Your Airport Transfer, Our Story
Airlie Airport Bus: Meet Davis and Gloria - locally owned, internationally experienced, 100% committed to your journey
Our Story
The Humble Beginning
The story of Airlie Airport Bus began in 2015 with Andrew McDonald, a single second-hand Toyota Hiace, and a simple mission: make airport transfers between Proserpine Airport and Airlie Beach reliable, affordable, and stress-free. For years, that lone van became a familiar sight on the coastal road, quietly serving travelers discovering the magic of the Whitsundays.
A Journey That Started 8,000 Kilometers Away
My name is Davis Liu, and my path to owning this business started in Hong Kong. After three years working in the travel industry in one of the world’s busiest cities, I arrived in Airlie Beach on a working holiday in 2016. Like so many before me, I fell under the spell of what locals call “Airlie Magic.”
What was meant to be a short visit turned into a decade—and a life.
I spent three years with local travel agencies, then another three years as a guide, interpreter, and scenic flight driver. I didn’t just learn the roads; I learned the stories behind every bend, the secret spots locals treasure, and exactly what transforms a good Whitsundays holiday into an unforgettable one.
The Great Adventure of 2022
In 2022, life gave my wife Gloria and me the ultimate test. The world was still recovering from the pandemic. The airport bus business had been shut down for six months. And we had just welcomed our newborn baby in 2021.
While others saw uncertainty, we saw opportunity—and adventure.
We purchased Airlie Airport Bus from Andrew McDonald, determined to revive it and provide returning travelers with the warm, expert welcome they deserved. We knew that after everything the world had been through, visitors to Airlie Beach needed more than just a ride. They needed a genuine local connection, someone who truly understood both the journey and the destination.
From One Van to a Family Business
What started with Andrew’s single second-hand Hiace has grown into a professional operation built on local knowledge, genuine care, and an unwavering commitment to service:
Our Fleet: Five vehicles, from comfortable 13-seater Hiaces and 20-seater Coasters to our Kia Carnival for private transfers. Every vehicle is serviced every 10,000 km—because your safety is our priority.
Our Team: Five dedicated local drivers who don’t just know the roads—they know the community. Many have been serving the Whitsundays for years.
Our Home: In July 2024, we established our dedicated desk at Shop 1 in the Arrivals Hall at Whitsunday Coast Airport—the first friendly face you’ll see when you land.
Our Record: 150,000+ passengers transported safely, 98% on-time pickup rate, 4.7★ Google rating, 4.8★ GetYourGuide rating across 700+ reviews.
But numbers only tell part of the story. What truly drives us is being the “first hello” to people starting their Whitsundays adventure—just like this town welcomed me ten years ago when I was a working holiday maker myself.
Why Choose Airlie Airport Bus
Less People, Fewer Stops, More Holiday Time
Use large 50+ seat coaches? No. We use 13–24 seater buses. The result? Fewer people means fewer stops—you reach your hotel and start your holiday up to 20 minutes faster. Every minute counts when paradise is waiting..
Shop 1: The Easiest Desk to Find
Our desk is Shop 1, directly opposite the baggage carousel 2 in the Arrivals Hall. You don't have to hunt for a driver in the tropical heat—just check in with us while you wait for your bags. We're literally the first friendly face you'll see.
True Door-to-Door Service
Some services only drop off at major hotels or "bus stops." We also service private addresses and Airbnbs throughout Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, and Jubilee Pocket. We don't just drop you in town—we take you to your front door as long as the bus and trailer can turn around safely. We’ve got you covered!
We Speak Your Language
English, Cantonese, and Mandarin spoken fluently. With a background in Hong Kong's travel industry, we understand the needs of international travelers. Chinese-speaking guests can book, ask questions, and receive assistance in their preferred language.
We Meet Every Jetstar and Virgin Flight, Every Time
Flight delayed? No stress. Airlie Airport Bus track every arrival from Jetstar, Virgin, and all major airlines. If your flight is late, we'll be there when you land. With a 95% on-time pickup rate, you're in safe hands.
Meet the Team
Davis Liu
Owner & Operator
Hi, I’m Davis. I bought Airlie Airport Bus in 2022 with my wife Gloria, but my Whitsundays story started much earlier.
After three years in Hong Kong’s travel industry, I arrived in Airlie Beach on a working holiday in 2016. Ten years later, I’m still here—and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
I spent six years in Airlie’s travel and scenic flight industry before taking on this business. As a guide, interpreter, and driver, I learned every corner of the Whitsundays. More importantly, I learned what makes a visitor’s experience truly special: local knowledge, genuine care, and that personal touch that turns strangers into friends.
Languages: Fluent in English, Cantonese (粵語), and Mandarin (普通話). Having worked in Hong Kong’s travel industry and served thousands of international visitors in the Whitsundays, I understand the importance of clear communication—especially when you’re navigating a new country.
Now as a business owner and a dad, I love being the “first hello” for travelers starting their own Whitsundays adventure. Because I remember exactly how it feels to step off that plane and fall in love with this place.
What I love about the Whitsundays:
This town embraced me when I was just a working holiday maker. Now I get to pay that forward every single day—in three languages.
Gloria Cheung
Reservations & Operations Manager
Gloria is the backbone of Airlie Airport Bus—and my wife and business partner.
With a degree in Travel and Tourism from Hong Kong, Gloria worked alongside me in the travel industry before we made the leap to Australia. She’s been part of the Airlie Beach airport transfer industry for 10 years, which means she knows this operation inside and out.
Languages: English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. Gloria ensures that Chinese-speaking visitors feel welcomed and understood from the moment they book to the moment they arrive.
Gloria manages all reservations, coordinates our team of drivers, and ensures every pickup runs like clockwork. When you call or email us, there’s a good chance you’ll speak with Gloria. Her attention to detail and genuine care for every passenger is what keeps our 95% on-time record so strong.
Behind the scenes, she’s also navigating the adventure of being a new mum while running a transport business. It’s not easy, but it’s taught us that family and service go hand in hand—because that’s what the Whitsundays is all about.
**Gloria’s travel tip:**
“If you’re staying in Airlie for a few days, don’t miss the Airlie Beach Markets on Saturday morning. It’s where you’ll find the real local vibe—and the best coffee.”
Our Fleet
Toyota Coaster 20-Seater
Our spacious 20-seater Coasters are the backbone of our shared shuttle service. When you book with us, chances are you’ll experience the comfort and reliability of these well-maintained vehicles. Air-conditioned, roomy, and designed for efficient transfers while maintaining our door-to-door service promise.
**Service type:** Shared door-to-door shuttle (you’ll travel with other passengers)
**Capacity:** Up to 20 passengers
**Perfect for:** Standard airport transfers
**Also available:** Private charter for large groups and events
*Smaller than big tour coaches, faster to your destination – it’s the smart choice for airport transfers.*
13-Seater Toyota Hiace
Our compact 13-seater Hiaces offer a more intimate travel experience while still providing professional shared shuttle service. Perfect for getting you to your destination efficiently with the same door-to-door service and local expertise.
**Service type:** Shared door-to-door shuttle
**Capacity:** Up to 13 passengers
**Perfect for:** All airport transfers and hotel pick-ups
**Also available:** Private charter bookings
*Every vehicle in our fleet meets the same high standards of comfort, cleanliness, and reliability.*
Kia Carnival 6-Seater
Want the vehicle to yourself? Our 6-seater Kia Carnival offers private transfers with no other passengers. Comfortable, spacious, and perfect for families or small groups who prefer not to share their ride.
**Service type:** Private transfer only
**Capacity:** Up to 6 passengers (exclusive use)
**Perfect for:** Private airport transfers, families, small groups
**Booking:** From $170
*The key difference: privacy. No other passengers, no multiple stops – just a direct transfer to your accommodation.*
*All vehicles are regularly serviced and maintained to Queensland transport authority standards. We’re proud of our safety record and on-time performance.*
150,000+
Passengers Transported Safely
10
Years Serving the Whitsundays
95%
On-Time Pickup Rate
4.7★
Average Google Rating
More Than Just Transfers: We're Part of This Community
Because of my six years working in Airlie’s travel and scenic flight industry, we don’t just drive—we connect.
We take pride in recommending the businesses that make the Whitsundays special: family-run cafes like **13 Cafe**, **Zorro’s Cafe**, and **Korea BBQ**. World-class reef operators like **Ocean Rafting**. The hidden gems that guidebooks miss but locals treasure.
When you ride with Airlie Airport Bus, you’re not just supporting our family business. You’re supporting an entire network of local operators, cafe owners, and tourism professionals who’ve made the Whitsundays their home—just like we have.
Tourism dollars that stay local create jobs, support families, and keep this community thriving. That’s not just good business—that’s the Whitsundays way.
“A Community That Welcomes All”
I started as a working holiday maker with a backpack and a dream. This town embraced me, gave me opportunities, and became my home. Now, as a local business owner and a father, I get to be the ‘first hello’ for people starting their own Whitsundays story.
That responsibility—that privilege—is something I never take for granted.
— Davis Liu, Owner
Trusted, Accredited, Reliable
Airlie Airport Bus is a Queensland Government Accredited Operator (License #900552493). We meet all state transport regulations and maintain comprehensive insurance for your peace of mind.
✓ QLD Transport Authority Accredited #900552493
✓ Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
✓ 4.7★ Google Reviews | 4.8★ GetYourGuide Rating
✓ Visa & Mastercard Accepted
Ready to Start Your Whitsundays Adventure?
Book your airport transfer today and experience the difference local knowledge makes.
Questions? Call Gloria or Anny directly on (+61) 476 233 717
We’re here to help, 7 days a week.