Hamilton Island Marina – Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie)
Ferry to Australia
Hamilton Island Marina – Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie)
Ferry to Australia
There are around 8 daily and 53 weekly sailings from Hamilton Island Marina to Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie). This ferry crossing is available with
The earliest Hamilton Island Marina Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) ferry sailings typically depart Hamilton Island Marina at around 08:50. The last ferry usually departs at 17:20.
The average duration of a Hamilton Island Marina Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) ferry is around 1h 18m. The fastest sailings are approximately 1h 0m. The fastest ferry costs around $295. Sailing times can vary; durations often differ between ferry operators, type of ship and can be impacted by weather conditions.
There are an average of 8 daily sailings and up to 53 weekly ferry sailings from Hamilton Island Marina to Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie). These sailings are provided by Cruise Whitsundays. Please keep in mind that ferry timetables often increase during the high season.
Hamilton Island Marina Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) ferry prices typically range between $143.0* and $358.0*. The average price is typically $286.0*. The cheapest Hamilton Island Marina Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) ferry prices start from $72.0*. The average price for a foot passenger is $286.0*.
Pricing will vary depending on the number of passengers, vehicle type, route, and sailing times. Prices exclude service fees.
The distance between Hamilton Island Marina and Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) is approximately 17.2 miles (27.7km) or 15.0 nautical miles.
Currently, cars are not allowed on ferries between Hamilton Island Marina and Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie).
Foot passengers are allowed on ferries between between Hamilton Island Marina and Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) with Cruise Whitsundays. Please note that the availability of foot passenger services may vary between ferry operators. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for foot passenger ferries.
Pets are welcome on board Hamilton Island Marina Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) ferries with Cruise Whitsundays. Please also note that your pet may have to stay in the vehicle during the journey unless the ferry operator supplies pet accommodation.
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| Hamilton Island Marina - Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie) Ferry Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Destination | Whitsunday Islands | |
| Destination | Australia | |
| No. of Operators | 1 | |
| Operators | Cruise Whitsundays | |
| Average Price | £142 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 6 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 42 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h 10 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h | |
| First Ferry | 08:50 | |
| Last Ferry | 17:30 | |
| Distance | 15 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 July 2025.
Hamilton Island, the largest of the Whitsunday Islands that crown the Great Barrier Reef off the western coast of Australia, is an undulating stretch of tree-topped hills that rise and fall into the glassy depths of the surrounding sea. It’s effortless tropical allure has not escaped notice; the resort having won the Australian Traveller 'Most Desirable Island Escape' Award in 2015. Much of the island coastline is streaked with broad, golden beaches lined by coconut palms. From the comfort of the velvet sand, one can see the verdant peaks of the other isles and atolls that skirt the skyline. The east-facing Catseye Beach is the perfect place to watch the sun rise too, its warmth gradually spilling over the curve of the horizon. The port of Hamilton Island is found within a small, sheltered bay on the north-western coast between the piers of the Hamilton Island Marina. It’s little more than a wooden jetty that juts away from the promenade. Upon this promenade are a host of passenger facilities including coin-operated washers and dryers, showers, toilets, a post-office and a few cafes selling hot and cold snacks. Travelling across the island is easy. A complimentary shuttle bus service regularly tours the twisting roads that scale the island slopes, whisking passengers to the main tourist spots. The Hamilton Island Airport, the only commercial airport along the barrier reef, is just a 10-minute walk from the harbour-side too, flights heading to Sydney and Melbourne on the Australian mainland. Two ferry routes currently leave from the Hamilton Island Marina. Daily lines operated by Cruise Whitsundays sail west to the towns of Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour on the ragged coastline of Queensland, Australia found across an island-studded stretch of the Coral Sea.
The astonishingly beautiful beaches looking out across the pristine blue horizon have become a mecca for backpackers on a budget, tempted by the increasingly debauched reputation that encapsulates the Whitsundays. Streams of travellers descend on the picturesque scenery and abundance of hostels each year, indulging in drinking games in beer gardens, sunbathing sessions on the golden sands of the beach and explorations of the alluring lagoons. For those who are looking for somewhere fun and frivolous, head to Airlie Beach. In spite of the heavily layered party scene, families looking to escape the relentless hedonism will be happier closer to the town centre. A few quiet lodges lay home to many couples and families with young children, enjoying every minute amid the serenity before embarking on an adventure on the shore or discovering the intricate crevices that form Conway National Park.
Buses will drop you at your hotel or resort, as well as a frequent taxi service running across the region.
