Car Hire in the Whitsundays: Airlie Beach, Proserpine and Mackay

Quick summary: A hire car is the simplest way to get around the Whitsundays if you’re staying in a hotel or resort rather than travelling in a campervan. You can pick up at Whitsunday Coast Airport near Proserpine, in Airlie Beach itself, or at Mackay Airport further south. The islands are reached by boat, so a car is mainly for getting to your accommodation and the marinas, and for day trips to Conway National Park, Cedar Creek Falls, Bowen or Cape Hillsborough.

At a glance
Main airport	Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine), around 35 km from Airlie Beach
In town	Car hire in Airlie Beach
Southern gateway	Mackay Airport, around 150 km from Airlie Beach
Car types	Compact and economy cars, sedans, SUVs
The islands	Reached by boat or air; cars stay on the mainland
Tours	All Whitsundays tours

Compare car hire in Airlie Beach

Where can you hire a car in the Whitsundays?

Pickup	Best for	Guide
Whitsunday Coast Airport	Collecting a car as soon as you land	Whitsunday Coast Airport car hire
Airlie Beach	A car for just part of your stay	Airlie Beach car hire
Mackay Airport	Cape Hillsborough, Eungella and the drive north	Mackay Airport car hire

Do you need a car in the Whitsundays?

Not always. Airlie Beach is compact and walkable, and many tours collect from accommodation in town. A car becomes useful if you’re staying outside the centre, flying into Whitsunday Coast Airport, or want to explore the mainland: the national park, waterfalls, quieter beaches and wildlife further afield.

Should you hire a car or a campervan?

It depends on how you want to travel. A car suits a stay based in one hotel or resort, or a short trip focused on tours. A campervan suits travellers who want transport and accommodation in one and plan to move along the coast. See campervan or car? and the Whitsundays by campervan.

Where can you drive from Airlie Beach?

Drive	Distance
Shute Harbour and Conway National Park	Around 10 km
Cedar Creek Falls	Around 25 km
Bowen	Around 80 km
Mackay	Around 150 km
Cape Hillsborough	Around 130 km

What do you need to hire a car?

A full, valid driver’s licence, with a translation or international driving permit if it isn’t in English, and a credit card in the main driver’s name. Minimum ages and young-driver fees vary between suppliers, so check the terms when you compare. Queensland has some toll roads, mainly around Brisbane, so ask about a toll pass at pickup.

Can you take a hire car to the islands?

No. The Whitsunday Islands are reached by boat, seaplane or helicopter, and Hamilton Island is explored on foot, by shuttle or by buggy. Leave the car on the mainland and browse island cruises and transfers.

Compare car hire at Whitsunday Coast Airport

Frequently Asked Questions