SHUTE HARBOUR

• Latitude: -20.2988
•
• Longitude: 148.782
•
• East Australia
•
• Port in Australia

Address: Shute Harbour QLD 4802 Australia

Shute Harbour is a prominent port located near Airlie Beach in Queensland, Australia. It serves as a key gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, a famous tourist destination in the Great Barrier Reef region.

Description:

Shute Harbour was established primarily as a base for tourism and provides essential services related to marine transport and recreational activities. While it is not a large commercial port, it plays a vital role in local tourism and marine activities, serving as a departure point for various ferries, yachts, and charter boats heading to the Whitsundays and the outer Great Barrier Reef.

Specifications:

1. Location:

   • Latitude: Approximately 20.2833° S
   • Longitude: Approximately 148.7833° E
   • Located near Airlie Beach in Queensland.

2. Facilities:

   • Jetty/Pier: The harbour features a jetty or pier offering berthing facilities for ferries and smaller vessels.
   • Boat Ramps: There are boat ramps available for private and commercial use.
   • Marina Services: Basic marina services including refueling, boat maintenance, and repairs.
   • Passenger Terminal: The terminal caters to tourists embarking on tours to the Whitsunday Islands and reef excursions.
   • Parking: Car parking facilities for tourists and boat owners, including provisions for longer-term parking.
   • Sheltered Mooring: Protected mooring options are available, offering safety from adverse weather conditions.

3. Navigation:

   • Depth: Generally accommodates small to medium-sized vessels.
   • Beacon & Light: Navigation aids are in place to assist during entry and departure.
   • Access: The harbour provides sheltered access and is navigable by most tourist and recreational vessels.

4. Operational Information:

   • Harbourmaster: The facility is managed locally, often with a harbourmaster in charge of daily operations and safety regulations.
   • Customs and Quarantine: Given its focus on tourism rather than international or container shipping, customs and quarantine services are limited.
   • Load Handling: Limited to passenger services, fuel, and provisions for yachts and tour boats rather than commercial cargo.

5. Environmental Considerations:

   • Situated within a sensitive marine environment, with regulations in place to protect the Great Barrier Reef and local ecosystems.
   • Efforts are made to minimize pollution and manage waste efficiently.

6. Connectivity:

   • Road Access: Accessible via the main road from Airlie Beach.
   • Airport Proximity: Closest airports are Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) and Great Barrier Reef Airport (Hamilton Island).

Key Functions:

• Acts as a crucial transport hub for tourists visiting the Whitsunday Islands.
• Provides recreational boating and fishing facilities.
• Serves as a logistical base for marine tours, charters, and other water-based activities in the region.

Recent Developments:

It is always advisable to check the latest information from local authorities or official sources, as infrastructure improvements and upgrades may be ongoing to accommodate increasing tourist demand and enhance facilities.

In summary, Shute Harbour is more focused on serving the tourism industry with facilities catering primarily to passenger ferries, yachts, and recreational boating rather than large-scale commercial shipping operations.