EDIT: MEL to HTI sold out at $99, but still HTI to MEL still available at that price, selling fast
Jetstar's launched a new route and a great price - $99 to/from Melbourne and Hamilton Island!
Flights are 4x a week and start March 29th.
Catch is the sale ends tonight, and it's Jetstar so only carry-on luggage of 7kg is included. But it's Hamilton Island, so your swimmers and towel should be enough :D
This deal posted on Beat That Flight with all the cheapest dates highlighted.
Indeed, we're seeing the Reef View on sale, but it's still over $350 a night. Whitsunday apartments around $300 a night. Not in the same range as the hostel rooms I tend to look at ;)
Cheap, on a separated island? You're dreaming.
Someone has to pay for all boats delivering provisions …
like Australia
An alternative…
Groupon have a deal for 4 nights for 2 in Port Douglas including flights from Melbourne for $1198.
If you can get a boat to Arlie Beach there is much cheaper accom there.
Lots of backpackers there as well but probably not there as much anymore.
Stayed in Backpackers / Dive Centre on Stradbroke Island (large sand island off Brisbane) in early December.
Place was almost empty except for divers. 100m to wonderful long beaches. Watched about 30 dolphins catching & diving out of waves. Had a great relaxing time at minimal cost.
Dorm bed was $27/n - most nights had no one else in balcony room. (Booked out most Saturdays.) Plenty of empty rooms at a higher rate. Has a large kitchen with stove & freezers to prepare own meals.
So would expect plenty of cheap beds in backpacker central - Airlie.
They tend to have sales with slightly better accommodation rates a few times a year (notified via email if you subscribe). I've taken the risk of booking flights now and will book accommodation when on sale (usually there's a 'stay 4/pay 3' or similar) - we went a few years ago and it was really good (including, surprisingly, the food), so it's one of the few places we're keen to go back to a second time (rather than trying somewhere new) - especially in the southern winter, when a week of warmth is bliss. This new route makes it super accessible for us now - not a 'super-cheap' holiday but still good value for money if you like to eat, swim and relax on a tropical island.
that's a good tip!
lol, travel
I recon I saw a Flybuys holiday deal for 5 nights, pay 4. Worked out to around mid $250 per night (included ferry transport and breakfast).
Warning - No idea on the cancellation policy of FB holidays. The banner said full refund cancellation, t&c's say no refunds on cancellations.
Cheap flights but an expensive place to stay. Despite tourism being at basically zero right now I can't find any cheap hotel deals up there.