marine wildlife sightings

  • All riding apparel (including life jackets, stinger suits, rash tops/thermal tops, wetsuit shorts, polarised sunglasses, riding hats, and sunscreen)

  • Round-trip bus transfers (within the Airlie Beach area)

  • Bottled water

  • Photos of your trip (uploaded to Facebook)

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes, a towel, sunglasses, hats, & sunscreen
  • Camera
  • Casual clothes

What’s not allowed

  • Max weight per jet ski: 200kg
  • Max participants per jet ski: 1-2 persons
  • Minimum age of the driver: 16 years
  • Minimum age of the passenger: 8 years

Accessibility

  • Not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

  • A reasonable level of fitness is required for this experience.
  • A safety briefing will be conducted before the experience begins. Please pay close attention to the briefing.
  • Guests under 18 years must have an indemnity form signed by a parent or guardian before the tour.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Catamaran cruising in Whitsundays on ZigZag Day Tour, Australia.
Aerial view of boats near Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, with lush greenery and clear blue water.
Tourists at South Whitehaven Lookout enjoying ocean and forest views.
Tourists serving themselves at an all-you-can-eat buffet with diverse dishes.
Sun loungers on a boat deck overlooking turquoise waters and islands on the ZigZag Whitsundays Day Tour.
Aerial view of a boat cruising through clear blue waters on the ZigZag Whitsundays Day Tour.
Outdoor seating area on a boat deck during ZigZag Whitsundays Day Tour.
Outdoor seating area on a boat deck during ZigZag Whitsundays Day Tour.
Catamaran cruising on clear blue waters during ZigZag Whitsundays Day Tour.
Snorkelers in clear waters of Mantaray Bay, Whitsundays, with lush green island backdrop.
Speed Boat Tours

Airlie Beach: Whitehaven Beach Premium Cruise with Lunch & Activity Upgrades

Experience the only Whitsundays cruise with a floating beach club vibe and unlimited beach-to-boat transfers.

  • Everything you get: Cruise aboard a high‑speed catamaran with sun lounges, an onboard bar, and buffet lunch. Enjoy unlimited transfers to Whitehaven Beach, wander on soft silica sands, or join a guided walk to South Whitehaven Lookout before returning at your own pace.
  • Why choose this: Luxury beach time with flexible transfers and premium comforts, perfect for those who want to set their own pace at Whitehaven.
  • Upgrades: Add a dedicated snorkelling boat adventure to Border Island Reef with all gear and instruction included.
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Check availability
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

8 hr.
Transfers included
Meals included

Experience the only Whitsundays cruise with a floating beach club vibe and unlimited beach-to-boat transfers.

  • Everything you get: Cruise aboard a high‑speed catamaran with sun lounges, an onboard bar, and buffet lunch. Enjoy unlimited transfers to Whitehaven Beach, wander on soft silica sands, or join a guided walk to South Whitehaven Lookout before returning at your own pace.
  • Why choose this: Luxury beach time with flexible transfers and premium comforts, perfect for those who want to set their own pace at Whitehaven.
  • Upgrades: Add a dedicated snorkelling boat adventure to Border Island Reef with all gear and instruction included.

Inclusions

  • Full-day cruise from Airlie Beach

  • Unlimited on-demand transfers between the boat & the beach

  • High-speed A/C “SuperCat” catamaran with sun lounges, bathrooms, & onboard bar

  • South Whitehaven Lookout guided walk

  • Buffet lunch (menu here)

  • Stinger suit

  • Guided snorkel tour at Border Island Reef (inner fringing reef) (based on selected option)

  • Snorkelling equipment & flotation devices (based on selected option)

Exclusions

  • Drinks (additional cost)

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats, & sunscreen
  • Camera
  • Jacket
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Reusable water bottle

Accessibility

  • Not wheelchair accessible.

Additional information

  • The boat is equipped with onboard washrooms for your convenience.
  • Snorkelling is a physical activity. If you’ve opted for it, you must be a confident swimmer and have a certain level of fitness to participate.
  • Alcoholic drinks can be purchased at the onboard bar.
  • There is a coffee machine onboard. You can prepare a cup of coffee at an additional cost.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Frequently asked questions about getting to Whitsundays

Which airport is closest to Airlie Beach?

PPP sits 36 km inland with 30-minute shuttles; HTI is on-island and needs a 1-hour ferry. Pick PPP for cheaper fares, HTI for direct resort access.

Are there direct flights from Sydney?

Yes—Qantas and Jetstar fly non-stop to HTI most days; Virgin adds seasonal PPP services. Block around 2 h 30 m gate-to-gate.

How much is the ferry from Proserpine airport?

Shuttle + ferry bundles via Cruise Whitsundays cost A$90–100 one way, including luggage handling and guaranteed ferry connections.

Is parking available at the marina?

Port of Airlie offers open-air and undercover lots from A$16 per day; CCTV and night patrols operate year-round. Pre-book during Easter and Christmas.

Can I take luggage on small ferries?

Each ticket includes one 23 kg suitcase and one carry-on. Extra bags or surfboards attract A$15–25 fees, and large e-scooters are refused.

What’s the best budget option?

Night coaches from Brisbane hit Airlie by sunrise for under A$100; pair with early-bird ferry tickets to reach the islands by late morning without paying flight premiums.