Getting around — Great Barrier

The Cairns International Airport (CNS) is the Great Barrier's main gateway. Direct flights from Sydney (3h, AUD 150-300 return Qantas/Virgin/Jetstar), Melbourne (3h30, AUD 200-350), Brisbane (2h, AUD 120-250), Singapore (7h, Singapore Airlines/Jetstar flights — useful for combining with Southeast Asia).

For the Whitsundays, two airports: Hamilton Island (HTI) on the island itself (direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane), practical for Hamilton Island resorts. Whitsunday Coast (PPP) at Proserpine, 40 min by bus from Airlie Beach (continental alternative, more economical).

In Cairns, car rental (Sixt, Hertz, Europcar, AUD 40-70/day) is useful to explore Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Atherton Tablelands. Not essential if you stay on organised Outer Reef excursions including transport.

The Bruce Highway (A1) hugs Queensland's east coast — Cairns-Airlie Beach 600 km, 7-8h by car. Greyhound Australia bus: 9-11h, AUD 100-180. Spirit of Queensland train: 14h, AUD 200-400 (slow nostalgic option).

For Outer Reef excursions, departure from Cairns marinas (Reef Fleet Terminal) or Port Douglas (Crystalbrook Marina). Free pickup bus from most hotels.

For Whitsundays, Cruise Whitsundays ferries link Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) to Hamilton Island (30 min), Daydream Island, Long Island and South Molle Island. AUD 50-90 return depending on destination. Hamilton Island airport served by hotel shuttles.

Taxis and Uber available in Cairns and Port Douglas, rarer at Whitsundays. No Uber on islands.

Left-hand driving mandatory (British heritage) — caution first hours, especially at roundabouts. Roads generally good but tropical rain can make some roads slippery or flooded (the Bloomfield Track beyond Cape Tribulation requires 4WD and is closed in wet season).