Small sign shocks tourists at Australia’s top holiday spot

Australia’s iconic Hamilton Island is famous for its palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back luxury. 

However, visitors might be surprised to discover that one of the most significant changes on the island is not in the scenery, but in how payments are made for items like a piña colada. During a recent stay, one tourist encountered a surprise.

One tourist was ‘left speechless’ after seeing the small plastic sign at the check-in counter that read, ‘Sorry, we are unable to accept cash payments here.’ 

Initially, it seemed like a quirky one-off policy. But it soon became clear that this wasn’t just a hotel decision—Hamilton Island has quietly transitioned to a cashless economy.

‘Oh yeah, Hamilton Island is cashless now. Only the post office takes cash,’ a waitress casually explained to tourist Maddison Leach when asked about the change. 

‘But don’t worry about the surcharge, you can just insert your card to get around that.’

Leach began noticing the same cashless signage everywhere she went on the island—from buggy hires and waterfront bars to the local ice cream shop. 

The decision to go cashless appears widespread, making Hamilton Island one of the rare holiday destinations in Australia to adopt this policy island-wide.

At first glance, the signs inform customers of the cashless policy. However, upon closer inspection, Leach spotted a less publicised detail: a 1.25 per cent non-refundable surcharge on all credit and tap-and-go transactions made via credit or debit cards.

‘Suddenly, I realised I’d been paying a little extra on every single transaction since I’d arrived,’ Leach said.

‘It’s not a huge amount, but as any seasoned traveller knows, those small fees add up—especially when you’re on holiday and treating yourself.’

Fortunately, there’s a savvy workaround, which is also buried in the fine print. Visitors can avoid the surcharge by requesting to insert their card and selecting ‘savings’ or ‘cheque’ for EFTPOS payments.

‘From that moment on, I made sure to ask to insert my card and avoid the surcharge,’ Leach noted. ‘It’s a small detail, but one that can save you a surprising amount over a few days.’

Hamilton Island’s move to a cashless system may reflect broader trends in Australia’s payment landscape, but for travellers who rely on cash or remain unaware of the small print, it’s a change worth preparing for. 

As Leach’s experience highlights, those tiny signs might carry more weight than you think—and your wallet will thank you for reading them carefully.

Why has Hamilton Island gone cashless?

Hamilton Island quietly switched to a cashless system in 2024, and it’s been stuck ever since. 

According to the official website, the move is all about protecting the health and well-being of guests and staff, offering greater convenience, and reducing the risk of theft or loss of cash. 

It’s a trend that’s become more common across Australia since the COVID-19 pandemic, with many hotels, restaurants, and attractions preferring card payments.

According to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, the answer is yes—businesses are not required to accept cash. 

They need to be upfront about what payment methods they accept and any applicable surcharges. 

The myth that ‘legal tender’ must be accepted everywhere is just that—a myth.

Surcharges are also legal, provided they’re disclosed and calculated according to the rules set by the Reserve Bank of Australia. 

So, while it might feel a bit cheeky, Hamilton Island is well within its rights to add that 1.25 per cent fee for tap-and-go and credit transactions.

How to avoid extra fees

If you’re planning a trip to Hamilton Island (or anywhere else that’s gone cashless), here are a few tips to keep your holiday budget in check:

• Read the fine print: Those little signs at the counter aren’t just for decoration. Take a moment to read them—you might save a few dollars.
• Ask to insert your card: To avoid the surcharge, request to pay via EFTPOS and select ‘savings’ or ‘cheque’ instead of tap-and-go.
• Bring a travel card: A travel card is your best friend for overseas visitors. Don’t rely on cash—you might not be able to use it.
• Plan for surcharges: If you use tap-and-go, add the extra 1.25 per cent to your holiday budget.

What else should you know before you go?

Hamilton Island is a slice of paradise, but it pays to be prepared. Here are a few more handy tips for your trip:

Whether you’re a local or an international visitor, the island’s lush landscapes, white sand beaches, and swim-up bars are hard to beat. Remember to bring your card—and maybe a magnifying glass for those tiny signs.

Have you visited Hamilton Island or another cashless destination? Did you get caught out by a sneaky surcharge or have a tip to share? We’d love to hear your stories and advice in the comments below!

Also read: Discover the top holiday scam hotspots—and how to avoid them