Flights from Melbourne to Hamilton Island

The best time to visit Hamilton Island

If you don’t mind the humidity, January through March see average daytime temperatures hovering around 30°C (86°F). Despite the chance of rain, a wealth of outdoor adventures awaits. If you’re booking cheap flights from Melbourne to Hamilton Island for your summer holiday, be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen before hitting the beach. The autumn months of April and May and even early June are the best times to visit the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. Average daily temperatures reach 24°C (75°F) and there is less rainfall. Easter is a popular time to visit so book return flights from Melbourne to Hamilton Island well in advance. Spring weather on Hamilton Island is reliably pleasant with 23°C (73°F) days and clear blue skies. Tourists flock to Hamilton Island from October through December. The warmer temperatures (28°C) can increase the chance of rain but it doesn’t put a dampener any outdoor activities. If you’re planning a trip from MEL to HTI near Christmastime, book your flights early using Webjet’s Deal Finder.

Departing From Melbourne

Flights to Hamilton Island Airport (HTI) from Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport (MEL) take about three hours and these cheap airfares can be booked with Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Tigerair. Once you book your flight from MEL to HTI, share your itinerary with your Hamilton Island resort or hotel and they can help you arrange your island airport transfer.

Getting to Melbourne Airport

Melbourne has two main methods of transport connecting travellers to Melbourne Airport (MEL), which is commonly referred to as Tullamarine Airport. Public transport links are limited to local buses or the convenient SkyBus. There are five SkyBus services, including a City Express route that departs from Southern Cross Station. Other departure points include St Kilda, the Mornington Peninsula, and Southbank/Docklands. A one-way transfer is $19 and the City Express route takes about 20 minutes in good traffic. The other option for airport transfer is taxi or ride-share. The taxi fare from the city centre to MEL may hover around $55.

Parking at Melbourne Airport

Value, Long Term, and Premium parking await travellers at Tullamarine Airport. If you plan on storing your car for any length of time, pre-book your space in advance to save time and money. 

Where to Park at Melbourne Airport

Tullamarine Airport offers an At Terminal Car Park, Long Term Car Park, and Value Car Park options to fit your travel needs and budget.
 
Valet Parking: Includes easy pull-up service and fast access to the domestic terminals. You don’t need to pre-book your valet parking, simply drive to level 2 on the Terminal 1 end of the car park, drop off your keys, and head to your terminal. If you’re flying from MEL to HTI with Virgin Australia, you can enjoy a private Valet entrance located at the Terminal 3 end of level 2.
At Terminal Parking: Includes covered parking and is a short two-minute walk from the terminals. If you’re heading to Hamilton Island Airport (HTI) out of domestic Terminal 4, enter the At Terminal Car Park from Grant’s Road. If you’re departing from Terminals 1,2, or 3, enter the car park from Terminal Drive.
Long Term: These spaces can be pre-booked for added savings before you begin your trip to Hamilton Island. You can simply pull in, unload, and catch the shuttle bus to the terminal. Entrances to the Long Term car park can be found on Terminal Drive or Airport Drive near Terminal 4.

Arriving in Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island Airport (HTI) is the only commercial airport in the Whitsundays. The airport caters to domestic flights on Virgin Australia, Tigerair and Jetstar, and acts as the main hub for travellers looking to explore the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef.

How to Get from Hamilton Island International Airport to Your Hamilton Island Hotel or Accommodation

Hamilton Island is a car-free island that relies on golf buggies for ferrying visitors to and from hotels, resorts and attractions. The four main resorts and hotels on Hamilton Island offer free shuttles to and from the airport. Pre-arrange your flight itinerary with the resort and an attendant will pick you up at the airport and drop you off at your hotel. The entire island can be experienced solely by foot but golf buggies are available for hire.

Things to do in Hamilton Island

There are more than 60 activities and things to do on Hamilton Island. Leisure-seekers can choose from one of the laid back options, from scenic golf buggy tours and moonlight movies to relaxing poolside or gentle beach strolls. Explore the Great Barrier Reef from above by booking onto a helicopter or seaplane tour, or head over to Whitsunday Island on a day trip to visit the pristine Whitehaven Beach. If you want an up close view of the Great Barrier Reef, rent diving or scuba gear from your resort. No matter how you choose to see the GBR, it is an experience you will never forget. Make sure to pack an underwater camera for your time on Hamilton Island! For more sightseeing excursions around the island, choose one of the many walking trails or stroll along the coast at Catseye Beach. Take advantage of any of the family-friendly activities such as bowling, art classes, go-kart racing, or tennis lessons.