Coach companies that service the Whitsundays are Greyhound Australia, Premier and Oz Experience, with over 10 services daily into the coastal community of Airlie Beach from all major centres along the east coast of Australia.
Queensland Rail services include the Sunlander and Tilt Train, linking Proserpine to all the major destinations from Cairns to Brisbane and beyond to Sydney and Melbourne. Taxis and Whitsunday Transit buses meet every arriving train to provide transfers from Proserpine to Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour and the island resorts.
Road trip planning with RACQ
For travellers wanting to organise a road trip along the Queensland coast to Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays, the RACQ's Trip Planner can help determine the driving distance and estimated driving times. It's about 7 hours from Cairns to Airlie Beach, about 9 hours from Airlie Beach to Hervey Bay (Fraser Island) and about 12 hours from Airlie Beach to Brisbane. Plan out your route here and download the iPhone app to take with you on your journey.
RACQ's online Trip Planner
Rail Journeys
Rail Holiday Packages
With a train station in the Whitsundays at Proserpine, you can join one of the many different tour packages put together by Queensland Rail. There many packages to choose from, of varying lengths and with multiple stops along the way.
Sample Itineraries
MasterClass on the Sunlander in Queensland Class, with MasterChef finalist Alana Lowes
Experience an onboard celebrity chef prepared dinner matched with Sirromet wines, while you make your way to Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island for a 4-day escape, including an interactive MasterClass dinner with Alana Lowes. Includes return flight from Hamilton Island to Brisbane.
10 Days Coastal Golf 'n' Rail Adventure
Fly from Brisbane to Cairns, enjoying golfing experiences in Cairns, Hamilton Island and the Sunshine Coast, while travelling south on the Tilt Train and Sunlander Train. Hosted by sporting legends from the Queensland Rail Bulls Masters.
8 Day Best of both Worlds
Journey from Brisbane to Proserpine overnight onboard the Sunlander and spend 3 nights in Airlie Beach and 3 nights at Long Island Resort
7 Day Indulgent Whitsunday Escape
Overnight Queenslander Class on the Sunlander to Proserpine. Spend 2 nights at the stunning Peppers Coral Coast Resort in Airlie Beach and 3 nights in a pool room at Hayman. Premium accommodation, fine dining and personalised service.
14 Day Grand Coastal Explorer
The Sunlander takes you overnight from Brisbane to Proserpine where you will enjoy 4 nights in Airlie Beach, 3 nights in the Townsville region and 4 nights in Cairns with a series of tours at every stop to showcase the best of the coast.
Find out more
Queensland Rail Passes for International Visitors
Queensland Rail offers international travellers a 3 or 6 month Queensland Explorer Pass. The pass includes unlimited travel on the long distance rail network, in any direction, as often as you like, in economy class seating.
More info on rail passes