Airlie Beach is a locality in the Whitsunday Region of Queensland, Australia.  The area serves as one of the many departure points for the Great Barrier Reef, and enjoys a tropical climate.

Airlie Beach is a very popular tourist destination as it serves as the primary launch point for those hoping to explore the Whitsunday Islands.

A number of the ferries, tours, and adventures in and around the Whitsundays use the port as their base.

Airlie Beach: What to Do

 As you might imagine, the easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays serves as a major draw to Airlie Beach.

There are a number of tours, adventures, and trips that depart from the main Beach out to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays.  

Whether you are looking for a day trip, or a multiday adventure in the islands, there is a tour to suit your taste and budget departing from the port.

Additionally, if you want to spend the day out at the reef, snorkeling, diving, or just enjoying the scenery from the surface in a glass bottomed boat, there is something for you.

Of course there are other natural attractions in and around Airlie Beach.  Located in Conway National Park, there are a number of non-sea related activities as well.

Within the National Park, there are a number of walking trails, scenic drives, and an abundance of native wildlife.  

There are a variety of wildlife adventures in the park on offer for visitors.  The lush tropical forest is a beautiful place to spend a day hiking and taking in the wildlife.  However, if you want to get back to the sea, there is beautiful Beach Lagoon.

 As the water offshore of Airlie Beach is the home to the Box Jellyfish, the local counsel funded the man-made coastal swimming area, the Airlie Beach Lagoon.

Located right on the coast, the lagoon is filled with fresh, natural, and safe salt water, making the swimming experience as authentic as possible.

Of course you can visit the beautiful beaches at Airlie Beach and enjoy the day lounging in the sun, or playing beach games, but be careful if you decide to go in the water.  If you want a nice private day out in the water on a boat, there is a sailboat hire station available.

Fishers will enjoy the wonderful fishing at Airlie Beach.  Some of the best table fish and crustaceans are found in abundance at Airlie Beach.

Just spending a day walking around town in area can be an enjoyable experience.  The Airlie Beach Main Street has an abundance of souvenir shops, clothing stores, cafes, and pubs.

Alternatively, you could stroll along the Bicentennial Boardwalk, which winds along the coast of the Coral Sea from Airlie Beach to Abell Point Marina, before terminating in Cannonvale Beach.      
Airlie Beach also offers a range of entertainment options for the evenings, after you have enjoyed a day out in the Whitsundays, on the reef, or just poking around Airlie Beach.

There are a number of excellent restaurants serving local produce and fantastic seafood from the water just outside their doors.  Catering to every taste, there is some fine cuisine for everyone at Airlie Beach.

There is also an ample selection of nightlife options for you to enjoy after that wonderful dinner.  

With an array of bars, clubs, and other event venues, the beach town provides a variety of ways to spend your night should you want to enjoy a night out.

Where to Stay

With everything from basic backpacker’s accommodation to stylish and chic resorts, there is something to suit every taste and budget in the town.

How to Get There

  The Beach is connected to other destinations in Queensland by road.