If you make it up to the Queensland area, you’re bound to hear about Airlie Beach.
Along the Whitsunday Coast, Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, making it a classic beach getaway. It’s a wonderful jumping off point for visiting the Great Barrier Reef, as well as the Whitsunday Islands.
Beyond that, Airlie Beach is a great holiday spot in its own right. It is a resort town, full of activities, restaurants, boutiques, and hotels, so you can find plenty of fun things to do.
Whether you travel there for a day or for an extended holiday, it can be difficult to know exactly what you need to do at Airlie Beach.
The Best Things To Do In Airlie Beach, Queensland
There are plenty of fun things to do in Airlie Beach, from visiting a nature park to simply exploring secluded villages or beaches.
Airlie offers an abundance of amenities for your stay. Boat trips attract many tourists, and spending at least ten days prior to your trip can prevent delays!
Despite the fact I always recommend staying longer, I am sure you will find a lot of fun places to visit!
Airlie Beach is truly a tropical paradise, serving as a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.
Here’s a list of fun things to do in Airlie Beach to get you started!
Go to the Beach
It’s right there in the name! When you’re visiting Airlie Beach, enjoying a day (or days) at the beach should be at the top of your list. There are plenty of beaches to consider within the broader town of Airlie Beach.
Which beach you should visit depends on what you’re looking for.
Ironically, Airlie Beach is not the best swimming beach in Airlie, though it is nice for laying out and enjoying the day.
- For swimming year round, visit Boathaven Beach!
- For a family-friendly swimming spot, check out Cannonvale Beach, which also offers a playground area for kids.
- If you don’t want to go to the beach, you can visit the Coral Sea Marina instead! The Coral Sea Marina is the main harbour in Airlie Beach, with boats heading to the Whitsunday Islands. While it is classic to take a boat tour from here, you can also walk along the marina and enjoy the sight of all the boats heading out.
Explore the Great Barrier Reef
As you know, Airlie Beach is known as one of the best jumping off points for visiting the Great Barrier Reef!
The Great Barrier Reef is located just off the shores of Airlie Beach, making it a natural activity for visitors. While most people come to enjoy scuba diving, you can get a great experience snorkelling as well and encounter diverse marine life. There are plenty of tour companies offering both, as well as all the gear you’ll need.
If you’re looking for a single day excursion, some popular spots include Heart Reef and Hardy Reef. Even if you only have one day, you’ll still be able to see amazing wildlife, such as colourful fish, sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles.
Don’t miss out on this classic on the list of Airlie Beach must do things!
Take a Sailing Tour Around the Whitsunday Islands
If you’re looking for a classic thing to do in Airlie Beach, you have to set out for a sailing tour of the Whitsunday Islands!
One of the most popular ways to explore these islands is to go on a multi-day sailing excursion. Even if you don’t have several days to devote to that exploration, you should take a sailing tour.
It is truly one of the best ways to see the beauty of the islands and get an opportunity to go snorkelling or exploring on some of the smaller destinations. There are bunches of tour companies, so all you have to do is find the right fit for you. Most of them take care of everything else, from snacks to logistics, so you can relax and enjoy the views!
A key destination during these tours is the iconic Whitehaven Beach, known for its stunning powder-white sand and vibrant blue waters.
According to @irishtravelgal Whitehaven beach is a hotspot for drone footage and she rated this beach one of the best things to do near Airlie Beach.
Visit the Airlie Beach Lagoon
Airlie Beach Lagoon is a calm alternative to visiting the beaches! Located right in front of its namesake Airlie Beach, the Airlie Beach Lagoon is a protected lagoon area for swimming and enjoying the Australian sunshine.
Since there are sting rays and other animals that can prevent swimming in the ocean year-round, Airlie Beach Lagoon provides a year-round alternative that is safe for all ages.
In addition to a wading pool, larger pool, and swim lanes, the lagoon is a popular spot for passing time. The surrounding area is also dotted with barbeques, picnic spots, and playgrounds for a full day of fun activities in Airlie Beach with the family!
Go Swimming in Cedar Creek Falls
For a magical day trip near Airlie Beach, check out Cedar Creek Falls!
As the name suggests, Cedar Creek Falls is surrounded by towering cedar trees and gorgeous rock walls. As you walk through the winding trails, you are greeted by a stunning view of waterfalls.
You can cool off by taking a swim in the waters or simply appreciate the view. Either way, don’t miss out on this can’t-miss this great thing to do around Airlie Beach.
Take in the Sunrise Over Hydeaway Bay
If you can stomach an early wake-up call, one of the best things to do around Airlie Beach is Hydeaway Bay is the perfect spot at Airlie Beach to enjoy a sunrise. This little town is just 50 kilometres up the road from Airlie Beach. It is small and secluded, ideal for a relaxing vacation or a slow morning.
If you decide to go for the sunrise, check the forecast and sunrise times before heading out. Reserve some extra time to scramble up the rocky outcroppings that overlook the bay below. This gives you an even more magical view of the sunrise over the water.
Get your day started the right way, with this can’t miss sunrise spot just off Airlie Beach!
Explore the Coast with the Bicentennial Walk
Airlie Beach has an incredible coastline, and there is no better way to explore the area than walking down the Bicentennial Walkway.
This 4 kilometre trail connects Airlie Beach with nearby Cannonvale. Along the way, you’ll get to see the Coral Sea Marina and other small beaches. It is a mostly flat trail, with just a few steps along the way, which allows for people of lots varying fitness levels to tackle it. It is also dotted with restaurants and beautiful views.
If you’re looking for a pleasant walk, you should add Bicentennial Walk to your list of things to do in Airlie Beach.
Hike in Conway National Park
Just a short drive between Airlie Beach and Shute Harbor, you can find the entrance to the famed Conway National Park. Exploring this national park should make any list of fun things to do in Airlie Beach. It has an expansive lowland, tropical rainforest, stretching over its hills.
There are many ways to explore Conway National Park. Though the most classic is by hiking (popular trails include Hayward Gully, the Fringe Circuit, and the Mt. Rooper Circuit), you can also enjoy a picnic, panoramic views, or a segway tour. It provides a great point of contrast to the beach activities around the rest of Airlie Beach!
Check Out a Local Market
If you happen to have a Saturday at Airlie Beach, carve out some time to visit the Airlie Beach Markets. From early morning to the early afternoon, the Lions Airlie Beach Community holds a fun market, full of local vendors and artisan goods.
You’ll find everything from freshly baked pastries and fresh coffee to local produce and crafts. It makes a great place to go souvenir shopping for anyone who might be waiting back home.
If you have the time, exploring these markets allow you to get an up-close view of the Airlie Beach community and have a delicious treat at the same time.
Escape to Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is famous as the best island on the Great Barrier Reef circuit! Referred to as “Hamo” by the locals, it is a unique spot.
There are no cars allowed on the island, giving it a serene, getaway feeling. With a combination of pristine beaches, beautiful underwater life, and exclusive resorts, Hamilton Island has something for everyone. Whether you plan to go snorkelling or diving to enjoy the amazing coral or take a tour to see rare animals, such as kangaroos and koalas, there are wondrous things to see on every part of the island.
If you have a few extra days to play with or just an afternoon, I would suggest you take a trip to Hamilton Island, it is always worth the effort!
Visit Honeyeater Lookout
Everyone enjoys an interesting viewpoint. Honeyeater Lookout offers you the opportunity of viewing vistas, and also the chance of spotting local wildlife. It is easily accessible via a walking path from Airlie Beach City centre or via the automobile.
Start from Kara Crescent. Follow the sign for Honeyeater Lookout along the 8.4km roundtrip trail. Hikers should always watch the lizard-lace monitor goanna, which often appears to be on trails.
The first part of the route is very steep and runs through gum trees and coastal ridges. It is always recommended to bring extra water and make sure you don’t attempt in hot weather.
Get Sky High with a Helicopter Flight
The next best thing is to get off the ground. A helicopter allows you to see the incredible natural beauty and the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from an entirely different angle.
Several companies provide you with options to select from small aeroplanes or helicopters.
A signature scenic helicopter option provides breathtaking views of the Whitsunday Islands and the Coral Reef. According to @irishtravelgal, the scenic flight was one of the highlights of things to do in Airlie Beach QLD.
Take A Day Trip To Whitehaven Beach
It would be impossible to have any holiday near Airlie Beach without visiting Whitehaven Beach.
This famous place is filled with white sandy sand and is ranked among the top beaches in the world. If you are unable to take a boat overnight, then you can start with a day trip to Whitehaven from Airlie Beach.
Popular day boats and tours are common but there are few reviews out there to help you decide. Check out Londoner in Sydney’s articles on it here.
Exploring Australia: What is there to do at Airlie Beach?
If you’re exploring Australia and you’re up in the Queensland area, make sure you save some time to visit Airlie Beach!
This list should give you an idea of some of the can’t-miss things to do in Airlie Beach. From the exclusive getaway options among the Whitsunday Islands to the high energy activities along the coast, there’s plenty to do along Airlie Beach.
Downtown Airlie Beach offers a convenient and vibrant location for visitors, with easy access to water sports, popular hotels, and attractions. Additionally, don’t miss the Airlie Beach Race Week, a significant event with a tradition lasting over 30 years.
Don’t let your holiday slip away without experiencing the classics, such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands.
This list of what to do in Airlie Beach should give you a great idea of where to start, so you don’t miss out on anything!
