Shute Harbour Ferries

The port of Shute Harbour plays a key role in the ferry network of Australia, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 1 ferry routes operated by - ferry companies, Shute Harbour serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Shute Harbour, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Daydream Island - Shute Harbour connecting Shute Harbour with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as - run regular services from Shute Harbour, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Shute Harbour offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Shute Harbour is easily accessible by road, located just 10km east of Airlie Beach along Shute Harbour Road. Visitors can drive from Proserpine (approximately 30 minutes) or take a shuttle bus from Proserpine Airport or Airlie Beach. Regular public buses operate between Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour, with the journey taking around 15 minutes. If arriving by car, the terminal offers both short and long-term parking options, though spaces can fill quickly during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.

Nestled on the stunning Queensland coast, Shute Harbour serves as the main departure point for adventures throughout the Whitsunday Islands. This natural deep-water port offers breathtaking views of the turquoise waters dotted with lush islands on the horizon. As one of Australia's busiest ferry terminals, it connects mainland travelers to the tropical paradise of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and its island gems.

The Whitsundays region enjoys a tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. May to November offers the most pleasant conditions with clear skies, gentle sea breezes, and temperatures averaging 22-27°C. September is particularly ideal as the waters are calm and visibility for snorkeling and diving is exceptional. The summer months (December to March) bring warmer temperatures but also increased rainfall and the possibility of cyclones. Ferry services operate year-round, though schedules may be reduced during extreme weather events in the wet season.

From Shute Harbour, a world of island exploration awaits across the magnificent Whitsundays. Hamilton Island, reachable in just 30 minutes by ferry, offers luxury resorts and beautiful beaches. The pristine Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island is accessible via a 45-minute ferry journey, showcasing its famous 7km stretch of pure silica sand. Daydream Island, approximately 25 minutes away, delights visitors with its living reef and marine experiences. For a true escape, Long Island presents a more secluded atmosphere with rainforest walks and fringing coral reefs, all within a short 20-minute ferry ride.

While primarily a transit point, Shute Harbour and its surroundings offer several worthwhile experiences. The Coral Point walking track provides stunning panoramic views of the Whitsunday Islands and is perfect for photography enthusiasts. Fresh seafood is available at nearby restaurants, with local coral trout and bugs (small lobsters) being regional specialties. The Shute Harbour foreshore is ideal for a relaxing picnic before or after your island adventures. Nearby Airlie Beach offers vibrant markets, shops, and the family-friendly Airlie Beach Lagoon, perfect for a refreshing swim while waiting for your ferry connection.

Shute Harbour was named after an inspector of police, Inspector Shute, who was stationed in Bowen during the 1860s. Before becoming a ferry terminal, the area was an important meeting place for the Ngaro people, the traditional owners who navigated these waters in canoes for thousands of years. The harbour sits within a natural amphitheater created by Conway National Park, which protects one of the few remaining areas of lowland tropical rainforest in Queensland. During World War II, Shute Harbour served as a strategic naval base for Allied forces in the Pacific.