Natural harbour and gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, surrounded by rainforest
Location:
10km east of Airlie Beach
Part of:
Conway National Park surrounds
Coordinates:
-20.2919, 148.7850
Access:
Ferry, bareboat charter, private vessel
Best for:
Island transfers, fishing, bushwalking
Facilities:
Terminal, jetty, boat ramp, car parks
About Shute Harbour
Shute Harbour is a natural harbour and marine terminal located 10km east of Airlie Beach in the Whitsunday Region of Queensland. Nestled within Conway National Park rainforest, this sheltered port serves as one of the main gateways to the Whitsunday Islands and is recognised as one of the busiest small vessel facilities in Australia.
The harbour takes its name from Shute Island, which sits approximately 500 metres south-east of the headland. Captain John Fiot Lee Pearse Maclear of HMS Alert named the island in May 1881, possibly after a crew member. Today, Shute Harbour operates as the second busiest commuter port in Australia after Sydney's Circular Quay, with regular ferry services carrying passengers to Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, and other resort destinations across the Whitsundays.
The Shute Harbour Marine Terminal underwent major renovations and reopened in December 2021, bringing modern facilities including three finger pontoons, a ticketing and baggage claim area, fuel facilities, and a licensed cafe. The harbour serves as the home base for bareboat charter operations, commercial tour vessels, water taxis, and provides public boat ramp and fishing jetty access. A new marina development is currently underway, transforming Shute Harbour into a world-class precinct with berths ranging from 10 to 30 metres.
What to Expect at Shute Harbour
Shute Harbour offers a quieter, more tranquil alternative to the bustling Coral Sea Marina and Port of Airlie. The 10-kilometre drive from Airlie Beach winds through Conway National Park on a scenic road that hugs the base of Mount Rooper, revealing spectacular views of rainforest-covered mountains before descending to the water's edge.
The harbour itself is a sheltered bay surrounded by dense tropical vegetation, with panoramic views across the Whitsunday Passage to nearby islands including Repair Island, Tancred Island, and Shute Island. The natural harbour teems with marine life - dolphins, rays, turtles, and an array of tropical fish are regular visitors, and during whale season (June to September), humpback whales occasionally enter the harbour.
Visitors will find the atmosphere considerably more relaxed than central Airlie Beach, with a small residential community on Coral Point peninsula and tour operators focused primarily on bareboat charters and island ferries. The harbour area includes walking tracks to lookout points, a public fishing jetty popular with locals, and access to Conway National Park bushwalking trails through lowland rainforest and mangroves.
How to Get to Shute Harbour
By Car
Shute Harbour is a 10-minute drive from Airlie Beach via the Proserpine-Shute Harbour Road (State Route 59). The scenic road twists through Conway National Park with limited overtaking opportunities. Two car parks are available at the harbour - a large open-air car park on the waterfront and a smaller facility. Both offer long-term parking managed by Whitsunday Regional Council. Card payment only. Allow extra time during peak season as parking fills quickly for morning ferry departures.
By Bus
Whitsunday Transit operates regular bus services connecting Shute Harbour with Proserpine, Cannonvale, and Airlie Beach. The bus stop is located at the South End terminal area. Check timetables in advance as services may be limited, especially on weekends.
By Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services operate between Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour, taking approximately 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. This is a convenient option if you're carrying luggage for an island stay or bareboat charter.
Facilities & Services
Marine Terminal
Modern facility with three finger pontoons, ticketing area, baggage claim, licensed cafe, and function space with ocean views
Public Boat Ramp
Council-managed boat ramp for launching private vessels, with limited trailer parking available on site
Fishing Jetty
Public fishing jetty popular for catching tropical Whitsunday fish species and squid, free to use
Fuel Facility
Marine fuel available at terminal for visiting vessels and charter boats
Car Parks
Two public car parks including large waterfront area and smaller facility, long-term parking available, card payment only
Marina Development
New marina berths (10-30m vessels) being developed as part of world-class precinct expansion
Tours & Services from Shute Harbour
β΄οΈ Island Ferries
Cruise Whitsundays and SeaLink operate regular ferry services from Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island (35 minutes), Daydream Island (50 minutes), and Long Island (20 minutes). Multiple daily departures carry passengers to island resorts and accommodation.
β΅ Bareboat Charters
Whitsunday Rent a Yacht, established in 1978, operates from Shute Harbour as Australia's longest-standing yacht charter service. Private jetty and moorings offer sleep-aboard facilities before departure. Charter vessels range from small yachts to large catamarans.
ποΈ Whitehaven Beach Tours
Day tours to Whitehaven Beach depart from Shute Harbour, including SeaLink's full-day tours to Hill Inlet Lookout and Mandalay Cruises' unguided ferry service. Whitehaven Beach tours offer various options from premium guided experiences to self-paced beach days.
π€ Water Taxis
Private water taxi services operate on-demand transfers to islands, secluded bays, and mainland beaches. Services also include island camping drop-offs and pick-ups.
βοΈ Scenic Flights
Whitsunday Airport, located near Shute Harbour, offers scenic flights, seaplane tours, and helicopter charters over the Whitsunday Islands, Heart Reef, and Great Barrier Reef.
Important Note: Always check which departure point your tour uses before booking. While Shute Harbour handles island ferries and bareboat charters, most day tours and overnight sailing tours depart from Coral Sea Marina or Port of Airlie in central Airlie Beach.
Things to Do at Shute Harbour
π£ Fishing
Cast a line from the public fishing jetty for tropical species including mangrove jack, trevally, queenfish, and squid. Free access, popular spot with locals.
π₯Ύ Bushwalking
Explore Conway National Park trails including the 1.1km Coral Beach walk through rainforest, The Beak viewing platform, and Lions Lookout for panoramic harbour views.
πΈ Photography
Capture stunning views of rainforest-covered mountains, yacht moorings, and Whitsunday Islands from lookout points around the harbour.
π Wildlife Spotting
Watch for dolphins, sea turtles, and rays in the harbour. During winter (June-September), humpback whales occasionally enter the protected waters.
π€ Boat Launching
Launch private boats from the public boat ramp to explore nearby islands, bays, and snorkelling sites around the Whitsunday Passage.
ποΈ Beach Access
Walk to secluded Coral Beach via rainforest trail, or explore Swamp Bay bush camping area accessible by foot or boat.
Nearby Attractions
π³ Conway National Park
Surrounding the harbour with eight walking tracks through lowland rainforest, mangroves, and open forest. Access from Shute Harbour Road and Whitsunday Drive.
ποΈ Whitsunday Islands
Shute Harbour is the closest mainland port to the 74 Whitsunday Islands. Within two hours' sail, access five overnight anchorages and dozens of secluded bays.
ποΈ Airlie Beach
10km west, Airlie Beach offers the lagoon, main street shopping, restaurants, and accommodation options.
Essential Information
Best Time to Visit
Shute Harbour operates year-round with ferry services and charter departures daily. Peak season runs from April to October during dry season, with winter months (June-September) offering whale watching opportunities and ideal sailing conditions. Summer (November-May) brings higher temperatures and marine stinger season, though the harbour remains busy with island transfers and charters.
What to Bring
For fishing: rod, tackle, and esky. For bushwalking: sturdy shoes, water, hat, and sunscreen. If catching ferries: booking confirmation, luggage tags, and arrive 30 minutes before departure. For bareboat charters: full provisions list provided by charter company. Card payment only for parking - no cash accepted.
Important Notes
- Marine stinger season November-May requires protective clothing for swimming
- Crocodiles inhabit northern Queensland waterways - obey warning signs
- Irukandji jellyfish present during summer months - seek local advice
- Mobile phone coverage may be limited in Conway National Park areas
- No shops or restaurants at the harbour - bring supplies or eat in Airlie Beach
- Car parks fill quickly during peak season - arrive early for ferry departures
- Winding road through national park not suitable for large caravans
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Shute Harbour from Airlie Beach?
Shute Harbour is located 10km east of Airlie Beach, approximately a 10-15 minute drive via the scenic Proserpine-Shute Harbour Road through Conway National Park.
Which islands can you reach from Shute Harbour?
Regular ferry services connect Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island (35 minutes), Daydream Island (50 minutes), and Long Island (20 minutes). Bareboat charters and water taxis provide access to all 74 Whitsunday Islands.
Do tours to Whitehaven Beach leave from Shute Harbour?
Some Whitehaven Beach tours depart from Shute Harbour, including SeaLink's full-day tours and Mandalay Cruises' ferry service. However, most day tours depart from Coral Sea Marina or Port of Airlie in central Airlie Beach. Always check your tour's departure location when booking.
Is there parking at Shute Harbour?
Yes, two public car parks are available with long-term parking options managed by Whitsunday Regional Council. Card payment only, no cash accepted. Parking fills quickly during peak season, especially for morning ferry departures.
Can you launch private boats at Shute Harbour?
Yes, a public boat ramp is available on Shute Harbour Road for launching private vessels. The ramp is managed by Whitsunday Regional Council with limited trailer parking on site. There is also a public fishing jetty free for all to use.
Tours from Shute Harbour
While Shute Harbour primarily serves island ferries and bareboat charters, several tours depart from this natural harbour. For the widest range of Whitsundays tours, most visitors depart from Coral Sea Marina or Port of Airlie in central Airlie Beach.
Good to Know
β Second busiest commuter port in Australia
β 10km east of Airlie Beach through national park
β Regular ferries to Hamilton, Daydream, Long Island
β Home to Australia's oldest yacht charter service
β Surrounded by Conway National Park rainforest
β Public boat ramp and fishing jetty available
β Closest mainland port to Whitsunday Islands
β Named after Shute Island (500m south-east)
Type: Natural Harbour & Marine Terminal
Location: 10km east of Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Queensland
Best For: Island ferries, bareboat charters, fishing, bushwalking