FerryConnect

Australia

Airlie Beach → Hamilton Island

Cruise Whitsundays’ Resort Connections catamarans run from Port of Airlie to Hamilton Island Marina, the main resort island in the Whitsundays; some sailings go direct, others call at Daydream Island or Hamilton Island Airport.

⏱ 50m – 1h 30m🚢 1 operator📅 About 9 departures daily from Port of Airlie
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Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island ferry at a glance

The ferry from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island takes 50m – 1h 30m across the Whitsunday Passage (Coral Sea), operated by Cruise Whitsundays. It is a foot-passenger service; vehicles are not carried. Typical frequency: about 9 departures daily from Port of Airlie.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-09-29.

Sources: cruisewhitsundays.com · cruisewhitsundays.com · How we verify

Return crossing: Hamilton Island to Airlie Beach

Cruise Whitsundays also sails Hamilton Island to Airlie Beach, taking 50m – 1h 30m. Sailings from Hamilton Island run from about 8:50am until 5:30pm, with the last one direct to Port of Airlie.

Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island ferry timetable & sailing pattern

About 9 departures daily from Port of Airlie; the 8:00am and 3:05pm run direct

Published departure times

  • 7:15am
  • 8:00am (direct)
  • 10:30am
  • 12:45pm
  • 3:05pm (direct)
  • 4:05pm

Return: Sailings from Hamilton Island run from about 8:50am until 5:30pm, with the last one direct to Port of Airlie.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Cruise Whitsundays timetable →Check prices & book on 12Go →

Source: Cruise Whitsundays Resort Connections timetable PDF. Verified 2026-09-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island

📐 16 Nautical Miles
Airlie Beach⇄Hamilton Island
⏱ 50m – 1h 30m · 📐 16 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ Instant E-Ticket

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Cruise Whitsundays50m direct; up to 1h 30m via Daydream IslandHigh-speed catamaran

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Foot passengers only

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

No pet facilities

📐

Distance

16 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Arrive at the Cruise Whitsundays terminal at least 30 minutes before departure to park, load luggage and collect tickets.
  • Final boarding is 5 minutes before departure.
  • Some services also call at Hamilton Island Airport (HTIA) for flight connections.

Related Ferry Crossings

Nearby alternative crossingTownsville → Magnetic IslandAbout 20m · SeaLinkMore ferries in AustraliaGeelong → Devonport (Tasmania)10h – 11h (day or overnight) · Spirit of TasmaniaMore ferries in AustraliaSydney (Circular Quay) → Manly18m – 30m · Sydney Ferries, Manly Fast FerryMore ferries in AustraliaCape Jervis → Kangaroo Island (Penneshaw)45m · SeaLinkMore ferries in AustraliaFremantle → Rottnest Island25m – 30m · Rottnest Express, SeaLink Rottnest IslandMore ferries in AustraliaKettering → Bruny Island15m – 20m · SeaLink
⛴ All ferries from Airlie Beach⛴ All ferries from Hamilton Island🗺 All ferries in Australia🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island?
The crossing typically takes 50m – 1h 30m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island ferry sail?
About 9 departures daily from Port of Airlie; the 8:00am and 3:05pm run direct. This is the pattern published in the Cruise Whitsundays Resort Connections timetable PDF (checked 2026-09-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island?
Cruise Whitsundays operates this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take my car on the Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island ferry?
No. This is a foot-passenger service and vehicles are not carried. Use parking near the departure pier or public transport to reach it.
Can I take the Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island ferry?
This route has no dedicated pet facilities. Assistance dogs are normally carried, but confirm with the operator before travelling.
How far is Airlie Beach from Hamilton Island by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 16 nautical miles (roughly 30 km).