Nestled in Shute Bay at the foot of the majestic Conway Ranges, Shute Harbour is internationally recognised as a part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area. Important for many reasons, the rich biodiversity of this area is also considered in making this a significant natural resource. Developed as the only natural harbour (dredging not required) for accessing the Whitsunday Islands, Shute once enjoyed a reputation as the second-busiest port in Australia due to the high number of ferry movements. In 2016, Shute Harbour has adopted a more relaxed pace as many of the daily ferry service now use the artificial harbours closer to Airlie Beach.
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Did You Know?
Shute Harbour is the only Harbour in the Whitsundays that does not require dredging to maintain deep water for vessels of all sizes. |
Shute Harbour remains an important hub for commercial maritime activities in the Whitsundays with many noteworthy activities available from here alone. Whitsundays Regional Council is responsible for the management and maintenance of the Shute Harbour Transit Facility. Diesel fuel can be purchased from the wharf at great prices, ring the manager on
(07) 49469557 to arrange for fuel purchases. Due to the ageing infrastructure Shute Harbour will soon see significant changes, however, despite many years of concerns being voiced and three successive councils there is still no firm plan in place, However, due to the unparalleled features of this natural harbour, future developments will undoubtably capitalise on the unique position and spectacular setting of this important public and natural asset. |
Aside from the perennial importance of Shute Harbour for accessing tourist destinations, a significant amount of support infrastructure and activities are based here. Hamilton Island relies exclusively on Shute Harbour to transport all of their supplies from the mainland. Their barge 'Samson' is a regular sight, plying the Whitsunday Passage all day and every day.
Due to the scale of the facilities at the Shute Harbour Transit Facility, it remains the only viable wharf for larger repairs and maintenance jobs on bigger vessels as well as being the only practical berthing for heavier tourist and fishing boats that are too large for the artificial harbour of Abell Point Marina and Port of Airlie |