THE 25 BEST Cruises to Whitsundays (Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island) 2024 (with Prices) - Whitsundays (Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island) Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic

Q: Getting Around

**On Foot:** The flat, scenic boardwalk around Airlie Beach makes it a pleasant walking area that is great for people watching. **By Taxi:** You can book a ride with Whitsunday Taxis through Tourism Whitsundays (07 4948 5900) 24 hours a day or call 131 008 if you require a taxi straight away. **By Bus:** To get farther afield, **Whitsunday Transit** offers a daily bus service connecting Airlie Beach to Proserpine, Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket and onto Shute Harbour from designated bus stops every 30 to 60 minutes. **By Car:** Car rental options at Airlie Beach include **Avis**, **Hertz** and **Thrifty** car rentals, all of which have outlets there. Alternatively, local rental companies include Fun Rentals (21 Carlo Dr, Cannonvale; 0414 825 039).

About Cruising to Whitsundays (Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island)

Taking in the stunning reef, picturesque islands and luxurious hotels that make up the Whitsundays, you might find it hard to believe the islands are the result of volcanoes that raged 110 million years ago. Captain Cook, who sailed through on June 4, 1770, named the collection of islands. Of the 74 islands, only eight are inhabited with resorts.

The region offers more than enough diversions to occupy the curious traveller, with a bevy of wildlife on land and sea, high-end eateries, family-friendly lagoons and romantic sandy beaches.

The Whitsundays has recovered from the devastating cyclone of 2017 and is looking its pristine best. It experiences an average of 274 sunny days a year, making it the perfect spot to soak up some rays and explore its naturally beautiful features on land or at sea. The average water temperature around the Whitsundays is 26 degrees Celsius, making the jewel-like islands paradise for diving and snorkelling.

Of course, it's just as possible to appreciate the ocean from the shoreline -- especially from one of the many sumptuous seafood restaurants that line the coast. Access for cruise passengers is via ship tender boats to the purpose-built Port of Airlie Marina or the Coral Sea Marina, formerly the Abell Point Marina.

Perched on Australia's northeast coast, the mainland port acts as both a gateway to the islands and is an attractive beach destination in its own right. It has a lively and social atmosphere -- with many restaurants, cafes and bars for evening guests with boutique shops, day spas and cafes. Travellers can take daytrips to the reef, Daydream Island and Whitsunday Island, home to Whitehaven Beach, from Airlie Beach.

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More about Whitsundays (Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island)

Why Cruise to Whitsundays (Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island)?

Pros:

The main attraction, Whitehaven, is the most photographed beach in Australia

Cons:

One day in paradise is not enough

Bottom Line:

A perfect place for sailing the turquoise waters that surround 74 mostly uninhabited islands

Whitsundays (Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island) Cruise Port Facilities?

Cruise passengers in Airlie Beach are greeted by Volunteer Cruise Ship Ambassadors, a program coordinated by Tourism Whitsundays. The ambassadors are passionate about the Whitsundays and are there to provide information on transfers and promote the region. You will find a cafe, boutique, kiosk and Cruise Whitsundays tour desk at the terminal. There are no ATMs at the terminal.

Most people will want to take the short walk or shuttle bus to the main street of Airlie Beach, where there are many options for shopping, restaurants and bars, as well as several tourist information desks. It is a 10-minute stroll from the Cruise Whitsundays terminal through the Port of Airlie restaurant precinct to the start of the main street of Airlie Beach.

Good to Know?

The North Queensland sun can be harsh, so cover up and apply sunscreen before you head outdoors, even on cloudy days. Even if you aren't prone to sunburn, a hat and sunglasses are also essential in the Whitsundays.

October to May is the high-risk stinger season, so it is best to wear a protective wetsuit when swimming in the ocean during this time.

Getting Around?

On Foot: The flat, scenic boardwalk around Airlie Beach makes it a pleasant walking area that is great for people watching.

By Taxi: You can book a ride with Whitsunday Taxis through Tourism Whitsundays (07 4948 5900) 24 hours a day or call 131 008 if you require a taxi straight away.

By Bus: To get farther afield, Whitsunday Transit offers a daily bus service connecting Airlie Beach to Proserpine, Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket and onto Shute Harbour from designated bus stops every 30 to 60 minutes.

By Car: Car rental options at Airlie Beach include Avis, Hertz and Thrifty car rentals, all of which have outlets there. Alternatively, local rental companies include Fun Rentals (21 Carlo Dr, Cannonvale; 0414 825 039).

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

The currency is the Australian dollar. There are extensive ATM facilities throughout Airlie Beach (within a five-minute walk of the marina). Most places accept mainstream credit cards.