Welcome to Airlie Beach, The Whitsundays

Airlie Beach, The Whitsundays

Airlie Beach is the stepping off point to the stunning Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef. This popular getaway offers visitors a world of tropical wonders to explore.

Airlie Beach is the vibrant beating Heart of The Whitsundays. By day it’s the gateway to idyllic islands and reefs, and by night it offers an incredible array of dining and entertainment options.

Airlie Beach is the perfect base from which to launch your holiday activities. Whether you’re interested in sailing, fishing, snorkelling, touring, diving or walking in the hinterland, the alluring surrounds of The Whitsundays has something for you.

The Whitsundays is home to 74 islands, five of which are inhabited by resorts. Some of the more famous islands are Camp, Daydream, Hamilton, Hayman, and Long, but there are dozens of deserted islands that you can explore.

Many of the islands have their own speciality. Some islands are known for great snorkelling, boating and fishing, while others are famous for their wildlife and forests.

The World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef is renowned for its spectacular coral and marine life.

Be sure to book a tour to experience this national treasure for yourself.

If you’re a land lover, there’s still plenty of great adventures to enjoy. Explore the surrounding region on a day trip through quaint townships, natural wonders and majestic hinterland.

Whatever your tastes you will not be disappointed by what Airlie Beach and The Whitsundays have to offer.

Ahoy and a very warm welcome to The Whitsundays, Heart of the Great Barrier Reef!

Our diverse region is home to the world famous Whitehaven Beach, 74 Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef that dramatically contrast with the awe-inspiring landscapes of the north Queensland outback.

The Whitsundays is also home to the Great Barrier Reef which surrounds our tropical islands and mainland creating a safe and calm aquatic playground where visitors can swim, snorkel, dive, sail and explore our stunning backyard.

Airlie Beach is a vibrant town with a holiday for everyone!

Chill out where the locals do at Airlie Beach Lagoon or take a stroll down the main street to enjoy some of the delicious dining and excellent shopping options we have available.

A short journey inland and you will find the charming town of Proserpine, the Heart of Country Hospitality.

The main street of Proserpine will have any ‘art deco’ enthusiast enthralled while a 15 minute drive takes you to Lake Proserpine, a fishing mecca and home to more one metre plus barramundi than any other impoundment in Australia!

Head 80km up the road and you will find the northern jewel in The Whitsundays crown, Bowen. With awardwinning, palm-fringed beaches and beautiful bays the picturesque town is a beachcomber’s paradise.

The Heart of the Outback, in The Whitsundays, Collinsville is located only 85km west of Bowen. The scenic drive will see you travel through orchards and farmland teeming with wildlife. Far enough away from the tourist hubs to be a country retreat, the close-knit community always offers a friendly and warm welcome to its many visitors.

The Whitsundays really does have it all for the perfect getaway boasting activities and experiences for visitors of all ages. We truly hope you enjoy your stay in the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef, and look forward to welcoming you, your family and friends back soon.

Things to See & Do

SATURDAY STROLL THROUGH THE MARKETS

If you’re up early on Saturday morning, why not meander through the Lions Airlie Beach Community Markets? Set along the foreshore between the Whitsunday Sailing Club and the Esplanade and kicking off at 7am, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed Saturday breakfast.

Stalls stay open until 1pm so once you have finished browsing the eclectic mix of locally made jewellery, clothes and the freshest produce on offer, why not tuck in again for lunch? With a variety of tasty tropical offerings as well as live entertainment and close proximity to the Airlie Beach Lagoon, this is the perfect place to while away a whole morning with the family.

WANDER ALONG THE FORESHORE

Burn off a bit of energy and take in some spectacular views of the Whitsunday coast without spending a cent. Sounds too good to be true! Here’s how.

The 3.5km Bicentennial Boardwalk which runs from Airlie Beach Lagoon to Cannonvale will take around an hour oneway at a leisurely pace with time to stop for a photo or a quick play in one of the seaside playgrounds along the way.

A photographer’s favourite free thing to do in Airlie Beach, taking a walk along the Bicentennial Boardwalk at sunset is a must, just be prepared to make a few new friends as the locals love to walk their fur-babies here in the early morning and late afternoon.

GO BUSH

With around 70km of well maintained walking trails scattered around The Whitsundays, bush walkers are in for a treat. While many of these trails are on the islands there are plenty of options on the mainland that don’t require boat access.

Conway National Park is the perfect place to escape the beach for an afternoon. Offering crystal clear freshwater creeks, lowland rainforests and a cooler climate than the coast, this is a great chill out option. The easiest access is to Kingfisher Circuit trailhead, only a 10km drive from Shute Harbour or about 20km from Airlie Beach. Kingfisher Circuit is a 2km return walk starting and finishing at the Forestry Road carpark, which is where the longer Conway Circuit also begins. If you want to tackle the Conway Ciruit you’ll need some serious overnight hiking gear and 3 days to complete the trek.

Other great shorter walks to check out are Honeyeater Lookout and Wompoo Way.

FURTHER AFIELD - DID SOMEBODY SAY ROADTRIP?

There are plenty of fantastic daytrips on offer surrounding Airlie Beach. From the towns of Bowen, Proserpine and Collinsville, to natural havens of Hydeaway Bay, Conway Beach and the nearby oasis of Cedar Creek Falls.

GO BIG IN BOWEN

While Bowen is only a 45 minute drive from Airlie Beach, it’s practically a world away. The general ‘vibe’ in Bowen is less touristy than Airlie, it’s more true-maroon Queenslander. An agricultural centre which attracts plenty of travellers looking for fruitpicking work, you’ll find picturesque beaches, classic old pubs with big verandahs and high-set houses with equally impressive verandahs. Bowen is friendly, authentically Queensland, yet unique. A trip to Bowen MUST include a stop at the iconic Big Mango, complete with a tasting of the local delicacy.

FALL IN LOVE WITH CEDAR CREEK FALLS

Around a half hour drive south of Airlie Beach is the small seaside village of Conway Beach. A popular fishing spot, the sandy beach runs to the mouth of the Proserpine River. Take a picnic lunch to enjoy on the foreshore for picture perfect views over the Whitsunday coastline before taking a dip at the nearby Cedar Creek Falls.

Just off the drive back to Airlie Beach is the spectacular Cedar Creek Falls. This natural waterhole is tucked away in the Whitsunday hinterland and is this region’s hidden jewel. Loved by locals as an all-season swimming spot, relish in the cool cascading waters and relax amoung the strangler figs that fringe this freshwater oasis.

HIDDEN AWAY BAYS

If you’re not scared of a little red dirt driving, a day (or afternoon) trip to Hydeaway Bay is the perfect family adventure. Think perfect beaches, no crowds, sublime sunsets, islands just off shore, this is paradise. Explore countless sand-fringed coves, expansive deserted beaches, and if you get hungry and want to make a splash there are a number of top-shelf resorts that are happy to take visitors and will make sure you don’t go hungry or thirsty.

COLLINSVILLE AND PROSERPINE

Slightly further inland you can discover the history of Collinsville and Proserpine on an easy day trip from Airlie Beach. Proserpine is about 25 minutes away and Collinsville another hour and a half but it is worth the drive if you enjoy exploring charming country towns that are full of charater. Learn about the coal mining history of Collinsville, the Heart of the Outback, at the Coalface Museum and meander along the mural trail which leads to the town centre. The local pool offers a great spot to cool off for the afternoon and the nearby Lion’s Park will keep the kids entertained for hours or just at least long enough to enjoy a latte.

Meanwhile, Proserpine offers up good-old country goodness on a platter. A town built to service the sugar cane industry, this is quintessential Queensland. Relax at one of the numerous country pubs that line Main Street for a counter lunch and enjoy an afternoon cold one with the locals, venture off the main street to find some beautiful stores hidden in the art-deco alleyways.

Cruise Whitsundays offers all the best of the Whitsunday’s experiences! GREAT BARRIER REEF ADVENTURES

Airlie Adventure

Airlie Beach provides access to some of the most breathtaking beaches, reefs, sailing and fishing experiences in Australia. The possibilities are just endless.

Experience the majestic expanse of The Whitsundays from a bird’s-eye view. A scenic flight allows you to enjoy The Whitsundays from a different perspective, with tours that include the Whitsunday Islands National Park, the Great Barrier Reef and Heart Reef.

Heart Reef has become a popular aerial destination. Located on Hardy Reef within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, this natural formation made from coral is famously shaped like a love heart. It’s a must-see attraction for loved-up couples and adventurers alike. For the more adventurous, get the adrenalin pumping with Skydive Airlie Beach up to 15,000FT over the beautiful Whitsundays.

There’s also a number of sailing options available. Travel on luxury cruises or be the skipper of your own sailing adventure - known as bareboating. There’s also the option to charter a luxury catamaran or sail away on a tall ship.

The pristine waters of The Whitsundays are home to a number of prize fish. If you’re a fishing enthusiast, there are charters available from Airlie Beach catering to all levels of interest. And if fishing isn’t your style, there’s always Ocean Rafting, jet skiing, snorkelling or sea kayaking.

Adventure on the Water

The Whitsundays is Australia’s aquatic playground. With 74 tropical islands dotted throughout the sparkling Coral Sea in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, there are endless places to explore on the water.

AN AQUATIC PLAYGROUND

The Whitsunday coast and most of the island resorts have watersports available where you can go jetskiing, kayaking, sailing on small hobie cats, snorkelling and much more.

For a full day out on the water there are scenic cruises through the islands visiting world famous Whitehaven Beach and the island resorts or cruises to the Great Barrier Reef, swimming and snorkelling from the permanently moored pontoon. Bareboats allow you to chart your own course for a minibreak full of discovery but if you prefer to sit back and relax there are fully crewed overnight boating options that will allow you to sit back and relax.

For those on the water in The Whitsundays during winter and early spring (July – September), be sure to look out for humpback whales as they migrate from the Antarctic.

WHITEHAVEN BEACH

Located in the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach is one of the world’s most unspoiled and beautiful beaches. Whitehaven Beach was voted number one beach in the world in the 2021 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards. Famous for its turquoise blue water and brilliant white sand, Whitehaven Beach stretches for seven kilometres and is an absolute must see. The sand is 98% pure silica, making it cool all day long, soft and fine like baby power and as white as snow.

SAILING WONDERLAND

Sailing through the famous 74 islands of The Whitsundays gives you a new perspective on a spectacular area. The Whitsundays offers some of the world’s best sailing and cruising holidays for two simple reasons – the islands provide protection from the elements and each offers a unique beauty to experience the true serenity that only a sailing holiday can bring.

The calm, protected waters of the Coral Sea make for beautiful sailing for newbies and professionals alike. The beauty of the region is even more apparent as you cruise by, wind in your hair and sun on your skin. Visit secluded bays and inlets to experience the beauty of nature with hardly another soul in sight.

The beaches range from white and sandy to pebbles of coral washed up from fringing reef just off the beach. Enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets over uninhabited islands, or call into a resort for a day’s pampering and dining if that takes your fancy. There is an endless range of water based activities to enjoy in The Whitsundays.

LEARN TO SAIL

If the sailing bug bites you, as it does many a visitor to The Whitsundays, there are sailing schools available on the Whitsunday coast and Hamilton Island. Lessons cater for both children and adults so the whole family can get involved. For more information about learning how to sail, visit www.whitsundaysailingclub.com.au

FISHING

The region is teeming with a huge variety of pelagic and reef fish. Nearly all of the Whitsunday Islands are accessible by boat. Some are national parks and have affordable beach campsites (some with toilets, tables and other facilities) which puts you right in the action for spectacular tropical sports fishing without returning to the mainland. Hundreds of options, millions of fish, it just depends on the suitability of your boat and your sense of adventure! To find out the best fishing zones, go to: https://elibrary.gbrmpa.gov.au/jspui/ bitstream/11017/600/4/Map10-EditionV-Whitsunday.pdf

If you’re new to fishing or just need to know where the hot spots are, there are many fishing charters and guides available locally for island and Great Barrier Reef tours. Shore based fishing is available from the many marinas and rockwalls located around the town.

If estuary fishing is your thing, then launch at the Proserpine River ramp off Conway Road and watch saltwater crocodiles while fishing – just be careful to stay in the boat! So whether it’s fly fishing on the flats off Hill Inlet, bait fishing from a rockwall or popper casting around the islands, The Whitsundays can really be described as a fisherman’s paradise.

Diving & Snorkelling

The Whitsundays is home to a majestic underwater world.

The spectacular outer coral reefs can be enjoyed by novice and experienced divers and snorkellers alike. The geography of the Whitsunday Islands also means that you can find plenty of protected areas of fringing reefs around the islands to enjoy snorkelling in any weather.

To experience the wondrous marine life and coral reefs in The Whitsundays, new divers can learn to dive with a qualified instructor in many scenarios: at a dive school in Airlie Beach, on a sailing trip, on an overnight boat or at a Great Barrier Reef diving pontoon.

Charter boats depart daily for the islands and the Great Barrier Reef, and offer diverse opportunities to scuba dive and snorkel in this underwater oasis.

On the Great Barrier Reef there is a permanently moored pontoon with boat cruises departing daily that offer snorkelling and scuba diving packages allowing you soak up this aquatic playground.

For more information about diving and snorkelling, visit www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au

Conway Circuit

Whether you decide to go on a short, full-day, overnight or extended walk, Conway Circuit offers an idyllic experience to suit your needs and interests.

Enjoy a different facet of the Whitsunday experience and escape to the tropical refuge of the Conway Range. Conway Circuit takes you on a 30 kilometre journey through Conway State Forest, starting at Brandy Creek and finishing at Airlie Beach.

Highlights of Conway Circuit include wandering through majestic tropical rainforest, relaxing by seasonal creeks, and looking upon coastal townships to the Whitsunday Islands and beyond.

Keep your senses keen and watch out for the blue flash of a Ulysses butterfly, smell lemon myrtle flowers blossoming in summer and listen for the distinctive call of the wompoo fruitdove. With tracks of varying distances and difficulty, anyone can explore the Conway Range.

The entire walk is a three-day escape, but you can choose shorter walks that are linked to the main track and accessed from Brandy Creek. For long distance walkers, camping grounds are located along Conway Circuit. The two main camps - Repulse Creek and Bloodwood - have access to toilets and drinking water facilities.

It is essential to book campsites in advance and obtain a camping permit from the Queensland Department of Environment and Science before you begin.

To locate the Conway State Forest from Airlie Beach, travel ten kilometres south west down Shute Harbour Road and then turn off at Brandy Creek Road. If you’re planning a shorter walk, you can hire a car for the day and, after your hike, explore more of the Whitsunday region on a self-drive tour.

Many other walks in length and endurance can be found on The Whitsunday coast with detailed maps and camping permits to assist your journey.

Health, Beauty & Shopping

Holidays are about getting back to YOU.

Book in for some serious pampering at a day spa on the Whitsunday coast or islands. Airlie Day Spa Express is an award winning day spa offering a range of rejuvenation and beauty treatments.

Airlie Beach Main Street and Port of Airlie offer a diverse range of retail shops showcasing both local and imported wares. If you have a penchant for market shopping, then the Lions Airlie Beach Community Markets held every Saturday from 7am to 1pm is well worth checking out. You’ll find market stalls dotted along the Esplanade on the Airlie Beach foreshore selling an array of locally grown and hand-crafted goods. For chainstore shopping, Airlie Beach has two shopping centres –the Whitsunday Shopping Centre and Whitsunday Plaza. The art deco architecture preserved from a bygone era provides Proserpine with an ornate charm. Shopping in the township will unearth some beautiful souvenirs, fashion, jewellery and practical items. Don’t leave town without visiting Colour Me Crazy for a range of unique gifts and wares for every type of visitor.

The Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands are made up of 74 individual islands located between the northeast coast of Queensland, and the Great Barrier Reef. The majority of the islands are uninhabited national parks with dense rainforest, hiking trails and white sand beaches.

Several of the islands offer varying types of accommodation, from the best in tropical island resorts to basic camping. The largest island, Whitsunday Island, is home to world-famous Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.

There are many local tours available to take you to the famous spots and local’s secrets of the Whitsunday Islands by boat or by air in a scenic helicopter or seaplane ride, taking in the spectacular landscape and endless horizon dotted with islands for an experience to remember.

HAMILTON ISLAND

The largest inhabited island in the Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island is one ofAustralia’s most spectacular and popular holiday destinations.

Hamilton Island has plenty to offer with a wide selection of bars and restaurants, boutique shopping, an abundance of water sports, offroad adventure tours, go-karting, the Wildlife Park, Hamilton Island Golf Club on Dent Island, massage and spa treatments or swim in one of the many pools on the island.

From Hamilton Island you can hire a boat or take a tour to the iconic Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet with its pristine white sands and crystal-clear water, snorkel or scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef or even take a chopper out to Heart Reef.

HAYMAN ISLAND

Hayman Island is the most northern island of the Whitsunday Islands and is renowned for its elegance and superior location. Hayman Island is a private island destination. Home to the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, a luxury resort located on the southerly shore fronted by a sweeping sandy beach and surrounded by 14 hectares of lush tropical gardens, the resort offers on-island experiences, such as secluded beach coves, jet ski adventures, nature trails and swimming pools with breath-taking views.

A continental island of some 294 hectares, the crystal-clear waters surrounding resort, are a kaleidoscope of coloured coral and tropical fish making this ideal for diving, snorkelling and visits to secluded beaches.

In the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef, you will discover the Whitsunday Islands.

DAYDREAM ISLAND

Daydream Island is a short 30-minute ferry ride from the mainland and is one of seven islands of the Molle Group, a sub-group of the Whitsunday Islands. The island is small, measuring 1km in length (about a 10 to 15-minute stroll) from north to south, and 400m at its widest point.

The main centrepiece of the island is the Living Reef, a unique free form coral lagoon wrapping around the central building and holding over 1.5 million litres of water. It is home to over 80 species of coral, 100 species of marine fish, and a variety of invertebrates including starfish, sea cucumbers and crabs.

The Underwater Observatory takes you under the surface and showcases a large viewing window where you can watch the marine life. A range of Living Reef activities are available, offered by the islands resident Marine Biologists in the open learning environment which has eight displays showcasing various habitats, a theatrette and an interactive touch pool.

LONG ISLAND

Long Island is 9km in length and only 400m wide and is the closest island to The Whitsundays mainland, only 1km from the coastline.

Long Island is mostly national park and has around 17km of walking tracks, stunning lookouts, protected bays and beautiful secluded beaches. You can enjoy bush walks, exploring the fringing coral reef, snorkelling off the beaches or relaxing under the coconut palms.

HOOK ISLAND

The second largest of the Whitsunday Islands, Hook Island is 58 square kilometres in size and is almost uninhabited, offering spectacular natural surroundings and excellent snorkelling at Maureen’s Cove and Luncheon Bay and diving sites at the Woodpile and the Pinnacles.

At Hook Island you will find sheltered, picturesque bays, deep fjord-like inlets, pristine fringing reefs, wildlife including sea eagles, ospreys and kites, reef fish, turtles, dolphins, manta rays and humpback whales frolicking in Whitsunday Passage (between June to September).

Discover the fresh-water rock pool and stunning waterfall after season rains at the bottom end of Nara inlet. Walk up the short rocky path to the Ngaro cultural site where you will see ancient rock wall paintings and an interactive display on the history of the Ngaro Aboriginal people.

SOUTH MOLLE ISLAND

Located eight kilometres north-east of Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour, South Molle Island is the largest of the Molle Island Group and the only one with a resort. South Molle is a picturesque, hilly continental island with rainforest, grasslands, calm bays and coral reefs.

The Molle Islands are virtually joined along a causeway so you can walk across to Mid Molle Island at low tide.

South Molle Island National Park offers a variety of spectacular walks ranging from 2km to 10km in length and provide a diverse range of plant, bird and wildlife, secluded beaches and incredible views.

Snorkelling and scuba diving in the clear waters at South Molle Island are superb and tuition is available at the resort. Make the most of the experience with an island or sunset cruise, sailing trip or a helicopter ride over the reef.

Port of Airlie Marina

With stunning vistas of The Whitsundays, the Port of Airlie Marina blends a range of activities with a tropical, laid-back vibe.

Do a spot of boutique shopping along the sheltered boardwalk. Stop in for a drink or a bite to eat at any one of the great restaurants located along the marina.

For those seeking a rejuvenating experience, drop into Vartamana Yoga Studio and Spa for a body treatment or the healing properties of yoga.

For more information on Port of Airlie Marina, visit portofairlie.com.au .

Port of Airlie Marina is a beautiful waterfront precinct offering a range of dining, shopping and rejuvenation options.

Free shipping and international shipping is available. Check out our Facebook or Instagram for more, plus opening hours @aboveandbelowgallery.

Aerial and Underwater Photographic Art Gallery

Prints | Souvenirs | Hotel Artwork | Corporate Gifts

Come see us at The Port of Airlie Marina, Airlie Beach or www.aboveandbelowgallery.com.au

Take a Drive to Bowen

Bowen is at the top of The Whitsundays and makes the perfect day trip during your stay in Airlie Beach – just a 45-minute drive north.

One of the undiscovered treats of Queensland, Bowen is situated on the shores of Edgecumbe Bay and is a picturesque seaside town that offers a beachcomber’s paradise with eight award-winning, palm-fringed beaches to explore.

Add in fringing coral reefs waiting to be explored straight from the mainland shore, calm bays ready for a range of watersport, fishing, bushwalking and jaw-dropping coastal scenery - and it’s easy to see why Bowen is a natural playground.

With some of the best fringing reefs of the Queensland coast lying just a few metres offshore, the area attracts snorkelers and divers keen to explore the coral gardens.

From award-winning Horseshoe Bay boasting sandy shores and coral reef, to sunset views from Grays Bay, to secluded, palm-fringed Murray Bay and the castaway feel of expansive Kings Beach, with eight beaches within ten minutes drive, there really is a beach for everyone in Bowen!

Relax on the shore line, jump in for a swim or pop a fresh feed of local seafood on the free beachside barbecues while the kids play in the many parks.

No trip to Bowen would be complete without stopping at the Big Mango on the Bruce Highway just five kilometres south of Bowen.

After you have had your picture taken with this iconic attraction, make your way inside the information centre and meet the friendly staff and volunteers.

You can enjoy a locally produced 100% natural mango sorbet and find out more about what Bowen has to offer.

The heart of secluded beaches, beautiful bays, fringing reefs and jaw-dropping coastal scenery.

Calendar of Events

MARCH

Airlie Beach Ideal Bride Wedding Expo

APRIL

Party Bands in Paradise

Hamilton Island Endurance SeriesHamilton Island Hilly Marathon

JUNE

Hamilton Island Endurance SeriesGreat Whitehaven Beach Run

JULY

Airlie Beach Marathon Festival

Bowen Offshore Superboats

AUGUST

Colorbond Steel Airlie Beach Triathlon

Great Barrier Reef Festival

Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing

Hamilton Island Race Week

Walk to the Lighthouse

SEPTEMBER

White on Whitehaven Long Lunch by Fish D’vine

Anaconda Whitsunday Trail Fest

Airlie Beach Triathlon

Whitsundays Arts Festival

NOVEMBER

Airlie Beach Festival of Music

Hamilton Island Endurance SeriesHamilton Island Triathlon

Hamilton Island Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim

Airport Transfers to and from Wh itsunday Coast Airport and Retu rn

Door to Door E xpress Shutt les

Shared Shuttles Private Transfers Group Bookings

(07) 49482385

For the most up to date Calendar of Events and dates, go to www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au/whats-on

Heartofreefshuttles com a u

Markets

Lions Airlie Beach Community Markets are held every Saturday morning. 7am to 1pm - Complete with local produce, art, craft and locally made souvenirs, it is a great place to spend the morning, have a coffee or purchase a unique gift.

Church Street Rotunda, Macquarie Street

WHITSUNDAY TERRACES