Travel Information for 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.