How Much Does It Cost to Get from Hamilton Island to Airlie Beach?
It’s no surprise that Hamilton Island is one of the most popular places to stay in the Whitsunday Islands. Complete with beautiful beaches, dreamy resort hotels, luxurious swimming pools, and heaps of activities, the island really is a dream holiday destination. While Hamilton - or Hamo, as the locals call it - offers its guests days of fun, many visitors tend to take a trip over to the mainland during their stay. But, how does one get from Hamilton Island over to Airlie Beach? And how much does it cost?
Can I Get from Hamilton Island to Airlie Beach by Ferry?
Yes, the easiest and most convenient way to get from Hamilton Island to Airlie Beach is by ferry. Ferries between Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island are operated by Cruise Whitsundays and run multiple times a day. This is also the cheapest way to get to and from Airlie Beach from Hamilton - plus, it doesn’t take too long to whisk visitors over and back.
The earliest ferry from Hamilton Island to Airlie departs at 8:50am, and the latest departs at 5.20pm. Meanwhile, the earliest ferry from Airlie Beach back to Hamilton Island departs at 7.15am and the latest departs at 4.05pm.
Although tickets can be purchased at the ferry terminal on Hamilton Island, Cruise Whitsundays typically recommend booking in advance online - particularly if you’re visiting during peak travel season.
How much is the ferry from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island?
Prices for a one-way ticket from Hamilton Island to Airlie Beach start from $65 for one adult, depending on the season. A one-way children’s ticket starts from $54.50.
An adult’s round-trip ticket starts at $130, and a child’s round-trip ticket starts at $109.
Locals to Airlie Beach or the Whitsundays can avail of discounted ferry tickets by becoming members of the Cruise Whitsundays Turtle Club.
Are There Flights from Hamilton Island to Airlie Beach?
There are options to fly from Hamilton Island into Airlie Beach, but they’re much more costly. That’s because, although Hamilton Island has its own commercial airport, commercial flights do not operate between the island and Airlie Beach. If you have your heart set on flying from one destination to the other, you’re going to be flying in a helicopter or a small plane.
Hamilton Island Air offers aeroplane and helicopter transfers to a number of mainland destinations like Proserpine Airport (a 30 minute drive from Airlie Beach), Whitsunday Airport in Shute Harbour (a 10 minute drive from Airlie Beach), or Coral Sea Marina (in Airlie Beach). It’s worth noting that there will be weight and luggage restrictions when booking.
How much is a flight from Hamilton Island to Airlie Beach?
By plane, Hamilton Island Air can take passengers to Whitsunday Airport, Proserpine Airport, or Mackay Airport with prices starting at $220 per person.
As well as luggage restrictions, there is also a minimum of four passengers per booking. That means that a booking will cost anywhere between $880 and $1600 depending on your destination.
By helicopter, Hamilton Island Air can take passengers to Proserpine Airport, Coral Sea Marina, and Mackay Airport with prices starting at $990. In general, luggage allowances are also limited. If there are more than four passengers in a helicopter transfer booking, then only carry-on luggage is permitted.
Should I stay in Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach?
Where you should stay during your Whitsundays visit depends on what sort of vacation you’re looking for.
Hamilton Island boasts a more luxurious stay, being its own private island resort with an all-inclusive atmosphere. It’s also a particularly appealing destination for family holidays with plenty of activities to keep all ages entertained. Not only are the on-island activities heaps of fun - from golf to jet skis to kayaking - but there are plenty of tours of the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef that depart from Hamilton Island.
Although Hamilton has its own airport, commercial flights directly into the island tend to be a little more expensive than flights to mainland airports like Proserpine.
Meanwhile, Airlie Beach is a winner for those looking for a little more variety and liveliness. With a vibrant nightlife scene and a range of shops, restaurants, and activities available in the centre of the town, it’s the perfect base for tourists on a budget, or looking for a little more excitement.
Airlie Beach is also known as the Gateway to the Whitsundays because of the number of top-rated boats and tours that operate from the coastal town. While many popular tours can pick up passengers at both Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island, far more are exclusive to Airlie.
Ready to book your visit to Hamilton Island? Feel free to get in touch with our friendly local experts who are available via live chat and over the phone.
