Airlie Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Airlie Beach Lagoon featuring swimming, tropical scenes and a luxury hotel or resort
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach
Shute Harbour featuring boating and general coastal views
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$197 per night from 30 July to 31 July
NZ$197
30 July - 31 July
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,008 reviews)
"Great vibe. Super comfy beds, clean and excellent location. Staff very helpful and friendly."

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

Airlie Beach Hotel
Coral Sea Resort

Coral Sea Resort

4 out of 5
25 Oceanview Avenue, Airlie Beach, QLD
The price is NZ$333 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
NZ$333
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (999 reviews)
"View was excellent, however management is cutting corners on some basics"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Coral Sea Resort
Magnums Airlie Beach

Magnums Airlie Beach

2 out of 5
370 Shute Harbour Rd., Airlie Beach, QLD
The price is NZ$113 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
NZ$113
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (657 reviews)
"Comfortable and clean. Staff are lovely"

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

Magnums Airlie Beach
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.
at Boathaven Bay Holiday Apartments

at Boathaven Bay Holiday Apartments

4 out of 5
440 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach, QLD
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (639 reviews)
"2 bdrm unit was a very generous size. Clean and well set out. The spa on the balcony was fantastic."

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2025

at Boathaven Bay Holiday Apartments
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 helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (631 reviews)
"Wonderful place close to the shops and the water"

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (569 reviews)
"Really loved the accommodation, the beautiful clean pool and spa, and the spectacular views. All staff were friendly and helpful. Nice short walk down to town, and a cheap Cab ride back if you weren't up to the walk back up the hill. Will be back. Thank you."

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

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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