🇦🇺 Hamilton Island Half-Day Layover Guide

First things first: Hamilton Island ≠ Heart Reef or Whitehaven Beach (those are uninhabited day-trip spots accessible from both Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach). This guide covers on-island activities only—no boat tours! ✈️ My Route SYD → HTI (arrived ~12PM) 4:10PM ferry to Airlie Beach 🚶♀️ Getting Around 🏝️ Tiny island: Cross on foot in 20-30 mins. 🚗 Options: 1️⃣ Rent a buggy (golf cart) – popular but pricey 2️⃣ Free shuttle buses (my pick!): Green Line: Catseye Beach ↔ Marina (fast, 15-min intervals) Blue Line: Full-island loop (hits all major spots) 🛄 Airport Tips Bag storage: Lockers right of baggage claim Bus stop: 5-min walk from airport (not on Google Maps—use Hamilton Island’s app!) No tickets needed: Just wave & board! ⏳ My Blue Line Stops 🏖️ Catseye Beach: Swim/snorkel 🌴 One Tree Hill: Panoramic sunset views (bring camera!) ⛳ Activities: Mini-golf, go-karts (check app for hours) #HamiltonIsland #Queensland #StopoverGuide #TravelHack