Cheap flights to Hamilton Island from across Australia

The only island in the Whitsunday Islands you can directly fly to, Hamilton Island is a little slice of paradise off the coast of Queensland. Riddled with resorts suiting all budgets and a handful of holiday homes, it’s the perfect escape for families, couples and even solo travellers alike. Now, here’s how to get there in a breeze.

How long is the flight to Hamilton Island?

When flying direct, here’s the approximate length of the flight to Hamilton Island from other major cities. Of course, depending on the weather and whether you end up on a connecting flight, these times may be longer.

• Adelaide to Hamilton Island – 5 hours, 10 minutes (connecting flight)
• Brisbane to Hamilton Island – 1 hours, 45 minutes
• Melbourne to Hamilton Island – 3 hours, 40 minutes
• Perth to Hamilton Island – 7 hours, 45 minutes (connecting flight)
• Sydney to Hamilton Island – 2 hour, 55 minutes

Where is Hamilton Island’s Great Barrier Reef Airport?

On the southwestern end of the island, Hamilton Island’s airport is within just 3 kms of any of the resorts’ accommodation. 

If you’re flying here, but staying elsewhere, here’s how long you can expect the journey to be.

• Daydream Island: 30 minutes by ferry
• Hayman Island: 1 hour, 5 minutes by ferry
• Airlie Beach (Shute Harbour): 1 hour to 1 hour, 10 minutes

How to get to and from the airport in Hamilton Island

There are no cars on Hamilton Island, but there are golf carts you can hire to drive around. Luckily, you don't need them. There's a free island shuttle service that stops at locations around the island, including most accommodations. It's available from 6:50am until 11pm and does stop at the airport.

Pro tip: You can also use this free shuttle to get from the airport to the marina if you're transferring to a ferry for accommodation on another island or the mainland.

How early to arrive at Hamilton Island Airport

Flying to Hamilton Island from within Australia

If you’re booking a flight to Hamilton Island from another Australian city, you’ll want to get to the airport at least an hour before departure. While you can usually check in for your Hamilton Island flight online in advance, sometimes queues to drop checked baggage off can be slow so it’s best to leave extra time if you need it.

Flying to Hamilton Island from outside of Australia

If you’re flying to Hamilton Island on a direct international flight, you’ll want to arrive about three hours early to ensure you have enough time to check in, check bags, go through customs and pass security. 

Which airlines fly to Hamilton Island from within Australia

• Jetstar: Melbourne, Sydney
• Qantas: Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth
• Virgin Australia: Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney

To get to Hamilton Island from elsewhere in Australia or an international destination, you’ll either need to connect or fly to Proserpine Airport (Whitsunday Coast) and take a ferry.

Cheapest time to fly to Hamilton Island

For some of the cheapest fares to Hamilton Island, we’d recommend travelling in February-March and between July and September (with the exception of Hamilton Island Race Week in August).

Hamilton Island does get quite hot, humid and wet during the summer months and its beaches are subject to stingers, making these months a bit less appealing to travellers. However, Christmas, New Year’s and School Holidays will always be a popular time. Travelling just after this means you’ll likely get lower prices and fewer crowds.

Similarly, being further south than Tropical North Queensland destinations like Cairns or Townsville, temperatures can get a bit chilly during winter, which can also turn people off.