Day trip from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island: How to do it

To do a day trip from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island, either take a cruise that also visits Whitehaven Beach, or hop on the ferry.

Most people going for a holiday in the Whitsundays region of Queensland tend to pick either Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island. Both have plenty of things to do, and you can do a cruise around the Whitsunday Islands from either.

Airlie Beach brings Whitsunday Islands sailing and snorkelling cruises, coral and marine life viewing from a glass-bottom boat and day cruises to the staggering white sands of Whitehaven Beach. To explore the full range of Airlie Beach tours and experiences, investigate here. For Airlie Beach accommodation bargains, look here.

To book a day trip from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island, click here. To book Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island ferry tickets, click here.

Day trip from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island: The tour option

But it is possible to do a day trip from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island.

There are two ways of doing this trip to Hamilton Island from Airlie Beach. The first is on an organised day tour.

There is a cruise that leaves from Airlie Beach, stopping for free time at both Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island and Hamilton Island.

This is a great way of combining two Whitsundays highlights. But if you’re going to Whitehaven Beach another day, perhaps on a half day tour or the Thundercat fast boat, this might seem like needless doubling up.

Which Whitsundays cruise should I choose?

For those with limited time: Whitehaven Beach half day tour.
For the highlights reel: Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island day trip.
To see the reef two ways: High speed Whitsundays cruise plus scenic reef flight combo.
For romance, sparkling wine and sunset under sail: Multi-beach and reef Lady Enid cruise.
To see several islands: Sailing and snorkelling adventure.
For an overnight sailing adventure: Matador two day yacht cruise.

Day trip from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island: By ferry

If Hamilton Island is the true target of this Airlie Beach day trip, and you just want to spend the day there, you are better off taking the Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island ferry. These ferries leave nine times a day, starting at 07.15 in the morning. These ferries depart from the Port of Airlie, where most of the Whitsundays cruises go from.

These ferries from Airlie Beach take about one hour and 20 minutes, and cost from $61. Tickets can be booked in advance online.

3 Hamilton Island experiences worth booking in advance

Full day Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour.
Full day Great Barrier Reef cruise to Reefworld pontoon – with underwater viewing gallery.
Private charter romantic sunset cruise.

Once on Hamilton Island, it is easily walkable, although you can hire a buggy.. Highlights include snorkelling at Catseye Beach, having sunset cocktails at One Tree Hill and quad bike tours.

Which Hamilton Island accommodation is right for you?

For families: Reef View Hotel.
For couples’ romance: Beach Club Hamilton Island.
For self-caterers: Palm Bungalows.

Hamilton Island marina, where the ferry to Hamilton Island docks — The marina where the ferry to Hamilton Island pulls in: rather pretty. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions

9 memory-making Airlie Beach experiences to add to your visit

Whitehaven Beach day cruise – with plenty of snorkelling thrown in.
Glass bottom boat tour – see coral and marine life without getting wet.
Heart Reef flight – see the islands and Great Barrier Reef from above before flying over Australia’s famous heart-shaped island.
Proserpine River crocodile safari – see the big crocs from a boat.
Whitsundays sunset cruise – with free snacks and sparkling wine.
Sailing on the Camira – glide around the Whitsunday Islands under sail.
Whizz around the islands on a guided jetski tour.
Waterfall explorer day tour – with swimming in Hinterland rock pools.
Enjoy high speed thrills on a jet boat ride.