Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If you do find yourself in Proserpine with time to spare, head to
Colour Me Crazy
(
07-4945 2698; 2b Dobbins Lane; 8.30am-5.30pm Mon-Fri, to 3.30pm Sat, 9.30am-2.30pm Sun)
, an eye-pop-
ping labyrinth of out-there jewellery, clothing and homewares.
Proserpine's Whitsunday Coast Airport is 14km south of town, serviced from Brisbane
and some other capitals by
Jetstar
(
13 67 89;
In addition to meeting all planes and trains,
Whitsunday Transit
( 07-4946 1800;
www.whitsundaytransit.com.au
)
has eight scheduled bus services running daily from Proserpine
to Airlie Beach. One way/return from the airport costs $18/36, and from the train station
it's $12.10/24.20.
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Airlie Beach
POP 7868
Like olives, oysters and Vegemite, Airlie Beach is a love-or-hate affair. A good-time town
of the highest order, the mainland gateway to the Whitsundays is loud, brash and busy, a
total contrast to the tranquil ocean glittering just metres offshore. Despite a backdrop of
jungle-clad hills and Airlie's proximity to obvious natural wonders, those in search of
serenity will find it only once anchors are aweigh; those after wildlife need look no further
than the frenzied backpacker bars lining the recently renovated main drag. That said, the
town does offer some respite from the party pace in the form of a lovely swimming lagoon
and the amble-worthy landscaped foreshore.
Abel Point Marina, where the Cruise Whitsundays ferries depart from and where many
of the cruising yachts are moored, is about 1km west along a pleasant boardwalk, while
many other vessels leave from Shute Harbour (about 12km east); most cruise companies
run courtesy buses into town.
