Airlie Beach is one of our favorite destinations in Queensland. The location of this tropical town is truly ideal: right next to the Whitsunday Islands and in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Both the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef are among the most beautiful places in Australia and are high on the list for travelers exploring North Queensland. In this blog, I’ll take you to Airlie Beach and show you everything you can do in and around this charming tropical coastal town in Australia.
Airlie Beach is a vibrant coastal town in Queensland and a popular base for travelers wanting to visit the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. It has a relaxed and tropical vibe, with swaying palm trees, a lively esplanade, and a stunning coastline overlooking the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea. The town attracts thousands of visitors each year, ranging from adventurous backpackers to travelers seeking peace and nature.
About Airlie Beach
The residents of Airlie Beach, a mix of locals and seasonal workers, are known for their hospitality and laid-back lifestyle. Many people work in tourism, for example as guides on the boats to the Whitsundays or in the many cafés, restaurants, and accommodations found in the town. Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, Airlie Beach has managed to maintain a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great place for those seeking peace and nature.
Airlie Beach is known as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, an enchanting archipelago of 74 tropical islands in the azure waters of the Coral Sea. Whether you dream of a day trip to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, a multi-day sailing adventure through hidden bays, or a luxurious stay on one of the islands, Airlie Beach is the perfect base. We once did a sailing trip on a catamaran around the Whitsunday Islands ourselves and enjoyed the stunning blue water during a snorkeling session.
Tip: One of the most spectacular ways to experience the Whitsundays is from the air! Hop aboard a helicopter or small plane and be enchanted by the panoramic views over the islands. You’ll fly over the iconic Whitehaven Beach, and from above, you’ll truly see just how stunningly beautiful the Whitsunday Islands are. Check out the options here
Hamilton Island
We once also took the boat from the harbor of Airlie Beach to visit the impressive Hamilton Island. Hamilton Island can truly be described as Paradise with a capital P. This Australian gem, part of the enchanting Whitsunday Islands, had been high on our wishlist for years. During our North Queensland trip, that dream finally came true. What makes Hamilton Island extra special is the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure: from snorkeling around colorful reefs to enjoying luxury resorts and lovely beach walks. And the funny thing about the island is that there are hardly any cars, everyone gets around in golf buggies.
Tip: stay at least one night (preferably two) on Hamilton Island to truly soak in the atmosphere of this beautiful island. There are also day tours or ferries to the island, but I would recommend against just a day trip—try to stay overnight if you can. Still looking for a hotel tip? We recommend the Reef View Hotel. It might not be the most budget-friendly option on Hamilton Island, but it’s an amazing experience! Check out all hotels on Hamilton Island here
Great Barrier Reef: diving or snorkeling
From Airlie Beach, you have the opportunity to dive or snorkel in the iconic Great Barrier Reef, one of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. You can opt for a day tour, or choose a multi-day tour to explore even more of this incredible natural area. For us, snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef was one of the coolest things we’ve ever done. You see so many beautiful fish and truly feel like you’re in a completely different world. Check out all Great Barrier Reef tours from Airlie Beach here.
Lions Airlie Beach Markets
The Lions Airlie Beach Markets are a fantastic way to spend your Saturday while you’re in Airlie Beach! Every Saturday from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the streets of Airlie Beach come alive with colorful stalls. From fresh local produce to art, handmade souvenirs, delicious food, and crafts – the markets offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to buy a souvenir, find a special gift, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, these markets are a must-see.
Airlie Beach Lagoon
The Airlie Beach Lagoon is without a doubt one of the most beautiful swimming pools I’ve ever seen in Queensland. It’s the ideal place to cool off after a day in the tropical sun, especially with the warm temperatures there. The pool is spacious, so there’s always plenty of room to swim some laps. Plus, the Lagoon is surrounded by beautiful grassy areas, making it a great spot to relax by the edge. Whether you’re swimming or simply enjoying the sun and the laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect place to unwind.
Beautiful hiking tracks
Airlie Beach is not only an ideal destination for snorkeling and swimming enthusiasts, but it also offers plenty for hikers in Queensland. There are beautiful walking trails that take you to breathtaking viewpoints and give you the chance to spot various wildlife and tropical birds. A recommended route is the Airlie Creek Track, a short but scenic path through beautiful nature. Additionally, the Honeyeater Lookout Trail is a popular choice. During this hike, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the azure waters and the many boats floating in the bay around Airlie Beach.
Even within Airlie Beach itself, you’ll find beautiful walking trails that are well worth exploring. A recommended route is the Bicentennial Walkway, a scenic path along the coast where you can enjoy stunning views of the Coral Sea along the way. This route is not only perfect for a leisurely walk but also offers the unique opportunity to spot sea turtles at the Turtle Boardwalk, which is part of the Bicentennial Walkway, in the clear water. Along the path, you’ll come across several lookout points and seating areas—perfect spots to pause and take in the tropical surroundings. The Bicentennial Walkway is especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset.
Cannonvale
One of our favorite spots is Cannonvale, a neighborhood just outside the center of Airlie Beach. While you can already enjoy beautiful nature and enchanting coastlines in downtown Airlie Beach, Cannonvale offers a bit more peace and quiet than other parts of Airlie Beach. You’ll also encounter far fewer tourists here and really walk among the locals, allowing you to experience the true Australian laid-back vibe. Order a takeaway coffee from Fat Frog Beach Cafe, just like we did, and enjoy the beautiful view of the mountains and the sea. 😉
Restaurants in Airlie Beach
Prefer the hustle and bustle? Then you’ll find plenty of pubs and nightlife options in the town center. We have to be honest, though—many restaurants offer mediocre food and the prices are quite high, especially considering the value for money. We get the impression that many temporary chefs are working in the kitchens who can’t deliver the quality we’re normally used to in Australia. So, be sure to check the most recent reviews carefully when choosing a restaurant and see what others are saying about it.
The Pub
A pub we can truly recommend for its amazing atmosphere is The Pub, part of the Airlie Beach Hotel. We unexpectedly ended up there during a Shania Twain tribute, and that on Mother’s Day. The whole pub was filled with friendly locals celebrating Mother’s Day with their entire families. An afternoon we’ll never forget! 😊
Staying in Airlie Beach
Finding good and affordable accommodation in Airlie Beach is relatively easy, given the wide range of hotels, apartments, and resorts available. We have stayed in Airlie Beach twice ourselves. The first time, we chose the Colonial Palms Motor Inn, which is in a great location and suited us very well. The second time, we stayed in an apartment at At Water’s Edge Resort, where we especially loved the breathtaking view.
Airlie Apartments
Another recommendation is Airlie Apartments, where we stayed the last time. These apartments are accessed via a steep hill (which can be a challenge on foot), but once you’re up there, it’s a fantastic place to stay. The pool with views of the azure water and the bobbing boats, combined with the sea-view apartments, make for an amazing stay. The apartments are also spacious, tidy, clean, and equipped with all conveniences. Additionally, the complex is just a few minutes’ walk from Airlie Beach’s main street, making it an excellent location. Read more about Airlie Apartments.
If you want to compare hotels in Airlie Beach, use this handy map and see the cheapest prices right away:
We are always very enthusiastic about Airlie Beach as a holiday destination. Especially if you want to visit the Whitsunday Islands or the Great Barrier Reef, this is the place to be in Queensland. The pleasant climate, the stunning coastlines, and the wide range of tours make it a very appealing destination for tourists. We will definitely go back again, even if only to discover a new island. 😉
