🇦🇺 Hamilton Island Half-Day Layover Guide ✈️🏝️

First things first: Hamilton Island ≠ Heart Reef or Whitehaven Beach (those are nearby uninhabited attractions requiring day trips). This guide focuses solely on exploring the island itself during a short layover! ✈️ My Itinerary Flew from Sydney to HTI (arrived 12:30 PM) Departed via ferry to Airlie Beach at 4:10 PM 🚶 Getting Around The island is tiny (crossable on foot in 20-30 mins). Options: 1️⃣ Walk (most sights are accessible) 2️⃣ Rent a buggy (golf cart-style; popular but pricey) 3️⃣ Free shuttle buses (my choice!) 🚌 Bus System 🔵 Blue Line (Big Loop): Stops at ALL major spots (see timetable in P3) Full loop takes ~30 mins Driver stops only if passengers signal to exit 🟢 Green Line (Express): Shuttles between Catseye Beach ↔ Marina 15-min frequency Pro Tip: Airport has luggage lockers (right of baggage claim) Use the Hamilton Island app for real-time bus tracking (Google Maps doesn’t show stops!) 🌴 Highlights I Visited 🏖️ Catseye Beach – Quick swim & snorkel gear rental 🌄 One Tree Hill – Panoramic views (perfect sunset spot!) ⏳ With More Time? Go-karting 🏎️ Mini-golf ⛳ Wildlife Park 🐨 Final Note: Ferries to Airlie Beach dock near the marina—allow 15 mins to walk/bus there! #HamiltonIsland #TravelAustralia #IslandHopping #Queensland #ShortLayover #TravelHacks ✨