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Leave Airlie Beach behind for a full day on Hamilton Island, with the scenic return cruise and a classic fish-and-chips lunch already taken care of. Once you arrive, the island is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Swim at Catseye Beach, relax beside the main resort pool, ride the island shuttle to a lookout or spend time wandering through Marina Village.
Your day begins at Port of Airlie with departure at around 8am. Settle in for the cruise through the Whitsunday Islands before stepping ashore beside Hamilton Island Marina. The complimentary shuttle makes it easy to move between the marina and resort side, including Catseye Beach and One Tree Hill. If you feel like exploring on foot, choose one of the island’s bushwalking trails and take in the surrounding Whitsunday views.
Break for the included fish and chips at Popeye’s near the marina, then decide how you want to spend the rest of the afternoon. Browse the boutiques and galleries, return to the beach or pool, or add activities such as mini-golf, go-karting, wildlife encounters or jetboating at your own expense.
The day on Hamilton Island is self-guided, so you are free to combine an active walk with a slow afternoon by the water or simply follow the island at your own pace. The cruise is scheduled to return to Port of Airlie at approximately 6.10pm, with vessel timings and island shuttle routes subject to operating and weather conditions.
Great experience, smooth communication; we had a great day on Hamilton Island. Lunch from Popeyes was really good, and the staff was very helpful. Definitely worth going to Hamilton Island for the day!
It was a great trip I will definitely do it again
Meet at 24 The Cove Road, Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie)
The cruise departs at 8:00 AM. Please arrive at least 30 minutes early for check-in.
Check availability to see starting times.
Not allowed
No. Your return cruise and lunch are arranged, but your time on Hamilton Island is self-guided. You can choose which beaches, pools, viewpoints, walking trails and marina attractions you would like to visit.
No. Complimentary island shuttle buses connect the marina, resort area, Catseye Beach, One Tree Hill and other key locations. A golf buggy is optional and can be hired separately, subject to availability. If driving a buggy is important to your plans, booking it in advance is recommended.
Yes. This tour includes access to Catseye Beach and the main resort pool, along with the complimentary island shuttle. Bring swimwear and a towel if you would like to use the beach or pool during your visit.
Only a limited amount of walking is required if you use the island shuttle and stay around the marina, resort and beach areas. The bushwalks are optional. Passage Peak is a more challenging choice with steep sections and many steps, while a relaxed day around the marina, pool and beach requires much less effort.
Yes. Swimming is completely optional. You can explore Marina Village, use the island shuttle, visit One Tree Hill, browse the shops and galleries, enjoy lunch or choose a walking trail without entering the water.
The included lunch is fish and chips from Popeye’s near Hamilton Island Marina. Drinks and any additional food purchases are not included.
Hotel transfers are not included in the standard tour price. The tour departs from the Cruise Whitsundays terminal at Port of Airlie. Optional coach transfers may be added separately where available, while many central Airlie Beach properties are within walking distance of the terminal.
Hamilton island was a great experience. Absolutely stunning. See random kangaroos pop up all the time, went to cats eye bay and see red sharks and sting rays – amazing. Fish and chips at popeyes was gorgeous, fish was so lovely, not greasy at all. Driving around in the buggies was great fun too!
Amazing fun for the whole family, make sure you rent a buggy too!
The trip itself was amazing. Highly recommend. Unfortunately I wasn’t that well to completely get the most out of it. We will be back
Lovely day on Hamilton Island, fish n chip lunch at Popeyes was delicious
Absolutely loved exploring Hamilton Island for the day and loved my fish and chips lunch overlooking the marina! Absolute must-do day tour from Airlie Beach
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