How Much Does It Cost to Get to King Island? The Ultimate Guide for Travelers
As a home renovation expert who also loves traveling to beautiful destinations like King Island, I‘m often asked – how much does it really cost to get there? This is the ultimate reference guide I‘ve put together to help you budget and plan that dream trip to King Island!
I‘ll provide detailed costs, insider tips, and money-saving hacks to ensure you get the full King Island experience without breaking the bank. Read on to find out everything you need to know about flights, ferries, chartering boats, getting around the island, where to stay, and more.
Flying is Fast but Pricey
Flying is the quickest way to reach King Island, but also the most expensive. Here are the key details on scoring cheaper flights:
Flights from Melbourne on King Island Airlines
- Regular adult airfares start from $250 each way
- Total cost for a return ticket is $500
- You can save around $100 per person by booking special deals in advance
- I always subscribe to airline email lists to receive the discounts and flash sale alerts!
Best Times to Fly for Cheaper Fares
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
- Shoulder season months of May, June, September and October
Insider Tip
See if you‘re eligible for the King Island Resident Fare at $175 each way. You‘ll need proof of Island residency, but it‘s worth inquiring about!
Average Flight Time
- Direct flights take 1 hour 20 minutes from Melbourne to King Island
- This makes it the fastest way to get there
Ferries Offer Scenic Budget Travel
If you love ocean adventures, I‘d highly recommend taking the ferry to King Island. It takes longer, but is gentler on your wallet!
Grassy to Grassy Ferry
- Operated by SeaRoad Shipping
- Adult fares from $45 each way
- Total cost for return trip is $90
- Takes 5-5.5 hours one-way
- Runs just twice a week so plan ahead
Currie to Naracoopa Ferry
- Operated by Sealink Tasmania
- Adult fares from $50 each way
- Total cost for return trip is $100
- Takes 6.5-7 hours one-way
- Runs daily so more flexible
Insider Tip
Ask about standby fares without your car to save some dollars!
Scenic Ferry Ride
- Relaxing way to start your King Island trip
- Spot dolphins, whales, seals and more!
Sail Your Own Boat for Ultimate Flexibility
If you‘re a confident sailor or boater, hiring your own vessel offers the most flexibility—but also the highest costs.
Private Boat Hire Costs
- From Portland to King Island is 90 nautical miles
- 10-12 meter boat costs $400-600 each way
- Larger boats range from $800-2,000 each way
Other Costs
- Fuel, food, accommodation en route
- Landing fees at King Island ports
- Transfers from shore to port
Getting Around King Island
Once you arrive on the Island, you‘ll need to get around! Here are the main transportation costs:
Car Hire
- Starts from $55 per day
- I‘d recommend a 4×4 for flexibility
Fuel Costs
- Similar pricing to mainland Australia
- Petrol stations are located in Currie and Grassy
Taxis
- Around $3 per km on average
- Good for short trips if you don‘t have a car
Accommodation Options on King Island
There‘s a good range of accommodation on King Island to suit different budgets. Here‘s an overview:
Hotel/Motel
- 2-star options from around $80 per night
- 4-star from $200 per night
Bed and Breakfast
- Comfy stays from $120 per night
Holiday Homes
- Basic from $100 per night
- Luxury options up to $350 per night
Camping
- Low cost at $20-30 per night
- Most campgrounds are right by the beach!
Top Money-Saving Tips for Your Trip
Based on my experience, here are my top ways to visit King Island without overspending:
- Take the Grassy-Grassy ferry – it‘s the most affordable transport
- Fly on off-peak days to score discounted airfares
- Book 2-3 star accommodation to save on rooms
- Self-cater by shopping at local supermarkets
- Pack a reusable water bottle – island water is safe to drink
- Share costs if traveling with friends or family
Budgeting for Your King Island Getaway
To give you an idea, here‘s a sample budget for a 5-day/4-night King Island trip:
| Transport | $100 (return ferry) |
| Accommodation | $400 (4 nights at $100 per night) |
| Car Rental | $220 (4 days at $55 per day) |
| Fuel | $80 (driving around island) |
| Food | $200 (self-catered) |
| Activities | $150 (cheese tasting, golf, cruises) |
| Total per person | $1,150 AUD |
As you can see, with some planning it‘s possible to experience King Island on a reasonable budget. The key is researching costs, traveling off-peak, self-catering where possible, and taking advantage of deals.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m happy to share my insider knowledge and hope this guide gives you a great starting point for planning your own memorable King Island escape. Safe travels!