Airlie Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Airlie Beach
Find some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches at this tropical coastal town, known for its soft white sands and warm lagoon.

Airlie Beach is better known as the gateway to Australia’s iconic Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef, but its wide beaches and beautiful scenery make it a great destination on its own. The small town of Airlie Beach has been on the map for budget backpackers travelling along the Queensland coast for years. Although it has seen an increase in upmarket tourism and a growing number of visitors, Airlie Beach maintains its small coastal town atmosphere and laid-back charm.

Start your visit at Airlie Beach’s famous strip of coastline. Shimmering blue-green waters wash onto white-sand beaches, where tropical rainforest meets the sea. Pack a decent lunch and plenty of water and hike along the Whitsunday Great Walk. The well-maintained track runs for several kilometers through government-protected forest. Take advantage of the many rest areas along the way to relax while taking in the surroundings. More of the area’s picturesque walks wind around Hill Inlet. Hike up to the top of the hill to see magnificent views of Whitehaven Beach and see some local wildlife such as goannas and birds.

Back in town, go swimming in the lagoon that overlooks the ocean. Many beaches are off-limits in the warmer months due to high numbers of stinging jellyfish, making the man-made lagoon Airlie Beach’s safe and scenic spot to swim.

Explore the pristine ocean at your own pace with a rented Jet Ski or kayak. Discover Australia’s flourishing underwater world on a Great Barrier Reef dive. Local dive operators offer tours for levels ranging from beginners to experts. Those with an interest in fishing can try their luck at a few fishing spots along the beach or embark on a chartered boat trip. Charter a fully catered yacht to relax in luxury.

Airlie Beach is a stunning Queensland destination with a warm and welcoming community. You can fly into the Whitsundays or come by train or bus from Townsville or Brisbane. Enjoy the area’s tropical scenery inland or out at sea.

Airlie Beach Hotel
Airlie Beach Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Corner The Esplanade and Coconut Grove, Airlie Beach, QLD
The price is NZ$201 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
NZ$201
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Nice place and and great view"

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

Airlie Beach Hotel
Colonial Palms Motor Inn
Colonial Palms Motor Inn
3.5 out of 5
2 Hermitage Drive, Airlie Beach, QLD
The price is NZ$207 per night from 19 May to 20 May
NZ$207
per night
19 May - 20 May
Stay at this motel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (999 reviews)
"Friendly staff welcomed us plus extra helpful waitresses and cleaners all smiling constantly ✅"

Reviewed on 26 Apr. 2024

Colonial Palms Motor Inn
at Water's Edge Resort
at Water's Edge Resort
4 out of 5
4 Golden Orchid Drive, Airlie Beach, QLD
The price is NZ$276 per night from 23 May to 24 May
NZ$276
per night
23 May - 24 May
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (914 reviews)
"Great position. Apartment was well equipped. Highly recommemded."

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

at Water's Edge Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Club Wyndham Airlie Beach
Club Wyndham Airlie Beach
4.5 out of 5
Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (181 reviews)
"Great place loved our stay. The bar & restaurant staff were outstanding. Jude, Tara, Daniel and Mat the chef made our experience there fantastic! Thank you guys we will be back! Pat & Tracey room 223."

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

Club Wyndham Airlie Beach
Pinnacles
Pinnacles
5 out of 5
16 Golden Orchid Drive, Po Box 1322, Airlie Beach, QLD
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (575 reviews)
"This was our first stay at Pinnacles and we thought it was excellent. We stayed in apartment no 3 and it has a great view from the balcony."

Reviewed on 17 Apr. 2024

Pinnacles
Martinique Whitsunday
Martinique Whitsunday
4 out of 5
18 Golden Orchid Drive, Airlie Beach, QLD
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (512 reviews)
"Having a kitchen and washer dryer is an expected bonus. We saved money by not having to eat out all the time and wonderful to be able to do laundry. The accommodation is standard but you get a spectacular swimming pool with million dollar view of the sea. The rooms are basic and not luxurious. The ..."

Reviewed on 15 May 2024

Martinique Whitsunday
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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