FerryConnect

Australia

Shute Harbour → Hamilton Island

Cruise Whitsundays runs four Resort Connections ferries a day from Shute Harbour, east of Airlie Beach, to Hamilton Island Marina: 6:30am, 8:00am (via Hamilton Island Airport), 1:40pm and 4:55pm, taking 35 to 40 minutes. Boats back to Shute Harbour leave Hamilton Island at 7:15am, 12:15pm, 4:15pm and 5:35pm.

⏱ 35m – 40m🚢 1 operator📅 4 sailings a day each way (Cruise Whitsundays)
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Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island ferry at a glance

The ferry from Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island takes 35m – 40m across the Whitsunday Passage, operated by Cruise Whitsundays. It is a foot-passenger service; vehicles are not carried. Typical frequency: 4 sailings a day each way (Cruise Whitsundays).

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 2026-10-29.

Sources: cruisewhitsundays.com · How we verify

Return crossing: Hamilton Island to Shute Harbour

Cruise Whitsundays also sails Hamilton Island to Shute Harbour, taking 35m – 1h 20m. From Hamilton Island Marina to Shute Harbour: 7:15am, 12:15pm, 4:15pm and 5:35pm (35 minutes).

Hamilton Island to Daydream Island ferry guide →

Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island ferry timetable & sailing pattern

4 sailings a day each way

Published departure times

  • 06:30
  • 08:00
  • 13:40
  • 16:55

Return: From Hamilton Island Marina to Shute Harbour: 7:15am, 12:15pm, 4:15pm and 5:35pm (35 minutes).

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 Bookaway →

Source: Cruise Whitsundays Resort Connections timetable (valid from 17 Jun 2026). Verified 2026-10-29.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Shute Harbour and Hamilton Island

📐 10 Nautical Miles
Shute Harbour⇄Hamilton Island
⏱ 35m – 40m · 📐 10 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ Instant E-Ticket

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Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Cruise Whitsundays35m – 40mCatamaran

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Foot passengers only

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

No pet facilities

📐

Distance

10 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Most Cruise Whitsundays Resort Connections boats to Hamilton Island leave from the Port of Airlie in Airlie Beach instead; Shute Harbour is about 10 km further east by road.
  • A daily boat also runs from Shute Harbour to Daydream Island at 12:55pm (arriving 1:10pm), returning from Daydream at 1:20pm.

Tips for the Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island Crossing

  • Cruise Whitsundays says its times are subject to airline schedule changes and asks travellers to check departure times when booking; advance bookings are essential for airport transfers.
  • Use Hamilton Island Marina for all travel except flight connections, which use the airport jetty.

Related Ferry Crossings

Return crossingHamilton Island → Daydream Island35m – 1h 20mAlso sails from Shute HarbourAirlie Beach → Hamilton Island50m – 1h 30m · Cruise WhitsundaysAlso sails from Shute HarbourAirlie Beach → Daydream Island30m · Cruise WhitsundaysNearby 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 · SeaLink
⛴ All ferries from Daydream Island⛴ All ferries from Hamilton Island🗺 All ferries in Australia🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is the ferry from Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island?
Cruise Whitsundays leaves Shute Harbour at 6:30am, 8:00am, 1:40pm and 4:55pm, arriving at Hamilton Island Marina at 7:05am, 8:40am, 2:15pm and 5:30pm (timetable valid from 17 June 2026).
How long is the ferry from Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island?
35 minutes direct; the 8:00am boat calls at Hamilton Island Airport first and takes 40 minutes.
When does the ferry leave Hamilton Island for Shute Harbour?
At 7:15am, 12:15pm, 4:15pm and 5:35pm from Hamilton Island Marina, each arriving 35 minutes later.
How often does the Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island ferry sail?
4 sailings a day each way. This is the pattern published in the Cruise Whitsundays Resort Connections timetable (valid from 17 Jun 2026) (checked 2026-10-29); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Shute Harbour 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 Shute Harbour 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 Shute Harbour 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 Shute Harbour 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 Shute Harbour from Hamilton Island by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 10 nautical miles (roughly 19 km).