If you’ve got a layover in Murray Island, don’t let it go to waste sitting at MYI. The city, in Australia, is within easy reach — roughly 60 minutes by local transport. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Before You Step Outside MYI
Three things to verify before you walk out of MYI:
- Can you legally enter Australia? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 60-minute journey each way by local transport, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Spend Your Time in Murray Island
For a layover visit to Murray Island, we’d suggest Eddie Mabo’s Grave and Mer Island Coastal Exploration. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Murray Island. You don’t need long to appreciate it — even a brief visit is refreshing.
If you’d rather stay inside MYI — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Mer Island Airport Waiting Area
- Aircraft Spotting at Mer Island Airport
Getting to Murray Island from the Airport
From MYI, the local transport gets you to Murray Island in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Where to Eat
For food in Murray Island, local travelers recommend Mer Island Community Store & Takeaway. If you have time for a second stop, Mer Island Local Eatery is another popular pick.
Back at MYI, Mer Island Airport Snack Bar is the go-to. Airport Vending Machines rounds out your in-terminal options.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Quick budget math for your Murray Island layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Murray Island.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at MYI for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Murray Island or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
What to Do With Your Bags
Luggage storage options at MYI can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Murray Island for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at MYI include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Australia also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Murray Island doesn’t have to be wasted time. With the city just 60 minutes from MYI, you’ve got a real opportunity to turn a stopover into a mini-trip. The logistics are straightforward — it’s just a matter of deciding to go for it.
Watch the clock, travel light, and have a great time out there.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.