Queensland location profile
Whitsundays QLD 4802
Whitsundays (4802) is a coastal-subtropical locality anchored by Airlie Beach and Cannonvale, serving as the mainland gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef. It blends resort-town energy with relaxed coastal living, marinas, and national park trails.
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Why families consider Whitsundays
Tourism-driven, outdoors-oriented community with a mix of hospitality workers, marine trades, and service professionals, alongside families in nearby Cannonvale. Lifestyle centers on boating, beaches, and national parks, with a seasonal influx of visitors and workers.
Amenities & services
- Whitsunday Plaza (Cannonvale)
- Whitsunday Shopping Centre (Cannonvale)
- Airlie Beach main street cafes, restaurants and bars
- Proserpine Hospital (nearby)
- Local GP, dental and allied health clinics
- Coral Sea Marina Village retail and dining
- Port of Airlie services and eateries
- Cannonvale Library (Whitsunday Regional Libraries, Cannonvale)
- Proserpine Library (Whitsunday Regional Libraries, Proserpine)
Transport & connectivity
- Whitsunday Transit local buses (Airlie Beach–Cannonvale–Proserpine)
- Shute Harbour Road (State Route 59)
- Bruce Highway (A1) via Proserpine
- Ferries from Port of Airlie and Shute Harbour to the islands
- Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) at Proserpine
- Nearest train: Proserpine station (Spirit of Queensland)
Lifestyle & recreation
- Airlie Beach Lagoon
- Coral Sea Marina and Whitsunday Sailing Club
- Bicentennial Foreshore Walk
- Day trips to Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach
- Whitsunday Sports Park (Cannonvale)
- Airlie Beach Markets and beachfront events
- Conway National Park
- Mount Rooper and Swamp Bay trails
- Honeyeater Lookout Track
- Airlie Creek Track
- Cedar Creek Falls
- Shingley Beach Park
- Boathaven Beach foreshore
Education context
Multiple long day care centres, kindergartens and family day care in Cannonvale/Airlie Beach; generally available with moderate wait times in peak seasons.
- CQUniversity Mackay (Ooralea and City campuses, ~150km south)
- James Cook University Townsville (Douglas campus, ~275km north)