Cheap flights to Proserpine from $112

Why visit

When travellers take cheap flights to Proserpine, chances are their final destinations are Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands. A bit of time in this pleasant country town (the administrative centre of the Whitsunday Shire), however,provides a nice change of pace.

Proserpine’s business is sugar and beef. Legend has it that the town received its name from the explorer George Dalyrmple, who was struck by the rich fertile landscapes and called it after Persephone, the Greek goddess of fertility (Proserpine is the Latin name). Today, fields of sugar cane still dominate the countryside and the Proserpine Sugar Mill is a landmark.

There are some charming Art Deco buildings dotted about Main Street, and the Historical Museum and Cultural Hall shine a light on Proserpine’s past. For picnics and playgrounds, Pioneer Park and Mill Street Park are both pleasant spaces.

A little outside Proserpine (19km), Cedar Creek Falls is a beautiful spot for bush walks with a year-round natural swimming pool. Slightly further away, about 30 km, is Conway National Park, which has sumptuous views over the Whitsundays.

Lake Proserpine (also known as Peter Faust Dam) is 26 km inland from Proserpine, a favourite with fishermen who find some of the largest Barramundi and Sooty Grunter in its waters.

Proserpine climate

Proserpine has two main seasons: wet and dry. The wet season, from November to April, is relatively humid and high rainfall is common. The temperature during these months usually sits between 19 and 32 degrees Celsius, but it has been known to drop to the teens or rise to the early 40s. The area has also been affected by cyclones during the wet season. On the other hand, the dry season, from May to October, is cool, with pleasant temperatures, low humidity and rainfall is rare. During these months, travellers flying into Proserpine can expect temperatures to be on average between 11 and 28 degrees.

Getting around Proserpine

Car is best if you wish to get out and about around the region. Whitsunday Transit runs a frequent, reliable local bus service.

Getting downtown from the airport

All flights to Proserpine are served by Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) which is located 10 km south of the city. There are taxis and hire cars available at the airport. Whitsunday Transit is the public transport option.

What is good to know if travelling to Proserpine?

• If you don’t fancy Barramundi, you could try to catch Red Claws with a crab pot at Peter Faust Dam. You’ll need a Stocked Impoundment Permit for this; pick one up online at the Queensland Government website – www.smartservice.qld.gov.au). 
• If you’re in Proserpine before harvest (winter time), you may catch sight of a cane fire. Farmers set the fields on fire to burn off the excess and get rid of the wild life before harvesting the following day. 
• For family picnics, Pioneer Park and Mill Street Park have tables, playgrounds and toilets. Rotary Park has a playground and a steam locomotive that dates back before the First World War.