Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) - Daydream Island
Ferries to Whitsunday Islands
Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) - Daydream Island
Ferries to Whitsunday Islands
Cruise Whitsundays provides the ferry from Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) to Daydream Island. Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) Daydream Island ferries cost from just $38 and vary based on season, availability and whether you’re going by foot or by car. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry schedules change seasonally. Use our Deal Finder to get the latest ferry ticket information for Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) Daydream Island ferries.
Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) Daydream Island ferry prices typically range from $38* to $288*. The average ferry price from Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) to Daydream Island is around $153*. The cheapest fares usually start from $38*. The average foot passenger ticket costs $153*.
Prices may vary depending on passenger numbers, vehicle type, route and sailing time. Pricing data is based on searches from the last 30 days, excludes service fees, and was last updated July 26.
We make it easy to compare ferry tickets and prices worldwide, helping you find the best option for your trip. Visit our Special Offers page to see current discounts on selected routes and operators. Booking early is often the best way to secure lower prices and better availability.
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a range of discounts throughout the year. Where available, senior discounts are applied automatically during the search process. Simply select the relevant age range when entering passenger details.
Students and graduates can receive a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To claim this, you’ll need to register with our partner Student Beans and verify your student or graduate status. Once confirmed, you’ll receive a discount code to use at checkout.
Resident discounts are available on selected Spanish and Italian routes. When applicable, choose the “Residents” option during booking, and the discount will be applied automatically. Please note that proof of residence or a valid ID with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
For more information on budget-friendly ferry travel, also check out our discounts guide.
The first ferry from Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) to Daydream Island usually departs at around 07:00, with the last sailing leaving at approximately 18:30.
Yes, day trips between Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) and Daydream Island are possible and very popular thanks to the short crossing time and frequent sailings. Traveling with a vehicle can also be a great way to explore the area at your own pace. For inspiration on what to do when you arrive, take a look at our blog.
No, ferry operators currently do not allow cars on sailings between Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) and Daydream Island.
Whether you can take a campervan or caravan on the ferry depends on the operator and vessel used for your chosen crossing. Simply enter your travel details into our search bar to see which operators and vehicle options are available for this route.
For more advice and travel inspiration when taking a car, campervan or caravan, visit our blog or Caravan Holiday Guide.
Currently, bicycles are not permitted on ferries traveling between Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) and Daydream Island.
Yes, foot passengers can travel on ferries between Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) and Daydream Island with Cruise Whitsundays.
Pets are currently not permitted on ferries traveling from Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) to Daydream Island. Use our Deal Finder to search for alternative routes that allow pet travel.
Please be aware that even if pets are not allowed on board, different regulations may apply to passengers traveling with guide dogs and assistance dogs. We recommend talking to our customer service to check the specific rules on your preferred sailing. For general information on travelling with assistant dogs and guide dogs, visit our Special Assistance Help page and our dedicated Accessible Ferry Travel guide.
Whether an overnight ferry runs between Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) and Daydream Island depends on the operator and timetable. To check if an overnight option is available, enter your travel details in our search bar. The results will show if your chosen sailing operates overnight, plus current timetables and alternative day crossings.
Please note that overnight crossings can sometimes take a little longer than daytime sailings.
Travel requirements vary by route, so it’s important to confirm which documents you need before you travel. In most international cases, you will need a valid passport to travel from Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) to Daydream Island, and possibly a visa or national ID depending on your nationality and the destination’s rules. To avoid delays at check-in, see our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide and our blog post on travelling to Europe for useful tips.
To book ferry tickets, enter your departure and arrival ports plus your travel date. You’ll then see all available sailings and prices. The search also shows alternative routes and times so you can choose the best option for your trip.
Watch out for early-booking deals and special ticket types like upgrades or flexi fares that allow changes or cancelations. To ensure a smooth booking, enter accurate details such as passenger numbers and vehicle specifications.
Tip: Also check out our 101 on Booking and Boarding Your Ferry and Frequently Asked Questions page.
After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. How your boarding pass is issued depends on the ferry operator you’ve booked with.
Some operators provide the boarding pass at the time of booking, while others require you to check in at the port. Where available, you can usually check in online via the Direct Ferries app.
Ticket desks are typically located close to the terminals. To avoid delays at the port, allow extra time for ticket collection and check-in.
At check-in, you will need to show your booking confirmation and an official photo ID (for example, a passport or identity card). You may also be asked for pet documentation (vaccinations, insurance, etc.) or proof of residence if you applied a resident discount to your booking.
There are several reasons why no sailings may be available from Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) to Daydream Island on your chosen date. This can include temporary timetable changes, limited capacity, or seasonal adjustments to services. We recommend checking alternative dates or nearby routes to find the best available option.
The best time to book ferries from Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) to Daydream Island is generally as early as possible. Booking in advance often means lower prices, along with a wider choice of departure times and cabin or seating options.
To secure the best deals, we recommend booking at least a few weeks ahead of travel. Please note that prices can vary depending on the season and availability.
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| Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) - Daydream Island Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $153 | |
| Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) - Daydream Island Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Australia |
| Destination | Whitsunday Islands |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Cruise Whitsundays |
| Average Price | $153 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 9 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 62 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 30 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 30 m |
| First Ferry | 07:00 |
| Last Ferry | 18:30 |
| Distance | 6 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 July 2026.
Airlie Beach is situated in the Whitsunday Region of Queensland, Australia. The town itself only has around eight thousand inhabitants but the area is a tourist hub, extremely popular with backpackers and travellers. With its location near latitude twenty degrees south, the area enjoys a tropical climate all year round.
With Airlie Beach Lagoon and the local beaches it’s an ideal destination for water sports, snorkelling and scuba diving. The town boasts boat and air tours which allow you to take in the beautiful Australian marine life. Airlie Beach is ideally placed for tours to the world’s largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef.
The Port of Airlie is easily accessible with most local accommodation within walking distance of the ferry terminal and dining and retail outlets within the port’s surroundings. The port is only thirty minutes’ drive away from the nearby Proserpine Airport, linked by State Route 59.
The Port of Airlie is the gateway to the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. There are frequent crossings to the nearby Hamilton Island Marina, which is found in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, with the journey taking under an hour. There are also regular services everyday to Daydream Island, the perfect spot for sailing enthusiasts and offers a chance to visit their unique outdoor aquarium.
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