Shute Harbour Whitsundays Information Car Parking Lookout Views

Shute Harbour Car Parking

Shute Harbour is an all weather, deep water harbour, built primarily as the staging point for larger vessels which service the tourism trade of the Whitsunday Islands. It is from Shute Harbour that the larger tourism vessels, such as the Fantasea Fleet, operate day cruises and island transfers to exotic tropical locations such as Hamilton Island, Daydream Island and Whitehaven Beach.

Facing the gorgeous Whitsunday Passage, Shute Harbour is a spot you should take a look at, even if you are not taking a cruise in the Whitsundays themselves. There are many cruise options and tickets are available from the Shute Harbour Wharf. Most cruises leave around 8.00am to 9.00am each morning and return roughly at 5.00pm.

One of the most common questions we at Fun Tours are asked, is if there is a car park at Shute Harbour. The answer is a positive YES. In fact there are several options where your car will be safe while you enjoy a day trip, or an extended stay, on one of the 74 islands that make up the Whitsunday group.

First option is the public car park at the Shute Harbour Marina. This is ideal for day trippers with paid parking for short or extended hours. There always seems an ample number of empty parking bays and the cost is around $2.00 for 2 hours or $6 for a full day.

There is another carpark at the Lookout, which is a great spot for those fabulous photographs of the Whitsunday Passage. There is short term parking bays for the photo enthusiasts and those just wanting to have a look at the magnificent view, which is close to the fenced viewing area. Longer term parking is available behind the lookout, but is usually fairly full and used by those who work over on the islands.

Just before Shute Harbour itself is probably the best option, with secure undercover car parking available starting at $3.00 per day. The secure lockup car park is ideal for those staying over on the islands and is only a short walk to the boat wharf from where you take the island transfers. Being in a secure car park costs roughly the same as the public car park and is monitored 24 hours a day.

This is a variety of good accommodation within walking distance to the boat wharfs at establishments such as Coral Point Lodge, or you can book accommodation in Airlie Beach and get a free bus service to and from Shute Harbour with most cruises. See your accommodation travel desk for further particulars. A regular bus service operates from Cannonvale and Airlie Beach so you can safely leave your car at your hotel and enjoy the ride on the bus.

Shute Harbour is a fabulous spot to visit, so make sure you follow the road past Airlie Beach and take a look over the spectacular Whitsunday Passage when in the area. The colours are amazing and the islands inviting.