WHERE DO WE DEPART + HOW DO WE GET THERE?
SHUTE HARBOUR + AIRLIE BEACH
Getting around Airlie Beach once you have arrived is easy, there are plenty of options available to make your trip a breeze. In order to get to Shute Harbour boat terminal you will need to organise some form of transport as it is a 15 minute drive from Airlie Beaches CBD. Below are some options to assist you in getting to your water taxi transfer on the Mainland:
• Catch a bus to the terminal, pricing and timetables can be found over at Whitsunday Transit
• Catch a taxi to the terminal, bookings can be made over at Mackay Whitsunday Taxi or simply call 131 008
• Hire a car so you can drive yourself to the terminal, you can hire a car over at Hertz
• Drive in your personal car, there is plenty of available parking at Shute Harbour and it is currently free to park your car
HAMILTON ISLAND
Being car-free gives Hamilton Island a very unique, relaxed and tranquil ambience. And despite the lack of cars, it’s also still incredibly easy and fast to get around. Below are some options to assist you in getting to your water taxi transfer on Hamilton Island:
• Catch a taxi from the Hamilton Island Airport, contact Resort Link Taxis to make a booking
• Catch the complimentary shuttle bus to IGA Supermarket to get to the G Arm of the Hamilton Island Marina
• Hire a buggy so you can drive yourself to the G Arm of Hamilton Island Marina
Getting around Airlie Beach once you have arrived is easy, there are plenty of options available to make your trip a breeze. In order to get to Shute Harbour boat terminal you will need to organise some form of transport as it is a 15 minute drive from Airlie Beaches CBD. Below are some options to assist you in getting to your water taxi transfer on the Mainland:
• Catch a bus to the terminal, pricing and timetables can be found over at Whitsunday Transit
• Catch a taxi to the terminal, bookings can be made over at Mackay Whitsunday Taxi or simply call 131 008
• Hire a car so you can drive yourself to the terminal, you can hire a car over at Hertz
• Drive in your personal car, there is plenty of available parking at Shute Harbour and it is currently free to park your car
HAMILTON ISLAND
Being car-free gives Hamilton Island a very unique, relaxed and tranquil ambience. And despite the lack of cars, it’s also still incredibly easy and fast to get around. Below are some options to assist you in getting to your water taxi transfer on Hamilton Island:
• Catch a taxi from the Hamilton Island Airport, contact Resort Link Taxis to make a booking
• Catch the complimentary shuttle bus to IGA Supermarket to get to the G Arm of the Hamilton Island Marina
• Hire a buggy so you can drive yourself to the G Arm of Hamilton Island Marina
WHEN SHOULD WE BE READY FOR DEPARTURE?
It is recommended that you be ready for departure or pick-up at least 20 minutes before your scheduled water taxi transfer
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO MY DESTINATION?
Times vary depending on where you are travelling to or from. To find out how long it will take to reach your destination, please see the estimated times during your booking process (after choosing your "to" and "from" locations and dates). This will display the departure times and the estimated time of arrival at your destination.
WHAT IF THERE IS POOR WEATHER FORECAST?
If there is poor weather forecast on the day that you are intended to travel to your destination, you will be notified by us if the weather will affect your water taxi transfer. Although, in the case that this does happen, you may be offered to travel on an alternate date, destination or refund.
HOW MANY PASSENGERS ARE ON THE VESSEL?
Our vessels range in capacity from 8 - 35 passengers. Depending on the day, you may travel on any one of our vessels.
What is the minimum age requirement
Being private transfers we have no minimum age requirements however if the weather is looking "adventurous" we will generally advise it would be unsuitable for infants.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
DAY TRIP
• Water Bottle
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Protective Clothing
• Towel
• Wet Weather Jacket
• Warm Jumper
• Camera
CAMPING
• Insect repellant
• Water
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Groceries
• Protective Clothing
• Towel
• Warm Jumper
• Camera
Should you require any additional equipment during your trip you can hire this through Whitsunday Outdoor Adventure Hire.
If you would prefer to order a camping food box you can order over at Slice of Nature there are plenty of options to choose from.
• Water Bottle
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Protective Clothing
• Towel
• Wet Weather Jacket
• Warm Jumper
• Camera
CAMPING
• Insect repellant
• Water
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Groceries
• Protective Clothing
• Towel
• Warm Jumper
• Camera
Should you require any additional equipment during your trip you can hire this through Whitsunday Outdoor Adventure Hire.
If you would prefer to order a camping food box you can order over at Slice of Nature there are plenty of options to choose from.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
Cancellations or changes should they be approved by us within 24 hours of travel time will incur 100% fee. Any cancellations or changes made outside of the 24 hour travel time will only incur a $10 service fee. No refunds within 24 hours of departure unless the Operator cancels the activity due to waterway, or weather conditions, insufficient reservations or any other unforeseen event or circumstances. Otherwise, refunds are granted solely at the discretion of the Agent according to the Operator's cancellation policy. Where there is a ‘no show’ without prior notification or cancellation in required time are not eligible for a refund. Refunds may only be obtained from the Booking Agent. Note no transaction fee is refundable. Refunds are available for cancellations outside 24hrs for bookings made directly with Whitsunday Water Taxi Transfers.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Travel insurance is always highly recommended. Some parts of the Whitsundays are very remote, meaning if anything should happen it can become quite costly. Weather events may also mean you could miss your trip. Travel insurance can be organised over at World Nomads.
IS THERE PHONE RECEPTION AT MY DESTINATION?
• Sandy Bay, South Molle Island: limited - poor coverage
• Palm Bay Resort, Long Island: average coverage
• Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island: no coverage
• Chalkies Beach, Haselwood Island: no coverage
• Chance Bay: no coverage
• Henning Island: good coverage
• Palm Bay Resort, Long Island: average coverage
• Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island: no coverage
• Chalkies Beach, Haselwood Island: no coverage
• Chance Bay: no coverage
• Henning Island: good coverage
CAN I GO FISHING AT MY DESTINATION?
Most of the locations that you can visit are either Yellow or Green Zones, you can find out more about zones over at Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM PASSENGER AGE?
Our minimum passenger age is 5 years old.
WHAT FACILITIES ARE AT MY DESTINATION?
All island destinations only have toilets and tables. There are no other facilities available.
Do i need a camping permit?
Yes, all island campgrounds require a camping permit. Before you plan your Whitsunday Islands camping trip we recommend checking our water taxi timetable or availability. Some island camping locations are tidal and may not be accessible at certain times of the day.
How do i Book a camping permit?
You can book your Queensland National Parks Camping Permit online via their website.
what are your most helpful links?
Weather Forecasts & Tidal Information:
The Bureau of Meteorology
Camping Permits:
Queensland National Parks
Fishing Zones:
Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks
The Bureau of Meteorology
Camping Permits:
Queensland National Parks
Fishing Zones:
Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks
Where can i park my car?
There is ample parking at Shute Harbour, Airlie Beach. There are 2 parking lots available for free use, a top carpark located at the top of Whitsunday Drive with stairs accessing the main harbour, and a bottom car park located on Shute Harbour Road near the terminal.