Making the most of Hamilton Island
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruises call at Hamilton Island occasionally. Most tender passengers ashore, where a modest but pleasant selection of resort shops and restaurants is immediately available.
Hamilton Island offers several ways to get around. Buggies are its main transport and can be hired by guests during their stay. A free Island Shuttle also runs every day.
A printable map to bring with you.
Set in the Great Barrier Reef among the 74 Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island offers glorious weather, azure waters, brilliant beaches, spectacular coral reefs, compelling flora and fauna, fine food and wines, and almost countless activities.
Money
The currency is the Australian Dollar.
Opening Hours and
Shops and services generally open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and to lunchtime on Saturday. Many city and larger-town shops stay open late on Thursday or Friday evening, usually until 9pm, as well as all Saturday. Shopping malls often open on Sundays too.
In remote country areas, roadhouses provide essential traveller services and are generally open 24 hours a day on major highways. Even off-the-beaten-track tourist areas often have tourist offices open daily, or throughout the week plus weekend mornings; urban information centers tend to keep normal shopping hours.
Museums, galleries and attended historic monuments are often open every day, although rural-community attractions may keep irregular hours.