Whitsunday Coast Airport

Welcome to Whitsunday Coast Airport, also known as Proserpine Airport! This is not just a terminal, but your gateway to a tropical paradise — to the famous Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Located in the heart of one of the most picturesque regions of Australia, this airport serves as the starting point for unforgettable adventures. Modern and cosy, it is designed to ensure your journey begins with comfort and pleasant impressions.

Whitsunday Coast Airport combines convenience with a unique atmosphere that immediately immerses you in the world of tropical nature. For instance, a massive 10-metre aquarium housing over 100 species of local marine life is installed right in the departure lounge. It is one of the fastest-growing regional airports in Australia, which speaks to its popularity among travellers.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Despite its size, Whitsunday Coast Airport offers travellers everything necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight. There is free Wi-Fi, a cosy café serving refreshments where you can grab a fresh meal, and, of course, information desks. For those travelling with children, mother and child rooms are provided. One of the unique "features" is an augmented reality screen at the baggage carousel, which welcomes arriving passengers with images of local animals such as kangaroos, koalas, and even humpback whales. Transport connections are well organised: shuttle buses and taxis arrive for every flight, ready to take you to the popular resort town of Airlie Beach in approximately 30-40 minutes, from where ferries depart to the islands. Car rental desks are also available in the terminal for those who prefer to explore the region on their own.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations can be found on the official website: www.whitsundaycoastairport.com.au.
• Help Desk Phone: For enquiries and answers to questions, you can call: +61 7 4945 0200.
• Airport Address: 2528 Proserpine Shute Harbour Road, Gunyarra QLD 4800, Australia.
• Email: You can contact airport representatives via the contact form on the official website or via the email address listed in the contacts section.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the airport's official Facebook and Instagram pages.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage during a flight, please contact your airline directly. If you have lost personal items within the terminal, contact the airport help desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general support and answers to questions, use the main airport help desk phone number.

You can reach Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP), which is the main aerial gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, via several convenient methods. The airport is located approximately 14 kilometres south of the town of Proserpine and serves the popular resort hub of Airlie Beach. The choice of transport will depend on your budget, amount of luggage, and plans for exploring this picturesque region of Australia.

Shuttle Buses are the most popular and economical way to travel between the airport, Proserpine, and Airlie Beach. Various companies offer their services, meeting passengers from almost every flight. The trip to the centre of Proserpine takes about 15 minutes, while to Airlie Beach it takes 30-40 minutes. The fare to Airlie Beach is usually 20-25 Australian dollars per person. It is highly recommended to book a seat on the shuttle in advance online, especially during the high tourist season.

Taxis and Private Transfers are an excellent choice for those who value comfort, are travelling with family, or have a lot of luggage. The taxi rank is conveniently located right outside the arrivals terminal exit. A taxi ride to Airlie Beach will cost approximately 80-100 Australian dollars. Private transfers offer a meet-and-greet service with a name sign in the arrivals hall and a fixed price, which is particularly convenient after a long flight. This option should also be booked in advance.

Car Rental is the ideal solution for independent travellers who wish to explore the Whitsunday coast at their own pace. Inside the airport terminal, you will find desks for major international and local rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget). Having a car gives you the freedom to travel not only to your hotel but also to remote attractions in the region. It is also a convenient way to arrive from other cities, such as Mackay or Townsville. Booking a car in advance can save you time and money.

Airport Parking is provided for those arriving in their own or rented vehicles. An open-air car park is located directly opposite the terminal building, with both short-term and long-term parking options available. This is a safe and reliable way to leave your car for the duration of your trip. The cost depends on the parking duration.

Whitsunday Coast Airport in Proserpine is a modern and compact aviation hub serving a popular tourist region. Its structure is simple and convenient for travellers, making your stay here as comfortable as possible.

The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which handles all domestic flights. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transferring between different buildings — all processes, from check-in to baggage claim, take place in one location. The terminal layout is very logical: arrival and departure zones are located nearby, and navigation is intuitive thanks to clear signage.

Upon entering the terminal, you find yourself in the general area where airline check-in counters are located. After checking in luggage and receiving a boarding pass, passengers proceed to the security screening area, and then to the comfortable departure lounge. For arriving passengers, the path is even simpler: after disembarking the aircraft, they proceed immediately to the baggage claim area, and from there to the airport exit, where taxis and buses await.

Completing all formalities at Whitsunday Coast Airport usually takes little time. It is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before the departure of a domestic flight. This time is generally sufficient for a calm check-in and security control. However, it is always better to verify the recommendations of your airline, especially during peak tourist seasons.

The history of Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP), located near the town of Proserpine, is inextricably linked to the development of tourism in one of the most picturesque regions of Australia. The airport was officially opened in 1951 and initially consisted of a modest runway serving mainly the needs of the local agricultural community. In the first decades of its existence, it played the role of an important, but strictly local, transport hub.

A turning point in the airport's history was the tourism boom that began in the second half of the 20th century, when the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef began to attract travellers from all over the world. To meet the growing demand, the airport began a phased modernisation. In 1976, the dirt runway was replaced with asphalt, allowing for more modern aircraft. However, the real breakthrough came with a major reconstruction in the mid-1990s, which included the construction of a new terminal and the extension of the runway to accommodate jet liners such as the Boeing 737.

In the 2000s, to better reflect its key role in the region's tourism industry, the airport was officially renamed from "Proserpine Airport" to "Whitsunday Coast Airport". Subsequent years were marked by further investment in infrastructure: the terminal was expanded again, and the runway was strengthened to handle even greater passenger traffic. Today, it is a modern and lively aviation hub that serves as the main aerial gateway for thousands of tourists seeking to see the paradise beaches and coral reefs of the Whitsunday Islands every year.

Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP), despite its compact size, offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait. It is the gateway to one of the most scenic regions of Australia, and the terminal infrastructure is fully oriented towards the needs of tourists.

Dining and Shopping. The airport has several cafés where you can have a snack before your flight, order sandwiches, pastries, or have a cup of coffee. There is also a shop selling souvenirs, travel goods, and press. The selection is not as vast as in major metropolitan hubs, but quite sufficient to pass the time.

Lounges and Internet. There are no dedicated VIP lounges in the terminal, but the general waiting area is quite comfortable. Passengers have access to free Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay connected. Charging stations for electronic devices are also provided in the departure lounge, so you can charge your phone or laptop before your flight.

Financial Services. ATMs are installed within the terminal where you can withdraw cash. However, there are no currency exchange bureaus, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance in one of the major cities or at banks in nearby towns.

Passenger Amenities. The airport is equipped for the comfortable movement of passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and specially equipped restrooms. Families with small children can use the baby care rooms. If necessary, airport staff are always ready to provide additional assistance.

Medical Assistance. There is no separate medical centre or pharmacy at the airport. However, in case of illness or injury, please approach any terminal staff member. The staff will provide a first aid kit and call emergency medical services if necessary.

Accommodation and Business Services. There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds. The nearest accommodation options are in the town of Proserpine, located a few minutes' drive away, as well as in the popular tourist centre of Airlie Beach. Specialised conference rooms or business centres are not provided in the terminal, as the airport is primarily focused on tourist traffic.

Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP), being the key gateway to the famous islands, offers passengers compact but convenient dining options. All establishments are concentrated in the main terminal building, making it easy to grab a snack both before departure and immediately upon arrival.

The main place for food and drinks at the airport is Airbites Cafe & Bar. This establishment is located landside, before security control, making it accessible to all visitors, including those seeing off or meeting passengers. Here you can comfortably spend time while waiting for a flight.

If you are looking for a quick snack, the café offers a wide selection of fresh pastries, sandwiches, rolls, and salads. This is an ideal option to take something on board or eat on the spot, accompanied by aromatic coffee. For those with more time for a full meal, Airbites offers hot dishes, including Australian classics such as meat pies, burgers, and fish and chips. In the beverage section, you can order soft drinks and other refreshments.

Passengers with special dietary needs should note that choices may be limited. Typically, vegetarian sandwiches or salads can be found on the menu. However, specialised vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes are rarely found. Prices at the airport are consistent with the average level for such establishments in tourist zones. The café's operating hours are usually synchronised with the flight schedule — it opens before the first flight and closes after the departure of the last one.

Travelling through Whitsunday Coast Airport can be a pleasant start or end to your adventure in Proserpine. To ensure everything runs smoothly, use these tips. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before departure. This will give you enough time to check in, drop off luggage, and pass pre-flight screening without rushing. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website.

When passing through security control, be prepared to present electronic devices separately. Remember that restrictions on carrying liquids and sharp objects apply to hand luggage. Pay special attention to Australia's bio-security rules: it is strictly forbidden to transport certain fruits, vegetables, and plants between states. Ensure there are no prohibited items in your hand luggage to avoid fines.

If possible, choose a window seat on the plane. During take-off and landing, you may see stunning views of the Whitsunday Islands and the coast. To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you — it can be filled with drinking water after the security zone. In case of a flight delay, contact the airline representative for up-to-date information and instructions. The terminal has a café and waiting areas where you can pass the time.

For passengers with connecting flights, it is important to clarify in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the next airport. Ensure you have enough time between connecting flights. Customs control is relevant mainly for international flights, but checks for compliance with bio-security rules may be conducted on domestic lines. Planning is the key to a calm journey, so book your transfer and study the airline's rules in advance.