Most travellers reach the Whitsundays through Airlie Beach, which is served by buses along the Queensland coast and by flights into Proserpine's Whitsunday Coast Airport. Transfers from the airport run to Airlie Beach and the marinas.
Hamilton Island has its own airport and direct ferry links to the mainland. It is the simplest arrival point for resort stays, while Airlie Beach is better for budget travel, sailing departures, and flexible island day trips.