Shute Harbour Road

Shute Harbour Road, Waterson Way · Proserpine → Shute Harbour

Sweeping20 mi40 min1,200 ft climbHigh point ≈ 300 ftOne way

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The drive

Shute Harbour Road, State Route 59, runs 33 km (20 mi) from the Bruce Highway at Proserpine to Shute Harbour, on the Whitsunday coast. It is sealed throughout and is the main road to the Whitsundays, so it carries tourist traffic.

The first part is flat and fast, with a short four-lane stretch at Cannonvale. Near Airlie Beach, Route 59 follows Waterson Way around the town centre, while Main Street becomes a no through road. East of Airlie Beach the road winds through Jubilee Pocket, Mandalay, Flametree and Mount Rooper to Shute Harbour.

Along the way

Proserpine
Cannonvale
Waterson Way
Shute Harbour

Elevation

1,200 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 300 ft

ProserpineShute Harbour

Curves

Mostly gentle, with one twisty stretch

mi 13–15

ProserpineShute Harbour

GentleHairpins

Good to know

The road carries a lot of tourist traffic, so allow extra time around Cannonvale and Airlie Beach.
Roadworks can mean reduced speeds and delays; check QLDTraffic first.
Whitsunday Airport sits beside the road at Flametree.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check QLDTraffic.

Questions about this drive

How long does Shute Harbour Road take to drive?

Proserpine to Shute Harbour is 33 km (20 mi) and takes about 40 minutes.

What is the route number of Shute Harbour Road?

It is State Route 59, running from the Bruce Highway near Proserpine to Shute Harbour.

Is Shute Harbour Road twisty?

Mostly on the last stretch. East of Airlie Beach the road winds through Jubilee Pocket, Mandalay and Flametree to Shute Harbour; the earlier part is straighter.

How do I avoid Airlie Beach's main street?

Route 59 follows Waterson Way around the town centre, and the old Main Street is a no through road at that point.

What you get in the app

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More drives near here

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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