One of the many great things about the Whitsundays (among natural beauty, amazing recreation opportunities, and more) is that the islands are tremendously accessible. Instead of hopping on board a lengthy, expensive overseas flight, you could cut your travel time by more than half, and spend your next holiday in the paradise right in your own backyard. The 78 Whitsunday Islands are a tropical treasure which lie just off the Queensland coast. When you choose the Whitsundays as your next holiday destination, you’ll save money on your travel expenses, as well as save yourself precious holiday time which could be better spent lying on the beach or relaxing on the deck of your yacht charter. So how do you reach these spectacular islands?

Getting Here in No Time

There are two regional airports which service the Whitsunday Islands: Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island (HTI) and Whitsunday Coast Airport in Proserpine (PPP), These airports are serviced by a number of airlines with daily flights from major cities throughout Australia. Flying from Sydney to Hamilton Island via airlines like Jetstar and Virgin Australia takes a mere 2 hours, while a one-way from Melbourne into Whitsunday Coast lasts for only 3. Great Barrier Reef Airport, located amongst the islands themselves is a great option to bring you right into the center of the action. When arriving at the Whitsunday Coast Airport near Proserpine, you are a quick 25 minute drive from Airlie Beach, the mainland coastal hub of Whitsundays tourism. If you choose to fly into the Whitsunday Coast Airport, you will find convenient taxi and shuttle services available to transfer you to Airlie Beach. If you’re looking to ride in style, there are car hire and limousine hire options as well. From Airlie, various ferries will bring you to Hamilton Island as well as to some of the Whitsunday resorts sprinkled throughout the islands.

Driving to the Whitsundays

If you’re coming from a far distance, your best bet may not be driving. However, if you’re travelling on the Queensland coast, accessing the Whitsundays by car or campervan could be quite convenient. Along the coast, there are many campsites and caravan parks to choose from. Once you’ve explored the mainland coast, head out to the islands, sailing on your own private yacht charter.

Getting Around the Islands

To make the most of a Whitsunday holiday, there can be no better option than chartering your own yacht. As the Whitsundays are comprised of countless islands, the only way to access them is by crossing the water (or by private plane, but not everyone can make room for that in their budget!) Having a yacht charter gives you complete freedom to explore as many of the islands as you want, and you have the opportunity to discover unique, off-the-beaten-path spots that most travellers will never encounter. As you journey throughout the Whitsundays, your yacht charter allows you flexibility in your travel pace and itinerary. You can sail as swiftly or as leisurely as you choose. This is truly the ideal way to experience the true Whitsundays.