Shute Harbour, near Airlie Beach, is the major mainland port facility for the transfer of visitors to the Whitsunday Island group. It is the stepping off point for visitors to and from resort and island destinations.

The port is one of the busiest small vessel facilities in Australia and is also a major base for sea plane activity. Daily scheduled ferries and water taxi services are offered by commercial operators. Among the vessels home ported at Shute Harbour is Australias 1962 Americas Cup challenger, Gretel which lost the challenge 4 1 against the American yacht Weatherly but remains a graceful and surprisingly fast old lady. To get to Shute Harbour drive for about eight pleasantly winding kilometres through Conway National Park from Airlie Beach. The park itself has a camping and picnic area. There is plenty of parking for those heading out to the islands.