Your Charter Starts in Airlie Beach
Two marinas, walkable provisioning, an airport 20 minutes out — the easiest charter departure point in the world, done right.
Everything Within Reach
Airlie Beach exists to get your charter away smoothly — here's how the pieces fit.
Coral Sea Marina
The main bareboat base: briefing areas, parking and provisioning drop-off right on the dock.
Provisioning delivered
Order online before you fly; your food arrives aboard, stowed. Or shop Woolworths/Coles in town.
Easy to reach
Direct flights to Proserpine (PPP) from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne — 20 minutes from the marinas.
| Getting there | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fly: Brisbane → Proserpine (PPP) | ~1h20m flight | Shuttle to Airlie 20 min |
| Fly: Sydney → Proserpine | ~2h30m flight | Meet most charters comfortably |
| Fly: Hamilton Island (HTI) | + ferry/flight transfer | Suits Hamilton-based charters |
| Drive: Mackay → Airlie | ~1h30m | Bruce Highway, marina parking |
| Drive: Townsville → Airlie | ~3h30m | Scenic coastal run |
Arrive the day before check-in — briefing paperwork and the big shop are far easier from town.
Stay the Night Before
The lagoon, the Bicentennial Walkway, a seafood dinner on the main street — then an 8am check-in instead of a dawn dash from the airport.
Plan Your RouteWhat Airlie Does for Your Charter
- Two marinas — Coral Sea for most bareboat fleets; Abell Point walkable to the main street
- Full provisioning — Both major supermarkets, bottleshops and delivery-to-boat services
- Long-stay parking — Secure marina parking for the week, bookable with your charter
- Pre-charter night out — Restaurants from backpacker pizza to proper seafood
- Post-charter recovery — Hot showers, a lagoon swim, and celebratory dinner
- Day-sail backup — Not chartering this trip? Day sails to Whitehaven leave here daily
Airlie Beach, briefly
Airlie is the mainland hub of the Whitsundays — nearly every charter departs from Coral Sea Marina or Abell Point Marina. Confirm your check-in marina and time with your charter company (bareboats are usually 8–10am at Coral Sea), arrive the day before, and the whole departure-day juggling act becomes a gentle morning stroll.
First time chartering? Read the bareboat guide or consider a skipper. Ready to price it: cost guide.
Your Questions, Answered
Which marina does my charter leave from?
Most bareboats check in at Coral Sea Marina; some operators use Abell Point. Your charter company confirms — check before booking flights.
How far is the airport?
Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) is 20 minutes by shuttle. Hamilton Island airport needs a ferry or flight transfer.
Can I park at the marina?
Yes — both marinas offer long-stay parking for charterers, included or for a modest fee. Book with your charter company.
Should we stay in Airlie the night before?
Strongly recommended — provisioning and an early check-in are far easier from town than racing a morning flight.
What's there to do in Airlie itself?
The free lagoon, the Bicentennial Walkway, and a genuinely good main-street food scene.
When should I book provisioning?
Order online 2–3 weeks out; delivery slots fill fast in peak season.
Fly In. Stock Up. Cast Off.
The full departure-day playbook — plus what your week aboard will cost.
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