GETTING HERE
Fly
Hamilton Island’s fully equipped airport handles direct flights daily from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns with Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Qantas.
Private flights and charters can also fly into Hamilton Island Airport, along with locally operated helicopters, light planes and seaplanes.
Float
Cruise Whitsundays passenger ferry services operate daily between the mainland and Hamilton Island.
The short ferry trip from Airlie Beach departs from two convenient locations at either Port Of Airlie Marina or Shute Harbour (just south of Airlie Beach), with more than a dozen services offered throughout the day.
Drive
If you’re travelling from the south:
Brisbane to the Whitsundays – 1092km / 13.5hrs
Rockhampton to the Whitsundays – 498km / 6.5hrs
Mackay to the Whitsundays – 150km / 1.5hrs
If you’re travelling from the north:
Bowen to the Whitsundays – 91km / 1hr
Townsville to the Whitsundays – 314km / 3hrs
Cairns to the Whitsundays – 633km / 8hrs
Private vehicles cannot be brought onto Hamilton Island. Once you arrive at Airlie Beach, please refer to “Float”.
Helpful links
Hamilton Island's website
Visit websiteCruise Whitsunday ferry timetable
View timetableHamilton Island flight schedule
View ScheduleBefore you arrive and what to bring
Planning your trip to Hamilton Island? Here are a few practical tips about what to pack, how to get here, and how to go about confirming various aspects of your holiday.
Confirm your booking
Airport and marina transfers are included in most accommodation packages. Be sure to let us know your travel details, so we can be there to transport you to your accommodation.
Download the Hamilton Island app
This handy app includes everything you need to know about Hamilton Island’s guest services, facilities, activities, opening times and what’s on. It’s your personal concierge to everything there is to see and do during your Island holiday, and we highly recommend downloading it before your visit.
Take out travel insurance
We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance for your holiday. You can get an instant quote online with Cover-More.
Arriving by plane
Most accommodation packages include complimentary transfers to your accommodation. Hamilton Island’s transfer staff will be waiting for you outside the airport’s baggage collection area. If you’ve booked a holiday home on Hamilton Island, make your way to the check-in desk to receive the keys to your house and buggy.
Arriving by ferry
Cruise Whitsundays ferries from the mainland arrive and depart from the Hamilton Island Marina, in the heart of the Marina Village. The direct trip from Shute Harbour takes just 30 minutes. Excursion ferries also sail from the Hamilton Island Marina for relaxing day trips to the Great Barrier Reef and other Whitsunday Islands.
Checking into your accommodation
Your accommodation check-in time is 2.00pm. It’s a good idea to pack a day bag with your swimming costume, sunscreen, hat and perhaps a change of clothes in case your room isn’t ready, or you arrive early. For your convenience, lockers, change rooms and shower facilities are available to use at the Reef View Hotel until you have been notified that your room is ready.
What to bring
To help you prepare for your Hamilton Island holiday, we’ve outlined some key things to remember to pack.
• Wedding attire – suit/dress, belt, ties, shoes, hat, sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Light clothing – depending on the time of year you may need some layers for the evening
• Comfortable walking shoes – if you want to go hiking or take a scenic walk
• Travelling with a baby? We have a range of Baby’s First Holiday items that can be hired free of charge (e.g. cots, high chairs) or purchased (e.g. nappies, baby cream) and in room on arrival
• Special sporting equipment such as golf clubs
• Medical certificate – if you would like to learn to scuba dive
• Dive certificate – if advanced diving is on the agenda
• Beach towels are supplied in most accommodation
Please note, should you forget any toiletries or basic items, these can be purchased from the island’s IGA Supermarket.
