Proserpine is a town in the Whitsunday Region in the state of Queensland. It is an anchor for the Whitsundays region, providing the rail station, mainland airport, hospital and other vital services. The land is primarily used for cane farming and in 2007 Proserpine won the Tourism Queensland Friendliest town award. Approximately a 15 minute drive to Airlie Beach, and is occasionally a base for backpackers who wish to travel the area.