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How to get fromMackay to Great Barrier Reefby plane, ferry, train, or bus

Find Transport to Great Barrier Reef

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There are 4 ways to get from Mackay to Great Barrier Reef by plane, ferry, 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. Fly, ferry

    best
    1. Fly from Mackay (MKY) to Cairns (CNS)plane plane MKY - CNS
    2. Take the ferry from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal to Great Barrier Reef Green Islandferry ferry
    6h 26m
    $374–660

  2. Train, ferry

    cheapest
    1. Take the train from Mackay to Cairns Central Stationtrain train Spirit of Queensland
    2. Take the ferry from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal to Great Barrier Reef Green Islandferry ferry
    13h 41m
    $195–2,765

  3. Bus, ferry

    1. Take the bus from Mackay to Cairnsbus bus Au050 / ...
    2. Take the ferry from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal to Great Barrier Reef Green Islandferry ferry
    14h 12m
    $226–299

  4. Bus, ferry via Mackay

    1. Take the bus from Mackay to Cairnsbus bus Cairns
    2. Take the ferry from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal to Great Barrier Reef Green Islandferry ferry
    14h 17m
    $238–381

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

Calendar4Weekly Services
Duration13h 41mAverage Duration
Ticket$195Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Mackay to Great Barrier Reef.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 633.8 km
  • Duration: 6h 26m

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

There is no direct connection from Mackay to Great Barrier Reef. However, you can fly to Cairns (CNS), walk to Cairns Airport, take the shuttle to Cairns Base Hospital, walk to Cairns Hospital, take the line 110 bus to Cairns City bus station, platform 1, walk to Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, take the ferry to Great Barrier Reef Green Island, then walk to Great Barrier Reef. Alternatively, you can take a train from Mackay to Great Barrier Reef via Cairns Central Station, Cairns Central Shopping Centre, Cairns City bus station, platform 2, Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, and Great Barrier Reef Green Island in around 13h 41m.

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