Airlie Beach: Things to Know About Whitsundays’ Exotic Spot

Perfectly located on the East Coast of Australia—in the heart of Whitsunday Islands, to be precise—Airlie Beach has long been a popular destination for those who crave azure waters, white silica sand, and vibrant nightlife all at once. Read on to find out why this coastal town is worth spending time in, apart from being an easy gateway to the surrounding marine parks. 

A Brief History and Facts About Airlie Beach

This coastal town is located 20 km to the northeast of Proserpine and approximately 110 km to the north of Mackay in Queensland’s Whitsunday region. With a population of over 1,200, this beach town has so much to offer in addition to its unmatched natural splendor. 

According to various sources, the name “Airlie” was suggested by Robert Shepherd, the former Proserpine Shire Council chairman, to commemorate his childhood homeland near the Airlie parish in Scotland. The town was simply known as Airlie before land purchases in 1936.

Today, the town is a tourist destination popular among backpackers. Its beach is relatively small, with marine stingers massively inhabiting the sea from November to May. The 74 islands that make up the Whitsunday region and the Great Barrier Reef are easily accessible from this township. 

Best Time to Visit Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach Queensland is a subtropical region, which means it offers pleasant weather all year around. Summertime, when temperatures may reach up to 32°C (90°F), is both the box jellyfish and rainy seasons.

Related: Everything You Need to Know about Seasons in Australia

However, compared to the nearby islands in Whitsunday, this town actually has much lower humidity and low-intensity rainfall. To get the best experience, plan the trip between June and October, as the average daily temperature is perfect for enjoying what this beach town has to offer.

Getting to Airlie Beach

Hamilton Island Airport and Whitsunday Coast Airport are two commercial airports that offer daily domestic flights into the Whitsunday Islands. The latter is the best option due to its close proximity to the Airlie coastal town, which also requires a taxi or short shuttle bus to get into the town.

Meanwhile, visitors who depart from Hamilton Island Airport need a ferry to get to the beach town. Visitors can also drive to the mainland from everywhere they catch a bus or train within the region. The township is around 600 km from the south of Cairns and about 1,000 km from the north of Brisbane.

Where to Stay in Airlie Beach

Unwind and take things slowly in this laid-back Queensland beach town. Here are some of the best picks to stay in while visiting Airlie Beach.

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday

From 3-bedroom condos to campsites, this resort offers quality accommodation for visitors who plan to visit with a whole family. It also has over a dozen on-site activities and a water park to keep everyone entertained.

Club Wyndham Airlie Beach

This modern accommodation comes with expansive balconies that offer visitors great views of the nearby Coral Sea. With bedroom spa apartment type and quality facilities, this resort is truly a passage to tropical adventure.

Coral Sea Resort

Set upright on the oceanfront and only a short stroll from the Airlie coastal town with its laid-back vibe and quality facilities, there is no way this resort is not your best accommodation in Whitsundays.

Magnums Airlie Beach

Tucked in a stunning, lush tropical environment, this house guest is your place to stay in Airlie. It offers a variety of accommodations, from private rooms for budget travelers to ensuite cabins with reasonable prices.

Mantra Club Croc

Located right on the Airlie Marina Port, this accommodation is ideal for immersing oneself in a tropical atmosphere. The rooms offer modern conveniences and fresh interiors to ensure an enjoyable staying experience.

Waters Edge

Waters Edge is for those who prefer comfort and tranquility over anything. It’s quietly tucked away on a hillside in the midst of tropical gardens. It is only 100 meters away from the center of the coastal town.

What to Do in Airlie Beach

With the Whitsunday Islands close by and there’s also loads of fun in the beach town itself, it’s impossible to run out of things to do in this Queensland’s hottest destination.

RVing to The Nearby Caravan Park

Your unforgettable vacation begins as soon as you pull up your RV at the caravan park in the coastal town of Airlie. The park is only a few minutes away from Conway National Park, home to hidden rainforests, beaches, and mangroves.

Chill Out at Airlie Beach Lagoon

The Airlie Beach Lagoon is a perfect place to have a wonderful day of leisure without an entry price. Surrounded by grassy areas, the lagoon is ideal for reading a book in the shade or a quick sunbath. Got kids in tow? There is a stinger-free and sandy area that is totally safe for youngsters.

Sign Up for an Actual Camping Experience

The beach town of Airlie is home to various camping grounds. For those who crave an authentic survival experience, now is the chance. There are plenty of exciting activities to do during the camping, such as exploring caverns, sandboarding, or fishing while learning survival skills.

Go Fishing

Airlie coastal town has a broad marine ecosystem, perfect for experienced tourists to reel in. For newbies who want to catch some fish in the sea, sign up for chartered fishing tours provided by some companies.

Skydiving or Jet Skiing

Jet Skiing across the Whitsundays is an experience that promises plenty of beauty and excitement. For adrenaline junkies, sign up for Skydive Airlie Beach to enjoy the tropical view from great heights.

Attractions in Airlie Beach

Aside from the natural splendor, the beach town of Airlie offers many establishments perfect for tourists to enjoy the nightlife or simply tantalize their taste buds.

Paradiso Rooftop Restaurant & Bar

Ready to unfold the Airlie Beach nightlife? Paradiso is where you should start. Headed to the rooftop at sunset while enjoying a cocktail menu. Make sure to come on Friday or Saturday at 7 pm to enjoy some live music.

Sorrento Restaurant & Bar

Located in the center town of Airlie, Sorrento is an establishment that takes great delight in serving quality, authentic Italian delicacies. This is a perfect spot to enjoy a delectable dish while unwinding oneself with the best views of the beach town.

Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill

With charming Whitsundays Coral Sea backgrounds, mouthwatering seafood platters, beachside beer gardens, and live music, Northerlies is where to visit to enjoy the boisterous life of the town. Its laid-back tropical atmosphere with multiple areas perfectly meets everyone’s needs.

Plan Your Trip Now!

Soaking up the sunshine, pumping up the adrenaline in the lush forest, or simply enjoying the delicacies in modern establishments, Airlie Beach has it all. Apart from this beautiful beach town, the natural grandeur of the East Coast of Australia can also be marveled in Whitehaven Beach, Bondi Beach, and Cable Beach. So, plan your itinerary now!

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