How to Get to Hamilton Island
Getting to Hamilton Island is easy. The only Whitsundays Island with its own commercial airport, Hamilton Island has direct flights daily from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns, with Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Qantas. Regional charter flights can also be organised from Mackay, Proserpine and Airlie Beach. Ferries sail to Hamilton Island throughout the day from Shute Harbour, on the mainland. Yachties sailing to Hamilton Island will find a welcoming berth at the Marina.
If you’re travelling to Hamilton Island from Brisbane, Townsville or Cairns, coaches run to Airlie Beach, a short local coach trip from Shute Harbour’s ferry jetty. The Sunlander train runs four times a week from Brisbane and Cairns to Proserpine, with coach connections to Shute Harbour and the Hamilton Island ferry.
The 1100km drive north from Brisbane to Shute Harbour takes around 12 hours non-stop. Follow the Bruce Highway to Proserpine, then take the exit to Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour on the coast. You’ll find secure parking near the ferry jetty at Shute Harbour.
Hamilton Island lies off the east coast of Australia, 16 kilometres from the Queensland mainland, on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. More Hamilton Island's location »
The only Whitsundays Island with its own commercial airport, Hamilton Island has direct flights daily from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns, with Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Qantas. View more info about the Hamilton Island Airport »
Ferries sail to Hamilton Island throughout the day from Shute Harbour, on the mainland. Yachties sailing to Hamilton Island will find a welcoming berth at the Marina. View more ferry and marina information »
Getting around Hamilton Island is easy. The convenient Island Shuttle service runs throughout the day, and it’s free. You can also hire a golf buggy to explore Hamilton Island in a relaxed holiday style. View more on-island transport options »
You've booked your holiday, and you are getting ready for your big trip. Take a look at our handy arrival guide to make sure your holiday begins the moment you arrive. View more on Before you arrive »
Find out what the best time of year is to visit Hamilton Island. With an average temperature of 26 degrees Hamilton Island is a great place to holiday no matter what time of the year. View more Hamilton Island Weather »