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Airlie Beach, Queensland © Tourism Whitsundays

3 days in Airlie Beach

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Snorkel, dive, beach-hop, hike – Airlie Beach is a tropical holiday haven, not to mention being the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands.

By Natasha Dragun

The must-do experiences

• See the Great Barrier Reef from the air and the water
• Discover secluded white-sand beaches
• Get active in the hinterland rainforest

Day 1: Get your Airlie Beach bearings

Tropical weather, powdery beaches, fast-paced water and rainforest adventures – there’s a lot to love about Airlie Beach.

Day 2: Explore the coast and hinterland

After a day in Airlie Beach, discover the wonders of the coast and the lush, tropical hinterland, whether chasing waterfalls or hiking through rainforest.

Day 3: Discover the Whitsunday Islands

Part of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the Whitsunday Islands never fail to impress both above and below the water.

Guide to the Whitsundays

Sailing through blue waters, snorkelling above gardens of coral and coastal views more beautiful than a postcard – it’s all waiting for you in the Whitsundays.

Read time • 4min

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Airlie Beach

Sitting on lovely undulating coastline traditionally owned by the Ngaro and Gia peoples, Airlie is the gateway to the unparalleled Whitsunday Islands and an essential stop on most east-coast road trips. Its multiple hostels, sprawling beer gardens and myriad tour operators are strung along Shute Harbour Rd, separated from Pioneer Bay by a lovely lawn-fringed swimming lagoon.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Conway National Park

This serene national park encompasses the Conway Peninsula, once the hunting grounds of the Giru Dala and still home to large swaths of lowland tropical…

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Ultimate Whitsundays Itinerary: 4 Days in Airlie Beach (2024)

A visit to the remarkable Whitsunday Islands, nestled off the coast of central Queensland, has long been on my Australia travel bucket list. When a last-minute opportunity arose to help a friend with a photography assignment in the Whitsundays came up, I couldn’t believe my luck! 

My flights were booked on Monday, and by Thursday night I was mid-air, en route from Perth to the Whitsundays for what was going to be an unforgettable week filled with adventures. I spent three exhilarating days sailing the Whitsundays on a yacht, before spending the rest of the week exploring Airlie Beach. 

Based on this, I’ve crafted the ultimate Whitsundays itinerary. This itinerary provides a perfect mix of adventuring and relaxing, whilst exploring the wonders of the Whitsunday Islands. Let’s get into it!

Table of Contents

Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island?

This itinerary has you based in Airlie Beach on the mainland. Airlie Beach is the main hub and gateway to explore the Whitsunday Islands with most tours and sailing charters departing from the Airlie Beach port. However, airlines also fly directly to Hamilton Island. Hamilton Island is a smaller island in the Whitsundays, located a 60-minute ferry ride from Airlie Beach.

Airlie Beach has more accommodation options and nightlife. It does attract more of a backpacker crowd than Hamilton Island, but don’t let this deter you. I stayed in Airlie Beach as a solo female traveller in my 30s and met a wide mix of people – from other solo travellers to couples and families on holiday. 

Airlie Beach has more things to do and offers more day trip options as most tours leave from the mainland, making it a better option for those like me wanting to explore more of the Whitsunday Island region. It can also be cheaper than Hamilton Island.

If you’re wanting a slower-paced holiday , with more “island vibes,” on-island exploring and lazing by the pool, Hamilton Island might be a better fit for you.

If you’ve got more time up your sleeve, you could consider staying in Airlie Beach for three nights and then catching the ferry to Hamilton Island and spending a couple of nights there to experience both. 

How to Get to Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays?

There are two airports in the Whitsundays; Hamilton Island Airport and Whitsunday Coast Airport (also known as Proserpine Airport). If you stay in Airlie Beach, you’ll want to book flights to Whitsunday Coast Airport .

Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia fly into Whitsunday Coast Airport. You can fly directly from Melbourne and Sydney, otherwise a connection is required in Brisbane. Skytrans Airlines also offers a direct flight from Cairns.

Flying from Perth to the Whitsundays involved a flight from Perth to Brisbane (4 hours), followed by a connecting flight from Brisbane to Whitsunday Coast Airport (1.5 hours).

Whitsunday Coast Airport to Airlie Beach is a 30-minute drive . You’ll find the usual car hire companies (like Europcar, Budget and Avis) have service desks at the airport near the baggage collection area. To get the best prices on car rentals, make sure to compare rental companies on Discover Cars (I often find it’s cheaper than booking direct!).

Read my guide on whether you need to hire a car to get around Airlie Beach and its surrounds, and options for public transport. There are numerous companies offering shuttle services to Airlie Beach . These air-conditioned minivans offer stress-free transits from door to door from $25 one-way or $42 round-trip. 

Click here to book your transfer now

Whitsundays 4 Day Itinerary 

Day 1: explore airlie beach & hike to honeyeater lookout.

Welcome to the Whitsundays! Spend your first day settling into and getting familiar with Airlie Beach. 

Explore Airlie Beach

Wander down the main street of Airlie Beach… which is actually called Main St! This busy hub is the heart of Airlie Beach, with lots of accommodation, dining options, boutiques and tour businesses lining the street. 

You’ll also find a Woolworths supermarket if you need to grab any essentials. 

Airlie Beach Lagoon

The main drawcard of Airlie Beach is the man-made lagoon. With views of the sparkling ocean, lifeguards watching the pool, shaded areas and lots of spaces to chill out, it’s no wonder that the Airlie Beach lagoon is a popular spot… plus it’s free! 

I’d also recommend going for a stroll along the waterfront. I walked from the Lagoon along Airlie Esplanade, passing by the popular and busy “The Pub” underneath Airlie Beach Hotel.

Wander along the path lined with palm trees, where there are lots of shaded tables and rest spots. The large grassed area here is the home of the regular Whitsunday Saturday Markets .  Make sure to check out these local markets held from 7am – 1pm on Saturdays if you’re in town. The markets also occasionally pop-up at other times during the week, when a cruise ship is in town. 

If you continue walking past the Sailing Club for another 5 minutes, you’ll come across Boathaven Beach. Boathaven Beach is a quiet, sandy beach fringed with palm trees. There is a stinger net here, making it a safer option for an ocean dip. 

Honeyeater Lookout

The Honeyeater Lookout Trail is one of the best hikes near Airlie Beach . Starting from Kara Crescent in the suburbs behind the main street, prepare for a short but steep uphill climb. Allow 3 hours, return trip.

The highlight of this 8km return trail is the lookout which gives a panoramic view across Airlie Beach and the sparkling blue ocean. Honeyeater Lookout and Trail is part of Conway National Park, which we’ll be exploring more on another day of your Whitsundays adventure! 

Day 2: Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout

This was the day I was most excited for during my week-long Whitsundays trip… laying eyes on the remarkably white sand of Whitehaven Beach and the shifting tidal patterns as seen at Hill Inlet Lookout .

The photos you see online aren’t edited – the colours really are that vivid! 

Unless you are on a private yacht or charter, the best way to visit these two iconic Whitsunday locations is on a tour. Many companies offer day tours that will take you to both of these spots. 

Ocean Rafting Tour

I booked my tour with Ocean Rafting as they had great reviews and offered a full-day tour that included a visit to Hill Inlet Lookout, Whitehaven Beach and a snorkelling spot. 

I also liked that they had two Whitehaven tour options ; one offering more time on Whitehaven Beach (which I chose) and one that offered two snorkelling spots with less time on Whitehaven Beach. 

This tour was a brilliant day out – the two crew members were lots of fun and made sure we had a great day out. Ocean Rafting have semi rigid inflatable vessels that offer one of the fastest options to get across to the Whitsunday Islands, and they can also pull up onto the beach directly.

At Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach, the people on larger cruise boats had to come across in a small tender in small groups, whereas we could pull our boat right up to the beach. 

I chose the option without lunch, taking my own packed picnic lunch and snacks for the day. You can add a packed lunch onto your tour that the Ocean Rafting team provides, and buy soft drinks on board the boat.

Each boat has a maximum of 32 passengers, so you’re in a smaller group environment for these tours than the larger cruise companies. 

In summary, reasons why I went with and loved this tour:

• Fastest travel time from Airlie Beach to the Whitsunday Islands
• Vessels can pull up directly onto the beach
• Smaller group numbers
• Option for provided lunch, or bring your own
• Fun and adventurous day tour
• Two tour options; one with more time on Whitehaven Beach (Southern Lights option) , one with more snorkelling time (Northern Exposure option)

Click here to check availability

Read my other tips to make the most of your day exploring Whitehaven Beach

Other Tour Recommendations

For a less adventurous option with a more comfortable cruising experience, I’d recommend the Full-Day Eco Cruise with Red Cat Adventures. 

This was my second choice of tour on a custom-built catamaran. This tour offers two different snorkelling spots on the outer fringes of the Great Barrier Reef plus visits to Hill Inlet Lookout and Whitehaven Beach. Lunch, morning and afternoon tea are provided. 

For a different kind of cruise, consider this Full-Day Camira Sailing Adventure . Lounge in the sun on the nets of the catamaran, and enjoy a gourmet lunch, beer and wine on this all-inclusive cruise. 

For all other Whitehaven Beach tours, browse all tours on offer here . 

Note that not all of these will include a visit to Hill Inlet Lookout, but the specific ones I have linked above do.

Day 3: Conway National Park & Cedar Creek Falls

Only a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Airlie Beach you’ll find nature paradise at the sprawling Conway National Park. The park spans almost 75 km of coastline, covering the entire Cape Conway peninsula. The vegetation is largely tropical rainforest, with patches of mangroves. 

Coral Beach Hike and Beak Lookout

There are many hiking options, including multi-day hikes, but I decided to head out on an adventure on the Coral Beach hiking trail. As the name suggests, the beach isn’t sandy but instead is made up of thousands of pieces of washed-up coral.

For more information on the hike itself and what to expect, read my dedicated guide here .

The hike itself wasn’t too challenging, the hardest part was tackling the midday heat on my way back to the starting point after spending a morning enjoying the beach almost to myself. 

Once you come out of the rainforest onto Coral Beach, head right down the beach to find another 10-15 minute trail that takes you to Beak Lookout.  At Beak Lookout , you’ll get a panoramic view of the coastline and surrounding islands. 

The hike, beach and lookout were all very quiet and was an unexpected highlight of my visit to Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays. 

Shute Harbour 

After the hike, you can head down the road to Shute Harbour where many of the inter-island ferry transfers depart from. Lion’s Lookout above the harbour offers views across the harbour and surrounding islands. Down at the harbour, Explore 74 cafe provides a spot to escape the heat and enjoy a coffee or light meal.  

Cedar Creek Falls

Another highlight of Conway National Park is Cedar Creek Falls . You’ll find these falls on the other side of the National Park, halfway between Airlie Beach and Prosperine. 

It’s a 30-minute drive from Airlie Beach, but you can park directly at the falls with only a short, easy walk required before you reach the pool at the base of the falls. 

Unless you join a tour, a car is required to reach Cedar Creek Falls. 

The best time to visit the falls is during the wet season, usually around November to March .

I spoke to the ladies at the Visitor Centre in Airlie Beach the day before I was planning on heading out to the falls, and I’m glad I did. They didn’t recommend visiting as there was no flowing water, and the pool at the base was more of a stagnant pond than the tropical swimming hole that I had envisioned. 

In summary: Cedar Creek Falls is worth visiting, but only during the wet season months between November and March. 

If you don’t have a car, you can join this tour that departs from Airlie Beach, which also includes lunch at Northerlies Beach Bar and a swim at their beautiful beach or book shuttle transfers online here .

Day 4: Scenic Flight, Bicentennial Walkway & Cannonvale Beach

Whitsundays scenic flight.

Kick off your last day in the Whitsundays with a bucket list item and hop aboard a scenic flight to see the Great Barrier Reef from above. This includes the iconic heart-shaped reef that you’ve likely seen on tourism posters for the Whitsundays all over Airlie Beach! 

I went on this scenic flight with Ocean Rafting and had an incredible experience.

My favourite thing about this scenic flight (other than the insane views of course!) is that every passenger gets a window seat – so everyone gets an incredible view.

The flight passes over the Great Barrier Reef, including the famous Heart Reef , before heading to fly directly over Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach. 

You can see a short highlights video from my flight on Instagram here .

While it isn’t a cheap experience (my flight cost me around $300), I think it was worth every dollar…it really is the best way to appreciate the incredible Great Barrier Reef, and is a bucket list experience that I’ll remember and treasure forever. 

Book your bucket list scenic flight experience

Tip: your booking includes a transfer from your Airlie Beach accommodation to the small airport, located 10 minutes from town. At the airport, you’ll find the Hangar Café and Bar serving meals and coffee. 

Bicentennial Walkway

After your scenic flight, spend your last afternoon around Airlie Beach. 

Take a stroll along the Bicentennial Walkway, which connects Airlie Beach Lagoon to Cannonvale , the neighbouring suburb to Airlie Beach. This 4km long boardwalk and trail hugs the coastline, taking you past Coral Sea Marina along the waterfront. 

If you’re in need of refreshment, stop by My Rainbow Cafe or continue to Cannonvale Beach where you’ll find Fat Frog Beach Cafe, a popular spot with locals.

At Cannonvale Beach you can go for a swim as there is a section of the beach protected by stinger nets. 

Enjoy the rest of your day relaxing around Airlie Beach, whether by taking a dip in the lagoon again, browsing the local boutiques or dining at the many restaurants scattered around the main street. 

Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill

Located on the water’s edge, Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill is an underrated gem tucked away 15 minutes north of Airlie Beach.

There is a free shuttle service that departs from Airlie Beach regularly, offering return transfers from the restaurants.  Highly recommend visiting if you have time for lunch or dinner, and enjoy a dip or stroll along the beach during your visit. 

Sunset Cruise

Alternatively, for a final send-off and one last chance to soak in the view of the Whitsunday Islands, hop aboard this 2-hour sunset cruise with sparkling wine . 

You’ll get to watch Airlie Beach illuminate with the setting sun from the comfort of the purpose-built catamaran while watching out for turtles – a memorable way to cap off an all round amazing few days in the beautiful Whitsundays. 

That wraps up this 4 Days Whitsundays Itinerary. Keep reading on for 5 and 7 day itinerary options .

5 Day Whitsundays Itinerary

If you have an extra day up your sleeve, I would recommend heading on a day trip to one of the surrounding islands. 

Day Trip to Hamilton Island

My pick would be a Hamilton Island day trip. You can get a ferry from Airlie Beach, which takes 60 minutes and has several morning departure options (check the latest timetable here ). 

Don’t forget to check the departure times to get back to Airlie Beach! It costs around $120 for a return ferry ticket to Hamilton Island.

Spend the day exploring the small island.

Hike one of the island’s most popular trails, the Passage Peak trail. Or spend the day at the main beach on Hamilton Island, Catseye Beach, where you can rent paddle boards and kayaks.

Alternatively, spend the day lazing by the Main Pool , which includes a swim-up island bar. Tropical bliss! 

You can book a Hamilton Island Freestyle package. With this package, for a small additional cost on top of what return ferry tickets would cost anyway you get a pub-style lunch included. 

Alternatively, consider spending a couple of nights on Hamilton Island for a change of pace from Airlie Beach. A range of accommodation is available, although prices are higher than you’ll likely find in Airlie Beach. 

Browse all accommodation offerings here

7 Day Whitsunday Itinerary

Sailing tour.

For a week in the Whitsundays, consider an overnight trip.

This 2 night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Tour will have you soaking up the highlights of the Whitsundays with daily snorkelling stops and visits to bays and beaches that the regular day trips don’t make it to. 

Also on offer is a 2-day Whitsunday Sailing and Camping trip . Camp on the beach and wake up in paradise! 

Alternatively, spend a night or two on one of the other islands. Hamilton Island or Daydream Island are popular choices, but for something different consider staying on Long Island. 

Long Island

We spent an afternoon at Palm Bay Resort , paddling along the shore on Stand Up Paddle Boards and sipping cocktails by the ocean. 

The accommodation offering includes beachfront Balinese-style bungalows that look incredibly idyllic, plus a swimming pool by the bar. Compared to Hamilton Island and Daydream Island, this is a relatively undeveloped island paradise. 

Just note this is an adult-only resort with only guests of over 16 allowed, ensuring a truly tranquil experience. 

Where to Stay in Airlie Beach

Budget: Bush Village Holiday Cabins

I stayed at the Bush Village Holiday Cabins, which are located in Cannonvale, a 5-minute drive from Airlie Beach. These self-contained cabins are tucked down a long driveway, away from the main road and were very comfortable for my 3-night stay in Airlie Beach. 

The small kitchenette was basic but sufficient for me to cook dinner for two nights. A great budget option just outside of town, for those that are looking for a peaceful stay away from the hustle and bustle of the main street of Airlie Beach.

Mid-Range: Airlie Beach Hotel

If you want to be right in the middle of the action, then the Airlie Beach Hotel is the spot for you. There is an outdoor swimming pool, plus you’re only a few minutes walk from the Airlie Beach Lagoon. Rooms come with a balcony – book a room with a sea view for something extra special. 

Luxury: Mirage Whitsunday Apartments

These luxury self-contained apartments come with a fully equipped kitchen and balcony or patio. There are two outdoor pools, including an adults-only pool and an on-site spa. 

Where to Eat in Airlie Beach

• Airlie Beach Treehouse: Dine outside under the canopy of trees with views across to the lagoon – plus they do an all-day breakfast (July 2024: currently closed for renovations!)
• Wisdom Cafe: One of the best coffee spots in town, plus tropical smoothie bowls
• Mika Airlie Kitchen & Bar: Funky restaurant serving the best Mexican in Airlie Beach
• Northerlies Bar & Grill: relaxed beachfront bar and dining 15 minutes from Airlie Beach
• Fish D’Vine: upscale seafood restaurant and rum bar next to Airlie Beach Hotel
• Fat Frog Beach Cafe: buzzing cafe popular with locals opposite Cannonvale Beach

Best Time to Visit Whitsundays

You can visit the Whitsundays all-year round . 

There isn’t really a “low” season, because the wet season coincides with the Australian school holidays over December and January, with eager travellers not too deterred by the warm temperatures and tropical rains during this time. 

Temperatures in the Whitsundays and Airlie Beach are warm even in winter, thanks to the tropical climate. 

September and October are generally the most popular months to visit the Whitsundays, due to the reduced chance of rain and lighter winds which make it ideal for sailing activities. From November to May, stinger suits need to be worn when swimming due to the increased risk of stingers in the water. 

Stingers in the Whitsundays

When the water begins to warm, the chance of venomous stingers (Irukandji and box jellyfish) in the water also increases. During this time, from November to May, stinger suits need to be worn when swimming.

While the chance of stingers is present all year round, it vastly increases during this period so precautions should be taken when swimming in the open ocean. 

Final Thoughts – Airlie Beach Itinerary

Airlie Beach is the gateway to the spectacular Whitsundays, and following this 4-day itinerary will showcase the very best this tropical paradise has to offer. From relaxing by the beach or pool, to snorkelling the vibrant reef to spectacular nature hikes, this itinerary offers something for everyone. 

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a perfect blend of both, the Whitsundays will not disappoint. I can guarantee you’ll create special memories that will last a lifetime in this idyllic slice of Australian paradise.

I hope this guide has been useful, let me know in the comments below if you have any questions. 

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14 Top-Rated Things to Do in Airlie Beach

Written by Karen Hastings Jan 13, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Karen Hastings and photographer Brian Hastings have enjoyed island-hopping, fishing, and exploring around Airlie Beach multiple times, including a recent trip in October, 2022.

Airlie Beach is known as the "Heart of the Reef" for good reason. Located on the tropical Whitsunday Coast, this laid-back resort town is the gateway to two of Queensland's top tourist attractions : the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and the idyllic Whitsunday Islands .

Not surprisingly, ocean adventures are among the top things to do in Airlie Beach. You can cruise around the islands, dive or snorkel the coral reefs, swim at ravishing Whitehaven Beach, or fish the clear waters. You can even sleep at the Great Barrier Reef. The Whitsunday Islands also offer some of the best sailing in the Southern Hemisphere .

You'll find plenty of things to do on land here, too, whether you're traveling as a family or backpacking with your mates. Stroll along the waterfront on the Bicentennial Walkway, take a dip in the Airlie Beach lagoon, feast on fresh seafood at alfresco restaurants, or hike the Conway Circuit. Choose your adventures with our list of the top things to do in Airlie Beach.

1. Take a Dip in Airlie Beach Lagoon

2. stroll along the bicentennial walkway, 3. cruise or sail around the whitsunday islands, 4. take a day trip to whitehaven beach, whitsunday island, 5. snorkel or dive the great barrier reef, 6. sleep at the great barrier reef with reefsleep, 7. fly over heart reef, 8. hike or bike the conway circuit, 9. cedar creek falls, 10. shop at the whitsunday lions airlie beach community markets, 11. relax on boathaven beach, 12. hang out at hydeaway bay, 13. go fishing, 14. enjoy the views from the honeyeater lookout hike, map of things to do in airlie beach.

Palm trees, glistening aqua water, and sandy shores — it sounds like an idyllic day at the beach, but these are also the top draws at Airlie Beach Lagoon. When the mercury soars, this waterfront pool is the perfect place to take a refreshing dip.

Children can splash around at the kiddie pool and play on the sandy beach. Adults can sprawl on the grassy knolls amid the lush gardens, curl up with a good book, and gaze out at the turquoise Coral Sea. It's also one of the best places to visit in Airlie Beach for a family picnic. Best of all, this popular tourist attraction is free .

After a cool dip, you can take a leisurely stroll along the Bicentennial Walkway, which threads along the waterfront here. And if you prefer a dip in the sea, the beach is steps away.

Address: Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach, Queensland

Kick off your sightseeing tour of Airlie Beach with a relaxing stroll along the Bicentennial Walkway. Stretching over five kilometers, this scenic path threads along the waterfront at Airlie Beach all the way to Cannonvale Beach.

Along the way, soak up dreamy views of the Coral Sea and the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. Gaze offshore, and you'll see these low-slung emerald beauties peeking alluringly from the turquoise sea, ringed with fish-rich reefs.

Stop for a coffee or an alfresco seafood lunch at one of the popular restaurants, like The Deck Airlie Beach . Take a break at a sheltered cove, or cool off with a dip at Airlie Beach Lagoon .

Walking with kids? No problem. The trail is flat, well-signposted, and easy to navigate. Plus it's stroller and wheelchair friendly.

If you're looking for things to do in Airlie Beach for couples, this is the perfect place for a sunset stroll . And if you're wondering about a romantic place to stay in Airlie Beach, Pinnacles Resort is within walking distance, and features hot tubs on ocean-view decks with breathtaking views over the bay.

Sailing trips from Airlie Beach are one of the most popular things to do in the Whitsundays . In fact, the Whitsunday Islands offer some of the best sailing waters in the Southern Hemisphere . Sheltered by the Great Barrier Reef and close to the mainland, these lush beauties feature relatively safe waters that are easy to navigate — even for novice skippers.

Bareboat charters are one of the most popular ways to explore the best Whitsunday Islands . This involves hiring a yacht, motor cruiser, or catamaran and skippering the boat yourself. Best of all, you don't need any experience or even a boat license to sail around the Whitsundays. Typical bareboat charters include a half-day detailed lesson and all-day support.

Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour are the two launching points for bareboating trips, and several companies offer a range of vessels. Whitsunday Rent A Yacht , Sunsail: Whitsundays , and Whitsunday Escape are popular options.

Boat and Skipper: Still not feeling confident? No worries. You can charter a boat with a skipper, and even add a sailing guide if you require extra help.

Tours: If you just want a little taste of sailing around the islands on a day trip, consider booking the Camira Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure . This 10-hour tour takes you on a cruise around the islands to stunning Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. Here, you'll enjoy a guided hiking tour to Hill Inlet lookout and top off your day with a snorkel stop on the reef.

Feel the need for speed? Sign up for a Whitsundays Guided Jet Ski tour around the islands. This 2.5-hour guided small-group tour accommodates all abilities, from beginner to more experienced.

Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island is one of the top tours from Airlie Beach. Tourists come from around the world to see this luscious swirl of sand and sea, capturing it in photos from a series of lookouts atop Hill Inlet.

Whitehaven Beach frequently graces lists of Australia's top beaches , and once you step foot on it, you'll know why. Silky-soft silica composes this seven-kilometer arc of sand. Pure white and powdery soft, the sandy shore glitters against the vibrant palette of turquoise water, blue sky, and lush green headlands.

You won't find any development on this uninhabited island, and that's part of the appeal. Whitsunday National Park protects the beach, keeping it relatively pristine despite the many throngs of international beach connoisseurs who land here each day. Most day tours land at Tongue Bay.

Tours: When it comes to booking a tour, you have several options: You can choose from an Ocean Rafting tour, a sailing trip, or a high-speed catamaran cruise on Red Cat Adventures. Most tours are full-day excursions, but some companies offer half-day tours.

One of the most popular tours is the Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Full-Day Snorkeling Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran . This full-day tour whisks you to Whitsunday Island for a hike to the lookouts overlooking Hill Inlet, a swim at Whitehaven Beach, and snorkeling stops along the reef on the return trip. Also included is a full buffet lunch, expert guides, and snorkeling equipment.

You can also combine a stop at Whitehaven with a visit to Hamilton Island, where you'll find some of the best resorts in the Whitsundays.

No time for a cruise? Hop aboard a seaplane and soar over the marbled seascape on a plane.

Snorkeling or diving over the colorful coral gardens of the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef is the best way to appreciate its dazzling diversity of marine life.

This is one of the planet's richest ecosystems. More than 1,625 species of fish and 1,400 types of coral thrive here, and the reef also hosts a diversity of other marine life, including sea snakes, turtles, whales, dolphins, sharks, rays, dugongs, and giant clams.

From Airlie Beach, you can book day trips that take you snorkeling or diving.

One of the top excursions is the Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise to Reefworld offered by Cruise Whitsundays. This full-day tour takes you out to a pontoon, three hours offshore, where you can spend the day snorkeling the colorful reefs, diving along the walls, and viewing some of the marine life from the underwater observatory.

Included in your Great Barrier Reef tour are morning and afternoon tea and a full buffet lunch, all your snorkeling and diving equipment, and presentations by reef experts. Guided snorkeling and dives are extra.

Avid divers may prefer to book a liveaboard dive trip, which offer a chance to explore less visited outer reefs. The 3-Day Whitsundays Sailing and Diving Adventure is especially popular and includes meals, activities, and expert guides.

Prefer to stay dry? Don't worry, you still have plenty of options. Besides the underwater observatory, dedicated glass-bottom boat tours and scenic flights are another way to view the reef.

Imagine sleeping on a soft bed under a blanket of billions of stars while you listen to the blip of fish splashing on a coral reef below you. You're not on a boat. Instead, you're floating on a pontoon about three hours offshore. It's not a dream — you can actually do this on a two-day ReefSleep adventure , one of the most unique things to do at the Great Barrier Reef.

Start your tour with a cruise out to the reef on a high-speed cat with Cruise Whitsundays. Once you arrive at the Reefworld pontoon, you'll have time to snorkel or dive the reef before you check into your double "luxury swags" on the pontoon overlooking the reef-dappled waters.

Look for turtles swimming in the crystal-clear water, sign up for a dive, take a guided snorkeling tour, take a ride on the semi-submersible, soar over Heart Reef on a helicopter, or watch the fish swimming by in the underwater observatory.

The best perk? After the day-tripping crowds leave on the boat, you have the entire reef to snorkel all afternoon and the following morning.

If you're looking for a more private overnight reef stay, opt for the ReefSuite experience . Descend from the pontoon into this underwater room, and fall asleep watching the fish swimming in the large picture window. It's an experience you'll never forget.

Mother Nature truly worked her magic when she made the Great Barrier Reef. And when you lay eyes on Heart Reef from the air, you'll appreciate this natural wonder even more. Soaring over the shimmering coral gardens reveals the sheer magnitude of one of the planet's richest ecosystems. And yes, Heart Reef really is heart-shaped.

The 60-minute Reef and Island Scenic Flight from Airlie Beach takes you soaring over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Daydream Island, and beautiful Heart Reef. Your flight will be accompanied by entertaining commentary from the pilot, and you are guaranteed a window seat. You can also book a helicopter flight from the pontoon over the reef.

Planning to pop the question? This is one of the most romantic things to do in Airlie Beach.

Rainforest experiences are the perfect complement to reef adventures, and one of the best ways to experience the lush environment on land is hiking or biking the Conway Circuit .

Formerly called the Whitsunday Great Walk, this 28-kilometer one-way trail threads along the mountain ridges in Conway National Park . Along the way, you'll hike deep into the rainforest, and negotiate rugged cliffs, with gorgeous views of the Whitsunday Passage vying for your gaze.

The Conway Circuit takes about three days of walking and camping out under the stars. You can also ride the trail on a mountain bike, which takes about four hours for physically fit, experienced riders.

If you're short on time, you can explore the park on other trails, including the 2.2-kilometer round-trip Kingfisher Walk .

If you'd like a waterfall experience with your dose of nature, head to Cedar Creek Falls . It's a beautiful place to visit in the wet season, when the falls are in full flow.

Pack a picnic, a swimsuit, and some insect repellent and hang out here for the day. You can take a dip in the rainforest pool while you're here. Wild orchids, white cedar trees, butterflies, lizards, fish, turtles, and many species of birds are found in the cool, dark forest here.

Cedar Creek Falls lies about halfway between Airlie Beach and Proserpine on Saltwater Creek Road. It's an easy stroll from the parking lot, and you can hike up around the falls if you're looking for more of a workout.

Strolling along the waterfront and browsing market stalls on a sunny morning is a wonderful way to soak up the vibe of Airlie Beach. At the Whitsunday Lions Airlie Beach Community Markets, you can do that every Saturday morning from 7am to 1pm along Airlie Beach's foreshore.

Colorful clothing, crystals, candles, jewelry, home-baked treats, and souvenirs are just some of the items you can buy here. And you can also fill up on tasty treats at the food stalls — be sure to try some mango sorbet.

Come here to get your coffee fix, too. The earlier the better, so you can nab a parking space.

Soft sands and calm waters make Boathaven Beach the perfect sunny day hangout. You'll find this lovely little slice of sand about a 10-minute walk from the center of town on The Beacons peninsula.

Come here on a sunny day, and you're likely to see backpackers from around the world picnicking on the shore; kids building sandcastles; and families basking in the sun, gazing out across the turquoise water where boats bob just offshore.

Swimming and sunbathing are the main activities here, and when your belly starts to rumble, just stroll across the street to the marina for a bite to eat.

Hydeaway Bay is a hidden treasure. About 50 kilometers from Airlie beach, it's the perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend with the family.

Swim in the crystal-clear shallow, sink your toes into the flour-soft sand, recline under a palm tree, hunt for shells, or flick out a fishing line — no matter what you like to do, there's something for every member of the family here. If you're lucky, you might even spot a dugong, dolphin, whale, or turtle in the crystalline water.

Bringing a boat? You can launch it at Dingo Beach, or if you don't own one, rent a vessel here, too. Hideaway Bay is the perfect peaceful escape.

To get here, take the Gregory-Cannon Valley Road to Dingo Beach Road and then turn into Hydeaway Bay Drive. Choose from five different public access points.

Airlie Beach is heaven for avid anglers. Laced with coral reefs and mangroves, the waters here host a variety of coveted species.

You can fish the estuaries for queenfish, barramundi, grunter, and threadfin salmon or cast off the beaches for queenfish, barra, bream, golden trevally, mangrove jack, and fingermark.

Deep sea fishing on a boat is also popular. Casting along the islands and coral reefs, you can catch everything from coral trout, golden and giant trevally, and snapper to Spanish mackerel and tuna.

Airlie Beach's rockwalls are also great fishing spots. Head to the sailing club or Port of Airlie for mangrove jack, coral trout, whiting, and grunter. Shute Harbour jetty yields trevally, mack tuna, northern bluefin, mangrove jack, and barramundi.

Freshwater fishing in Airlie Beach is also rewarding — you can hook big barramundi in Peter Faust dam.

Insider's tip: Feeling like fresh fish for dinner? Many local resorts will cook up your catch.

Wondering where to capture beautiful views of Airlie Beach? Hike up to Honeyeater Lookout . At 8.2-kilometers round trip , it's considered a moderately challenging route, and you'll get quite a workout on the steep uphill sections. Keep going, though, and your reward at the end will be breathtaking views over Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands.

Start your hike from the Kara Crescent track entrance at Airlie Beach, and continue along the Conway circuit for 2.3 kilometers to the Honeyeater lookout turn-off. The entire hike will take you about three hours . On a mountain bike, plan for about 1.5 hours.

In this tropical climate, it's always a good idea to start your hike early in the morning before it gets too hot. Wear sturdy shoes on this steep trail, and take plenty of water.

Note that dogs aren't allowed on the trail, so you'll have to leave your furry friend at home.

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Welcome to AirlieBeach.com! Your local tour guide to the Whitsunday Islands

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SEE THE WHITSUNDAYS NOW: Tours & Activities Now Running

Good news! Due to the ease of restrictions we now have some great Whitsunday activities and trips which have recommenced operations. Needing a holiday? Check out our tours currently running and see when others are due to resume. Contact our team today for availability and deals. We look forward to welcoming you to our piece of paradise.

View All Activities & Tours Now Running

Exciting Tours On Special View All Packages & Tours on Special

The Whitsundays offer a huge range of exciting tours, many of which go on special from time to time. Whether you crave excitement or solitude, seek adventure or quiet relaxation, there is a tour for you! From sailing, scuba diving and snorkelling, to fast jet-boat rides, rainforest tours and flying over the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays has it all!

Cruise Whitsundays - Camira

On special*.

You can’t miss this beautiful purple catamaran and you won’t want to! Offering an exciting day sail in the beautiful Whitsundays- you will walk on Whitehaven and swim coral reefs under the warm Aussie sun! Book today!

More Details

Cruise Whitsundays - Great Barrier Reef Adventures

Spend a day exploring the rough from the Cruise Whitsundays pontoon! Offering incredible coral viewing from inside and outside the water- there isn’t a person this tour wouldn’t suit! Enquire now!

This award-winning tour offers an exhilarating 600-horsepower experience in the magical Whitsunday Islands! Enjoy a snorkelling adventure and a visit to Whitehaven Beach to make memories to last a lifetime!

Whitehaven Xpress

This day tour is perfect for the young and old alike! Offering stable and comfortable cruising to Whitsunday Island for the ultimate Whitehaven day tour, the Whitehaven Xpress is an experience not to be missed- book today!

Whitsunday Day Trip Tours One Day in Paradise!

Read Our Blog: A Guide for Whitsundays Day Tour Adventures

Day Tours & Activities View All Whitsunday Day Trips

One day in the Whitsundays can feel like two when you take advantage of some of the great day tours on offer! Many tours offer not one but two snorkelling spots, where you’ll be mesmerised by the colourful coral and fish, and most day trips on the water include a visit to world famous Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout. Meanwhile, on land, you can walk through ancient rainforests and even see crocs in the wild on Proserpine River!

Half Day or Full Day

Airlie Beach Fishing Charters

Come aboard Airlie Beach Fishing Charters for a fishing experience in the Whitsundays you won't forget. Travel to some of the Whitsundays best fishing locations on board Stryker, with quality fishing equipment and tackle included.

Perfect for those without strong sea legs this purpose-built jet boat will have you seeing all the wonders of the Whitsunday Islands without the sea sickness! Enquire now for fun for the whole family!

CQ Adventure Flights

Choose from three amazing options for the most thrilling ride of your life! This Soviet era plane will have you feeling like a real fighter pilot against the stunning backdrop of the Whitsundays!

Cruise Whitsundays - Camira Sunset Sail

Available november - february.

Spend your evening relaxing on board Camira, and enjoy spectacular views as the sun goes down over Airlie Beach.

Cruise Whitsundays - Daydream Island Escape

Currently unavailable.

Discover the exclusive Daydream Island Resort, offering you the utmost in relaxation and Island resort living! With its easy-going lifestyle and stylish décor, it’s the perfect day escape for you and your family!

ON SPECIAL - CONTACT US*

Cruise Whitsundays - Hamilton Island Freestyle

It’s exactly what it says on the tin- this tour is about enjoying Hamilton Island: YOUR WAY! Enquire now to see how you can experience the magic of Hammo from your mainland accommodation.

Cruise Whitsundays - Hamilton Island Golf Experience

Experience the magic of the links in stunning Whitsunday paradise! This championship golf course is nestled on Dent Island and will make even the grumpiest golfer grin!

Cruise Whitsundays - Island Hopper Pass

This is the perfect 'hop on, hop off' option, allowing you to cruise through the islands as you please! Explore and relax at Daydream Island and Hamilton Island Resorts.

Cruise Whitsundays - Twin Island Escape

Can't decide which island? Visit both! If you would like to visit more than one island and want to have time to experience the attractions of each, our 'Twin Island Escape' to Daydream and Hamilton Islands is for you.

Cruise Whitsundays - Whitehaven & Hill Inlet Chill & Grill

See the absolute best of the best with Cruise Whitsundays! This tour covers everything you would expect from the ultimate Whitehaven Beach day out- book now!

Cruise Whitsundays - Whitehaven Beach & Daydream Island Tour

Explore the bright white silica sands and turquoise waters of Whitehaven Beach, before heading over to the beautiful resort island that is Daydream to continue your day in paradise!

Cruise Whitsundays - Whitehaven Beach & Hamilton Island Tour

Whitsunday Island and Hamilton Island hold some of the most iconic locations in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Cruise Whitsundays will show you a day out that will quickly become the highlight of your holiday!

Cruise Whitsundays - Whitehaven Beach Half Day Tour

Enjoy a fantastic half day cruise to the stunning Whitehaven Beach with Cruise Whitsundays! Scenic route of the Whitsunday Islands, spending 2-hours at Whitehaven Beach!

Falls To Paradise

Falls to Paradise will have you exploring the beautiful waterfall at Cedar Creek Falls followed by a delicious meal & cocktail at Coral Sea Resort. This Airlie Beach day tour is not to be missed!

Glass Bottom Boat Tours

Discover the spectacular fringing coral reefs of Airlie Beach in an informative and fun 70-minute glass bottom boat tour! The glass bottom boat tour allows you to explore the best of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park without getting wet!

Lady Enid is a luxury yacht available exclusively for adults for a group sail in the stunning Whitsundays! Swim and snorkel the vibrant coral reefs in this relaxing day out on the water!

Ocean Rafting - Northern Exposure Tour

Enjoy a half day experience on an incredible Ocean Rafting adventure! Swim at two stunning reef locations and sink your toes into silica sand in this great day out for the whole family!

Ocean Rafting - Southern Lights Tour

Spend as much time as possible on the iconic Whitehaven Beach! Swim the Coral Sea and bask in tropical sunshine while travelling in the incredible Ocean Rafting speed boat! Perfect for families!

Ocean Rafting - Fly Raft Package

Ocean Rafting Fly Raft Package provides the best view from above, on, and below the water in the stunning Whitsundays! Enjoy a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef and choose from either the Southern Lights or Northern Exposure tour for the best day in the sun!

Ocean Rafting Scenic Flight

This 60-minute scenic flight will be the highlight of your Whitsunday stay! See the iconic sights of the Great Barrier Reef from the best vantage point available. Enquire now!

Pioneer Adventures - Jet Boat Banana Boat Combo

Pioneer Adventures offer thrilling tours, guaranteed to make your time in The Whitsundays unforgettable. Their short yet awesome tours are the perfect way to get the most out of your vacation, whether you’re a thrill-seeker or family holidaymaker.

Providence V - Sunset Sail

Perfect for a honeymooning couple- relax in the late afternoon sun with a glass of sparkling wine in hand for the best end to any day in the Whitsundays!

Providence V – Whitehaven Beach & Dumbell Island Tour

Snorkel in the most magnificent coral gardens of the Whitsundays and stroll along the world-famous Whitehaven Beach on this fabulous day sail with Providence V. Experience the sailing of yesteryear today!

Salty Dog Sea Kayaking - Full Day Island and Snorkel Tour

Available winter months.

Enjoy an incredible 10-15km kayak of stunning views and pristine conditions with the Salty Dog full day tour! Best for those with a medium level of fitness- the beautiful experience will be worth all your hard work!

Salty Dog Sea Kayaking - Half Day Kayak and Turtle Tour

Join this popular Salty Dog guided adventure- enjoyed by experienced and beginner paddlers alike. We ensure a fun day out- so book now to avoid disappointment!

Scamper Whitsunday Islands Camping Transfers

Camp in the beautiful Whitsundays with the Scamper Camping Transfer. It’s an adult choose-your-own-adventure with amazing overnight stays in some of the best National Parks on the Whitsunday Islands! Enquire now!

SeaLink - Whitehaven Beach Day Tour

Explore the wonders the Whitsundays have to offer. Visit both the northern and southern ends of Whitsunday Island including the Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach.

Segway Rainforest Discovery Tour

Enjoy a fun guided tour of the Conway National Park rainforest in this exciting 9km interpretive journey! Ride your own Segway and experience the magic of lush rainforest from a different perspective!

Segway Sunset & Boardwalk Tour

A perfect introductory Airlie Beach experience, this boardwalk Segway journey will show you the magic of the water’s edge! Feel the breeze in your hair on this 7km round trip today!

Skydive Airlie Beach

Sundowner Sunset Cruise

Thundercat Whitsundays

Whitsunday Crocodile Safari

The only one of its kind in the Whitsundays, this unique tour will take you to the lesser known attractions of the region! Get up close and personal with crocodiles, mudcrabs, and other native wildlife in this exciting Aussie day out!

Whitsunday Fishing Charters

Join the longest established outer island fishing charter in the Whitsundays for a half or full day adventure! Catch exciting tropical fish in well maintained custom vessels for a reef trip like no other!

Whitsunday Jetski Tours - 2 Island Safari

$164.50 twin share.

The Whitsunday Jet Ski Tours offer only the best in adventure tours throughout this beautiful region. Ride your own Sea-Doo as you visit beautiful South Molle Island and more today!

Whitsunday Jetski Tours - Airlie Adventure

$129.50 twin share.

Ride your very own Sea-Doo GTI 1500 cc jet ski through the beautiful Whitsunday Island Marine Park on this incredible adventure! Fun for the whole family with no license necessary- book today!

Whitsunday Jetski Tours - Ultimate Island Trek

The Ultimate Island Trek says it all! Enjoy an epic adventure by Jetski to a tropical oasis - enquire now for more details!The Ultimate Island Trek says it all! Enjoy an epic Whitsundays adventure by Jetski to a tropical oasis - enquire now for more details!

ZigZag Whitsundays

ZigZag Whitsundays combines the must-see locations of the Whitsundays such as Whitehaven Beach including the Southern Lookout and 2 snorkelling locations in speed & comfort!

Air Whitsunday Seaplanes - Palm Bay Day Escape

Spend a day exploring beautiful Palm Bay Resort on Long Island and let the cool breeze push all your worries away! Book today to secure your place on this secluded tropical island paradise!

GSL Marine - Whitsundays Boat Tour

Travel direct to Whitehaven Beach and create your own itinerary and Whitsunday experience. Explore Whitehaven Beach, the Hill Inlet Lookout and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Complimentary use of equipment and acitivies.

Cruise Whitsundays - Jetski Adventure & Whitehaven Beach

Mix adrenaline and relaxation in the beautiful Whitsundays with the Jetski Adventure and Whitehaven Beach! Spend the morning making waves and the afternoon dipping your toes in the water with Cruise Whitsundays!

Derwent Hunter Day Sail

Charter our beautiful sailing yacht Derwent Hunter for a day of adventure on the Coral Sea! Snorkel, sail, and relax in the Great Barrier Reef with our skilled crew today!

GSL Marine - Daydream Island Adventures

Enjoy a Daydream Island adventure with GSL Marine. Choose from 2 amazing options to experience the best newly renovated Daydream Island has to offer.

Illusions II 2 Island Cruise

Illusions 2 allows for relaxation without the crowds and boasts the most snorkelling time out of any other day experience in the Whitsundays! Appreciate the picturesque scenery in peace today!

Island Jet - Jet Boating

Experience a one-hour exciting offshore jet boat ride through the iconic Whitsunday waters- zooming at high speed with amazing sightseeing thrills and spins! Spread out over a 40km journey of pure adventure, this tour is not to be missed!

Lux Whitsundays Day Sail

Expereience relaxed sailing on board the S.V. Sabatayn with Lux Whitsundays, for a comfortable sailing and snorkelling cruise!

1 Hour 45 Minutes

Lux Whitsundays Sunset Cruise

Expereience the Lux Whitsundays Sunset Cruise on board the beautiful S.V. Sabatayn, for an evening of relaxation and abundant beauty!

Ocean Dynamics - Airlie Adrenaline Jetski Adventure

Explore the natural beauty of the Airlie Beach coastline with a thrilling one hour guided jet ski tour! Perfect for beginners and families- book now so you don’t miss out!

Ocean Dynamics - Whitsunday Wonders Jetski Adventure

For the adventurous traveller- enjoy the longest time possible on a jet ski adventure exploring the stunning azure waters of the Whitsundays! Get your heart racing with us today!

Reefstar Cruises

Choose from two special tours in this family friendly day out on the water! Both will involve visits to the stunning Whitehaven Beach and incredible snorkelling opportunities on the fringing coral reefs of the Whitsundays. Not to be missed!

2 x Full Day Package

Whitsunday Chill and Thrill

Get the most out of your visit to the Whitsundays by combining two of the very best day tours on offer! Chill and sail one day and get your thrills on a high-speed adventure the next! Book today!

Air Whitsunday Seaplanes - Panorama Tour

See the Whitsundays from all angles on this air, land and sea adventure spectacular! With visits to some of the most iconic Great Barrier Reef & Whitsunday Island locations. The only way to visit the Great Barrier Reef & Whitsunday Islands on the same day!

Sailing the Whitsunday Islands Overnight Cruises

Read Our Blog: How to choose a Whitsundays Overnight Sailing Tour

Sailing the Whitsundays Overnight Trips View All Overnight Sailing Options

One of the best ways to really immerse yourself in the Whitsunday Islands is with an overnight sailing trip. You can combine the excitement of sailing through these world-class sailing grounds with the relaxation and tranquillity the area is known for. Snorkel coral reefs, swim, sunbathe and soak up the sea breezes. You will also go to bed and wake up with one of the most stunning views you will find anywhere in the world!

2 Days / 2 Nights

Avatar Whitsundays Overnight Sailing

Enquire now.

Speed around the Whitsundays for 2 days and 2 nights of incredible 18-35 year old fun with Avatar! Being the only trimaran in the Whitsundays, you are guaranteed a unique and memorable experience!

4 Days / 3 Nights

Broomstick Whitsundays Overnight Sailing

Enquire now - on sale.

Environmentally friendly sailing awaits you aboard South African beauty- Broomstick. Your 4 day and 3 night adventure with 25 likeminded souls will stay with you in your memories for years to come!

Condor Whitsundays Overnight Sailing

Enquire now - on sale*.

Enjoy the history making Condor for your 4 day and 3 night Whitsunday sailing journey. Book now to race across crystal clear Queensland waters and snorkel the famous Great Barrier Reef!

2 Days / 1 Night

Cruise Whitsundays - Reefsleep

Sleep under the stars with Cruise Whitsundays ReefSleep! This awesome tour offers an amazing experience in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef! This unique experience can’t be missed!

3 Days / 2 Nights

Hammer Whitsundays Overnight Sailing

Perfect for the time-short traveller, Hammer offers everything you would expect from a Whitsunday sailing experience in only 3 days and 2 night. Sail, snorkel, stroll, sunbathe and more in the incredible Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. What are you waiting for?

Mandrake Whitsundays Overnight Sailing

Join an intimate group of 14 guests for a 2 day 2 night spectacular aboard the Mandrake. She’ll have you plunging into the azure water of the Coral Sea- washing all your worries away! Book now!

2 Nights / 3 Nights

Mi Lady Whitsundays Overnight Sailing

Beat the crowds and sail the Whitsundays in style onboard the Mi Lady. You are guaranteed to be treated like royalty as you set sail through the many Whitsunday Islands aboard this beauty.

Spank Me Whitsundays Overnight Sailing

Despite her chequered past, Spank Me is the perfect cruising yacht to take you on your exciting adventure around the beautiful Whitsunday Islands! Perfect for the young traveller- this 2 day 2 night cruise is not to be missed!

Tongarra Whitsundays Overnight Sailing

Are you a backpacker looking to meet new people and get your heart racing? Tongarra Whitsundays overnight sailing offers the perfect mixture of adrenaline and relaxation- not to be missed!

Habibi Whitsundays Overnight Sailing

Habibi is a 75ft sleep aboard ketch sailing adventure taking a maximum of 25 passengers on board. Comfortable and stylish, with craftsman built features and beautifully fitted exotic timbers. Guests can experience the best of the Whitsunday Islands, from visiting pristine snorkelling spots, to bush walks and deserted beaches including the famous Whitehaven Beach.

Whitehaven Beach - The Number #1 Beach!

Read Our Blog About Whitehaven Beach

Visit Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island View All Tours & Activities to Whitehaven Beach

If you only have time to see one attraction while in the wonderful Whitsundays, then you must get to the incredible Whitehaven Beach, on Whitsunday Island. Known for its seven-kilometres of pure white, silica sand, this beach does not disappoint and is often voted one of the best beaches in Australia and the world! You can sail, cruise or fly to Whitehaven Beach and you can also visit Hill Inlet Lookout while you’re there to see the swirling fusion of sand and water as the tide ebbs and flows.

Heart of the Great Barrier Reef

Read Our Blog: How to Visit The Great Barrier Reef

Explore the Great Barrier Reef View All Tours & Activities visiting the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is a bucket-list attraction for most visitors to Queensland. The Whitsundays offer one of the best Great Barrier Reef experiences there is – almost half of all visits to the reef take place in the Whitsundays. You can fly over it, cruise to it, swim and snorkel in it, and experience this amazing living structure up close and personal. It is home to 1,500 species of fish, one third of the world’s coral species, stingrays, turtles and giant clams, and is truly something you will never forget seeing.

Bareboat Charters Sail around the Whitsunday Islands!

Read Our Blog: Hire your own yacht in the Whitsundays - Helpful Bareboating Guide

Bareboat Charters Whitsundays View All Boat Types for Hire

Sail away with me baby…as the song goes. And in the Whitsundays you can do just that on your very own yacht. You can charter a boat and skipper it yourself with family and friends as crew - what an adventure! Set your own course and go where you want to go. From discovering untouched beaches and hidden waterfalls on the islands, to swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving, a bareboating holiday has it all. Drop anchor at dusk to watch dazzling sunsets and be lulled to sleep by the soothing silence and the gentle rocking of your boat.

Minimum 5 Night Charter

Boasting Aquilas signature fresh evolution of classic boating traditions where efficiency in design and performance compliment her luxurious living spaces.

Beneteau 323

Beneteau 323 - Lazyitis is the perfect yacht for an intimate Whitsunday charter holiday, comprising of two comfortable cabins with double berths, the saloon converts into 2 single beds, great for young children.

Beneteau 34

"Trinity Reign" the Beneteau Oceanis 34 is a very comfortable vessel for a couple or young family and provides all the usual Beneteau comforts. Comprising of 2 good sized double berths and 1 toilet shower, plus the option of converting the saloon into 2 single berths.

Beneteau 43

Wander the Whitsundays in this classic Beneteau 43 with style and grace. With 3 double cabins and 2 ensuites, it is spacious enough for a fun group holiday for up to 8 people, yet intimate enough for a couple.

Catalina 350

The Catalinas are known for their great headroom, forward cabin with island bed & huge aft cabin both with inner spring mattresses. Set up for easy sailing and maximum comfort.

Catana Bali 4.3

A luxurious sailing catamaran. Comfortable vessel for 4 couples or 2 families. Cockpit up front with tables for those lazy afternoons.

Catana Bali 4.3 LUXE

The new Bali 4.3 Luxe sailing catamaran has air-conditioning and a water maker. The vessel has an open feel about her with plenty of entertaining space inside and out. Four double cabins all with ensuites make her a comfortable vessel for four couples, two families or for that romantic getaway for just two people.

Easy to handle, high stability and quick, the Dehler 34 is a family yacht that wins races. Boasting 2 spacious double cabins with excellent storage, ensuite to share and roomy saloon area, Treasure is the perfect bareboat to hire for a newlywed couple or 2 couples.

Dufour 412 GL

"Miss B" is brand new to our charter fleet, and will be arriving 1st August 2018. The yachts interior offers maximum comfort, with the living space and sunbathing area separated from the cockpit so there is plenty of space on this stunning yacht to enjoy every moment of your cruise. The vessel has a fully equipped galley, a gas barbecue, sink and fridge.

Miss Saigon is a very popular power boat for either a honeymoon couple or family. Both her flybridge and aft deck will comfortably seat 7 people.

Fountaine Pajot Lavezzi 40

"Allegro" is a beautiful sailing catamaran with 4 cabins and 2 bathrooms. Great for 2 families or 4 couples.

Fountaine Pajot Lipari 41 Dasha Way

Dasha Way joined our fleet in August 2017. Launched in 2014, our new Lipari 41 features 4 double cabins all ensuite. Hardtop bimini protects you from the sun but if you prefer to feel the wind in your hair then the foredeck with trampoline is a great area to relax. This vessel is perfect for just a couple, friends or two families looking for a wonderful time cruising around the Whitsundays.

Fountaine Pajot Lipari 41 L'Avant

Popular cat with families. With the galley upstairs and outdoor dining area L'Avant is a comfortable & spacious vessel and a delight to sail.

Fountaine Pajot Maestro

Designed for entertainment and ultimate relaxation, "Pluton" combines performance with fuel economy. The 3 cabins and 2 bathrooms will comfortably accommodate 6 guests.

Fountaine Pajot Mahe 36.3

This beautiful Mahe 36 has 3 double cabins and a spacious saloon and galley, this boat is perfect for 2 or 3 couples to share and great for families. Equipped with all the extras including autopilot & GPS/Plotter.

New to the fleet and ready for charter!

Incredibly easy to sail with outstanding performance, stability and balance the new Hanse 388 is a dream to charter in the Whitsundays.

Available from December 2019. The first Fountaine Pajot Helia 44 available for charter in Australian waters. Huge volumes in the saloon and accommodation areas are complemented by the epitome of elegance in contemporary design. Featuring 4 cabins and 4 bathrooms plus air conditioning throughout, these make cruising the waters of the Whitsundays even more enjoyable all year round.

An affordable family vessel, the Lagoon 380 “Lunasea” is ideal for two small families with 4 double cabins and 2 bathrooms.

A safe, easy to use luxurious power catamaran with unrivalled comfort at sea, the Lagoon 40 is a premium bareboat charter choice or a holiday in the Whitsundays.

The Lagoon 421 is designed to meet the needs of sailors whose first concern is comfort and space, without sacrificing the pleasures of pure sailing.

The Lagoon 450 is designed to meet the needs of sailors whose first concern is comfort and space, without sacrificing the pleasures of pure sailing.

Latitude 1035

An excellent bareboat charter choice for a group of friends or the whole family to explore the Whitsundays.

“Seaduction” boasts four double cabins each with en-suites, perfect for 4 couples cruising or a large family. She is set up for Blue Water cruising with great features, including larger refrigeration and freezer, chart plotter both at helm and at navigation table, air conditioning, solar panels, and state of the art Bluetooth stereo. Cruise the Whitsundays in style and comfort on board.

"Double Play" boasts four double cabins each with en-suites, perfect for 4 couples cruising or a large family. She is set up for Blue Water cruising with great features, including larger refrigeration and freezer, chart plotter both at helm and at navigation table, air conditioning, solar panels, and state of the art Bluetooth stereo. Cruise the Whitsundays in style and comfort on board.

Lightwave 38 Powercat

Charisma features 2 queen size cabins, 1 double cabin, a small single berth suitable for a child plus the saloon can be utilized as another single berth. With 2 bathrooms she is perfect for 3 couples or an extended family.

Lightwave 38 Sail

Fluffy Muffy features 3 good sized cabins, 2 are queen size berths one with en suite, the other with a smaller single berth. There is a further double in the aft and a large private toilet, shower and vanity. The Lightwave 38 provides ample space for a family or 3 couples cruising the Whitsundays.

Live in the lap of luxury on the new Lucia 40. The spacious layout and open aft deck will ensure enough space for the whole crew to enjoy.

Skedaddle the Mahe 36 has become one of the most successful models in Fountaine Pajot’s history and we are pleased to offer Skedaddle for charter in the Whitsundays.

Perry 43 4 Cabin

The Perry 43 "Stardust" boasts 4 double cabins 2 with ensuites, air conditioning throughout and can sleep a maximum of 10 people. The Perry 43 Plus is a well presented and spacious vessel suitable for large groups or families. The double cabins offer plenty of natural light, storage and cabin fans.

Perry 44.5p

A spacious flybridge, galley and after deck makes this power catamaran a breeze to navigate around the Whitsundays on your bareboat holiday.

Seawind 1000 Kick N Back

The Seawind 1000 Kick N Back is a great budget charter vessel, featuring four double berths. Families have been enjoying the delights of chartering the 1000s since 1994. They are the perfect choice for a family to get away, whilst providing space for all to enjoy, she has a cosy homely feel.

Seawind 1000 XL Mintaka

Featuring 4 double cabins with a spacious private bathroom she is a popular choice for young families. Enjoy the thrill of being outside in the glorious Whitsundays but undercover, while you discover the joy of performance sailing on this comfortable cruising catamaran.

Seawind 1160

The Seawind 1160 creatively blends key concepts of other popular Seawind models, creating a vessel that successfully combines the huge living space and all round visibility. The cabins have a luxurious fit out, the forward port side cabin offers a large island bed and the further 2 doubles are light and airy.

Seawind 1160 Lite

Seawind Catamarans are well known for ground breaking and innovative design, gaining worldwide acclaim for its 1160's clever layout and use of space, ergonomic design and efficient short-handed sailing performance. Now Seawind brings you the 1160 LITE, one of the most noticeable differences on board is the new sleek interior design and fit out. The timber kit is replaced with lightweight and stylish timber look laminate surfaces, with a new contemporary neutral colour palette as specified by Seawind’s interior stylist.

Seawind 1160.3 Lite

Wow! This vessel has it all. Three double cabins plus 3 bathrooms. Owner-designed offering larger water and fuel tanks plus 9 knots of speed with dual Yamaha T60 motors.

Seawind 1250

“Seachange” is a light and roomy 4 cabin vessel, which will suit a group of 8 people comfortably. Well-built and finished beautifully she will impress you with her good sailing and stability. Features the concertina doors which fold up into the roof to merge indoor and outdoor areas. Very spacious cockpit!

Tasman Ocean 35

Serendipity is a beautiful Tasman Ocean 35 sailing catamaran. Featuring 3 double berths in private cabins – ‘Serendipity’ has one large bathroom as well as an ensuite. The cockpit is covered by an awning providing excellent shade protection.

Voyager 1040

A well known and popular vessel developed specifically for the charter market, the Voyager 1040 has space and comfort in mind for the avid bareboat charterer and family.

Airlie Beach Accommodation Stay in the Whitsundays!

Read Our Blog: Guide to Airlie Beach Accommodation Options

Stay in Airlie Beach View All Accommodation Places in Airlie Beach

The choice of accommodation in Airlie Beach is extensive, with every kind of temporary abode on offer. From full-service hotels and luxurious apartments, to family-friendly cabins and condos, and budget-friendly backpacker resorts, there is quite literally something for everyone. You can be right in town itself, amongst all the action, or on the perimeter of town if you’d like a more serene experience. Popular facilities include a pool, barbecue area, private balcony and ocean or garden views – whatever you fancy, it’s here! Some apartments and condos have fully equipped kitchens – some even have washing machines and driers – and most have TVs and other ‘necessities’ of life!

Airlie Apartments

Airlie Apartments allows you to have it all within your reach and a good nights sleep. It takes less than 5 minutes to walk to Airlie Beach township and the lagoon area. Quiet location and beautiful sunsets in a Self Catering Apartment. Restaurants, pubs and nightclubs are just a short stroll away, then return back to a quiet location for a good night sleep!

Airlie Beach Eco Cabins

Airlie Beach Eco Cabins offers you the perfect location for nature lovers. Serine and tranquil surroundings, nestled amongst sub-tropical bushland that is a sactuary for local wildlife. A secluded hideaway away from the hustle & bustle of town, just a short drive from Airlie Beach!

Hotel / Motel

Airlie Beach Hotel

The Airlie Beach Hotel aims to provide the most attractive choice for your stay or dining experience in the Whitsundays. They cater for both leisure and corporate visitors as well as for local residents.The logo hub of the esplanade says much about the location but does not convey the splendid views from the Ocean View Rooms and Suites directly across the beach to the Coral Sea and the islands to the north, while Village View and Motel rooms provide other options among the 80 rooms on offer.

Airlie Beach YHA Hostel

The Airlie Beach YHA Backpacker Hostel is in the centre of the main strip of Airlie Beach, with everything you need in close walking distance to the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon, many restaurants & cafes and the popular nightlife.

Airlie Beach Motor Lodge

Arlie Beach Motor Lodge is located in a quiet and central location of the beautiful Whitsundays, offering self-contained accommodation only 200 metres from the Airlie Beach main street, lagoon, beaches, shops and restaurants.

Airlie Court Holiday Units

Airlie Court Holiday Units are one of Airlies best value for money accommodation places, with Woolworths grocery store located behind the 6 units, these self-contained holiday units are conveniently located in the centre of the Airlie Beach main street.

Backpackers By The Bay

Backpackers By The Bay is a clean and friendly backpackers hostel. Overlooking the Port of Airlie Marina, the hostel is 400m from the main street. Just a 5 minute walk to the cafes, restaurants, shops and Airlie Beach nightlife. The hostel provides a quiet and peaceful place to rest, recover and keep exploring!

Beach Court Holiday Villas

Beach Court Holiday Villas offers fully self-contained extra-large holiday villas with a large lagoon style swimming pool for you relax and enjoy. Situated close to the local shopping centre for your conveinience.

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

The whole family will love the tropical haven, providing quality accommodation & many facilities, the ultramodern water park designed for the smallest members of the family will ensure parents can relax poolside.

Blue Horizon Resort Apartments

Blue Horizon Apartments creates the perfect setting for your Airlie Beach holiday. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family friendly destination, or somewhere to mix work with pleasure Blue Horizon Apartments can cater for all tastes. The resort’s modern, Balinese inspired apartments all offer spacious balconies with views over the Coral Sea. With an emphasis on comfort and warm friendly service Blue Horizon apartments are your home away from home. With the beautiful Whitsunday weather you can choose to relax in the heated spa, or rise early to take advantage of the fully equipped gymnasium

Boathaven Spa Resort

Just 250m from the town of Airlie Beach, over looking the Port Of AIrlie. This is the ideal location for your Airlie Beach accommodation destination!

Bush Village Budget Cabins

Bush Village Budget Cabins is your home away from home when visiting Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. Jude and Bryan take great pride in offering our guests clean affordable accommodation. Bush Village is located 100 meters off Shute Harbour Road in Cannonvale and a pleasant stroll into heart of Airlie Beach and is a 350m walk to the Whitsunday Shopping Centre.

Colonial Palms Motor Inn

Located just 700 metres from the town centre and easy walking distance to all the cafes, bars and restaurants in town.

Coral Sea Resort

Positioned on the absolute ocean front and just a short stroll via seaside boardwalk to the enchanting Airlie Beach village; with its relaxed atmosphere and collection of eclectic shops and cafes; lies the Coral Sea Resort, your Airlie Beach accommodation. A stroll in the opposite direction crossing a separate boardwalk with the sea below is Abell Point Marina, your direct access to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.

Heart Hotel & Gallery Whitsundays

Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays features an unrivalled location, literally in the heart of the cosmopolitan seaside resort village of Airlie Beach. The hotel features thoughtfully decorated luxury rooms, complimenting upper level club floor rooms and modern elegant suites with Airlie Beach or Coral Sea Ocean Views. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by our gracious team of bespoke butlers which offer highly personalised intuitive service.

Bed & Breakfast

Island View Bed & Breakfast

Karren and Steve continue to strive to provide their guests with a memorable stay in the Whitsundays. The quiet location just 700m from the heart of Airlie Beach is close enough to walk into town for a swim in the lagoon, eat out at one of Airlie’s lovely restaurants or stroll through the Saturday morning Market. Island View Bed and Breakfast is tastefully decorated with a large guests only lounge area and balcony where you can relax and enjoy the views.

Kipara Rainforest Resort

Nestled amongst the exotic rainforest lays Kipara Rainforest Retreat, Airlie Beach’s newest private budget accommodation resort. Kipara is an innovative, clean and comfortable accommodation thriving with private rooms and self-contained villas in a sanctuary of greenery, nature and tranquillity. The perfect retreat for an affordable overnight holiday to the Whitsunday Islands or for a long-term to semi-permanent stay in Airlie Beach.

Magnums Airlie Beach

Discover the hidden rainforest setting right in the Heart of Airlie Beach. Literally a minutes walk from the hustle and bustle of the vibrant town centre. Magnums continues to provide travellers with well priced budget accommodation for individuals and groups.

Mango House Resort

Mango House Resort is an award winning resort designed with serenity and privacy in mind. The resort is built in the traditional 'Queenslander' style, with overhanging eaves and louvered windows, which allow the cool tropical breeze to flow through the spacious apartments.

The Boathouse Apartments

The Boathouse Apartments in Airlie Beach is situated at the gateway to the Whitsundays. Here you are immersed in an island atmosphere, providing the ideal place to discover this tropical region. Whatever you plan to do during your stay, boaters, divers, travellers and tourists will love the waterfront location of this Airlie Beach accommodation. In your Whitsundays accommodation, you’ll find contemporary Two Bedroom and Three Bedroom Apartments situated right on the Port of Airlie Marina.

Mantra Club Crocodile

Providing a glimpse into the region’s past, Mantra Club Croc’s traditional Queenslander exterior complements its modern interior and boasts a tropical carefree atmosphere throughout. Hotel rooms are refurbished with natural tones reflect the nearby coastline, coupled with modern features to ensure you are relaxed while on vacation. Families, couples and groups will find Mantra Club Croc ideally positioned within a five-minute drive of its lively hub, Airlie Beach. Walk from Mantra Club Croc to the Coral Esplanade with beach access, or stroll down to the Whitsunday Shopping Centre for a little retail therapy.

Marina Shores

The picturesque Airlie Beach accommodation features indulgent fully self contained serviced (optional) luxury penthouses and holiday apartments in Airlie Beach. With views overlooking Abel Point Marina and the Whitsunday Islands. Marina Shores has been designed to be totally different in space, light and colour with vogue interiors, spacious decks and state of the art themed lighting. So you can relax in sophisticated style as you take in the spectacular views.

Martinique Whitsunday Resort offers spectacular sea and island views over the sparkling turquoise waters of the Coral Sea to the Whitsunday Islands. Classical French Caribbean architecture has inspired the design of these exquisitely styled 1, 2 and 3 bedroom 4.5 star holiday apartments. Martinique Whitsunday Resort includes four three bedroom penthouses, five two bedroom and ten one bedroom apartments.

Mediterranean Resort

This premiere holiday destination is perfect for visitors seeking the quintessential Whitsunday and Great Barrier Reef holiday experience. Mediterranean Resorts offers affordable luxury in fully self-contained 1, 2 and 3 bedroom villas, honeymoon suites, plus a choice of 3 or 4 bedroom penthouses. The private balconies and spacious apartments offer unsurpassed views across the Coral Sea waters and Whitsunday Islands. Mediterranean Resorts is the perfect base for your Whitsunday holidays.

Mirage Whitsundays

Get away from it all with a trip to one of Australia’s most beautiful places. Mirage Whitsundays offers serviced apartments in the heart of a stunning resort located on the serene waterfront of Airlie Beach, Queensland. We provide luxurious contemporary living, and ensure that you won’t want for anything in our self-contained and opulent five-star rooms. Also known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach offers breath-taking panoramic views of the Whitsundays archipelago from your premium accommodation.

Nomads Airlie Beach Hostel

Nomads Airlie Beach Backpackers Hostel is located right in the centre of town, a relaxing atmosphere with a resort style swimming pool, tropical gardens, volleyball court and a poolside bar.

Paradise Cove Resort

Paradise Cove Resort is a Whitsundays exclusive luxury resort, and is as true as the name – paradise! There are many room types to choose from to suit each budget and your stay includes freshly prepared meals.

Peninsula Resort

Peninsula Airlie Beach is Airlie Beachs most luxurious 5 star beachfront accommodation situated on Shingley Drive Whisper Bay at the northern approach to Airlie Beach - alongside the newly extended Abell Point Marina - prime waterfront location. As the name suggests, Peninsula Airlie Beach occupies a rare and highly prized setting. The apartment buildings stand boldly on a point of land the very shape of a dolphins dorsal fin, jutting out into the Coral Sea.Peninsula Resortfull details...Call us for latest discounted prices:1800 677 119

Club Wyndham Resort

At Club Wyndham Airlie Beach, the ambience is casual and this Airlie Beach accommodation is modern. The infinity pool has spectacular views of the Coral Sea and islands dot the horizon. Your accommodation in Airlie Beach has wide balconies and is open to the warm breezes. There’s freshly caught reef fish on the plate, a resort pool and Endota day spa - the passage to total relaxation and tropical adventure. This iconic Airlie Beach resort seamlessly integrates the relaxed tropical maritime splendor of Airlie Beach with the sophistication and style you would expect of premium Airlie Beach accommodation.

Pinnacles Resort

Pinnacles is the ultimate in 5 star luxury self-contained accommodation situated in Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef & the fabulous Whitsunday Islands. This award winning complex offers 29 stylish 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom self-contained luxury apartments all with spa or jacuzzi, spacious balconies & magnificent Coral Sea Views.

Portside Whitsunday Apartments

Portside is blessed with the best location, yet as private, personal and romantic as you could imagine. Relax around a heated wet edge swimming pool and spa surrounded by tropical landscaped gardens.

Reefside Villas

Reefside Whitsunday Villas are the perfect Airlie Beach Holiday Apartments designed for space and comfort. The spacious fully self contained 1, 2 or 3 bedroom Whitsunday Villas offer spectacular views of the sparkling crystal azure waters of the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands. Nestled into the hillside and just minutes from the hub of Airlie Beach and Abel Point Marina, Mediterranean influenced architecture blended with lush tropical gardens have ensured Reefside Villas are the resort complex of choice for holiday makers looking for quality accommodation in the heart of the Whitsundays

Seastar Apartments

Welcome to Sea Star Apartments in beautiful Airlie Beach. Our Airlie Beach accommodation is perfectly located with breathtaking island and ocean views from every terraced apartment. No need to stay in a cramped hotel room when you can enjoy our self-contained apartments with large balconies, uninterrupted views of the Coral Sea, Hayman Island and Hook Island yet nestled close to Airlie Beach Village.

Shingley Beach Resort

Shingley Beach offers a large variety of affordable Airlie Beach Accommodation overlooking the Abel Point Marina and beautiful Whitsunday islands. Located less than 50 metres from the waterfront, adjacent to Abel Point Marina and nestled in a natural amphitheater of trees and parklands, Shingley Beach Resort is tranquil and the perfect Airlie Beach Resort for your next Whitsunday Holiday, Function or Wedding. The apartments feature private balconies overlooking Shingley Beach, the Whitsunday Islands and Abel Point Marina. You can relax in the spacious comfort of a self-contained Whitsundays holiday apartment for either a short or long stay.

Sunlit Waters

Sunlit Waters Studio Apartments are ideally located just a short stroll to the cosmopolitan village of Airlie Beach, Whitsundays. Overlooking the spectacular waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Sunlit Waters is the place to relax and enjoy your stay in the beautiful Whitsundays.

Toscana Village Resort

These elegantly appointed villas come fully self-contained with all the comforts of home. Spacious, light and airy, the lounge / dining area is cooled with split cycle air-conditioner and ceiling fans to provide a pleasant cool indoor climate. Toscana Village Resort aims to provide you with comfortable, spacious accommodation at good value rates. Toscana caters primarily for couples and families who prefer a quieter family atmosphere with proximity to the local attractions, lagoon, beach, shops and restaurants.

Waterfront Retreat

Waterfront retreat comprises an exclusive collection of just five, one bedroom balcony spa suites and an incredible top floor Jacuzzi penthouse, with views over Port of Airlie and the Coral Sea. The luxury spa suites feature contemporary inspired interior furnishings that exude style and tropical ambience, natural timber louvers, spacious balcony with corner spa, gourmet galley kitchen and pebbled ensuite bathrooms. The penthouse features a unique four posted king bed, the master bathroom featuring a double person rain shower, generous powder room complete with private balcony over looking lush rainforest, a gourmet kitchen, black marble bar complete with wine fridge and stainless steel fixtures. Externally the penthouse enjoys an expansive balcony complete with six person Jacuzzi.

Waters Edge

If location, tranquillity and comfort are what you are looking for in holiday accommodation, then Waters Edge apartments are for you. Waters Edge apartments in Airlie Beach, are quietly nestled in the hillside amongst lush tropical gardens, 100 metres from the centre of the bustling cosmopolitan village of Airlie Beach. Waters Edge is quite simply one of the Whitsundays premier holiday locations. Waters Edge resort comprises of 49, one, two and three bedroom self contained Apartments all with modern furnishings.

Waterview Resort

Waterview Resort Airlie Beach features luxurious Studio and One bedroom apartments. With views over the Coral Sea from your private balcony unwind and enjoy the ambiance of the tropics. Each apartment comes complete with a Queen bed as well as additional sofa bed, flat screen TV, private bathroom, air conditioning, and sea views. These comfortable and spacious units also have kitchenette and an onsite laundry, making it your home away from home.

Whitsunday Terraces

Nestled on a hillside overlooking the heart of Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Terraces Resort offers great value holiday apartments ideal for anyone who wants to soak up the beauty of the Whitsunday Coast. Each of the self contained holiday accommodation have been designed with the perfect seaside break in mind, and feature private balconies with ocean views, fully equipped kitchenettes and air conditioning. With two outdoor swimming pools overlooking the sea, a licensed poolside cocktail bar and a heated spa, all set within tropical gardens.

Whitsunday Vista

At Whitsunday Vista Resort, Airlie Beach Whitsundays offers the ultimate in relaxing Whitsundays accommodation. The resort is the perfect stepping off point for the magnificent Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Situated opposite the Port of Airlie marina, minutes from shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, the location guarantees you will be close to everything required for a great Whitsundays holiday. All Whitsunday Vista spa suites and apartments have private balconies with spectacular views of the Coral Sea, so you can soak up beautiful ocean views and breathtaking sunsets.

Whitsunday Moorings Bed & Breakfast

The unique accommodation set in tropical terraced gardens overlooking Abel Point Marina and the Coral Sea providing 180 degree ocean and island views; not forgetting the famous 5 course ‘a la carte’ breakfasts. The house is surrounded by mango and frangipani trees and in season, guests delight in the freshly squeezed orange juice and off their own tree pulped mango juice at breakfast. The many bird baths are filled with frolicking lorikeet parrots through breakfast and during the long warm days here in the tropics

XBase Backpackers

Luxuries of a Resort at backpacker Prices! Base Backpackers Airlie Beach Resort has gained a reputation for their stylish rooms, friendly local crew and a fun social atmosphere all in one great central location in Airlie Beach. The hostel accommodation is set amongst 6 acres of tropical gardens with an outdoor swimming pool right in the heart of Airlie Beach. Only 50m to the lagoon, the cafes, bars and shops are on the doorstep and the Abel Point Marina is just a stroll away.

Freedom Shores

Whitsunday islands resorts & accommodation.

Read More About: Island Resort Accommodation

Whitsunday Island Resorts View All Whitsunday Island Resorts

From peaceful and private, to lush and exotic, the Whitsunday Islands have something for every holiday taste. Intercontinental Hayman Island is pure luxury, with fine dining and high-end experiences, while the recently reopened and refurbished Daydream Island is perfectly pitched for families, with a gigantic pool area offering views of the Coral Sea from every angle, and a ‘Living Reef’ aquarium. Palm Bay, on Long Island, offers solitude and seclusion, with a maximum 50 guests and a unique self-catering resort. And Hamilton Island is a world of fun with so much going on - and so many activities, restaurants offering international cuisine and places to lose yourself – you won’t ever want to come home!

Palm Bungalows

Set in lush, tropical gardens, and with fresh, contemporary style, these recently refurbished bungalows are the perfect place to relax, unwind, and explore everything that Hamilton Island has to offer. These recently refurbished bungalows offer bright, breezy coastal style that makes them instantly inviting. Thanks to the lush, tropical setting, you’ll feel you’re a million miles away - despite being just a short walk to the beach and resort pools. Relax on your private balcony and while away the hours in the tranquil gardens.

Reef View Hotel

With large, comfortable, modern rooms, the Reef View Hotel offers a perfect getaway for couples, families or groups of friends. Spacious, comfortable and with most rooms boasting incredible sea views, the Reef View Hotel offers stylish and family-friendly Hamilton Island accommodation. All of the Reef View Hotel’s rooms are large and well-appointed, with private balconies. Every room offers a stunning view - either out over the sparkling Coral Sea, or the island’s lush tropical gardens.

An adults-only oasis, this tranquil, boutique resort sits right on Catseye Beach, overlooking the Coral Sea. With its spectacular beachfront location, private restaurant and lounge, child-free ambience and personalised service, the Beach Club Hamilton Island is the ultimate couples’ getaway. Choose from 57 luxurious and beautifully-furnished rooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom, choice of king or twin-single beds, and private terrace or balcony. Beach Club offers the private Beach Club restaurant and lounge - for secluded beachside dining. You’ll also enjoy a complimentary à la carte breakfast every morning. Take a dip in the infinity-edge pool (heated in winter) and enjoy direct access to Catseye Beach.

Voted the best resort in the world by Conde Naste Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards (2012), qualia epitomises pure, understated Australian luxury. On the secluded northern tip of Hamilton Island, and set in lush, tropical gardens, qualia has been designed for total relaxation and true sensory indulgence. At the northern tip of Hamilton Island, qualia is a completely private hideaway that can only be accessed by qualia guests. Each freestanding pavilion has amazing views over the Coral Sea, and its own private sundeck or infinity-edge pool.

Whitsunday Apartments

Whitsunday Apartments are your home away from home, with the added benefits of resort amenities. We have everything you need to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. In fact, you may just never want to leave. Ideally located adjacent to Catseye Beach on the resort side of Hamilton Island, Whitsunday Apartments offer spacious, well-appointed, one-bedroom apartments. Apartments span over 84 square metres with a separate bedroom, dual access bathroom, fully-equipped kitchen, spacious living area and balcony.

Beach Villas

Bure (pronounced Buree) At Palm Bay Resort we offer three types of Bure giving you the choice of the absolute beach frontage of the Beachfront Bure, the tranquility of the Serenity Bure which offers the calmness of being surrounded by natural foliage while still only a stones throw from the waters edge, or the privacy of our Hillside Bure with your own elevated views of Palm Bay lagoon and the surrounding rainforest from your own wrap around balcony.

Beachfront Bungalows are available in one and two bedroom. Both feature an expansive deck with a two person hammock and comfortable Balinese inspired outdoor furniture giving you plenty of space to relax and soak in your beachfront vista over Palm Bay Beach and the lagoon. Bungalows also include a fully equipped kitchenette containing a bar fridge, microwave oven, stainless steel sink, toaster, kettle, coffee plunger, complimentary tea and coffee plus a good supply of crockery and cutlery. Linen and towels are provided and housekeeping is available upon request.

Hibiscus Suite

Tucked away into the treetops are the beautiful Hibiscus Suites. Elevated and set slightly back from the ocean these beautiful rooms offer privacy and incredible ocean views. Hibiscus Suites are the perfect option for couples looking for tranquility and seclusion offering a private sun deck, additional balcony and a comfortable lounge area for quiet relaxation. Couples can enjoy a luxurious private queen size bedroom with a spacious and bright en-suite, walk in robes and ceiling fan. Linen and towels are provided and housekeeping is available upon request.

Platinum House

Luxury at its finest… The ultimate in luxury resort accommodation; Platinum house is ideal for an exclusive romantic getaway, travelling families with older children, girls getaways, bachelor and bachelorette parties and wedding accommodation. Boasting a king size master bedroom with sunroom, large wall mounted flat screen TV, ensuite and bar fridge plus a second queen sized bedroom with an additional sun room for private relaxation. The Platinum House has a fully equipped modern kitchen, dining and lounge area with large flat screen TV and DVD player.

Ocean View House

Couples or families can enjoy a luxurious two story, two bedroom house with a spacious lounge, two bathrooms, and ceiling fans. Linen and towels are provided and housekeeping is available upon request. The lower level features one bedroom, bathroom, and private decking, while the upper level has one bedroom, lounge, bathroom, kitchen and full sized decking with BBQ facilities. Elevated above a flight of stairs, everything you need is at your fingertips with a fully equipped kitchenette including full sized fridge, microwave oven, hot plates, stainless steel sink, cutlery and crockery, toaster, kettle, coffee plunger and complimentary tea and coffee.

Lagoon Wing

Lagoon Room: Located on the tranquil eastern side of the resort with beautiful views of lush tropical gardens. Ocean View Room: Inviting interiors awash in soft hues of ivory and styled with luxurious furnishings open onto partial views of Hayman Beach and Coral Sea. Premium Ocean View Room: Stunning uninterrupted views of Hayman Beach and the Coral Sea are enjoyed from ultra-luxurious rooms designed with an open, airy and inviting style. Suite: Welcoming and spacing, beautifully designed interiors showcase idyllic views of the lily lagoon and gardens, or serene vistas of Hayman Beach and the Coral Sea.

One Bedroom Pool Suite: An elegant palette of taupes and creams envelopes these exquisite suites, each with stunning views over the Hayman Pool and Coral Sea, and a spacious balcony for relaxing. One Bedroom Direct Pool Access: Indulgent one bedroom suites are dramatically designed with direct access to the iconic Hayman Pool from the privileged luxury of private terraces. Two Bedroom Pool Suite: Serenely located overlooking the Hayman Pool, the Two Bedroom Pool Suites offer panoramic views of the Coral Sea.

Beach Villa with Pool: The ultimate in beachside luxury with added indulgence of a private swimming pool. Beach Villa with Pool and Retreat Room: With their beautiful seaside setting, these gorgeous Beach Villas each feature a swimming pool and tranquil retreat room set directly behind the villa amongst lush gardens, setting the stage for a perfect family holiday. Beach House: Serene, one-of-a-kind accommodation, located directly on Hayman Beach offering superior seaside living.

Standard Room

The Standard Garden Room is designed to create a comfortable holiday retreat with two configurations available including amenities, spacious en-suite and air-conditioning. These rooms are also conveniently located close to the centre of the resort.

Superior Pool View

Stay in a Garden Balcony Room and enjoy views over a sparkling pool, tropical garden or a lush rainforest when you step outside to your balcony or patio area. The Garden Balcony Room is surrounded in natural beauty, which complements the refreshing decor and spacious indoor plan

Superior Pool Side

Daydreams Ocean Balcony Rooms have delightful views of the tropical surrounds including the picturesque marina or beautiful Mermaids Beach. These rooms, come with a spacious en-suite and air conditioning are located in the marina or rainforest wing. They offer a balcony or patio area for outdoor entertaining.

Superior Ocean View

Take in a Daydream sunrise and breathe in the fresh island air from the balcony of one of Daydreams Coral Ocean Balcony rooms. Located in the Coral Wing, these rooms boast uninterrupted ocean views and offer either a balcony or patio area for guests to enjoy the magical Whitsunday view while they relax outdoors. Rooms are styled with contemporary furniture and feature spacious en-suites, air conditioning and modern appliances.

Deluxe Ocean Terrace

With two queen beds, a sitting area and a balcony overlooking picture-perfect island views the contemporary-styled Reef suites are comfortable and practical for families. For additional space, families can also book a Reef Suite and a Daydreamer Suite together so rooms can interconnect creating separate areas for adults and children to relax.

Deluxe Serenity

Honeymooners love staying in the gorgeous Daydreamer Suite where they can wake up and look straight out to a stunning ocean view without having to even move out of bed. Located in the Daydreamer Wing overlooking Lovers Cove, this romantic retreat features a spacious en-suite with a spa bath and glass windows that peer into the bedroom and out to the scenic water views. These stylish suites have a large balcony and are designed for privacy and romance.

Serenity Suite

There is only one Ocean Paradise Suite on Daydream. The Ocean Paradise Suite exudes pure luxury, boasting exclusive ocean views from two balconies, a king size bed, spacious dual shower, spa bath, two flat screen televisions as well as a separate living room and dining area.

The Chairman's Villa

Need a bit of extra family space or travelling with children? Why not book a Family room, which consists of two Resort rooms with an Interconnecting door. Rooms are styled with contemporary furniture and feature spacious en-suites, air conditioning and modern appliances.

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15 Unmissable Things to do in Airlie Beach

Located 600 miles north of Brisbane and 385 miles south of Cairns , Airlie Beach might be remote and isolated, but it’s also one of the top tourist destinations in Queensland .

If you find yourself driving from Brisbane to Cairns, or vice versa, this is a must-visit stop along the way.

The small coastal community might be in the middle of nowhere, but this is where you can find the beautiful Whitsundays, a spectacular archipelago of sand isles, and coral atolls that form part of the much wider Great Barrier Reef.

From sailing trips to epic scuba diving sites, here are the best things to do in Airlie Beach, Australia!

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet Australia (Travel Guide)

15 Epic Things to do in Airlie Beach

Table of Contents

1. Sail the Whitsundays

Airlie Beach is a great little coastal town, but the real reason to travel here is to visit the incredible Whitsunday Islands found just offshore.

In fact, we’d easily go as far as to say that the best things to do in Airlie Beach will always involve the Whitsundays.

This complex archipelago is home to countless small islands, atolls, inlets, beaches, and reefs, and the best way to experience the area is to join a sailing trip.

This is exactly what we did, sailing on the Anaconda III (pictured above) for 5 days. We visited secluded beaches and went scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. It was paradise.

There are plenty of options on offer: you can take day trips in small yachts or join larger, multiday expeditions with other travelers to get far afield and off the beaten track.

The best Whitsundays sailing trips from Airlie Beach:

• Matador Whitsundays
• 2 night Whitsunday Islands Cruise on New Horizon from Airlie Beach
• 2-Night Whitsunday Islands All-Inclusive Sailing Tour from Airlie Beach

2. Join a Catamaran Trip

Another fantastic way to explore the Whitsundays is to join a catamaran tour. Faster than a sailing yacht, and usually much larger, catamaran trips are a great way to see the Whitsunday’ highlights if you’re short on time.

You’ll visit the most popular beaches, such as Whitehaven Beach , and you’ll have the chance to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef before enjoying cold drinks and a classic Aussie barbecue on your way back to the mainland.

These are the best catamaran trips from Airlie Beach that include Whitehaven Beach or the Whitsundays:

• Ocean Rafting Tour to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout & Top Snorkel Spots
• ZigZag Whitsundays Day Tour – Whitehaven Beach – Snorkel – Island Resort
• Whitsunday Island Boat Adventure

3. Take a Scenic Flight Over the Whitsundays

If budget isn’t a problem, one of the best things to do in Airlie Beach is to take a scenic flight over the Whitsundays.

While the islands look fantastic from sea level, to really view the Whitsundays in all their glory, the best vistas are going to be from the air.

Take a light aircraft or even a helicopter flight above the islands for beautiful views!

These are the best scenic flight tours over the Whitsundays:

• Reef and Island Scenic Flight from Airlie Beach
• Whitsunday Islands 1-Hour Reef Scenic Helicopter Tour
• Reef & Whitehaven Landing

4. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef

The reef system here is all part of the Great Barrier Reef, so of course, one of the best things to do in Airlie Beach is snorkeling.

Many of the sailing trips and boat trips will give you the chance to go snorkeling. There are so many great spots out there amongst the Whitsundays that you’ll be guaranteed to see some amazing marine life.

These are the best Great Barrier Reef tours from Airlie Beach:

• Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise to Reefworld
• 2 Day Great Barrier Reef “Reefsuites” Experience
• 2-Day Great Barrier Reef “Reefsleep” Experience

5. Dive the Great Barrier Reef

But snorkeling might not cut it for everyone, in which case, there are so many excellent scuba diving opportunities, too. One of the best things to do in Airlie Beach is to dive the Great Barrier Reef.

This is one of the best places in the world for diving! Join diving trips in Airlie Beach, but if you haven’t got your qualifications yet, you can learn to dive with the local diving outlets.

Read about our experience of scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef during our sailing trip from Airlie Beach.

6. Relax at Airlie Beach Lagoon

You might have noticed that it’s hot in Queensland – it’s scorching and super humid for most of the year. The great thing is that there’s a public swimming pool right by the beach that anyone can use to cool off!

Airlie Beach Lagoon is the perfect place to relax, with views out over the marina and the ocean, and ice-cold water to swim in. It’s cold, refreshing, and best of all, there are no jellyfish to worry about!

Feeling a-little adventurous? Check out these tours:

• Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat Tour
• Airlie Beach Jet Boat Thrill Ride
• Airlie Beach Trike Tours

7. Skydive Over Airlie Beach

One of the best things to do in Airlie Beach is skydiving; the views are out of this world!

You can sign up for skydiving flights, jump tandem with instructors, or even progress your way through the whole course to jump solo if you’ve got the time and money (it’s not a bad place to learn, after all!).

A skydiving flight will see you taken up high above the Whitsunday Islands. You’ll have incredible views over the islands and the Great Barrier Reef as you descend back to Airlie Beach.

Book your own skydive experience over Airlie Beach today!

8. Marvel at Colorful Whitehaven Beach

The most famous place to visit in the Whitsundays is Whitehaven Beach. This iconic beach is located on Whitsunday Island.

If you’ve ever seen a picture of the area, chances are it’s going to be a picture of Whitehaven Beach. There are almost five miles of soft, blisteringly white sand stretching along the ocean.

From the shore, you have views over the tidal sandbars, startlingly colorful in the bright sunlight.

Almost all sailing trips and catamaran tours from Airlie Beach will call in at Whitehaven Beach, as this is a must-visit destination when you’re exploring the Whitsundays!

These are the best tours of Whitehaven Beach from Airlie Beach:

• Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet | Aussie Style | Awesome Beach BBQ | Iced Esky
• Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruises
• Lady Enid Sailing and Snorkeling Day Trip, Including Whitehaven Beach

9. Spend the Night at Hamilton Island

One of the best things to do in Airlie Beach is to explore Hamilton Island. This is one of the most famous destinations in Queensland; this large island is simply spectacular.

Part of the wider Whitsundays, this is one of the few places where you can spend the night within the archipelago itself, and not on a boat.

Hamilton Island has a dedicated resort surrounded by coral reef and jungle. The island is packed with wildlife, and it’s totally car-free, despite the resort.

You can snorkel or dive off the coast and enjoy the colorful Great Barrier Reef before hiking through the bush in search of kangaroos and wallabies!

Best places to stay on Hamilton Island:

• Whitsunday Apartments
• Reef View Hotel

10. Be Amazed by Heart Reef

There are thousands of atolls and islands in the area, but one of the most unique spots to visit is Heart Reef .

This small coral reef is so-called because it looks exactly like a heart! For that reason, the reef has become a popular palace for couples.

It has seen everything from marriage proposals to wedding pictures taking place.

The only problem is that all this romance has to happen from the air because the heart-shaped reef is part of a protected area where you aren’t even allowed to snorkel!

Book your adventure today to Heart Reef from Airlie Beach .

11. Walk the Bicentennial Walkway

One of the best things to do in Airlie Beach is to walk the Bicentennial Walkway to see more of the town itself.

This lovely two-mile-long pathway follows the coast, passing through the marina and alongside Airlie Beach’s best local beaches.

The whole pathway takes around one hour to walk, but you can stop off on the way at bars, cafes, restaurants, the Airlie Beach lagoon, and all the local shops and pubs en route!

One of the best tours offered in Airlie Beach is the Whitsundays Segway Sunset and Boardwalk Tour with Dinner .

12. Swim at Cedar Creek Falls

Next to Airlie Beach, you can explore the beautiful protected landscapes of Conway National Park. This exceptional area is home to one of the best things to do in Airlie Beach, Cedar Cree Falls.

Hidden by the rainforest, you can enjoy the refreshing waters of Cedar Creek without worrying about jellyfish or crocodiles.

It’s a safe, stunning place to cool off after hiking through Conway National Park. It’s a quiet spot to enjoy, surrounded by jungle and enclosed by tall rocks, over which the waterfall crashes down.

Head here during the day when everyone else is out exploring the Whitsundays; you’ll have the place to yourself and a few locals!

Want to visit Cedar Creek Falls from Airlie Beach? Check out this must-do tour: Tropical Rainforest & Waterfalls | Eco Experience | Airlie Beach, Whitsundays

13. Venture on a Crocodile Safari

There are crocodiles in this part of Queensland! If you head on a crocodile safari, you’ll see these enormous reptiles in their natural habitat.

Crocodile safaris head along the local waterways, guided by local boat captains who know the best places to spot them.

It’s a real experience, as you’ll learn more about the fascinating habits of these dangerous creatures and see parts of the nearby wilderness you wouldn’t otherwise make it out to.

Book your Crocodile Safari today.

14. Visit the Town of Proserpine

Head inland, and things are very different from the coastal climes of Airlie Beach. Just a short journey away from Airlie Beach, you can call into the small town of Proserpine.

Visit the Proserpine Museum to learn more about local history before heading to the Whitsunday Gold Coffee Farm to learn about local agriculture and try some of Queensland’s best coffee!

Nearby, you have the Proserpine Lake, a favorite spot for fishing. You can also spend the day at the local waterpark if you’re looking to cool off.

Looking to explore Airlie Beach, we suggest renting a bike .

15. Explore Horseshoe Bay

The next town north of Airlie Beach is Bowen, where you’ll be greeted on the highway by a giant mango. Bowen is, of course, famous for its mangoes, and you’ll find there are plenty of opportunities to try fresh mangoes in the town.

Once you’ve sampled the local mangoes, head to Horseshoe Bay. Here you’ll find a beautiful stretch of sand to rival anywhere in Airlie Beach, but there will be none of the tourist crowds that you have further south.

You can relax on the beach, enjoy the local cafes, and marvel at the spectacular views over the Pacific Ocean!

Book your adventure to Horseshoe Bay (Bowen) .

More on Australia:

• Ultimate Sydney to Melbourne Drive Itinerary
• 15 Things to do in Jervis Bay, Australia
• Cruising the Whitsundays with Anaconda III
• 10 Cool Things to do in Byron Bay
• 11 BEST Things to Do in Darwin, Australia
• 28 Great Things To Do in Queensland, Australia
• 10 Exciting Things to do in Cairns
• 8 Best Stops on the Great Ocean Road Drive
• 25 Top Things to Do in Australia (On Your First Visit!)
• 5 Awesome Things to Do in Perth, Western Australia
• 10 Spectacular Things to Do on Fraser Island
• Should I Rent a Jucy Campervan in Australia?
• Going Underground- Our Visit to the WWII Oil Storage Tunnels in Darwin
• Into the Cage of Death at Crocosaurus Cove
• Cruising for Crocodiles in Cairns
• Getting Lost in the Daintree Rainforest

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Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

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• Airlie Beach

34 Fun Things to Do in Airlie Beach, Queensland

• 12 Pinterest

Heaven does exist, and it’s located on the northeastern coast of the Land Down Under.

Airlie Beach might be small, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in beautiful nature, amazing restaurants, paradise-like islands, and ever-welcoming locals.

Located on the northeast coast of Australia, in the Whitsunday region of Queensland, Airlie Beach is a beautiful mixture of crystal blue waters, stretches of golden sand, and a bustling little resort town that is ready to bring on the chill when the heat gets real.

With the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands within striking distance, plus plenty of fun waiting in the town itself, you’ll never feel short of things to do in Queensland.

And if you’re wondering if Kangaroos are part of the fun at Airlie Beach, let’s just say they’ll meet you at the beach when you visit Cape Hillsborough National Park.

With this and more, let’s explore some of the best things to do in Airlie Beach , to help you see why this place needs to get on your bucket list, like now.

1 – Go sailing through the 74 Whitsunday Islands

Once you’ve seen a glowing sunset bounce off the Whitsunday waters, you’ll never want to leave Queensland’s tropical coast. A true heaven on Earth, this stunning archipelago offers white-sand beaches, warm waters, wonderful biodiversity, and borders the famous Great Barrier Reef.

With tour options including yachts, catamarans, or private sailboats (romantics, take note), plus durations spanning a few hours to a few days, there’s something for every budget.

• Whitsunday Islands tours

2 – Join a rainforest or boardwalk Segway tour

Walking is so overrated, right? Whether you’re planning on exploring the quaint Airlie Beach boardwalk or the immersive rainforests of Conway National Park (or both!), a Segway tour is the perfect plan of attack.

Witness the splendor of nature, from the Goanna monitor lizards, exotic birds, and even a few 100-year-old fig trees on the tour.

Looking for something a little more thrilling? Combine the Segway tour with a jet ski adventure (and save a few bucks thanks to the package deals)!

• segway tours in Airlie Beach

3 – Go swimming at Airlie Beach Lagoon

Situated on the Airlie Beach coastline is the Airline Beach Lagoon – an artificial pool filled with crystal blue waters, perfect for a day in the sun.

Pop in for a fun time, typically populated with locals and visitors, and, full of opportunities to sunbathe, meet up with friends, take your kids to enjoy some fun in the sun, or plan a beachside picnic.

The lagoon offers different pools with differing water depths, perfect for children and adults.

4 – Become a certified diver at none other than the Great Barrier Reef

An undisputed Aussie icon, the marine paradise that is the Great Barrier Reef should be high atop any visitor’s Airlie Beach bucket list.

While thousands of travelers opt to cruise and snorkel (or dive) on a day trip, for those looking to take the journey to the next level, why not try an overnight sailing adventure or a scenic flight?

Take your scuba diving to the next level, big time, at the Reef Safari Diving , a training facility that offers incredible experiences, from an intro to diving course, to a diving certification with the best in the business.

• Great Barrier Reef tours

5 – Tantalise the tastebuds at one of many seafood restaurants

Check out Fish D’vine & The Rum Bar for any dinner and drinks combo; for beachside eats, book your table at Sorrento Restaurant & Bar or Boatys for exquisite yet relaxed dining, incredible cocktails, and live music on the weekends.

For a casual lunch on a shady patio, check out The Deck Airlie Beach and its fabulous coffee martinis.

Soak in the impressive waterside view at Boathouse Fishbar ; or for a good old fashioned affordable plate of battered fish and chips, head straight to the Whitsunday Seafood Bar .

No matter where you end up, rarely does a meal disappoint.

6 – Cuddle a koala at Bredl’s Wild Farm!

Always dreamed of cuddling a koala? What about holding a baby crocodile, petting a wombat, or feeding a kangaroo? All these incredible hands-on experiences (plus so much more) are the norm at this adored, yet wildly underrated family-run attraction.

Animal lovers, do yourselves a favor and add Bredl’s Wild Farm to the top of your list of things to do in Airlie Beach!

7 – Take a powerful ocean raft to Whitehaven Beach

Perhaps Australia’s most picturesque sands, the winding, colorful Whitehaven Beach is one of the essential things to do in Airlie Beach, without a shadow of a doubt! But just because it’s beautiful that doesn’t mean it’s non-stop relaxation — reaching speeds of over 50 km with the ocean breeze and sea spray in your hair, the journey is just as exciting as the destination.

Bring your walking shoes too; to reach the famous Hill Inlet Lookout, a moderate hike awaits.

Explore the beach and incredible marine life on a snorkeling experience down under, and enjoy the contrast in the colors of the fish against the aquamarine colors of the water.

• Whitehaven Beach tours

8 – Try Skydiving!

Attention, adrenaline junkies: if you’re looking for heart-pumping things to do in Airlie Beach, look no further!

Rocketing down from the clouds at terminal velocity from heights of 15,000 feet is an unforgettable experience in and of itself, but gliding toward brilliant blue waters, with views of untouched islands and white-sand beaches — well that’s just unbeatable.

If safety is a concern, rest assured you’ll be jumping with highly trained skydivers who will safely guide you through the experience.

• skydiving in Airlie Beach

9 – Hike, swim, and snack at Cedar Creek Falls

Walk the 1.8-mile hike and other few walks at the beautiful Cedar Creek Falls, a stunning hike with gorgeous, local flora.

Once the bushwalk works up a bit of a sweat, the stunning Cedar Creek waterfall presents as the perfect opportunity to cool off — that, plus wonderful picnic locations and plenty of friendly wildlife make this slice of Mother Nature one of Airlie Beach’s must-visit destinations.

Best of all, it’s just a quick 15-minute drive from the main haunts.

10 – Visit the tropical seaside town of Bowen

Bowen welcomes its travelers to the beautiful seaside town of Bowen, a local hidden gem in Whitsundays, and only a 40-minute drive from Airlie Beach.

The perfect summer getaway, featuring more than 5 different turquoise-colored beaches for swimming, diving, fishing, and simply admiring, you’ll surely find the beach with the perfect activities to match your interests.

Stop by for dinner at one of the seaside restaurants for extremely fresh and savory seafood dishes!

11 – Greet the wildlife on Hamilton Island

One of the Whitsundays’ most popular getaways, Hamilton Island is adored by locals and tourists alike — not just because it boasts incredible snorkeling opportunities, but also because the leafy, beachy paradise plays host to some of Australia’s most beloved creatures.

Camera at the ready, folks — wallabies, goannas, sea eagles, cockatoos, and kookaburras are known to hang out on Hamilton!

The best time to catch wildlife sightings is during the drier seasons, between June-October.

• Hamilton Island tours

12 – Explore Airlie Beach in a tuk-tuk

A unique spin on the traditional sightseeing itinerary, a tuk-tuk tour allows guests to sit back and relax while friendly, informative locals skirt between the main Airlie Beach hot spots — exploring the Port of Airlie, Coral Sea Marina, and everything in between.

With multiple different time slots per day, a tuk-tuk experience makes for a perfect, relaxing, and scenic end to your day.

No time for lunch? Opt for a food-themed tuk-tuk tour to sample all of the area’s delicacies.

• tuk tuk tours in Airlie Beach

13 – Take a scenic airplane flight over the Heart Reef

While the views from Whitsundays’ beaches are second to none — likewise from the hills of Airlie Beach — there’s nothing that quite compares to soaring over the Aussie east coast in a private propeller plane.

Enjoy listening to your pilot as they share fascinating facts about the beauty before you, from local ecology to historical facts and more!

Have the camera at the ready; there’s no more impressive social media photo than a bird’s eye of the stunning Heart Reef.

• airplane tours from Airlie Beach

14 – Take your kids to Cannonvale

If you’re traveling with kids, or just prefer to get away from the crowds for a bit, definitely check out Cannonvale, known for its secluded and safe beaches.

Bring food ingredients and your grilling materials to start a barbeque on the beach, or explore the beauty of the beach like the molten rock when the tide is low.

Cannonvale is located only 3-minutes away from Airlie Beach, making it a perfect little day escape.

15 – Come face to face with iconic views of Airlie Beach at Honeyeater Lookout

Trek through the roundtrip trail of approximately 8.2 kilometers, to Honeyeater Lookout; a perfect vantage point that shares views of the water, nature, and a close encounter with fascinating wildlife.

A fairly easy journey to get to from the city center of Airlie Beach, locals recommend starting your trek from Kara Crescent and following the sign to Honeyeater Lookout.

Enjoy the journey, as you view lizards, birds, and other critters native to the area.

16 – Zoom across the waters on a jet boat

Hold on to your hats and prepare to get soaked! If it’s adrenaline and thrills you’re after, then a high-speed Airlie Beach jet boat ride is exactly what the doctor ordered.

With drifts, power stops, nosedives, and spins on the menu — not to mention the sublime views from departure to docking — this high-octane adventure is a must for the Airlie Beach bucket list.

• jet boat tours in Airlie Beach

17 – Head out on a glass-bottom boat tour

Experience the amazing underwater life without getting wet! How? On a glass-bottom boat tour from Shute Harbour — an ever-popular Airlie Beach tourist activity suitable for all ages.

Kids (and adults alike) love feeding the fish; the ship’s crew are experts in marine biology, and it’s also a great way to meet fellow like-minded travelers.

A bit trippy at first, the experience quickly becomes magical as the animal start to emerge, and starting at $52 USD, the experience is a steal.

• boat tours in Airlie Beach

18 – Grab a souvenir at the Airlie Beach markets

A quaint collection of pop-ups straddling the shoreline, these local markets are always a pleasant time.

Whether you’re after souvenirs, a quick bite to eat, something refreshing to drink, or just a chance to meet the locals, a morning stroll through either the Whitsunday Market or Airlie Beach Market (within walking distance of one another) is more than worthwhile.

Listen to the sounds of the water in between songs played by the local bands!

19 – Explore Conway National Park!

While Airlie Beach is synonymous with its serene islands and beaches, the area isn’t short of lush rainforest either. Those looking to stretch their legs often make a beeline for the Conway National Park , home to the Mt Rooper Circuit and Swamp Bay Track, among others, and located conveniently close to Airlie Beach’s main draws.

Take on the Whitsunday Great Walk, a 27-kilometer trail that promises to take you through patches of dense forests, and a few steep climbs with phenomenal views.

The Fringe Circuit and Hayward Gully 41-minute walk offers an easier trek with mostly flat lands, perfect for families with small children.

20 – Enjoy a perfect cup of coffee at the best coffee shops

Whether you’re there for the drinks, the meal, or the amazing coffee, SideWalk Cafe and Restaurant has you covered with the best meal waiting to happen. Order the best latte in Airline Beach, or ask the barista for their recommendation.

“Funky, friendly, and unique” are the 3 words that Fat Frog Beach Cafe describes itself with, so come on in, and enjoy a delicious menu of healthy options, and delicious coffee, served seaside.

21 – Join a whale watching tour

It’s near impossible not to picture wildlife when you hear the word Australia , and despite the furry kangaroos and koalas getting the bulk of the attention, the ocean’s gentle giants frequent Airlie Beach on cue, year after year.

The most common sightings are humpback whales , who migrate down to Queensland’s warm waters annually between June and August.

So don’t hesitate to hop on a whale-watching tour, where you may even catch sea turtles and other colorful fish.

22 – Explore the area with a jet ski safari

An activity that promises both excitement and beauty in spades, a jet ski tour through the Whitsunday Islands is one of the best things to do in Airlie Beach.

Once you’ve glided across the scenic waterways to the Palm Bay resort, you’ll be greeted by woodfire pizzas, endemic wildlife, and friendly, informative locals who love to point out all of the region’s icons.

• jet ski in Airlie Beach

23 – Play a round at the Hamilton Island Golf Club

Nothing quite says ‘vacation’ like a day on the fairways, and there’s no better place to do exactly that on the postcard-worthy Hamilton Island.

The sought-after 18 hole championship golf course claims to have “the most spectacular views and settings of any golf course in the world” — but we’ll let you be the judge of that one.

Make sure to book your “Tee Time” slot in advance for this one to secure your spot-all on their website!

24 – Consider a unique helicopter tour

Most touristy helicopter tours soar above concrete jungles, landing at a quiet airport on the city’s outskirt — not in the Whitsundays.

Here, visitors are blessed not only with the opportunity to soar above some of Australia’s most pristine islands, including Daydream Island, Hill Inlet, and Long Island; but land on the untouched white sands of Whitehaven Beach as well!

Depending on your tour, many experiences include roundtrip transportation included to the point of departure from your hotel – win!

• helicopter tours in Airlie Beach

25 – Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day at the best spas

Unwind and relax after so much sightseeing with a relaxing spa day, at some of the best spas in Airlie Beach.

Situated on the coast of Arlie Beach, Mana Skin Body & Soul guarantees the utmost attention and service in delivering you massage and skin treatments that rejuvenate your spirit.

Make sure to book the special hot stone massage, followed by a relaxing scrub and soak to treat your wandering feet too at Aroma Stone Boutique .

26 – Create lifelong memories on an overnight sailing adventure

An experience unlike any other, a multi-day, overnight sailing adventure is truly unforgettable.

Why choose an overnight tour? So many reasons! You can tick off BOTH the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands in one package; you can learn the ins and outs of working a sailboat; you can see the unobstructed night sky; and, perhaps most impressively, you can wake up to the ultimate tranquillity of the ocean air.

• sailing tours in Airlie Beach

27 – Tackle the town’s streets on a roaring trike

A surprisingly exhilarating twist on the traditional bike or bus tour, the Airlie Beach trike tours are always popular for solo travelers, couples, or simply visitors looking to rest their legs a little.

Depending on how much time’s available, choose from trips to Hydeaway Bay Beach, Conway National Park, or just cruise around the main Airlie Beach hotspots.

Fully customizable, this tour experience will be designed to cater to your needs and include the specific sights you’d want to explore.

• bike tours in Airlie Beach

28 – Sign up for a Survivor-style camping experience

Any reality TV fans in the house? If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at the remote  Survivor lifestyle, now’s your chance!

During the multi-night camping experience, there’s no shortage of thrilling activities; spend a few hours fishing, explore caves, or try sandboarding for the first time, all while learning the tricks of the survival trade.

Don’t worry, there’s plenty of dedicated relaxation time too.

29 – Embark on a crocodile safari

As you cruise calmly down the Proserpine River waters and the Goorganga Plains wetlands, keep your eyes peeled: these locales are home to the infamous Aussie saltwater crocodile — the world’s largest reptile.

Besides the chance to see these intimidating creatures in the flesh, safari tours also typically include a barbecue lunch during which travelers can try traditional indigenous billy tea and damper (similar to bread).

• crocodile safari in Airlie Beach

30 – Go fishing

With such a broad marine ecosystem, Airlie Beach’s range of fishing opportunities is some of the best in the country.

For experienced folk looking to reel in a Mangrove jack or Coral trout from land, head to the rock walls; for newbies or seasoned vets wanting to head out to sea and catch something bigger, a number of companies offer half or full-day chartered fishing tours.

31 – Sip some wine on a sunset cruise

For any lovebirds looking for romantic things to do in Airlie Beach, take note. With a glass of bubbly in hand, sparkling views of the town in one direction and glowing blue waters in every other one, a sunset cruise around Pioneer Bay is nothing short of magical.

Keep your eyes peeled for turtles and (in the Australian winter) humpback whales too.

• sunset cruise in Airlie Beach

32 – Watch the sunrise… on a beach… with kangaroos!

If there’s anything more quintessentially Aussie than a pair of kangaroos hopping down the sandy beaches at sunrise, we’re yet to find it.

For an experience guaranteed to foster lifelong memories, a sunrise beach tour at Cape Hillsborough National Park takes visitors off the beaten track into areas seldom visited by the general public.

With breakfast and a light morning tea included, it’s the perfect start to any day.

33 – Spend a night on the ultra-luxurious Hayman Island

If, after hiking, diving, swimming, or partying (perhaps a little too hard) you need nothing more than a good old-fashioned pampering, then Hayman Island is the place.

Known for its unmatched luxury, the island’s resort offer private villas, exclusive bungalows, and opulent touches in every room. 5-star travelers often find themselves at the beloved Intercontinental.

Though good weather blesses Hayman Island, August-December guarantees optimal summer vibes and a good crowd.

34 – End your nights right exploring the Airlie Beach Nightlife scene

Hit up the locally beloved hot spot on Airline Beach Main Street, Mama Africa Bar for some of the top DJs, amazing drinks, and even better vibes.

Feel the energy of warm summer nights, any time of the year at BOOM Nightclub , featuring themed nights, amazing DJs, and a full cocktails and shooters menu for your enjoyment.

Since 1997, Paddy’s Shenanigans Irish Bar has been entertaining visitors with amazing entertainment, and incredible events, so don’t miss out!

How to get to Airlie Beach?

Save yourself the stress or worry of figuring out how to get to your hotel from the airport (Hamilton Island Airport or Whitsunday Coast Airport) by booking an airport transfer , easily and quickly taking you to wherever you need to go.

This is a great option, especially for those traveling in large groups, or with children and lots of baggage.

Where to stay in Airlie Beach?

Get luxury travel vibes at half the price at Airlie Beach Magnums – an adults-only hotel resort that offers a great selection of restaurants, and bars, as well as a few beautiful natural sights. Enjoy a lovely sunset at the Coral Sea Marina, or get your friends together for a BBQ.

Relax and breathe in the ocean views at the apartments at Mirage Whitsunday , serving fresh, and free breakfast daily. Whether you want to relax and disconnect via swimming, or adventure with the local activities, like boating to the Great Barrier Reef, it’s all here.

Enjoy the beautiful views from your balcony at Club Wyndham Airlie Beach , on the stunning Whitsunday coast. Relax every night in the modern, fully furnished rooms, perfect for couples and small groups of friends. Walk down the boardwalk just in time for sunset, and make it to Tides restaurant close by for an incredible dinner.

• best hotels in Airlie Beach

Where to go next?

Once you’ve explored Airlie Beach, make sure to look into the many multi-day trips , offering an extended exploration of surrounding gem towns and beaches.

From beautiful national parks like Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, near Darwin, to foodie-friendly Sydney Fish Market, or driving through the magnificent Great Ocean Road on the southern coast of Australia, near Melbourne – the list of things to do in Australia is a long, but exciting one worth learning.

Complete your list of things to do in Port Douglas , starting with a day trip to the emblematic Daintree National Park, one of the world’s oldest rainforests, and simply absorbing the tropical vibes snorkeling, swimming, diving, and more.

Cairns , about an hour away from Port Douglas is another Australian hot spot, with magnificent national landscapes covering lagoons, gardens, rainforests, canyons, and more to its cultural opportunities opening a window into the Aboriginal culture at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, and more.

After exploring Cairns, consider an idyllic retreat to Palm Cove . This coastal paradise to the north is home to pristine beaches, luxurious spas and renowned restaurants, combining relaxation with fine dining to create an unforgettable Australian experience.

Head south and embark on a journey to Hervey Bay , widely known as the gateway to Fraser Island and Australia’s whale-watching capital. With quaint cafes, quiet promenades, and the Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum, it’s the perfect blend of natural and cultural attractions.

Final thoughts

Will you make it over to Airlie Beach?

With its luxurious destinations like Hayman Islands, to budget-friendly activities that give off luxurious vibes like sipping on a cocktail on a dinner cruise, while watching peeping turtles and whales, we hope that our list of things to do in Airlie Beach matches what you’re looking for in an Aussie vacation.

Happy travels!

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Best Things to do in Airlie Beach & Whitsundays – Ultimate Travel Guide

This post will give you a rundown of all the best things to do in Airlie Beach, tours, day trips and where to stay.

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our  disclaimer  here.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a coastal town in the Australian state of Queensland. It is a popular stop on any east coast road trip and a hub for backpackers. This slice of paradise is considered the ‘gateway to the Whitsundays’ and is the mainland centre of the Whitsundays region and its 74 islands. There is easy access to the Whitsundays Islands and Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach, making it the perfect place to base yourself.

Airlie has warm weather year-round, with dry and sunny winters, and hot humid summers. The town itself is lined with palm trees, sparkly azure blue waters and golden beaches. It oozes tropical vibes and has to be one of Australia’s best beach towns.

Want the quick answer? Skip to things to do in Airlie Beach

When to visit Airlie Beach

Being in the northern part of Queensland, Airlie Beach is blessed with beautiful weather year-round. We visited in August (winter) and couldn’t believe our luck with the weather. We had blue skies and sunshine every day, with temperatures around the mid-twenties. The nights were very mild, and besides a couple of windy afternoons, it was just perfect.

Summer (December – February) brings higher temperatures, humidity and rains. But with so much beautiful water to cool off in, we wouldn’t hesitate to visit at this time for the true tropical experience. Marine stingers are present in the waters around Airlie Beach from around October – May, so if you visit at this time you will need to wear a stinger suit.

How long to stay in Airlie Beach

As you will see below, there are soooo many things to do in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays region. We stayed here for a week, and there were so many things we weren’t able to do in that time (e.g. we didn’t visit any of the resort islands, wished we had longer to spend in Bowen, and didn’t get out to the outer Great Barrier Reef). I would say a week is the minimum amount of time to spend in the region overall, but it could easily be much longer.

And how long you stay in Airlie Beach specifically depends on where else you want to stay. Will you do an overnight sailing tour? Stay on the islands for a few nights? Stay in Bowen for a night or two?. I hope this post will give you a better idea of all the things on offer, both within Airlie Beach and as tours and day trips from here, to help you to craft your itinerary.

Getting to Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is in northern Queensland and can be reached in a number of ways which I will outline below.

Flying to Airlie Beach

The Whitsunday Coast Airport (also known as Proserpine Airport, with code PPP) is the closest airport to the town of Airlie Beach. The airport is about a 30-minute drive from the town, in the inland suburb of Proserpine. There are daily direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. And less frequent flights to other northern Queensland airports like Cairns and Rockhampton.

Getting from the airport to the town is straightforward. If you want wheels for your entire trip, you can rent a car from the airport with all the usual companies like Hertz, Avis and Europcar. There is no Uber in Airlie Beach, but there are taxis available. A trip to the centre of Airlie Beach is likely to set you back at least $100 and we wouldn’t recommend this option.

We booked an airport shuttle bus, and this is by far the easiest and cheapest option. Heart of Reef Shuttles offers shuttles for $22 one way, or $36 return (at the time of writing). The whole process was so simple. They have a desk in the baggage claim area, where you let them know you’ve arrived. Wait for your luggage, and once you are ready you just head outside and there are vans and drivers lined up and waiting. They drop you at the door of your accommodation, and the same when picking you up to return to the airport.

Driving to Airlie Beach

Road tripping along the east coast of Australia is a popular thing to do, and Airlie Beach is a mandatory stop! The town is full of vans and I think many travellers stay here a little longer than they anticipate. Airlie Beach is about halfway between Rockhampton and Cairns. Here are some approximate driving times to give you an idea if you’re driving.

• Cairns – Airlie Beach: 8 hours
• Rockhampton – Airlie Beach: 6 hours
• Sunshine Coast – Airlie Beach: 12 hours
• Brisbane – Airlie Beach: 13 hours
• Gold Coast – Airlie Beach: 14 hours
• Sydney – Airlie Beach: 21 hours
• Melbourne – Airlie Beach: 26 hours

Bus to Airlie Beach

If you’re travelling along the east coast without a car, you are most likely using the Greyhound Bus to do so. Airlie Beach is a stop on the Greyhound network, and you can arrive from the north or south. The Greyhound terminal is within walking distance from the main street of Airlie Beach in the Port of Airlie complex. Check tickets and timetables via the Greyhound website here .

Things to do in Airlie Beach

I don’t know about you, but I hate opening a ‘things to do in X’ blog post, only to find all the recommendations are NOT even in that place. So, these recommendations of things to do in Airlie Beach are either in the town itself within walking distance, or a short drive or bus trip away. In the next section of this post, you will find the best tours from Airlie Beach (which mostly take you out to the Whitsundays Islands and Great Barrier Reef). So without further adieu, here are the best things to do in Airlie Beach. And being budget travellers, we will point out some great things you can do for free, or very cheap!

Airlie Beach Lagoon

No list of things to do in Airlie Beach is complete without mention of the Airlie Beach Lagoon. Like most northern Queensland towns, the beaches in Airlie Beach are not safe to swim in during the warmer months, due to the presence of the dangerous marine stingers. Enter the lagoon!

This man-made pool complex sits on the foreshore in the centre of Airlie Beach and is a great way to cool off on a hot summers day when you can’t swim at the beach. It is completely FREE to use the complex. And besides the large lagoon, there is a shallow kids pool, toilets and showers, BBQ areas, chairs and tables, and a ton of beautiful beachfront grassy areas to lay down your towel and sunbake. It is adjacent to the main street of Airlie Beach, with plenty of restaurants around to grab some takeaway from.

Whitsunday Saturday Markets

Every Saturday morning, the Airlie Beach Lions Club puts on a community market. Stalls are set up on the foreshore of Airlie Beach from 7 am, until around 1 pm. There are all kinds of stalls to wander through, from local handicrafts, clothes and food. Look out for the Mr Bean coffee van, who make cold brew coffee. Grab an iced latte or one of their cold brews on a warm Airlie morning!

Hit the beach

Always a solid free option in any beach town! The reef and islands shelter Airlie Beach, meaning there are virtually no waves. The main beach in the centre of Airlie is a beautiful stretch of palm-lined sand.

Otherwise, locals head for Boathaven Beach which is a short ten-minute walk from the centre of town. This beach was actually man-made as part of the Port of Airlie development. Because of this, it is not as impacted by the tides (the main beach turns into a small puddle of water when the tide is out). There is a stinger net at Boathaven too, meaning you are able to swim all year-round.

Bicentennial Boardwalk

The Bicentennial Boardwalk is a 4 km walkway that connects Airlie Beach to the neighbouring suburb of Cannonvale. Starting from the foreshore area in Airlie Beach, you will pass by the Airlie Beach Lagoon, before heading around the headland to the Coral Sea Marina and on to Cannonvale Beach. It’s a nice way to get to know the area, and there are plenty of places to stop in for a coffee (or cocktail!) along the way.

Walking is okay… but an e-scooter is even better! You can hire e-scooters, e-bikes and regular bikes in town, and zoom along the boardwalk. We didn’t have time to do this, but we absolutely loved riding around on the e-scooters in Brisbane and would have loved to do it here too. Whitsunday Fun offer e-scooters and bikes for hire, starting from $20 for an hour.

Explore the Coral Sea Marina

The Coral Sea Marina is the main port in Airlie Beach, in addition to the new Port of Airlie. A short walk out of the centre of town towards Cannonvale (include a visit here on your trip along the boardwalk). It is well worth having a wander around to admire all the huge superyachts. We always play the ‘which one would you have’ game, imagining we were multi-millionaires. When we visited, there was a huge yacht that we were told cost $300 million! Luckily it’s free to explore this area and dream!

There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the marina, and it’s a great spot to have a meal or a drink and look out over the ocean. Bohemian Raw was an AMAZING health food cafe, we highly recommend a visit here for a smoothie bowl.

Sunset cruise

The best place to see the sunset in Airlie Beach is from the water! Sundowner Cruises offer a two-hour sunset cruise around Pioneer Bay, where you can see the sun go down below the surrounding mountains. And watch Airlie Beach light up for the night. The tickets are $65 per person (at time of writing) and include a glass of bubbles on arrival and some cheese platter nibbles.

Eat, eat and eat some more

We were seriously impressed with the food options in Airlie Beach. There are a ton of cafes, restaurants and bars to choose from, for all budgets. As mentioned above, we loved Bohemian Raw so much we went back twice it was that good! If you’re looking for a splurge meal, Fish D’Vine has amazing seafood. And for a cheap meal, Boaty’s has a $16 meal deal, including a main meal with a beer, wine or spirit! The meals were huge, and you can choose from options like steak, chicken schnitzels, fish and chips and more!

Sunday Sessions at The Rocks

The Rocks Restaurant, Bar and Pool Club is located inside the Coral Sea Resort Hotel. Whilst you can visit the restaurant and bar as a non-resort guest at any time, Sunday is the best day to come for their weekly Sunday Sessions ! Usually, if you are not staying at the resort, you need to purchase one of the limited pool passes to use the pool and facilities. It is a $40 minimum spend per person which you pay on arrival, and then the $40 is deducted from your bill. But on Sundays, from 1 pm – 5:30 pm entry is FREE and there is a DJ playing. It’s got great vibes for an afternoon of drinks in the sun by the pool. The location and waterfront setting is absolutely stunning, and it is well worth a visit to The Rocks on any day of the week.

Have a rowdy night out

Airlie Beach definitely caters for the young, backpacker crowd. The main street is full of bars and clubs, and no matter what night of the week it is, there will be something popping off! It’s impossible to come to Airlie and not be drawn in for at least one rowdy night of drinking. Magnums Hotel is a great place to start any night, with a huge open beer garden, and a club for later on. KC’s Bar & Grill has live music on every night. And if you’re looking to have a boogie you’re most likely going to end up at Mama Africa or Boom . We were absolutely shocked at how cheap the drinks are here, and if you research the happy hours you can have a very affordable night out!

Picnic on the Airlie Beach Foreshore

The entire foreshore area of Airlie Beach is just beautiful. Even outside of the lagoon, the area is manicured with green lawns, palm trees, plenty of sheltered tables and chairs, and BBQs. It’s the perfect spot to lay down a mat and relax for an afternoon or evening. Although you can’t see the sun setting, you can still enjoy those beautiful sunset skies. And at night time, there are rows and rows of lights strung up, making a great atmosphere.

Hike the Honeyeater Lookout Trail

This trail is right behind Airlie Beach town and offers amazing views over the bay and surrounding islands. We, unfortunately, didn’t have time to do this one, but we’re told the hike is pretty strenuous on the way up but well worth it for the views. The trail starts from 15 Kara Crescent, about a ten-minute walk from the centre. It is about an 8 km round trip, so be sure to bring plenty of water and some snacks.

Climb Mount Rooper

Inside the Conway National Park, Mount Rooper is a beautiful hike offering views over the Whitsunday Islands. The walk starts from a car park off Shute Harbour Road. Drive about ten minutes from Airlie Beach towards Shute Harbour, and you will see signs for Mount Rooper and the car park on your left-hand side. The local buses all run in that direction too, so you could easily jump on one of those. The circuit (up one way and down another) is around 5 km. It was steep in parts on the way up but well worth it for the beautiful views! The waters of the Whitsunday Passage are so blue it doesn’t feel real. And of course, being in a national park, it is completely free!

Coral Beach and The Beak Lookout

Also in the Conway National Park is the beautiful, hidden Coral Beach . Continue driving from the Mount Rooper car park a short distance up the road and past Shute Harbour, you will come to a car park for the Coral Beach walk, on Whitsunday Drive.

It’s around a 1 km walk to reach Coral Beach, through some beautiful rainforest. The beach, true to its name, is made of coral not sand and it was so unique. The water here was amazing, and we had the beach almost to ourselves. We didn’t have a lot of time here, but we would love to come back and spend an afternoon here with some drinks and snacks. If you do have the time, you can continue walking along the beach to the end, where you will find a track to the Beak Lookout.

Cedar Creek Falls

If you are visiting Airlie Beach after some rain, a visit to Cedar Creek Falls will be worth it! The falls are about halfway between Airlie Beach and Proserpine, and you will probably need your own car to get here. When we were in Airlie, there had been no rain and some other travellers who visited said it was not flowing so we decided not to go. But they look amazing, and I was really keen to visit them. There is a large swimming hole, and you can swim right under the falls when they’re flowing. For a view of the falls from above, there is a short walking track to the top. The car park is close to the falls, so no long hike is needed.

Need to hire a car in Airlie Beach? Find one here

Airlie Beach tours

Airlie is a great place to base yourself in the Whitsundays and take off on day tours from there to the islands and the reef. It’s possible to stay on many of the islands, and some people decide to base themselves there instead. But we chose to stay in Airlie Beach, as it is far more affordable, and do tours from there. Some single day and some multi-day overnight.

Airlie Beach is one of those tourist towns that is full of different tour companies, travel agencies and signs everywhere advertising basically the same thing. It can be overwhelming to know who to choose, and which tour is the best option for you. After experiencing some of them ourselves, and getting a better feel for the area these are the best tours we recommend from Airlie Beach.

Sailing the Whitsundays Islands

Sailing around some of the 74 Whitsundays Islands is an absolute must-do! There are single-day tours available, but we would highly recommend a multi-day tour where you sleep on the boat for at least one night. It’s possible to join a tour on a crewed boat, with other travellers. Or alternatively, you can book a ‘bareboat’, where you skipper your own boat, with just yourself and your travel mates.

We did a two-night, three-day tour on the iconic Atlantic Clipper boat, and it was one of the best travel experiences we have ever had!

If cruising around the Great Barrier Reef and diving in Australia’s spectacular marine environments sounds amazing to you, you can learn where to find liveaboards in Australia here.

Read our Atlantic Clipper Whitsundays: 3D/2N Sailing Trip Review post

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet tour

Visiting the iconic Whitehaven Beach, and walking up to the lookout to see the swirling white sands and turquoise waters of Hill Inlet is on everyone’s Whitsundays to-do list.

Consistently ranked as the best beach in Australia, and even the world, experiencing this natural wonder with your own eyes is an incredible experience. But these attractions are located on Whitsunday Island, which isn’t necessarily easy to get to.

Nearly every Whitsundays Island tour will include a stop here. But each is slightly different in how long you spend at the beach, if you visit the lookout, the method to get to the beach etc. You will want to make sure you consider the best option for you, taking into account how much time you have on your trip, and what you are most interested in.

This is likely going to be a highlight of your Whitsundays experience, so you want to choose wisely! In my mind, I think there are three main ways to experience Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, which I will outline below.

Whitehaven Beach via a sailing tour

Any of the multi-day sailing tours around the Whitsundays will include a stop at Whitehaven Beach. This was how we visited Whitehaven, getting small tender boats onto Whitsunday Island. We completed the short walk up to Hill Inlet Lookout, before spending about two hours swimming and exploring Whitehaven Beach. We were really happy with our experience, and it was really nice to enjoy it with the friends we had made on our boat. You can read more about our sailing tour, and time at Whitehaven Beach here .

Check out other overnight sailing tours that visit Hill Inlet here.

Day tour with snorkelling

A pretty standard Whitsundays day tour includes a visit to Whitehaven Beach, the short walk to Hill Inlet Lookout, and then a few stops for snorkelling around the islands.

A big thing to consider for these tours is the type of boat. You can do day tours on sailboats, catamarans or ocean rafts.

Although a sailboat is an experience, as I mentioned above, doing a multi-day tour and staying on the boat is the way to go in our opinion. The sailboats are quite slow, so for just a day trip, you would spend a lot of time travelling to and from the island.

Tour company Ocean Rafting is consistently ranked as one of the best tours in the Whitsundays region. Ocean rafts are by far the fastest boats, with the semi-rigid inflatable crafts travelling at pretty high speeds. These boats will get you out to the island quicker, and because of their small size, they are able to pull right up to Whitehaven Beach (larger boats must come from Tongue Bay on the other side of the island).

They offer two day tour options to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, including snorkelling.

The Northern Exposure option offers two snorkelling spots, and the Southern Lights includes just one snorkel spot, with more beach time.

The snorkelling around the islands is not bad , but it is not the outer Great Barrier Reef, which many people consider the most pristine part of the reef. We would suggest enjoying Whitehaven Beach as an activity on its own (how often do you get to visit the best beach in the world?) and save the snorkelling for a separate tour out to a pontoon on the outer reef.

Day tour without snorkelling

When you’re visiting one of the best beaches in the world, you want to have ample time to relax and enjoy it! Now that we have experienced Whitehaven Beach once, if we went again we would want a day tour that had the maximum amount of time on the beach. You could easily spend all day here swimming, relaxing on the beach, visiting the lookout and exploring down the inlet.

Cruise Whitsundays Chill & Grill tour gives you the opportunity to do just that. You will get up to six hours at Whitehaven Beach, with the chance to explore both the north and south beaches and visit multiple lookouts. They include morning and afternoon tea, and a burger for lunch.

Snorkelling tour on the Great Barrier Reef

The Whitsundays and Airlie Beach are considered ‘the heart of the reef’. There are snorkel spots found all around the region, and near the islands. But for a true, authentic reef experience, the outer reef is the best place to go.

Hardy Reef is about two hours from Airlie Beach by boat on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Here you will find the Cruise Whitsundays Reefworld Pontoon . A purpose-built pontoon, which serves as your base for a day on the reef. A tour includes four hours at Hardy Reef, with all snorkel gear included. The pontoon has an underwater observatory deck for those who don’t want to get wet, and meals are included throughout the day.

If you want to level up your reef experience, Cruise Whitsundays also offer the opportunity to sleep on the reef, at the Reefworld Pontoon. ReefSleep is a two-day, one-night experience where you sleep in luxury swags on the top deck of the pontoon. You start with the standard day tour, but once the day-trippers leave in the afternoon, you get to experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef with no one else around! This once-in-a-lifetime experience is so high on our bucket list, and I think it would be worth every cent. We will be doing this next time we return to the Whitsundays for sure!

They have even levelled up their offerings with ReefSuites , a fancy underwater hotel in the pontoon!

Kayaking around the Whitsundays Islands

This was one of our favourite things we did during our time in Airlie Beach. Salty Dog Sea Kayaking offer half-day, full-day and even six-day kayaking tours around the islands of the Whitsundays. The tours depart from Shute Harbour, another port in the Airlie Beach region, about a 15-minute drive from the centre. Pick-up from your accommodation is included in the tour if you need it though!

We did a half-day tour and spent about three hours kayaking around Shute Harbour out to an island. Our guide Laura was so lovely and really knowledgeable about the area. We stopped on a small island for morning tea and had the opportunity for a quick snorkel if we wanted to. We definitely could have gone for a full-day tour and spent more time kayaking in such a beautiful setting.

Day trip to Hamilton Island and/or Daydream Island

Some people choose to base themselves on an island. But if you chose to stay on the mainland, you can still spend a day visiting Hamilton Island , and/or Daydream Island .

Cruise Whitsundays offers different day tours including transport and access to the islands from Airlie Beach. You’ll get access to the pools and resort facilities on the islands, so even if you’re not staying you can get a taste of the island life! Most tours also include lunch at one of the restaurants on the islands.

We actually didn’t know these tours existed when we visited, and we skipped the islands altogether as we didn’t have time to stay out there. But this is perfect if you’re short on time but still want to visit one or two of the most popular Whitsundays Islands!

Scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef

This experience isn’t cheap, but it is well worth the splurge if you can afford it! I can’t even describe the feeling of seeing the reef appear out of nowhere in the middle of the ocean. One minute you are flying over the open ocean and the next you are above this enormous organism that stretches as far as the eye can see.

We did our flight with GSL Aviation . The meeting point is at their office in the centre of Airlie Beach, and then they drive you out to the Whitsunday Coast Airport in Proserpine (where we landed on arrival to Airlie Beach).

The flight was 60 minutes, first passing over the mountains and the countryside, before getting out over the islands, and finally the reef. We saw Hill Inlet from above, and then of course Heart Reef. Which is just a tiny little reef out on Hardy Reef, and the pilot actually counts down from ten to when you are going to be able to see it, and it passes in a second. For us, seeing Heart Reef wasn’t the highlight, but the overall experience of seeing the reef from above was something very special!

Skydiving over Airlie Beach

You would be braver than I am if you want to jump out of a plane from 15,000 feet. But this is possible to do in Airlie Beach, and if I was going to jump out of a plane, I think this would be a pretty amazing spot to do it! Skydive Australia offer tandem skydives from Airlie Beach, with beautiful views over the islands, marina and blue waters as you fall.

Jetskiing tours

Another one for the thrill-seekers. We saw tons of people heading out on jetskiing tours around Airlie Beach. Zoom around the calm waters around Airlie Beach and explore hidden bays and beaches at high speeds. Whitsunday Jetski Tours offers a few different tour options, and includes free pick-up and drop-off to your accommodation.

Proserpine crocodile tour

It’s not all about the reef and the islands in the Whitsundays. Inland in Proserpine, you can come face to face with northern Queensland’s very own dinosaur – the crocodile. Whitsunday Crocodile Safari offers a day-tour including a cruise on the Proserpine River to spot some of the 150 saltwater crocodiles living there. They include pick-up and drop-off from Airlie Beach, a BBQ lunch, wetlands tour, and afternoon tea.

Day trips from Airlie Beach

If you don’t already have a car, we would recommend hiring one for a day or two as there are some great self-drive day trips to be done from Airlie Beach.

Hydeaway Bay

Hydeaway Bay is a sleepy beachfront town about a 45-minute drive from Airlie Beach. The name Hydeaway Bay is often used to also encompass the surrounding areas of Dingo Beach and Cape Gloucester. If you’re looking for seclusion, this is the perfect place. A local’s favourite, the beaches here are empty, with gorgeous mountain backdrops. It’s one of those special places where there’s almost nothing to do, so you can kick back and enjoy relaxing. Sunsets are extra special from here as in many places you can see the sun go down over the water.

Our Hydeaway Bay Guide has everything you need to know for a day trip, or to stay a while

Bowen would be considered the other mainland ‘hub’ of the Whitsundays. Although nowhere near as big or busy as Airlie Beach, there is a lot to see in Bowen and it is well worth the trip. The landscape here is very unique, with rocky bays as opposed to a long stretch of sand. In addition to the Big Mango (a mandatory stop, of course!), a swim and snorkel at Horseshoe Bay, the Cape Edgecumbe walking track, and spotting all the murals around the town are some of the must-do things in Bowen.

We wish we had a lot more time in this town, and it looked like the perfect place to spend a few days relaxing. There are some beautiful beachfront caravan parks and accommodation, and it had a lovely, sleepy vibe. We combined the day trip with a stop at Hydeaway Bay, but we would suggest dedicating at least a whole day to Bowen if not longer.

Heading to Bowen? Check out our Top 10 Things to do in Bowen, Queensland

Where to stay in Airlie Beach

Being a tourist town, there is a great range of accommodation options for all budgets in Airlie Beach. Here are a few of our top picks.

Camping caravan park

If you’re looking to park your van or pitch a tent, most of the usual caravan park chains such as Discovery Parks and BIG 4 are outside of the Airlie Beach town centre. Base Nomads Hostel (Base and Nomads hostels are now owned by the same people) is right in the main street of Airlie Beach. In addition to the hostel, it also offers powered and non-powered sites for those with a tent or campervan. This would be our choice if we were visiting with a van, as you’re right in the heart of the action and could walk most places.

During our time in Airlie, we stayed at Backpackers by the Bay . There are a ton of hostels to choose from in this backpacker town, but we were really happy with our choice. Backpackers by the Bay is a short ten-minute walk from the centre of town. And although there are hostels right in the main street, they were all pretty rowdy, with public bars attached too, which I think would have made sleeping pretty tricky! The vibe at Backpackers by the Bay was really laid back, the communal areas and gardens were beautiful, and they had the coolest hostel showers I’ve ever seen!

Mid-range hotel

If you’re looking for something nicer than a hostel, but without jumping into that very pricey range, Heart Hotel was recommended to us by a friend. It is literally in the heart of Airlie Beach, giving you easy access to everything in the town within walking distance. There are also some great Airbnbs in Airlie Beach, however, do keep in mind that many of these places are on the hill behind the town, and it can be quite a steep walk up and down.

Splurge fancy hotel

We always like to have at least one night of splurging on our trips, and we chose to spend a night at the Coral Sea Marina Resort whilst we were in Airlie Beach. The resort is as beachfront as it comes, in a private area between the centre of Airlie, and the Coral Sea Marina. This is where you find The Rocks, which I mentioned above. Staying here was an amazing experience, the views from around the pool were spectacular. And our room also had stunning ocean views. If you have the extra bit of cash to splash (we didn’t unfortunately!), their Spa Deluxe Rooms have a spa bath on the balcony, with a hammock overlooking the ocean. If you’re going to stay here, I would suggest carving out a day to just enjoy the resort and relax!

Best Things to do in Airlie Beach & Whitsundays: Complete

Well, there you have it! I hope this post is useful for you planning your own Airlie Beach and Whitsundays adventure. We absolutely loved our time here, and it’s earnt a spot for us as one of our favourite places in Australia! Let me know in the comments below if you’ve been to Airlie Beach, or are planning a trip there yourself. What did you love? Would you add anything to this list?

Sally Rodrick

Sally Rodrick is the voice behind Sally Sees. She has spent 12 months travelling in Mexico and Central America, and has her sights firmly set on South America. Sally helps thousands of readers discover the magic of Latin America. Sharing detailed guides to inspire and equip them with the knowledge they need to plan their own epic adventures in this incredible part of the world.

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30 Best Things To Do In Airlie Beach 2024 Guide

Looking for the best things to do in Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef? There’s plenty to do in this awesome little town, we’ve stayed here multiple times in the last couple of years!

Not only is Airlie Beach the gateway to the incredible Whitsundays, there’s loads of top Airlie Beach activities to discover, which we are going to share with you.

Discover amazing waterfalls, beautiful National Parks and the best places to eat when you visit Airlie Beach! We did a lot of research and visited as many places as possible to bring you the ultimate guide for anyone looking to explore Airlie Beach. Read our Most Popular Whitsunday Day Trips From Airlie Beach guide to plan the tours you want to do.

Table of Contents

Watch Our Airlie Beach & Whitsundays Video

We filmed our Whitsundays day trip and a few of the best things to do in Airlie Beach!

30 Best Things To Do In Airlie Beach

Here’s our ultimate guide for things to do at Airlie Beach in Whitsundays. This beautiful beach town in Queensland has knock out views overlooking some of the most magnificent water in the whole of Australia.

1. Jump on a Whitsundays day trip

There are so many Whitsunday day trips to choose between when looking for things to do in Airlie Beach, but which one is the best? Check out our Ocean Rafting vs Thunder Cat Review to find out which one would suit you.

In the meantime, here’s a quick run down on them.

Ocean Rafting

• They offer a Day Trip To Whitehaven beach but also a Scenic Flight Option as well which I absolutely highly recommend.
• It’s a super fast 30 minute boat ride to Hill Inlet Lookout
• The only boat which will pick you up from the inlet (a much welcome as it’s so hot on this island)
• Includes 2 snorkel spots in the Great Barrier Reef
• You can choose to add lunch as an extra or bring your own to make it cheaper if needed

Thunder Cat

• The boat is bigger than Ocean Rafting and you can relax and chat on board
• It takes one hour to arrive to Hill Inlet
• You get more time at Betty’s Beach and Whitehaven Bay
• Our snorkelling experience was personally better than Ocean Rafting for seeing fish and coral in the Great Barrier Reef.

2. If you only do ONE other tour than the Whitehaven Beach trip, do this one!

Aside from visiting the amazing Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet lookout, do not miss out on the seaplane scenic flight over the famous Whitehaven beach, and Heart Reef. Seeing both of these places is a huge bucket list that you really should do it, simply to see the perspective of the reef and of the famous beach!

When we did this experience recently, I thought it was exceptional and easily one of the best things to do in Airlie Beach! When booking this amazing experience, you’ll be taken out near to Proserpine Airport.

We actually booked ours just before we need to catch our flight as the team will drop you off at the airport afterwards. This means you can save on the shuttle bus from Airlie Beach when you leave, or book when you land. Thank me later for this tip!

3. Enjoy a relaxing tallship cruise to Whitehaven Beach

Enjoy a classic and absolutely beautiful sailing trip to Whitehaven Beach on board an incredible sailing ship. the 62-ft sailing boat will take you across the Whitsunday Passage and towards Tongue Bay for a relaxed day to watch the world go by in one of the most beautiful places in Australia (and the world!). I would 100% book this tour next time I’m in Whitsundays for sure.

4. Bucket list must! Reef Sleep & Reef Suites

The Reefsleep and Reefsuites experience on the Reefworld Pontoon is a once in a lifetime bucket list experience where you get to sleep on the Great Barrier Reef in the outer reef at Hardy Reef.

We did the Reefsleep experience recently and loved watching the sun go down and the sun rise from opposite ends of the pontoon from our luxury swag tent. We also went scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef from here and had a great time. Check out My Honest Reefsleep Review before booking this incredible experience!

5. Swim at Cedar Creek Falls

Cedar Creek Falls is a bit of a locals hidden gem! It’s an half an hour drive South of Airlie Beach and is a stunning waterfall to swim underneath on a hot day.

You can jump on this tour which will take you there! Bring mozzie spray if you’re going in the morning or late afternoon. We didn’t stay long as we were getting smashed as we turned up just before sunset which was in December. You can actually swim underneath the waterfall too!

6. Tick off a popular Airlie Beach sky dive

No trip is complete to Australia or up the East Coast of Australia if you haven’t experienced an Airlie Beach skydive! I can’t think of a better place to tick off your skydive bucket list because the views over the Whitsundays would be absolutely incredible! You can book your sky dive here as it does book up fast. It’s no wonder this is one of the best things to do in Airlie Beach!

7. Enjoy a beautiful sunset cruise

Explore the beautiful coastline of Airlie Beach with a 2 hour sunset cruise on a catamaran , which includes snacks and bubbles. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot sea turtles on this cruise, and plan it on a Wednesday and you’ll see the locals take part in the weekly boat race.

8. Visit the lesser known islands on a jet ski tour around Whitsundays

Prefer to do things a little off the beaten track in Whitsundays? This popular two-island jet ski tour in Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef is an action packed three hour adventure, taking you to two of the most exclusive islands, including Daydream Island and South Molle Islands. This is a fantastic tour to consider if you’d prefer to have the freedom to go on your own jet ski to explore the islands.

9. Spend 2 nights on a fun boat

This amazingly  huge racing yacht  takes up to 26 guests on a two day and two night tour to the famous Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, snorkelling at Luncheon Bay, Caves Cove, Blue Pearl Bay, plus other amazing locations.

As it’s one of the fastest yachts in Australia, this is the perfect tour for the adventurous travellers! Expect all meals included while you relax on the deck and take in the views.

10. Explore the Whitsundays your way

Did you know there’s a ferry you can jump on to explore the Whitsunday islands? Instead of going on a tour, you can jump on the ferry from Airlie Beach to Daydream Island and Hamilton Island at your own time. Download the Ferry Schedule here.

11. Feel like you’re in Thailand at the affordable Palm Bay Resort

If you’re thinking about visiting the Whitsunday Islands and wondering which ones to opt for, I highly recommend Palm Bay Resort, located on Long Island. This hidden gem is an amazing adults only paradise complete with cabins on the beach and hammocks to sit outside your room admiring the views.

It’s an affordable getaway and really reminded us of a luxury backpacker experience for grown ups – like we’d all have a few drinks and in bed by 9pm. Honestly, I couldn’t rave more highly about this awesome island. You can read all about it in my We Found Paradise At Palm Bay Resort – A Review You Must Read .

12. Go for a swim at the free Airlie Beach Lagoon

Airlie Beach Lagoon easily rivals the famous Cairns Lagoon for being a fantastic free swimming pool in the heart of the town. Because you can’t swim in the main beach during stinger season (summer), a lagoon is available for all to use. There’s loads of grassy spots to put your beach towel down and sleep off that hangover!

13. Le Shack Scooter Hire

We saw a lot of people on electric scooters in Airlie Beach which you can hire from Le Shack. When we met James & Jordan who run Le Shack, we knew we had to highlight their amazing cafe and scooter hire.

Because a lot of people fly to Airlie Beach and don’r rent a car, it makes it much easier to get around town by renting out a scooter from them. Make sure you pop in for a coffee and get a beautiful insta photo on their swing outside.

14. Entertain the kids at the local playground

If you’re looking for things to do in Airlie Beach for kids, check out the playground at the end of main street next to The Airlie Beach Hotel. It’s quite an impressive playground with bridges to walk across and somewhere you can totally chill out whilst the kids run havoc!

It’s also located next door to a carpark and almost opposite The Airlie Beach Hotel, so you shouldn’t have any problems finding a park nearby.

15. Go for a swim at the hidden Boathaven Beach in town

If you continue driving along from the car park where the playground is, it looks like you’re just going down a residential street next to the harbour. But, at the end of the street is a car park which leads you to a hidden beach called Boathaven Beach. It sort of looks like a private beach for the huge homes facing it, but it’s a public beach!

I really liked this beach as it feels like you’re a million miles away from the main strip and it’s lovely and peaceful. Plus, there’s a swimming net so if you’re visiting during the Summer like we did, you don’t need to worry about the stingers in the water.

16. Get away from it all at Conway National Park

When I looked at the map of Airlie Beach, I could see it’s surrounded by Conway National Park. So I went to check it out and it turns out, Conway National Park is an absolutely stunning tropical paradise with plenty of hidden local beaches and walking trails! Just 15 minutes away from town and you’ll feel like you’ve come to another part of Australia. It’s quiet and tropical, and as you reach Shute Harbour Lookout, you’ll be in awe of the landscape.

Make sure you keep driving around Conway National Park and drive around to Harbour Avenue. The views are absolutely amazing and you can see right to Hamilton Island. I was in awe of the homes around here and spoke to one of the residents about what it’s like living in this tropical paradise. He had spent years trying to find the perfect place and voila! He found it overlooking the magnificent Whitsunday Islands.

17. Get an Airlie Beach sign selfie

It wouldn’t be a holiday in Airlie Beach without getting a classic photo of the Airlie Beach Sign. You’ll find it at the top end of the main street. It might take a little coordination getting a photo as it’s located on a roundabout. Just be careful, obviously.

18. Climb to the top of Honeyeater Lookout

If you’re looking for the best lookout in Airlie Beach, you must make the effort to go to Honeyeater Lookout. Just be prepared for a 1.5hr climb up to the top and about an hour on the way back down. It’s worth it though! Park near to Kara Crescent to start the walk.

19. Spend the day at an Airlie Beach Day Spa

If you’re looking for things to do indoors in Airlie Beach, or simply chilled out things, check out the  Airlie Day Spa Express  which is located right in the middle of town, on the Airlie Esplanade. With a range of beauty treatments to choose from, this could make the perfect afternoon activity in Airlie Beach.

Places To Visit Near Airlie Beach

There are a few hidden gems and places to visit near Airlie Beach which you should make the effort to go to. If you don’t have a car, hire a car from the below so you can discover these amazing things to do in near Airlie Beach.

20. Discover the local hidden gem at Hydeaway Bay

Now, I was absolutely looking forward to visiting airlie beach and checking out Hydeaway Bay but unfortunately it rained the day I wanted to head over there.

This locals hidden gem of a beach looks absolutely amazing and it’s on my list to visit next time for sure! It’s a 45 minute drive to Hydeaway Bay from Airlie Beach, and has accommodation and a campsite next to the beach.

21. As well as Dingo Beach

Around the corner from Hydeaway Bay in Cape Gloucester is the beautiful Dingo Beach. This beach looks absolutely beautiful and there’s a stinger net so you can happily swim and make the most of this pristine beach in the Whitsundays.

22. Spot the famous kangaroos at Cape Hillsborough beach at sunrise

Cape Hillsborough National Park is located a 1h30m drive South of Airlie Beach and it’s famous for the wild kangaroo’s on the beach at sunrise. The beach is absolutely beautiful and you really feel like you’re away from it all and it’s definitely worth a visit.

There is a fantastic campground on this beach which would be worth staying at overnight so you can see the kangaroos at sunrise. We loved visiting this stunning place and it’s one of those pinch me moments for anyone looking to see kangaroos on the beach on the East Coast.

23. Discover beautiful and underrated town of Bowen

If you’re looking for more places to visit near to Airlie Beach, we recommend driving one hour up the road to Bowen. Firstly it’s home to the Big Mango which is home to the best frozen mango we’ve ever had! You’ll probably see loads of stalls on the way to Bowen selling freshly grown mangos super cheap too!

Make sure you head over to Horseshoe Bay which is a stunning little beach in Bowen complete with the perfect shaped boulders protecting it. Bowen has been put on the map as the new up and coming beach destination in Australia. The town is a bit run down but the beaches and campsites are pretty spectacular, even if it was cloudy on the day we visited.

Where To Eat & Drink In Airlie Beach

Looking for the best Airlie Beach restaurants? Here’s some of the most popular places to eat in Airlie Beach. We didn’t have amazing meals, but we loved the evening holiday vibe at the restaurants. I’m sure there’s some hidden gems worth exploring.

24. Airlie Beach Hotel

The Airlie Beach Hotel is basically king pin when it comes to Airlie Beach restaurants and pubs. It takes over a large part of the bottom half of the main strip and is brightly lit, it would be hard to miss. It’s packed every night and wouldn’t be somewhere I’d recommend staying at purely for noise purposes (there’s accommodation above it).

Although it’s a really busy pub, we recommend being mindful and making sure you support other restaurants and pubs in the town as well. We didn’t actually eat here but it was packed all of the time.

25. Magnums Bar

I remember Magnums in Airlie Beach when I first visited back in 2006. This long established bar is the perfect place to come to if you want to basically have more than a few beers. It attracts mostly backpackers and 20 something year old Aussies, but it looks like a good laugh with all open air drinking on long benches – the perfect opportunity to meet other people. They have live music and DJs on most nights.

26. KC’s Bar & Grill For Live Music

KC’s Bar & Grill is another popular bar in Airlie Beach which is a bit more quirky than the others in town. With an outback decor theme, expect live music from bands which attracts a more older crowd for the 30+ somethings.

27. Local’s favourite Beaches Bar & Grill

If you’re looking to find a more local pub in Airlie Beach, go and check out Beaches Bar & Grill. With cheaper bar prices than the other places in town, you’ll find friendly locals hanging out here.

28. Hidden gem at Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill

We actually only found Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill because we were staying nearby. Located down a deserted road, you’ll almost wonder if you’re heading in the right direction to find this local hangout. When you reach the end of the road, you’ll basically come to a resort style pub which overlooks Airlie Beach.

There’s a fantastic outdoor area, complete with an outdoor bar and stage. We could only dream of the parties held here which would be amazing! They run a shuttle bus to and from the town if you don’t want to drive.

29. Fish D’Vine for seafood & cocktails

We heard Fish D’Vine is one of the best places to eat in Airlie Beach so we managed to get a reservation when we stayed in town on our way back home.

Home to some of the freshest seafood in Airlie Beach and a rum collection with over 500 worldwide rums, it was unsurprising that everyone in the restaurant (including myself) was ordering cocktails.

I tried to Blueberry mojito and it was actually really good! We had the fish curry & ocean basket and I must say the curry was the better option.

Try Sorrento at Coral Sea Marina for more seafood and sunset cocktails.

30. La Tabella for a posh dinner

We had also read La Tabella is one of the best Airlie Beach restaurants as well. When we walked past the restaurant, the food did indeed look excellent. It’s worth mentioning this place because we would have dined here if we had more time.

Where To Stay In Airlie Beach

Looking for the best Airlie Beach accommodation? Look no further.

• Luxury : Coral Sea Marina Resort – we stayed here and it’s fantastic (pictured). The outdoor pool is an amazing spot to kick back at sunset on the day bed with a cocktail in hand.
• Luxury : Mirage Whitsundays – five minute drive from Airlie Beach with outdoor pool and beautiful palm trees.
• Mid range : Whitsunday Terraces Resort – jaw-dropping views overlooking the Whitsundays and Airlie Beach.
• Backpacker : Magnums – legendary and long standing backpacker resort for party goers.

Don’t Forget To Watch Our Airlie Beach Video

More airlie beach and whitsunday guides to read.

If you’re looking for more inspiration for your Whitsundays trip and more things to do in Airlie Beach, check out our popular guides below! Check out our Queensland guides page for more travel guides to help you plan your East Coast trip.

• 16 Very Best Whitsunday Tours To Choose From In 2023
• My Honest Reefsleep Whitsundays Review: What You Need To Know
• How We Found Paradise At Palm Bay Resort Whitsundays
• 37 Best Things To Do In Airlie Beach & Whitsundays
• Honest Whitsundays Boat Tour Review: Ocean Rafting vs Thunder Cat
• What Our Whitsundays Day Trip With Thunder Cat In Airlie Beach Looked Like
• Is The Ocean Rafting Whitsundays Day Trip Worth It?
• 18 Best Whitsunday Day Trips From Airlie Beach

Best Things To Do In Airlie Beach Queensland

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Hi guys! Liz here:) You sent overour engagement video, thank you for that!! I’ve just read your entire blog on Airlie beach and watched the video! So awesome! I will share it in my socials and my tourism students. Best of luck with everything!

Thanks Liz! Glad we were able to be a small part of your proposal! Thank you for sharing this article for us 🙂 x

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36 Best Things To Do In Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a tropical paradise located near the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef . It is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the launch point for the best boat trips out to the islands and reef. As a flourishing coastal town, visitors to the area will find a beachy vibe, friendly locals, and plenty of fun things to do!

Within the heart of Airlie Beach , you can find restaurants , bars, pubs, shops, hostels , hotels , and anything else you may need for an epic Queensland holiday. Most amenities and shops in Airlie Beach are conveniently located on the main street, making everything easily accessible by foot. The Port of Airlie and Coral Sea Marina are both right near the town centre as well, making it super easy to book excursions to the islands and reef sites offshore!

The Best Things To Do In Airlie Beach, Queensland

There are so many fun things to do in Airlie Beach, from taking day trips to the surrounding natural wonders to just exploring the quaint town centre. You can easily spend a few days soaking in all that Airlie  has to offer. Boat trips are the main draw for visitors, and it's smart to spend at least a day in Airlie Beach before your trip to ensure you don't encounter any delays! However, we always recommend staying longer as there are so many fun things to do in town!

1. Book An Overnight Sailing Tour

Airlie Beach is known as the “Heart of the Reef” and truly is the gateway to t he Whitsunday Islands! The 74 Island chain is home to vast fringing reefs, beautiful beaches, sheltered bays, and coves for calm overnight anchorages, making it one of the best places in the world to sail. Overnight sailing tours are the best way to experience the vast natural beauty! You get to sleep on the ocean in cozy cabins, watch the sunrise, and even spot majestic whales if you're visiting during their migration season! A sailing tour is truly the main reason why most travellers visit Airlie Beach!

2. Go For A Hike

Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and sightsee in Airlie Beach. Between Conway National Park on the mainland and the various trails on the islands, there are tons of epic hikes you can do while visiting Airlie Beach. The Honeyeater Lookout and Mount Rooper are popular trails on the mainland, the former of which you can walk to from downtown Airlie! Whitsunday Peak and Whitsunday Cairn are some of the best hikes out on Whitsunday Island , and Passage Peak on Hamilton Island is another awesome trail. 

3. Find Betty's Beach

This little gem is one of the most underrated beaches in The Whitsundays. Despite being only a short walk from the famous Whitehaven Beach , it is not uncommon to get this little slice of paradise to yourself even when the rest of Whitehaven is quite busy. Betty's Beach is just a short walk away from North Whitehaven , and most day trips or overnight tours give you plenty of free time to explore!

4. Relax at the Airlie Beach Lagoon

One of the best things to do in Airlie Beach on a hot day is sunbake or swim in the Airlie Beach Lagoon! Nestled in the centre of town, the Airlie Beach Lagoon is considered the jewel of Airlie Beach. This spacious public swimming pool has grassy areas, sandy areas, and picnic tables as well as toilet facilities and drinking water. There is even a kids splash area if you're visiting Airlie Beach with kids !

5. Go On A Scenic Flight

One of the most incredible things you may ever do in your life is a scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef. Whether you opt for a seaplane or a helicopter , a birds-eye view of this stunning part of Australia will blow your mind. From the swirling Hill Inlet, to the iconic Heart Reef , the views are so beautiful you'll never want to come down!

6. Take A Day Trip To Whitehaven Beach

No trip to the Whitsundays is complete without seeing Whitehaven Beach! This famous location has dreamy white silica sand and is often ranking as one of the best beaches in the world . If you don't have time for an overnight sailing tour, you can jump on a day trip to Whitehaven from Airlie Beach . Popular day boats include Ocean Rafting , Whitsunday Bullet , Camira , and Big Fury . 

7. Grab A Morning Coffee From An Airlie Beach Cafe

Start your day in Airlie Beach like an Aussie local and grab a coffee! Australians love their coffee, and there are some amazing cafes in town where you can get brekky and a delicious coffee. If you're not into caffeine, get your vitamins with a smoothie !

8. Watch The Sunrise At Hydeaway Bay

If you want to greet the sun as soon as it crests over the horizon, Hydeaway Bay is one of the few spots on the mainland that will deliver. This place could not be more aptly named - the sheltered beach is usually dead calm, tranquil, and deserted. For the more adventurous there are a number of rock scrambles that will allow for a better vantage point to welcome the day.  

  9. Lounge on South Whitehaven Beach

Because who doesn’t want to drink champagne with your toes in the sand, on one of the world's best beaches? Whether you're on a day trip or an overnight trip , time spent on South Whitehaven Beach is always worth it. Bring sunscreen and a towel, and pack drinking water as well because Whitehaven is 7km long ! Stroll on the silica sand that doesn't retain heat, swim in the crystal clear waters, and cherish every moment. 

10. Hang out by the North Whitehaven Tree

Without a doubt the most famous tree in the Whitsundays, this North Whitehaven icon doubles as the perfect photo opp and the world's best towel rack. This massive, washed up tree trunk creates interesting shapes and is a staple of North Whitehaven Beach. You may not be able to walk to it at high tide , but it always makes for great photos! And be sure to visit the famous Hill Inlet Lookout while you're over there!

  11. Go For Cocktails At Northerlies

One of Airlie Beach’s hidden gems , located a short drive to the north of town, Northerlies actually looks back at the vista of Airlie across the bay! Some of the best cocktails in town combined with a Bali-ish vibe of open-plan eating, live music, and endless sunbeds make this a must for those seeking a day of indulgence. (Local tip: Their courtesy bus is free!)

  12. Go Snorkelling

The Whitsundays are home to a vibrant underwater wonderland full of breathtaking snorkel spots . Most islands support their own fringing reef ecosystem, bustling with life and colour. The calm bays create the perfect shelter for a huge variety of marine life , some regulars include Green sea turtles , Maori Wrasse, Manta Rays , and Small Reef Sharks.

13. Visit the Outer Reef

For an even more immersive Great Barrier Reef experience, head to the Outer Reef . Located a few hours offshore from Airlie Beach, the Outer Reef has larger coral networks than the fringing reefs. Spend a day snorkelling or scuba diving in the world's largest coral reef system, spotting marine life and frolicking through this UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

14. Skydive Over the Islands

If jumping from a plane is on your bucket list, The Whitsundays is the perfect place to tick that box. Skydive Australia describes Airlie Beach as “Australia’s most beautiful drop zone” and they don’t throw that term around lightly.  You can choose to jump over Airlie Beach on the mainland, or consider skydiving over Whitehaven Beach for an extra special view!

15. Tour The Airlie Beach Markets

Another one of the best things to do in Airlie Beach is explore the local markets! Every Saturday from 7am to 1pm, local vendors set up their stalls right in the town centre. The Airlie Beach Markets are a great place to shop for souvenirs, mingle with locals, and grab a bite to eat. 

16. Ride A Jet Ski

Feel like playing James Bond for the day? Lucky for you, there are some thrilling jet ski tours that you can book during your visit to Airlie Beach. Jet skis offer an exciting way to sightsee around town, with gorgeous views from the water. Spot marine life, feel the ocean breeze, and learn about local flora and fauna from your guide. 

17. Watch New Whale Families on their Annual Migration

In the Whitsundays, we are truly blessed to witness the annual migration of the majestic humpback whales. Every winter, whales migrate to Tropical North Queensland from the cold waters of Antarctica. From July to October, you can see these majestic giants roaming the warm waters of the Whitsundays as they mate, calve, and raise their young. On any boat tour during whale season, you have a high chance of spotting whales and bay whales in the ocean. T o maximise your chances of a whale sighting, we suggest spending as much time on the water as possible with a private charter .

18. Sleep Under the Stars on the Great Barrier Reef

That's right, you can stay on the Great Barrier Reef overnight! Reefsleep allows 30 guests the opportunity to experience the magic of the world-famous Great Barrier Reef by spending the night in an outdoor reefbed located on a stable pontoon. This is a once in a lifetime experience! Or you can opt for the luxurious underwater hotel, Reefsuites . Either way, you can spend your days snorkelling and diving and spend your nights eating delicious food and watching the sunset over the reef. 

19. Explore Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island is one of the most famous locations in the Whitsundays! You can easily visit this stunning island on a day trip from Airlie Beach . Go golfing, visit the wildlife park, try a hiking trail, sip cocktails by the pool, lounge on Catseye Beach, or try water sports - there are so many things to do on Hamilton Island ! You can even stay there overnight as there are lots of excellent resorts on the island. 

20. Learn to Scuba Dive

Scuba diving is the most immersive way to explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Under the surface everything is calm, your movements are slow, and your senses are alight. The real magic happens when the wildlife becomes accustomed to your presence and will surround you like you’re a part of their ecosystem. Join a sailing tour with scuba diving on board or opt for the scuba diving option on an Outer Reef trip ! For a deeper level of education, sign up for a dive course !

21. Lounge At An Island Resort

There’s something special about being disconnected from the mainland, and the Whitsundays are home to some of the most exclusive and luxurious island resorts . From the famous Qualia on Hamilton Island , to the 100% solar-powered Elysian Retreat on Long Island, there is no better place to escape the stress of daily life than a Whitsundays resort. 

22. See The Underwater Observatory On Daydream Island

Brand new and bigger than ever, Daydream Island's Underwater Observatory is the coolest way to observe the Great Barrier Reef's ecosystem without getting in the water. The 200m, 1.5 million litre tank is packed with baby sting rays, sharks, starfish, and over 100 unique species of reef fish. Known as the Living Reef, this amazing attraction is the perfect safe, family-friendly way to learn about the local marine life. 

23. Try Adventure Sailing On A Maxi Yacht

The best place to enjoy performance sailing in the Whitsundays is without a doubt on a maxi yacht . If you have never been sailing, then this is the place to start! Ideal for backpackers and the young at heart who are aged 18-35, maxi yachts in the Whitsundays offer a fun, social, adventurous experience. Most of them are BYO and have fun add-ons like scuba diving, waterslides, paddleboards, and more. They are also affordable and perfect for budget travellers in Airlie Beach!

24. Watch The Sunset From Mandalay Bay

Another one of the best things to do in Airlie Beach for free is watch the sunset from Mandalay Bay. There are a few little sandy bays along Mandalay Road, as well as a small fishing pier (use at your own risk) to take in the vista. It’s hard to describe how beautiful Golden Hour is here, and you can often spot sea turtles in the calm waters.

25. Enjoy The Airlie Beach Nightlife

Airlie Beach has incredible nightlife ! There’s a bit of a local saying that “Airlie Beach is a drinking town, with a sailing problem”, some could argue the opposite. Regardless, having a drink at each of the famous pubs on the main street is a favourite all-weather activity. From cocktail bars to nightclubs , Airlie Beach has it all. Our self-guided pub crawl itinerary would look something like this;

Boaty's for some beers in the sun

Magnums for live music in the afternoon

Beaches for a few rounds of pool 

Sandbar for dinner and happy hour

Paddy's Shenanigans for 9pm live music and a wild night out

Boom or Mama Africa’s to cut some late-night shapes

26. Go For A Dip In Cedar Creek Falls

Visiting the secluded and tranquil Cedar Creek Falls is one of the best things to do in Airlie Beach! Located halfway between Airlie Beach and Proserpine, this stunning three-tier waterfall cascades into a perfectly formed natural rock amphitheatre, making it a stunning backdrop for a refreshing swim. If you don't have a car , you can jump on a guided tour that will take you to the falls on a day trip. 

27. Go Paddleboarding

This is a truly special experience! There is no better way to explore a serene Whitsunday bay or reef than on a stand-up paddleboard. With a high vantage point, you increase the likelihood of seeing fish, rays, turtles, and the contours of the reef all while staying completely dry (hopefully). Most of the best overnight tours include paddle-boards in their collection of water sport accessories, and you can also rent them in downtown Airlie Beach near Shingley Beach and go for a paddle on your own. 

28. Sail into the Sunset

The best way to wind down a day in Airlie Beach is with a sunset sail . Cruise around Pioneer Bay for a few hours and watch the sun dip below the horizon. Many sunset sails include a glass of bubbles and some light snacks as well. Top sunset sails include Derwent Hunter , Domino , and Providence !

29. Mingle With Aussie Wildlife

A little bit cheesy, yes. A little bit touristy, definitely. A little bit overrated? Not even a little bit. Seeing some classic Australian animals is a must, and Airlie Beach has some awesome activities where you can admire and mingle with the local creatures. Bredl's Wild Farm has lots of interactive animal experiences, or you can go on a Proserpine River Cruise to see saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat.  Did you even go to Australia if you didn’t get a photo hugging a koala?

30. Get Involved In Airlie Beach Race Week

This Airlie Beach Tradition over 30 years old is, without a doubt, a highlight of the year. If you want to compete in Airlie Beach Race Week, you can visit their official site for more information. 

31. Learn to Sail

Renowned as a sailing mecca, the Whitsundays is one of the best places on earth to learn the ropes of harnessing the wind. This Introduction to Sailing course is great for beginners who have an interest in yachts and want to develop this further. In addition to sailing courses, you can also just ask your crew for some tips while you're on a sailing tour . Most skippers are happy to give you a little lesson and let you get involved!

32. Book A Private Charter

If you're visiting Airlie Beach with a small group and you're looking for an intimate, top-notch experience, consider a private charter ! Tours are always fun, but a private charter allows you to fill a vessel with just your group. A skipper and tour guide will join you to take care of all the navigation, food prep, and cleaning. All you have to do is design your dream itinerary and enjoy the ride! From overnight charters , to sunset charters , to big group celebration charters , the holiday of your dreams awaits you in Airlie Beach. 

33. Soak In The Sun At Boathaven Beach

Another one of the best things to do in Airlie Beach for free is have a beach day at Boathaven Beach ! Also called New Beach by the locals, Boathaven Beach is the best place to swim in the salt water near the town centre of Airlie. There is a stinger net to keep you safe during stinger season , and there is plenty of soft white sand for lounging. 

34. Jet Boat Around the Harbour

For a boost of adrenaline, hop on a jet boat and enjoy an action-packed ride around Airlie Beach. Spitting out an incredible 600 Litres of water per second, you will be amazed at the speed you will reach with Pioneer Jet Whitsundays . This family-friendly adventure is like a roller coaster on the water!

35. Ride A Helicopter To Whitehaven Beach

You may have realised that many of the best things to do in Airlie Beach involve Whitehaven Beach . It is truly a highlight of the area! If you want to take your Whitehaven experience to the next level, consider a helicopter tour to the beach ! Not only can you view the natural wonder from the sky, you can land right on the beach and spend some time sipping champagne and enjoying the sun, sand, and salt before getting a helicopter ride back to Airlie Beach. 

36. Watch The Sunrise With Kangaroos

Last but not least on our list of the best things to do in Airlie Beach is sunrise with kangaroos ! Head down to Cape Hillsborough National Park to see adorable kangaroos frolicking on the beach at sunrise. It's a magical way to start the day while exploring Australia!

Looking for even more things to do in Airlie Beach? Live chat with our travel experts today!

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Best Time of Year to visit Airlie Beach & the Whitsunday Islands

Are you a beach lover, chasing the sun and planning your next getaway in the stunning Whitsunday Islands? With year-round warm weather and endless sunshine days, it’s easy to assume it has it all. But you might be wondering when is the best time of year to visit Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands?

Unsurprisingly, you’ll always be on the hunt for an optimal experience on any vacation. Therefore, today we’ll discuss the weather, crowds, and even month-to-month comparisons to help determine the best time for you!

So, read on, and let me help you make it your best getaway to paradise!

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Best time of year to visit Airlie Beach & the Whitsunday Islands

Key Takeaways: When it comes to seeing the stunning beaches and the Whitsundays region, I feel like the best time of year to visit Airlie Beach is the shoulder seasons in  Autumn and Spring . In Australia, this includes the months from  March to May  and  September to November . 

There are a few reasons why and I’ll go into more detail on this below. But essentially, the shoulder seasons have perfect weather conditions that aren’t too hot or too cold, and these months fall outside of the stinger season. Not only that, but the crowds during these times are at their least. 

➡  Compare prices for Accommodation HERE with Booking.com

Why is Autumn & Spring the best time to visit?

Weather .

With its warm days and cool nights, Autumn & Spring is the best time of the year to visit Airlie Beach when it comes to weather. Unlike in Summer, the humidity is still low enough to make the heat bearable for those not used to tropical climates. 

Whether you’re lounging poolside with a refreshing cocktail or exploring the stunning Whitsunday Islands, the average daily temperature of 27 degrees makes for the perfect climate. Although, nights can get a little cooler and might require a light jacket. 

Water Conditions

If you’re looking for the ultimate ocean adventure, especially seeing the Great Barrier Reef, then Spring & Autumn is the best way to go. Not only will you be met with crystal clear water and a clear blue sky, but calm sea conditions are very common. 

Most people are told to visit in the summertime. While this may be true for international guests, locals often prefer the winter months. However, if you want to avoid the crowds and high prices of peak season, visiting during the shoulder seasons is your best bet. 

Not only will you be able to enjoy the sights without being jostled by other tourists, but you may also find that accommodations and activities are more affordable. 

➡  Compare prices for tours HERE with Get Your Guide, or HERE with Viator.

If you’re hitting up the Great Barrier Reef between November and March each year, then you’ll likely have to wear a stinger suit. These pesky jellyfish, with their painful stingers, are unfortunately more common during the summer season. 

But fear not! The jellyfish activity is lower in the shoulder seasons, and so is the need for a lycra suit. Of course, if you plan on venturing out to the outer reef, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and wear a suit anyways. At least, that’s what I would recommend anyway!

Weather Conditions by Month?

A holiday to Airlie Beach can be exciting, but it’s important to know what kind of weather to expect during your stay. So, If you need more detail on the weather conditions by Month, I have this in more detail below!

Consequently, this will also help if you’re organising your stay outside of my suggestions above in Autumn and Spring.

Any trip in January should come expecting some serious heat. Temperatures can soar up to a sweltering 40 degrees thanks to heatwaves caused by synoptic ridges. 

But don’t fret – there’s a reason why air conditioning units are a must-have and why most hotel accommodation is fitted with them. Still, just make sure to look up the specifications before booking your stay!

Additionally, it’s common to find all kinds of rain during the summer season, from gentle drizzles to heavy downpours. More often than not, the rain falls at night, so you can still enjoy your day exploring the beautiful landscape of our tropical paradise. If it does happen to rain during the day, don’t worry because the storms usually blow over fairly quickly. 

As the sun sets, temperatures can dip down to a mild 25 degrees, creating the perfect cool-down for a good night’s sleep. Plus, nothing beats taking a dip in a refreshing swimming pool to escape the scorching heat during the day. 

Temperatures in February hover around 30 degrees Celsius and start to venture out of the summer season. Although, the weather can be unpredictable, and you might experience a heatwave that sends the thermometer soaring above 40 degrees or a monsoonal trough that drops it by as much as 7 degrees. 

But no matter what the weather brings, you can always find relief in the cool breeze that blows in from the ocean. And if you really need to beat the heat, there’s always the hotel pool or the Lagoon. 

March is a tricky month when it comes to weather, and it will range between 22 and 30 degrees. While the summer rain will be phasing out, there is still a need for raincoats and umbrellas. The good news is that most of the rain happens at night and won’t affect your daily beachside activities. 

Although, with the rain comes humidity, and those air conditioners will still be helpful. Either that, or you can find some free places to swim in nearby Conway National Park, and it’s really easy to get to Cedar Creek Falls . 

April is a month that’s worth the hype and the end of the wet season, which means farewell to the hot and humid days. This means you’ll range in temperatures from 19 to 28 degrees. 

With that in mind, you can get the chance to explore and conquer your outdoor adventures without feeling like you’re melting. And places like  Whitehaven Beach are absolutely worth it  this time of year. Furthermore, the sweet return of consistent southeast trade winds brings comfortable temperatures, making room for leisurely strolls around town. 

May is a curious month in the tropics of Airlie Beach and Central Queensland. With temperatures between 16 and 26 degrees, it’s like the cool older sibling who’s always out so late but still manages to wake up early and get things done. 

May marks the beginning of the dry season in this corner of the world, but you wouldn’t know it from looking around. Everything is lush and green, thanks to the underlying water that seeped in during the wet season. 

The best part? As the sun sets, you’ll get to know what it’s like to experience a cool breeze again. The temperature change isn’t drastic, but it’s just enough to make you want to throw on a pair of jeans and a light sweater. 

June is the best time of year for clear blue skies, sunshine, and cool breezes. The wet season is long gone, and the dry air takes over, making it ideal for outdoor activities. 

With daytime temperatures hovering around 2 degrees and nighttime plummeting below 15 degrees, it’s the perfect weather for exploring the islands. 

However, you might be wondering about how cold it is in the water. Truthfully, for me, it is a little cold and sometimes hard for tourists to jump into snorkelling activities on the Great Barrier Reef. Nevertheless, wet suits will help and are often provided on Day trip tours, or you can brave the cold for a shorter amount of time. 

In any case, always take a light jumper or coat on tours or when venturing out on the water. It will make the windy boat trips back to Airlie Beach a lot more comfortable.

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If you’re not a big fan of the scorching summer heat, then July is the perfect time Daytime temperatures rarely exceed 24 degrees, which is just the right amount of warmth to lounge around on the beach or explore the great outdoors. 

However, since it does get cooler in the evenings, I highly recommend bringing a decent jumper if you plan on spending time out on the water. But if you’re just planning on hanging around he town itself, then a t-shirt should suffice. 

In wintertime, you’ll generally find the Aussie road trippers venturing up from the southern states and visiting places like here and Cairns. Therefore, expect numbers to increase over this time with locals but fewer overseas tourists. 

August might still have the locals wearing their shorts and flip-flops, but visitors from other parts of the country may find the temperatures a bit too chilly. The temperatures range between 13 and 25 degrees.

Therefore, you’ll still need the light jackets in the evening and out on the water, but hanging out in Airlie should be very comfortable. August is known for being one of the driest months of the year here, and although we might get a little bit of rain, it usually falls at night.

September is when we start to say goodbye to winter temperatures and hello to extra warmth and sunshine. This is the perfect time to pack away your jumpers and explore the great outdoors in the Whitsundays. 

With daytime temperatures hovering around 26 degrees and nighttime temperatures falling to 16 degrees, you can finally break out the swimsuits and shorts. It’s the time of year when you can spend your days snorkelling in crystal-clear water without worrying about getting too cold.

And the best news is, the sea temperatures are just suitable for extended stays in the water and snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. You can also expect little to no rainfall, with occasional sprinkles occurring during the quiet morning hours. 

Ready for some tropical fun in the sun? October is the perfect time to head to Queensland’s Airlie Beach and The Whitsundays. The temperature hovers between 18 and 30 degrees providing the perfect excuse to soak up the rays and enjoy some outdoor adventures. 

With warm sea temperatures for snorkelling and beach lounging, you can stay in the water for as long as you like without getting chilled. Apart from that, the green hills may be losing their luscious color, but that doesn’t detract from the area’s natural beauty. 

November 

November has temperatures ranging between 20 and 31 degrees, so still one of the best months to get out exploring. Spring is the perfect time to hit the beach and take in all the beauty of the Whitsunday Islands, like  Hamilton Island  and Day Dream. 

And with the sea temperatures warming up, you can snorkel to your heart’s content without worrying about getting too chilly. Plus, while it’s the start of the stinger season, there isn’t too much concern with Lyrca suits or having too many jellyfish around. 

In December, summer is officially on its way! And with it comes those warm, balmy temperatures we’ve all been waiting for. 

During the day, temperatures will soar above 33 degrees Celsius, making the beach excursions, fans, and afternoon dips in the pools needed. At night, things will cool down to 22 degrees, providing a refreshing respite from the afternoon heat, but you still might need help with the air conditioning.

While the humidity may be on the rise, embrace it as a sign that summer is here to stay! And don’t be disheartened by the possibility of rainfall, as there’s nothing quite like watching a storm over the water from the comfort of your own balcony. 

Month-to-Month Average of Airlie Beach Weather

• January – High 32° / Low 22° – 11 days of Rain, 200mm
• February – High 31° / Low 23° – 14 days of Rain, 230mm
• March – High 30° / Low 22° – 14 days of Rain, 190mm
• April – High 28° / Low 19° – 11 days of Rain, 90mm
• May – High 26° / Low 16° – 8 days of Rain, 60mm
• June – High 24° / Low 12° – 4 days of Rain, 45mm
• July – High 23° / Low 12° – 4 days of Rain, 30mm
• August – High 25° / Low 13° – 3 days of Rain, 35mm
• September – High 27° / Low 15° – 3 days of Rain, 20mm
• October – High 30° / Low 18° – 4 days of Rain, 35mm
• November – High 31° / Low 20° – 5 days of Rain, 70mm
• December – High 32° / Low 22° – 8 day of Rain, 130mm

Wrap up – The best time of year to visit Airlie Beach & the Whitsunday Islands.

To conclude, while it’s OK to visit at any time, I feel like Autumn and Spring is the best time of year to visit Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands.

Just remember, if you want to really get away from it all, this is definitely one of those special places to do so! So trust us, book your trip today, and fall in love with what Airlie Beach offers during these gorgeous seasons. You won’t regret it!

Finally, if you’re looking for some added inspiration, make sure to check out my other  Queensland blogs!

“Hi, travel enthusiasts! I’m Chris Fry, The Aquarius Traveller Blogger. I’ve been exploring the world since 2007, documenting my journeys through the lens of my camera. Having visited over 37 countries, I’ve gained first-hand experiences that help you plan your adventures."

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