Cheapest way to get from Sydney to Airlie Beach?

Question

Im visiting Australia in July and August, and I really want to see the great barrier reef... but it seems to be so expensive! What is the cheapest way?

Answer 1

probably virginairlines.com.au

Answer 2

The Great Barrier Reef is huge, so you can easily get to it from most cities/towns in North Queensland.

Flying is the cheapest option, because it would take two full days of travelling to get to Airlie from Sydney by road or rail....so the money you spend on airfares will be worth it.

Airlie beach has lots of cheap backpacker type of accomodation, but getting out to the islands and the reef is not necessarily cheap.  Some people say it is better to go to Magnetic Island (just off Townsville) .....and others say Cairns is the better option because you should have no trouble getting a day trip out to the reef.  

The nearest airport to Airlie Beach is the Whitsuday Coast which is about 20 mins inland in Proserpine.  You then need to catch a bus to Airlie.  Jetstar is currently advertising airfares for as little as $99. one way.

Answer 3

You'll have to journey a little bit further than Airlie Beach to get to the Great Barrier Reef. I would suggest Cairns or Townsville.

The cheapest way from Sydney would be hitchhiking! Seriously, though, there are plenty of coaches (buses) making the trip daily. Probably take about 3-4 days for the 2500km trip Sydney to Cairns. Surf around the net for coach companies.

Answer 4

Airlie Beach is really good enough to see the reef.However,you have to go on a reef tour and visit one of the outer reef areas.Fantasea does really good tours to the reef.Virgin would be the cheapest  option.