How Long Is The Ferry To Hamilton Island?
One of the most popular day trips from Airlie Beach is Hamilton Island. This picturesque island full of stunning resorts and postcard-worthy beaches is the perfect place to spend a day in the Whitsundays.
Many travelers may find themselves wondering: How long is the ferry to Hamilton Island? This article will cover everything you need to know about Hamilton Island ferries! From details about the ferry schedule, to activities and tours you can do on Hamilton Island, get ready to plan your day out in paradise.
How Long Is The Ferry To Hamilton Island?
The ferry to Hamilton Island from Airlie Beach ranges from 1 hour to 1.5 hours. The exact time will depend on whether you book the direct ferry or not.
A direct ferry from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island takes 1 hour. There are no stops, so you can just cruise through the Whitsundays, admire the surrounding views, and find yourself stepping onto Hamilton Island in no time.
The other ferry option makes two stops before arriving at Hamilton Island Ferry Terminal. After leaving Airlie Beach, you’ll stop at Daydream Island and Hamilton Island Airport. Then you’ll head to the Hamilton Island Ferry Terminal. This entire journey takes about 1.5 hours.
How Much Is The Ferry To Hamilton Island?
A one way ferry from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island is around $60 AUD one way for an adult. So you’d be spending about $120 round trip for one adult.
For the best deal, check out our Hamilton Island Freestyle. This package includes your ferry tickets to and from Hamilton Island, as well as lunch at a local restaurant on the island. So you’re getting round trip transfers plus lunch for the same cost as buying your tickets individually at the ferry terminal.
The Hamilton Island Freestyle is also a great way to visit the island because your transport is all organized for you, and you have the entire day to explore the island how you choose! Take on some hikes, go snorkeling or kayaking, visit the Wildlife Sanctuary, or just chill on the beach all day. Either way, you can enjoy your day on Hamilton Island and then hop on your pre-booked ferry back to Airlie Beach.
When and Where Do You Catch The Ferry To Hamilton Island?
Both the direct and the multi-stop ferries depart from the Port of Airlie Marina. The Marina is located on Port Drive just a short distance south of downtown Airlie Beach. You can reach the Marina via a 5-minute drive or a 15-minute walk from downtown.
Ferries run throughout the day from roughly 7am - 6pm. If you’re planning to book the Hamilton Island Freestyle deal, this ferry departs the Port of Airlie at 8am. The return ferry departs Hamilton Island at 5:10pm.
Why Visit Hamilton Island?
Hamilton Island is packed with fun things to see and do. Whether you’re an outdoorsy traveler who wants to hike and try water sports, or if you’re more laid-back and just want to soak in the views and relax, this island has something in store for you.
Though the island is well-developed and has lots of world-class accommodations and places to eat and drink, there is so much natural beauty as well. Hamilton Island has 9 epic hiking trails, many of which offer panoramic views of the Whitsundays. There is also a local Wildlife Sanctuary for those who want to learn more about the island’s native creatures.
Those who want to get out on the water will be spoiled for choice when it comes to water sports. Go kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, jet-skiing, parasailing, and more. Or just head to the stunning Catseye Beach and splash around in the calm, turquoise water.
There are also endless options for food and drinks on the island. Grab some classic Aussie meals at Manta Ray or Sails, or head up to One Tree Hill for cocktails with a view. There are various cafes and ice cream shops around the island for those who want a quick snack.
Hamilton Island Tours and Day Trips
The Hamilton Island Freestyle is the easiest and most flexible option for a day trip to Hamilton Island from Airlie Beach. But if you have more time on your hands, consider combining your visit to Hamilton Island with some other excursions out in the Whitsundays Islands.
Hamilton Island is right next to some of Australia’s most beautiful and unique natural landmarks, including the Great Barrier Reef and the iconic Whitehaven Beach. You can book a combined Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island Adventure Tour to see even more during your day trip.
This journey allows you to spend a couple of hours at the picturesque Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island before heading over to Hamilton for the afternoon. If you only have one day to see the highlights of the Whitsundays, this is the perfect tour to choose.
If you have a few extra days to spare, you also have the opportunity to book a multi-day trip out into the Great Barrier Reef. For the ultimate reef experience, you can book the Reefsleep Overnight Tour. Depart from Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach, then sail through the Coral Sea to the Outer Great Barrier Reef and spend the night sleeping on a luxury outdoor reefbed.
Whether you want to spend the night on the reef or just book a quick day trip, you won’t regret including Hamilton Island in your Whitsunday itinerary!
