Shute Harbour is the focal point of communications between the mainland and the Whitsunday Islands. Protected in all weathers, it is surrounded by the lofty hills of Conway range. It is the best mainland natural harbour for some miles along this stretch of the south-central coast of Queensland.

Here are the dreams of enchanted holidays among ' South Pacific Islands' begin; at 0800 hours each day the island cruise boats assemble, their hulls gleaming in the morning sun.