Step 1 -
Fly to The Whitsundays
Fly into Whitsunday Coast Airport, its just a short 30 minute drive from main street of Airlie Beach.
Airlie Beach is the known as the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef and is the front door step to the 74 islands that make up The Whitsundays. We are located about half way between Brisbane and Cairns along the east coast of Queensland. There are three airlines servicing Airlie Beach through Whitsunday Coast Airport being Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Smartlynx (formely Skytrans).
Of course you can always bring your own plane or private jet. Small planes also able to operate from Whitsunday Airport, a private airfield just 6 minutes from the main street on the way to Shute Harbour.
Don't confuse to two airports though - similar names but very different planes.
You can fly direct to Whitsunday Coast Airport from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane daily with Jetstar and connect from any other Jetstar destination around Australia. Jetstar is a sister airline to the well known Qantas brand operating domestic routes in Australia and flights to New Zealand, Japan and a few other international destinations.
Jetstar is a budget airline so keep this in mind too as they do have a number of rules and everything costs extra. The main thing to keep in mind when flying with Jetstar is that you will need to collect your luggage and the check in again at each (yes each) connecting flight.
Smartlynx is a fast growing airline based in Cairns offering a range of regional flights and charter services around Queensland. When flying between Airlie Beach and Cairns the most direct option if to fly with Smartlynx.
Generally the service operates four times per week with return flights departing either Cairns Airport or Whitsunday Coast Airport every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Friday. Smartlynx was formerly known as Skytrans and operates a fleet of Dash-8 turboprop aircraft on this route.
Virgin Australia provide daily services between Brisbane and Whitsunday Coast Airport, with connections from just about anywhere. Virgin is the second largest airline in Australia next to Qantas.
Benefits in flying with Virgin Australia include seat alloation and checked baggage and they will check your luggage right through to your destination. However there is normally only one flight per day and all flights are connected via Brisbane. At this stage there are no direct flights to Melbourne or Sydney available with Virgin Australia to Whitsunday Coast Airport.
Step 3 -
Deliver you to Whitsunday Rent a Yacht in Shute Harbour.
Whitsunday Rent a Yacht is located in Shute Harbour about 15 minutes from the heart of Airlie Beach. Allow for a 50 minute drive direct from the airport to the marina.
Shute Harbour is located around 15 minutes on the southern side of Airlie Beach. From Whitsunday Coast Airport we simply head directly to and through Airlie Beach then up over the hill to Whitsunday Rent a Yacht. The benefit in departing from Shute Harbour is you are right on the door step of the 74 Islands that make up The Whitsundays.
Our service is designed to fit your needs including transfer options between Whitsunday Rent a Yacht and the various locations in and around Airlie Beach for all sorts of supply pickups from food to fishing tackle to the fun drinks and more. Just ask us and we can assist.
But for now, lets get you straight off the plane and direct to Whitsunday Rent a Yacht in your own fully personalised transfer. See you soon.
Step 2 -
Customise your Transfer
This is Airlie Beach, we're all pretty relaxed up here! If you need to pick up some drinks or maybe need a shopping trip, we can help.
To get your holiday started sooner, we recommend to pre-order supplies from supermarkets and bottleshops (liquor stores) plus butchers and seafood suppliers. We can work with you to simply pick them up on the way from the airport to your yacht.
We also understand that you may want to choose your own prawns, your own steaks and maybe even mangos for the daiquiris - so we can always take you shopping too. Just ask and we'll put a package together for you for 30 minutes, to a few hours. Anything is possible.
As the only truly dedicated private custom transfer and concierge service on the roads in The Whitsundays, we're here to help. See our extra help page for links to a selection of suppliers here
Dinner of your first night?
It's important to plan the first night aboard your boat, keeping in mind you will either need to self cater for head to a restaurant for dinner. All restaurants are in Airlie Beach, about 15 minutes from Shute Harbour and it's always best to book ahead.
There is large range of restaurants to choose from when in Airlie Beach. Follow the explore button here to find out all the restaurants, cafes and bars in Airlie Beach.
We can provide provide pick up and drop off services to suit your needs including and after dinner or well into the evening for special events if pre planned. Call Paul if you want advice.
Fantastic Service, great communication. Lovely modern, clean vehicle. Paul was very friendly and knowledgeable. We will definitely use Paul's services again and will be recommending him to friends and family. Thank you.
Allison F.
