Is Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island Better?

Is it worth staying on Hamilton Island?

It’s great to stay on Hamilton with your golf buggy in a holiday villa and head out for dinner with your large group, but the island is very expensive and frankly, the beaches here are not as beautiful as the others in the Whitsundays.

What is better Whitsundays or Hamilton Island?

If you want a comprehensive array of choice in all aspects of your Whitsundays holiday – from shopping to dining to tours and more – and are happy to pay “island” prices for a slice of luxury, then Hamilton Island is the best all-rounder of any of the islands given its size and development.

What is the best island to stay on in the Whitsundays?

The only island in the Whitsundays that is built up with its own airport, grocery store and marina, Hamilton Island is most people’s choice for accommodation. It has a lot going for it: several restaurants, a beautiful beach, a couple of hiking trails and the full range of hotels to pick from.

Is Airlie Beach worth visiting?

It may be a fair distance from Queensland hotspots like Cairns and Brisbane, but Airlie Beach is well worth a visit. It’s not only located on the Great Barrier Reef, but it’s also home to the world-famous Whitsunday Islands.

Is Hamilton Island boring?

Unless you are into water sports or want to go out to the barrier reef (1 day) Hamilton Island is boring, boring, boring and expensive. … Hamilton Island is a fantastic place to spend a relaxed week. Self-contained island with its own little town and enough activities to keep everyone entertained.

How long does it take to get from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island?

How long does it take to get from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island? The ferry from Port of Airlie to Hamilton Island Marina takes 1h 10m including transfers and departs every four hours.

Is Hayman or Hamilton Island Better?

Hayman is very lovely and very much a honeymoon island. It’s pretty ‘posh’. I personally prefer Hamilton Island, and I don’t think it’s anything like the Gold Coast. In September it will be fairly quiet as it’s not school holiday time.

How do I get from Hamilton Island to Airlie Beach?

Passenger ferry services operate from the Hamilton Island Marina. The 60 minute ferry trip from Airlie Beach departs from two convenient locations at either Port Of Airlie Marina or Shute Harbour (just south of Airlie Beach), with more than a dozen services throughout the day.

How far is Daydream Island from Airlie Beach?

The journey takes approximately 30 min. What is the distance between Airlie Beach and Daydream Island? The distance between Airlie Beach and Daydream Island is 10 km.

Is Daydream or Hamilton Island Better?

Both are very touristy, but at least Hamilton is big enough that you could find some space of your own! Daydream is great, but the resort is really ‘it’ – there’s not much else to the island as such.

Which Whitsunday Island is cheapest?

What islands can you access from Airlie Beach?

Flights arrive at Proserpine Airport (south west of Airlie Beach as shown on the Whitsundays Map) or Hamilton Island where you can transfer to Airlie Beach or other islands. From the Port of Airlie (Airlie Beach) or Shute Harbour, all the Whitsunday Islands can be accessed by boat.

Can you swim in the beach at Airlie Beach?

There are two public beaches situated in Airlie Beach where you are welcome to swim, one is located near the Port of Airlie Marina and is known as ‘Boathaven Beach’, while the other is located in Cannonvale. … Both beaches are a great place to relax and enjoy the warm weather that is often found in the Whitsundays!

Is Port Douglas or Airlie Beach better?

Port Douglas wins this battle by a long shot. While Airlie Beach has a few nice beaches, Port Douglas is set on Four Mile Beach, which is one of the most underrated beaches in Australia. Both towns are affected by the usual north Queensland jellyfish, so swimming is only advised in the netted areas.

Do I need a car in Airlie Beach?

In theory, you can manage in AIrlie Beach without a car,but getting to and from the main street may be difficult. Having said, that most tours do offer to pick up/drop off so you should be OK for daytrips etc. You would probably want to get a taxi back up the hill if you go out for dinner or shopping though.

Is Hamilton Island Beautiful?

Situated in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is the perfect base for exploring everything the reef has to offer. Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach is one of the world’s most unspoiled and beautiful beaches.

How many days do you need in Hamilton Island?

How long do I need on Hamilton Island? I recommend spending anywhere from 2 nights to 1 week to explore and enjoy all that Hamilton Island has to offer.

Can you drink Hamilton Island water?

The great news is yes! Hamilton Island Water is safe to drink. Tap water in the Hamilton Island households, hotels, resorts, and other properties is absolutely safe, clean, and ready-to-drink.

How much is Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island?

The distance between Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach is 27 km.

Can you fly from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island?

Getting from A to B

Cruise Whitsundays’ Island Transfers connect the dots between Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island Marina, Hamilton Island Airport, Daydream Island and Whitsunday Coast Airport at Proserpine – fast, regular and reliable services.

What is the best way to get to Hamilton Island?

With its own airport and marina, Hamilton Island is easily accessible by commercial or private plane, yacht, or a ferry from the mainland. 35 weekly flights from all major capital cities, flying with Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar.

What is the best time of year to go to Hamilton Island?

April – June

Boasting clear skies, minimal rain and plenty of sunshine, April through June is a great time to visit Hamilton Island. As the weather begins to cool off, Hamilton Island temperatures average at a balmy 24°C making it a great time to explore the regions beautiful scenery and reef.

Which islands can you stay on in Whitsundays?

Can you take your own alcohol to Hamilton Island?

You can bring your own alcohol – just check with the airline if they have any limits. We flew up on Virgin earlier this year and most of our friends brought up bottles of spirits with them. If you do bring your own just make sure you pack it well otherwise if it breaks it will go through anything in your suitcase.

Is there crocodiles in Airlie Beach?

The simple answer is no, there are not commonly crocodile sightings in Airlie Beach. However, it has happened. Most commonly, crocodiles that are spotted around the Airlie Beach area are in marinas such as Coral Sea Marina. … South of Airlie Beach, we have the inlet to the Proserpine River, which does have crocodiles.

Can you get to Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach?

In the Whitsundays, there is a wide choice of tours and trips available to get you to the Great Barrier Reef. Tours can be combined with sailing, snorkelling, diving, fishing and flying!

How long is ferry from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island?

The Airlie Beach Hamilton Island Marina ferry route connects Australia with Whitsunday Islands. Currently there is just the 1 ferry company operating this ferry service, Cruise Whitsundays. The crossing operates up to 49 times each week with sailing durations from around 1 hour.

Can you swim at Daydream Island?

By taking some simple precautions to minimise risk you can safely and comfortably swim in all parts of the Whitsundays. When snorkelling, diving, or swimming with an accredited Whitsundays tour operator, protective ‘stinger suits’ will be available to all customers at little (or no) cost.

How big is Hamilton Island?

By taking some simple precautions to minimise risk you can safely and comfortably swim in all parts of the Whitsundays. When snorkelling, diving, or swimming with an accredited Whitsundays tour operator, protective ‘stinger suits’ will be available to all customers at little (or no) cost.

Is there a ferry from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island?

The Airlie Beach Hamilton Island Marina ferry route connects Australia with Whitsunday Islands. Currently there is just the 1 ferry company operating this ferry service, Cruise Whitsundays. The crossing operates up to 49 times each week with sailing durations from around 1 hour.

Is Green island Open?

We’re still open! You might have seen some reports that our beautiful little resort will be closing temporarily.

What are the best Whitsunday Islands to visit?

Should I go to Daydream Island?

You Should Visit Us. Daydream Island is located at the heart of paradise, the Great Barrier Reef. … After an extensive rebuild in 2018-2019, the island resort offers fantastic experiences. The island has spectacular great barrier reef activities that attract tourists.

Which Whitsunday Island is best for families?

Beautiful Airlie Beach, located on the mainland, is the hub of the Whitsundays and very popular with families. There is a wide variety of accommodation and Airlie Lagoon offers year-round swimming. Hamilton Island is also a great choice for families with its endless array of holiday activities and kids’ clubs.

How do I get from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach?

Travel time from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven via boat ranges from just over one hour for high-speed vessels to around two hours for sailboats. If you are lucky enough to travel to Whitehaven Beach on a helicopter or seaplane adventure the trip time can be as little as 15 minutes if you fly directly there.

Does anyone live on Whitsunday Island?

Whitsunday Island is a highly protected national park that has nobody living on it. … National parks have openly stated loud and clear that there will never be any development of accommodation on Whitsundays Island. Whitsunday Island is home to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, which is a very significant aboriginal area.

Is Airlie Beach a good place to live?

If you were thinking about making a move to Airlie Beach and wondering if it’s any good, then you have come to the right place. Read on to find out more. Yes, Airlie Beach is a good place to live. Most people here would say it’s the best place to live and here is why.

Can you do a day trip to Hamilton Island?

Even if you’re not holidaying on Hamilton Island you can still plan a great day trip to the island for yourself and the Family. … Hamilton Island has welcoming year-round mild and temperate weather which is great for all of the many watersports activities available on island day trip adventure.

How do I get from Airlie Beach to Daydream Island?

Getting to Daydream Island is easy. Fly in to Hamilton Island and then relax for the 30 minute launch transfer to Daydream Island with Cruise Whitsundays. Alternatively, travel to Port of Airlie in Airlie Beach on the mainland and take the Cruise Whitsundays launch transfer to the island.

Are there jellyfish in Airlie Beach?

It is good to know that ‘stinger season’ generally runs during the warmer months of the year, and in the Whitsundays this is from October to May during our summer season. That being said, jellyfish can be present year round. Northerlies and king tides can also bring them year round.

What is the beach like at Airlie Beach?

Airlie Beach

It’s near the Esplanade, right next to the main street. You can reach it by walking along the bicentennial boardwalk and making your way to the water – this beach is hard to miss. It’s a small rocky beach, and while not great for swimming, it’s a nice place to have a picnic or to hang out.

Are there Box jellyfish in Airlie Beach?

Tropical Beaches Harbor Hidden Dangers

Tranquil and lovely, the turquoise waters of Airlie Beach call you to go for a swim. Take note of the fact that Box jellyfish and Irukandji stingers are dangerous.

Does Airlie Beach get Cyclones?

The subtropical climate of Airlie Beach does however tend to experience cyclones from January to March. … Although an average of up to 3 cyclones cross the Queensland coast annually, most travel southwest from the Coral Sea and don’t tend to have a major impact on Airlie Beach itself.

Can you swim at Palm Cove?

Swimming at Palm Cove is great at all times of the year, but just as a precaution you are better of to restrict your swimming to inside the swimming enclosures during the summer period. At all times of the year it is advisable to swim between the Surf Life Saving rescue flags, coloured yellow and red.

Is it better to stay in Port Douglas or Palm Cove?

If you want to stay somewhere romantic, choose Palm Cove. If you want to self cater, consider Trinity Beach. If you want to stay in a big friendly beach town Port Douglas is a good pick. If you are want to be close to nature and rainforests choose Port Douglas.

Is it easy to get around Airlie Beach?

Walking. The Airlie Beach CBD is relatively flat, and there are some beautiful scenic walks along the shoreline, such as the bicentennial boardwalk. That being said, the surrounding area is quite hilly, as many resorts and hotels are built up for the incredible views of the Coral Sea.

Is Airlie Beach walkable?

While the islands themselves have much on offer, it’s a well-known fact that Airlie Beach has phenomenal hiking and walking trails that make for a great way to spend time while on the mainland.

How far is Airlie Beach from airport?

The Whitsunday Coastal Airport, or Proserpine Airport (PPP)

Proserpine Airport (PPP), located just 26 kilometres southwest of Airlie Beach is the closest airport if you are wanting to fly into the Whitsundays. Proserpine Airport has direct flights from major cities such as Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne.

Is Hamilton Island worth?

Hamilton Island and the Whitsunday Islands in North Queensland is a great place to visit year round but is especially perfect in the cooler months between April and October. The water is blue and refreshing, the temperature is perfect for lying in the sunshine making it an ideal escape from Australia’s southern states.

Is Hamilton Island Expensive?

Hamilton Island is very very expensive. There is a lot of choice for food but is extremely overpriced e.g. packet of chips in Reef View Hotel lobby $7.90.

Can you walk around Hamilton Island?

Walking Around

Most things on Hamilton Island are within easy walking distance. It is a leisurely 10 minute stroll from the resort side to the marina.

How do I get from Hamilton Island to Airlie Beach?

Passenger ferry services operate from the Hamilton Island Marina. The 60 minute ferry trip from Airlie Beach departs from two convenient locations at either Port Of Airlie Marina or Shute Harbour (just south of Airlie Beach), with more than a dozen services throughout the day.

How do I spend a day in Hamilton?

Can you swim at Hamilton Island in January?

You can swim on Hamilton Island throughout the year. We’re a tropical island location and the water temp is good all year round. With the water staying quite warm, even in the winter months.

Does Hamilton Island provide beach towels?

Do you have to bring beach towels? No. All our hotels and Holiday Homes provide beach towels. Please note that at the Holiday Homes it is only one towel per person per stay.

How does Hamilton Island get electricity?

Power is supplied to the island via a 22km, 10MW power cable which supplies power to Mt Roper, Stoney Beach, Long Island and Hamilton Island. Installation of the power cable was over $15M. Hamilton Island Enterprises can supply Ergon if required.

How does Hamilton Island get fresh water?

A $1.8M pipeline has been installed between Hamilton Island and Dent Island to supply power, water and utilities to the Hamilton Island Golf Club. The island’s water consumption is approximately 1.8 megalitres per day. There are four dams on the island, plus a reverse osmosis plant which provides the main water supply.