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How to get fromGreat Barrier Reef to Mackayby ferry, plane, train, or bus

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There are 4 ways to get from Great Barrier Reef to Mackay by ferry, plane, train, or bus

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Ferry, fly

    best
    1. Take the ferry from Great Barrier Reef Green Island to Cairns Reef Fleet Terminalferry ferry
    2. Fly from Cairns (CNS) to Mackay (MKY)plane plane CNS - MKY
    6h 10m
    $373–663

  2. Ferry, train

    cheapest
    1. Take the ferry from Great Barrier Reef Green Island to Cairns Reef Fleet Terminalferry ferry
    2. Take the train from Cairns Central Station to Mackaytrain train Spirit of Queensland
    13h 23m
    $193–2,813

  3. Ferry, bus

    1. Take the ferry from Great Barrier Reef Green Island to Cairns Reef Fleet Terminalferry ferry
    2. Take the bus from Cairns to Mackaybus bus Au050 / ...
    14h 11m
    $223–303

  4. Ferry, bus via Mackay

    1. Take the ferry from Great Barrier Reef Green Island to Cairns Reef Fleet Terminalferry ferry
    2. Take the bus from Cairns to Mackaybus bus Brisbane
    14h 32m
    $232–382

Great Barrier Reef to Mackay by foot, ferry, bus, and train

Calendar4Weekly Services
Duration13h 23mAverage Duration
Ticket$193Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Great Barrier Reef to Mackay.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 634.4 km
  • Duration: 6h 10m

What companies run services between Great Barrier Reef, QLD, Australia and Mackay, QLD, Australia?

There is no direct connection from Great Barrier Reef to Mackay. However, you can walk to Great Barrier Reef Green Island, take the ferry to Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, walk to Cairns City bus station, platform 2, take the line 111 bus to Cairns Hospital, walk to Cairns Base Hospital, take the shuttle to Cairns Airport, walk to Cairns (CNS) airport, then fly to Mackay (MKY). Alternatively, you can take a vehicle from Great Barrier Reef to Mackay via Great Barrier Reef Green Island, Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns City bus station, platform 1, Cairns Central Terminus, and Cairns Central Station in around 13h 23m.

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