Hamilton Island Airport (HTI)

Hamilton Island Airport or the Great Barrier Reef Airport is the main airport for the Whitsunday Islands and surrounding area. The airport is south of the Marina and only a quick 5 minutes away from the resorts.

In 2011, Hamilton Island was Australia’s 19th busiest airport with over 450,000 passengers accessing the terminals.

The single runway airport is the only airport in the vicinity capable of meeting commercial aircraft demands. Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Qantaslink offer regular commercial flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns. Currently, there are no direct international flights to Hamilton Island however; onward travel can be made with your preferred carrier. General aviation operations also conduct themselves at the airport including scenic tours, private charters, light planes, helicopters and seaplanes.

The resort island offers all commercial flights landing at Hamilton Island Airport a free airport transfer service. Transfers to Hamilton Island accommodation are also provided to and from the Marina, connecting the Shute Harbor ferry from the mainland. Cars are strictly prohibited on the island and with buggies being offered as mode of transport to guests instead. Hamilton Island Buggy Rental offers two and four seater buggies to tour the island. Buggy rental requires a full driver’s license and credit card. Shuttle buses drop off and pick up passengers directly in front of the airport.

Filled with resort luxuries, the Departure Terminal lets you enjoy your holidays with Airport Bar and shops as well as a parents’ room for passengers travelling with children and ramp access and toilets for disabled passengers. Airport lounge access is also available for Hamilton Island Indigo Club members with Wi-Fi facilities within.

If you are required to stay overnight, the 
Reef View Hotel is nearby with a scheduled shuttle bus to help you get back in time.

Check-in counters are easily located immediately inside the terminal. Visitors should note that queues could be extensive during the high seasons and to arrive well ahead of departure times.

Real time flight information about arrivals at departures can be found at http://www.hamiltonisland.com.au/airport/arrival-departures/

There is plenty to do on Hamilton Island as you enjoy the tropical climate. Follow their Twitter feed @HamiltonIsland to find out the latest events and activities. Hamilton Island’s sub-tropical weather makes this area extremely popular for summer holidays. The temperatures average high 20s in the summer to low 20s in the winter, dropping to cool brisk chills in the evenings.