Whitsunday Island Camping Connection Return from Island Transfer

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The boat ride home at the end of your island camping trip: Scamper collects you and your gear from your Whitsunday campsite and brings you back to Shute Harbour, about ten minutes from Airlie Beach.

Days

One-way boat transfer

Group size

Shared camper transfer

Start / finish

Your island campsite / Shute Harbour

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Scamper camping transfer boat

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of where Whitsunday Island Camping Connection Return from Island Transfer starts and finishes

View map

Included experiences

Island pick-up — collected with your gear from your national park campsite
Whitsunday waters — boat ride back to Shute Harbour
Kayaks welcome — carried on the boat's roof

Whitsunday Island Camping Connection Return from Island Transfer

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

STRIKING CAMP

Your last day on the island starts with the tent coming down. Have everything packed and waiting on the beach, with every scrap of rubbish bagged, as nothing is left behind on these national park islands. The boat calls at several campsites on one run, so the pick-up is a two-hour window rather than a fixed time, and how early or late it comes depends on how many sites it visits, the wind and the tide. Take a last swim, or one more walk along the sand of Whitehaven Beach, about 7 km of silica sand so fine and white it squeaks underfoot, if that's where you've been camping.

THE PICK-UP RUN

When the boat noses in, your gear is loaded aboard, with any kayaks riding on the roof and campers helping to lift them. The run home may take in other campsites along the way, perhaps on Hook Island, the second largest of the Whitsundays, or near South Molle Island, where the Ngaro people once quarried stone for their tools. Most beaches can only be reached near high tide because fringing reef is exposed at low water, which is why the boat's day is planned around the tides and can shift if the wind gets up.

BACK AT SHUTE HARBOUR

The boat brings you back to Shute Harbour, about ten minutes' drive from Airlie Beach, where the marine terminal was rebuilt after Cyclone Debbie tore through in 2017. From the harbour it's a short drive to Airlie Beach, and Whitsunday Transit buses also run between the harbour and town. Because the return time can move with the weather, leave plenty of room before any flight, tour or long drive the same day. A hot shower and a cold drink in town are rarely more welcome.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Your island campsite. The boat brings you back to Shute Harbour.
Departure time: There is a 2-hour pick-up window, depending on how many campsites the boat needs to visit.
Please note: Not every campsite is served every day because of the tides, so check your site can be reached on your return date when you book. Transfers can change with wind and weather, and some campsites have no phone signal. Allow spare time after your return before other plans.

What to bring

Rubbish bags, to take all rubbish off the island

What is included

Boat transfer from your island campsite to Shute Harbour

Not included

Camping gear (hire costs extra)
National park camping permit
Kayaks (hired from Salty Dog Sea Kayaking)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.