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Yachts arriving by water or road Transport Information

There are several ways to transport your boat and support vessel to Hamilton Island. Please review Race Week specific information before arriving.

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Transport

Yachts Sailing to Hamilton Island

If you arrive at Hamilton Island between 8.00am and 5.00pm, please call Hamilton Island on VHF Channel 68 just prior to entering the harbour so the Marine Office staff can meet you and assist you with your mooring arrangements.

Should you arrive outside these hours, just enter the harbour, tie up in a suitable berth and report to the Marine Office at 8.00am the next morning.

Keel Yachts Arriving by Road

If your yacht is being trucked to Hamilton Island Race Week you can launch and step the mast at Hamilton Island or at Airlie Beach.

You can truck your boat direct to Hamilton Island. You will need to make prior arrangements for the transport of the truck across from Shute Harbour on the barge (see barge booking details below).

At Hamilton Island there is a travel lift operated by the Hamilton Island Boatyard - phone the Marina Office on 07 4946 8138, email at marina@hamiltonisland.com.au or the local VHF contact is on channel 68. They have recently expanded the facility with their own service pens, enlarged workshop and chandlery. Hamilton Island Boatyard can help with any repair and/or maintenance work including mechanical, electrical, refrigeration and shipwright services. They have an ex-navy chase boat to handle emergency calls in all conditions - call on channel 68. In addition to full chandlery and rigging facilities they can now also assist with provisioning in conjunction with Whitsunday Provisioning (see Provisioning Information). Delivery work can also be arranged.

There is also a travel lift at Hawkes Boatyard in Airlie Beach (next door to Abel Point Marina) and they can be contacted on 07 4946 6700. From Airlie Beach it is about a 20 mile sail to Hamilton Island.

Trailable Yachts Arriving by Road

If you are towing your boat to Hamilton Island Race Week, you will need to make arrangements for the transport of boat and trailer from Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island on the barge (see barge booking details below). Your car must stay on the mainland - carparking is available at the Shute Harbour Council Carpark adjacent to the passenger jetty terminal.

Service/Support Vehicles

If you are bringing a service/support vehicle to Hamilton Island Race Week you will need to make arrangements for the transfer of the vehicle from Shute Harbour to Hamilton Island on the barge (see barge booking details below). A representative must travel on the barge with the vehicle to drive it on and off the barge. Please note that all service/support vehicles MUST be parked in the Boatyard.

Barge Booking Details

Prior arrangements must be made if the barge is required to transport your yacht or service/support vehicle across to Hamilton Island as there is always heavy demand for the barge. 

Please click here to submit your online barge booking request.

Barge and Transport FAQ

How do I know which barge my yacht/vehicle is scheduled on?

After submitting your barge booking form and paying the allocated fees, you will receive written confirmation of your barge booking with transfer times and a booking reference number. Ensure your boat name and vehicle/trailer registration number are on the form. Please list your vehicle/trailer registration correctly; if it does not match the paperwork then your boat/vehicle may not travel.

If you need to change your travel date and/or time please call Barge Bookings on 07 4948 9502. If you miss your allocated time slot, your yacht/vehicle will be placed on the next available barge, on a space available basis.

What times can I drop my boat to Shute Harbour?

The Shute Harbour Terminal operating hours are Monday to Friday 07:00h to 15:00h.  Please ensure you arrive within the operating hours. For terms and conditions regarding items being stored in the barge loading yard, please refer to our T&C’s contained in the barge booking request form.

Can passengers travel on the barge? 

Only an owner or crew member can travel with the yacht on the barge to assist with loading and unloading. Requests for barge travel can be made with Barge Bookings on phone 07 4948 9502 or email bargebookings@hamiltonisland.com.au. However it is a requirement that an owner or crew member travel with any service/support vehicles to drive them on and off the barge.

What happens when my yacht/vehicle arrives on Hamilton Island?

The barge team will organise for your yacht to be taken directly to the marina where it will be held prior to launching. You will be required to drive any service/support vehicles off the barge and park them in the boatyard for the duration of your stay.

How does my yacht/vehicle get loaded onto the barge to return to Shute Harbour?

Please organise with the Marina Office to have your yacht hoisted from the water and prepared ready for travel. The barge team will collect your yacht from the boatyard and load onto your allocated barge. If you are travelling as a passenger on the barge, it is your responsibility to be at the barge terminal on time.