Surrounded by the slopes of the Conway National Park, Shute Harbour is a sheltered port, south of the tourist town of Airlie Beach. The harbour is primarily used as a stepping-stone to the Whitsunday island resorts and nearby Barrier Reef. It is a major departure point for cruise vessels, ferries and Whitsunday charter boats as well as being a scenic location offering quiet accommodation, island views and activities such as kayaking and nature walks.
Whitsunday Transport - Arrival and Orientation
Whitsunday Transit buses connect Shute Harbour with Proserpine and Airlie Beach. Buses operate seven days a week inside daylight hours. Proserpine is the site of the nearest mainland jet airport. The journey to Shute Harbour takes about 30 minutes by taxi, car or coach and longer on standard bus runs. Closer to the harbour is a small regional airport used by helicopters, seaplanes and private charters, operating air-taxi services and scenic flights.
Self-drivers will find ample parking at Shute Harbour. There are open-air Pay-and-Display car parks directly beside the ferry terminal and on the hill above. Undercover secure parking is found at the Shute Harbour Parking & Storage facility (within easy walking distance of the ferry terminal), which currently has space for over 350 vehicles including trailers, motor homes and campervans. There is a fuel station, ticket office and convenience store on site.
Shute Harbour Ferries - Passenger Services to the Whitsunday Islands and Reef
Fantasea Cruises operates a fleet of high-speed catamarans with daily departures to Hamilton Island. Some morning ferries continue onwards as day trips to Whitehaven Beach or the Great Barrier Reef. Return coach transfers to Shute Harbour are presently included in the price of Reefworld and Island Experience cruises. Tickets can be purchased at participating offices in Airlie Beach and at the ferry terminal itself.
Also departing from Shute Harbour are Cruise Whitsundays vessels bound for Hamilton Island airport, Long Island Resort and Koala Adventure Island Resort (otherwise known as South Molle). Shute Harbour is an access point for Hayman Island, with twice daily departures aboard the resort-owned fleet of luxury cruisers. There is a private launch, which makes regular connections with the Peppers Resort at Palm Bay (Long Island).
Whitsunday Day Trips and Island Camping Connections
Maxi-yacht Ragamuffin runs day-sails from Shute Harbour, stopping at either Blue Pearl Bay on Hayman Island or Whitehaven Beach. Shute Harbour is the place for campers to access their chosen island destination through Whitsunday Island Camping Connections. Departures for island drop-offs are tide dependent and therefore arranged at the time of booking. The closest island campsite is on Tancred Island, inside Shute Harbour itself.
Whitsunday Charter Boats
Shute Harbour is the home of Whitsunday Rent A Yacht. Catamarans, sailing yachts and power cruisers are all available for hire from the Rent A Yacht base on Bay Terrace. Charter operations are conducted from a private jetty and modern air-conditioned office. Whitsunday Rent A Yacht are among the most knowledgeable operators in the charter industry with over 20 years experience in the bareboating business.
Whitsunday Accommodation and Activities
The road between Shute Harbour and Airlie Beach is dotted with motels and caravan parks. On the hill at Shute Haven is the Coral Point Lodge, with views from every room. The harbour boasts picnic areas, gas barbeques and walking tracks overlooking the islands and coast. Sea kayaks can be hired for self-guided or organised tours. Boating and fishing enthusiasts will find a launching ramp on site. Moorings can be leased through Whitsunday Rent A Yacht.
Sharon Smallwood - Sharon Smallwood is a freelance photo-journalist specialising in boating, lifestyle and travel. Sharon's entertaining, well informed and ...
