Why Airlie Beach is more than just a gateway to the Whitsundays
If you’re planning a trip to the Whitsundays, you’ll be forgiven for thinking it’s an exclusive enclave reserved for international jetsetters with serious coin. The good news is that you don’t need to be a cashed-up CEO to have a good time in this epically beautiful corner of the world.
But how? Forget booking into an isolated luxury island resort and make laidback Airlie Beach your base instead. Home to beachside bars, superb seafood restaurants and a stack of local operators happy to show you the best of the region, Airlie Beach is a destination within its own right. The best part? You don’t need to be a superyacht owner to enjoy it.
Convenient connections
IMAGE: Tourism and Events Queensland
Packed with local businesses ready to whisk you away to the best spots to dive, fish, snorkel, sail, kayak and cruise in the Whitsundays, it’s incredibly easy to arrange day trips when you’re staying at Airlie Beach. Book a thrilling skydiving session, then end the evening with a sunset cruise, or head off on a multi-day sailing adventure with a local guide. For a next-level experience, hop on a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, including the famous Heart Reef, of course. Prefer a cruisier pace? A serene day spent snorkelling in the pristine waters of the islands is the answer. However you prefer to explore the region, there’s a business in Airlie Beach that can make it happen.
Great walks
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One of the best ways to explore a new place is on foot and Airlie Beach has plenty of walks to choose from. Linking Airlie Beach and Cannonvale, the Bicentennial Walkway is a 4km boardwalk along the shoreline that offers incredible ocean views (it can also be traversed by segway!). As a well-maintained, flat surface, this walk is pram-friendly too. A dawn or dusk walk along the Turtle Boardwalk may reveal glimpses of sea turtles while an invigorating hike up the steep Honeyeater Lookout Trail will reward you with blockbuster panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding bushland.
Supreme swimming spots
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When the temperature climbs, it’s mighty tempting to take a dip at tropical Queensland’s beautiful beaches. But jellyfish and stingers tend to put a dampener on beach swims, especially during stinger season (October to May). Thankfully, there’s plenty of other places to cool off.
Free to access, the Airlie Beach Lagoon is a stinger-free, protected swimming pool that is right in the centre of the town. Patrolled by lifeguards, the lagoon is a super convenient place to kick back on a balmy summer’s day. Prefer a wild swim? Drive or book a tour to bush-fringed Cedar Creek Falls instead. Only 30km from Airlie Beach, this freshwater swimming spot with a serene waterfall is a top place to decompress. Pack a towel, sunscreen, picnic lunch and a good book and you’ve got yourself a chilled day in nature on a budget.
Pockets of peace
Travellers who love fast and furious activities will love Airlie Beach’s jetboating adventures, jet-skiing experiences and banana boat rides. But what if you prefer to take life in the slow lane? Even though Airlie Beach attracts visitors from near and far, there are still plenty of quiet spots where you can take a breather, watch a sunset or enjoy a quiet moment of reflection. Sit by the ramshackle Three Plank Jetty, feel the sand between your toes at idyllic Boathaven Beach, listen to native birdsong while wandering along the peaceful Airlie Creek Track or retreat to the rainforest at Conway Conservation Park – it’s easy to find your own slice of paradise at Airlie Beach.
Marina magic
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You don’t need to be a superyacht owner to enjoy Airlie Beach’s world-class Coral Sea Marina. Apart from offering berths for visiting boat owners, this sailing hub with superb views is also a food and wine hotspot. Open morning and night, you’ll see locals and visitors alike at this popular meeting place’s restaurants, bars and cafes. Stop by for a smoothie bowl and latte after a morning walk, make a booking at a restaurant to enjoy a wood-fired pizza and wine for lunch or enjoy a lazy afternoon watching the boats come and go with an ice-cold beer or tropical cocktail in hand. There’s a bit of magic about the marina no matter what time you visit. Inspired to get out and enjoy the water yourself? Simply hire a small boat (complete with lifejackets, fuel, rod holders and an esky) for a fun DIY cruise – no license required!
Seriously good seafood
Arguably one of the biggest bonuses of a coastal getaway is getting your fill of fresh seafood. While you’re visiting Airlie Beach, you don’t necessarily need to break the bank to enjoy a seafood feast. Tucking into takeaway fish and chips on the beach while the sun sets is a simple pleasure worth savouring – and you don’t even need to put your shoes on to enjoy it. If you’re happy to splash out on a special meal, then lobster, oysters and prawns at a waterfront restaurant will hit the spot – the choice is yours.
Words by: Jo Stewart
