AIRLIE BEACH
- INDEX
- DESTINATIONS
- YOUR ITINERARY
- ACCOMMODATION
- THINGS TO DO
- TRANSPORT
- TOURS
- ATTRACTIONS
- WEDDING / HONEYMOON
- CAR HIRE
- DINING OUT
- BACKPACKERS
- INTERNET@CAFES
- CAMERA HIRE
- MAPS and INFO
- SAFE TRAVEL
- CLASSIFIEDS
- LINKS
Airlie Beach is the jumping off point for the enchanting Whitsunday Islands, but the lively little tourist town is a genuine destination in itself. A word of warning... one of the Cairns Unlimited team (who shall remain nameless) got 'lost' in Airlie Beach some years ago. He arrived on a Saturday, and left on a Saturday, and has never been able to figure out whether he spent two weeks there... or three!
USE THE LINKS ABOVE TO GO DIRECTLY TO THE RANGE OF ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS, TOURS AND ATTRACTIONS THAT ARE AVAILABLE IN AIRLIE BEACH, OR SCROLL DOWN TO DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THIS SPECTACULAR DESTINATION.
With the Conway National Park and Conway State Forest as a backdrop and the spectacular Whitsunday Islands at its front door, it's no wonder Airlie Beach is so popular. It's a major destination for backpackers following the east coast trail, as well as for yachtsmen sailing the tranquil waters of the Great Barrier Reef. It's an attractive little town - only a few blocks long - with pleasant parkland and two beautiful marinas. The town has been thoughtfully developed with tasteful low rise resorts that blend in with the surrounds rather than dominate them.The beach itself is small, but the local council has compensated for that with the construction of a 4,300 square metre lagoon, holding 4.5 million litres of salt water. That's about the size of about six full-size Olympic swimming pools, set in four hectares of shady botanic gardens, with a children's pool, barbecues, picnic shelters, toilets, showers, and parking. Supervision is undertaken by lifeguards from the Royal Life Saving Society of Queensland, who are in attendance from 7:00am to 9:00pm, seven days per week. Dedicated security staff patrol the site from 9:00pm to 5:00am, seven days per week. The lagoon provides a 'stinger free' swimming environment all year round.
Airlie Beach is colourful and cosmopolitan, yet maintains a relaxed and inviting village atmosphere. Life revolves around the beach, lagoon and marina by day, and the restaurants, bars and clubs by night. You wouldn't imagine it but Shute Harbour - 11 kilometres down the road - is one of Queensland's busiest ports, filled with yachts, cruisers, water taxis, ferries, and fishermen. On the other side of town, the Abel Point Marina is capable of hosting over 200 vessels, from small leisure craft to 40 metre super yachts.
1,100 kilometres north of Brisbane and 640 kilometres south of Cairns, Airlie Beach is truly an adventure destination, with superb diving, snorkelling and sailing right on the doorstep, in the pristine Whitsunday Islands. Visitors can take scenic flights, skydive, jet skiing, parasailing, jet boating, kite surfing, ocean rafting, waterskiing, tube riding, surf kayaking... or even enjoy the thrills of 'looping-the-loop' in a vintage aerobatic bi-plane.
... and at the end of the day, the nightlife in Airlie Beach provides something for everyone, from typical Aussie pubs to sports bars, rowdy backpackers bars and nightclubs.
Every Saturday the foreshore parkland turns into a bustling market with stalls selling fresh fruit and veges, local arts and crafts and all manner of goods under the shade of coconut palms, with views across Pioneer Bay and the Whitsunday Passage.
ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO - AIRLIE BEACH
WHITSUNDAY RENT A YACHT
6 Bay Terrace, Shute Harbour (MAP)
Phone (07) 4946 9232 / Fax (07) 4946 9512
Tollfree 1800 075 000
www.rentayacht.com.au
For a holiday that offers both relaxation and adventure, there are few better places than the Whitsundays - one of the world's best sailing destinations. Charter your own yacht, catamaran or motor cruiser to explore the 74 island wonders.
Within an hour of leaving the private jetty at Shute Harbour, you can be moored at a luxury island resort or in a secluded bay. Keep the kids entertained with a range of activities including swimming, snorkelling or fishing. Or why not try a National Park bush walk on one of the islands? Tongue Point lookout offers breathtaking views of Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. Whatever your choice, a charter holiday in the Whitsundays provides access to it all.
Take your pick from Whitsunday Rent A Yacht's fleet of vessels ranging in size from nine to 15 metres. Vessels accommodate between two and 11 passengers and are fitted out with the latest equipment for safety, comfort and convenience.
No boat licence is required - only minimal boating experience. We provide a briefing DVD ahead of time, as well as a comprehensive briefing session on the first day of your charter. Cruise guides can be provided for extra tuition or for the duration of your charter
OCEAN RAFTING
25 Ocean View Avenue, Airlie Beach (MAP)
Phone (07) 4946 6848
www.oceanrafting.com.au
The Whitsundays... three days in one!
Multi award winning Ocean Rafting visits the 'Wild Side' of the Whitsunday Islands, the uninhabited islands with beautiful natural scenery brimming with marine, bird and animal life. There are two exciting tour options, the Northern Exposure and Southern Lights. Each Ocean Rafting day offers three days in one, including an exhilarating ride to Whitehaven Beach, pristine snorkelling reefs and guided Whitsunday Island National Parks walks.
Ocean Rafting is the only tour to have direct access to the stunning and iconic Hill Inlet beach, and special snorkel sites at Hook Island and Border Island ensure a memorable underwater experience. The semi rigid inflatable vessels are super fast allowing guests to experience a fun ride, adventure and education amongst the natural beauty of the Whitsundays. 28 passengers at most allows for personal snorkelling lessons and the pleasure of a small group. Ocean Rafting is proud to be Advanced Ecotourism Certified.
AIR WHITSUNDAY
Whitsunday Airport, Airlie Beach (MAP)
Phone (07) 4946 9111 / Fax (07) 4946 9100
www.airwhitsunday.com.au
Experience the wonder of the Whitsundays!
Air Whitsunday offer a wide range of scenic flights over the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Some of Air Whitsunday scenic flight tours also offer snorkelling inside Hardy Reef and this is what makes Air Whitsunday's tours unique. Hardy Reef is a convenient location for both the first time snorkeller and the more experienced, thanks to the coral lagoon it creates.
Along with their snorkelling tours to the reef, Air Whitsunday also provide day trips to island resorts, picnics at Whitehaven Beach, scenic flights with the added bonus of a water landing and with the Whitsundays being so well known for its yachting compatibility, what could be more romantic than being picked up from your yacht by seaplane for any of their amazing scenic flights tours
CRUISE WHITSUNDAYS
Building 2, Abel Point Marina, Airlie Beach (MAP)
Phone (07) 4946 4662 / Fax (07) 4946 4382
www.cruisewhitsundays.com
Experience the best of the Whitsundays!
Cruise Whitsundays is an innovative and experienced tourism operator offering a range of day cruises and an island resort connections service in the wonderful Whitsunday islands and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
With a range of popular day cruises available, including the famous Whitehaven Beach and stunning outer Great Barrier Reef; Cruise Whitsundays provides the perfect opportunity to explore an incredible part of the world.
Cruise Whitsundays provide transfers to/from Hamilton Island Airport and Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) to Daydream Island Resort and Spa, Long Island, Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island. The service provides a seamless, hassle free and fast connection for arriving and departing guests with modern and well-appointed vessels
NATURAL SITES
CONWAY NATIONAL PARKConway National Park, located between Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour, covers an area of 22,500 hectares, including the largest area of lowland tropical rainforest in Queensland. The vegetation found in Conway National Park is very similar to that found in the Whitsunday Islands. The park is home to some very good walking, picnic spots, fishing and wildlife viewing. Conway National Park is of high biological significance. Twenty-three species of animals who inhabit this park are significant nationally and internationally, six species are rare or threatened and three are known only from this area. Camping is permitted in the area.
CONWAY STATE FOREST
Offering unique attractions to keen naturalists, Conway State Forest provides a constant refuge for up to 20 rainforest plant species that can only be found in the Whitsunday region. There are four campgrounds in Conway State Forest where camping is permitted but they are only accessible on foot. Remember to obtain a camping permit before. Fees apply.
For more information about these National Parks and others around Tropical North Queensland, please visit our NATIONAL PARKS page.
TOURS
A Whitsundays sailing trip is virtually mandatory on everyone's itinerary, including backpackers, not least because it's a beautiful and extremely affordable activity. Dozens of companies operate out of Airlie Beach. Day trips generally visit a couple of islands and Whitehaven Beach (on Whitsunday Island) and include lunch and snorkelling. Options range from fast rafts and island-hoppers to a leisurely sail on a ketch or catamaran. For a comprehensive list of all the cruises available in the region, have a look at our CRUISING TOURS page.Scuba diving or snorkelling is another of the activities anybody spending their holidays in Airlie Beach is compelled to do. The number of diving companies is increasing every day, you only have to decide which one offers what you are looking for and GO AHEAD!!! Find more about snorkeling and scuba diving trips on our SCUBA DIVING AND SNORKELLING TRIPS page.
Also, there are a number of operators that offer whale watching tours between July and September. It is during these months when the whales give birth and, although their food supply (krill) is in Antartica, they come to these warm waters so the babies can survive. Seeing these whales is an unforgettable experience. The larger adults can be up to fifteen metres long, can weight around 45 tonnes, with pectoral fins of ten metres. Can you imagine what it would be like finding yourself surrounded by this gigantic mammals? Despite their massive size, Humpback whales tend to be very gentle and very curious about humans, so it is not unusual for them to approach the vessel and spend some time playing around.... 'showing off', in other words!
And the ultimate way to discover the beautiful area around Airlie Beach and the magnificent Whitsunday Islands is by renting your own boat or yacht and skippering it yourself. Have a look at our BOAT HIRE page to see all the boats available in Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands.
MARKETS
The Airlie Markets are held every Saturday on the foreshore. Stalls sell fresh fruit and vegetables, local arts and crafts and a vast array of other goods. And all under the comforting shadow of coconut palms. The Airlie Beach Markets are a great place to experience the culture of the islands and the perfect spot to find the right souvenir among the many hundreds of locally made craft items on offer. WHITSUNDAY FARMERS MARKET
On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, at Whitsunday Gold Coffee Plantation (Bruce Highway, Proserpine) you will find the Whitsunday Farmers Market
EVENTS
Airlie Beach is a haven for those looking to have a good time. Apart from all the tours and attractions available, the events that take place in the town are many. WIN TELEVISION AIRLIE BEACH FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
You will be delighted by the delicacies chefs from the restaurants of Airlie Beach will prepare for you. From gourmet delights to an extensive range of Australina wines, chefs from the finest restaurants in the area are here to make sure that you experience the incredible food the different regions have to offer as well as try, and purchase, the best wines of all the Australians regions.
AIRLIE BEACH RACE WEEK
Formerly known as Hog's Breath Race Week, the Airlie Beach Race Week is an annual yacht racing regatta in which Yachts from all over Australia and overseas compete for seven days on Pioneer Bay in the Whitsunday Islands. The regatta draws approximately 150 yachts and has grown to being the largest annual sailing event on the Queensland coastline.
OCEANIC WHITSUNDAY BOAT AND LEISURE SHOW
Showcasing the Marine Industry, the Oceanic Boat and Leisure Show offers visitors a wide variety of exhibits, including power boats, luxury yachts and trialable tinnies. Anyone interested will have the opportunity to visit the 50 metre Hoecker, where exhibitors will be showing everything from refrigeration and luxury holidays to marine electronics.
Everybody will have fun as entertainment will be provided during the weekend. Make your way to Airlie Beach for the show and learn how to catch a barramundi, enjoy a delicious and tasty barbecue, join in any of the competition and much more.
TROPICAL PEAKS RACE
A weekend full of fun combining sailing and running with the beautiful Whitsundays in the background. The Tropical Peaks Race involves four runs and four sailing legs: Airlie Beach, Long Island, Hamilton Island and South Molle Island. If you are a runner you are not required to sail and viceversa, but it is mandatory that running is done in pairs.
WHITSUNDAY FUN RACE
With more than 200 yachts of all kinds competing, the Whitsundays Fun Races is now a major event on the social calendar. Airlie Beach welcomes many overseas visitors every year who come to the town not only for the race but also for the many other activities that will take place during the weekend.
For more details about these events and others that are taking place in North Queensland, please visit our NORTH QUEENSLAND'S EVENT CALENDAR.
ACCOMMODATION - AIRLIE BEACH
Airlie Beach is one of the most popular destinations in Tropical North Queensland, and has a great supply of accommodation. Holiday accommodation in Airlie Beach varies from luxury resorts and self contained apartment complexes to affordable motels and home style bed and breakfast accommodation, not to mention a selection of caravan parks and campgrounds, with some offering self contained villas, and modern ensuite cabins. Airlie Beach has long been a favourite destination among backpackers as well, and there are no less than half a dozen backpackers hostels to choose from. If it's family friendly accommodation you're looking for, or budget accommodation while you enjoy the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach has something for everyone. Please visit our AIRLIE BEACH ACCOMMODATION section, or use the buttons in the right hand column to choose your style of Airlie Beach accommodation.
DINING - AIRLIE BEACH
In Airlie Beach you will find lots of restaurants, cafes and bars. It seems that everywhere you go, there is an eatery. Besides, many of the Airlie Beach holiday accommodation options have their own restaurant, or restaurants in many cases, open to the public. Unless you spend a month in Airlie Beach, you won't have time to try them all. But we have compiled them all in the list below so you can choose which one you like most. Bon appetit!!!
MANGROVE JACK'S
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CLIPPER RESTAURANT
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GETTING TO AIRLIE BEACH
Getting to Airlie Beach should be the least of your worries. The once quiet little town has become a popular East Coast destination, and is well serviced by all means of transport. Of course, from exciting Airlie Beach, there is no end to your choices for travelling the Whitsunday Islands... seaplane, helicopter, water taxi, charter boats and organized tours. Many of the developed islands are connected by regular scheduled ferry services, and those which are a little 'off the beaten track' can always be accessed by charter boat. Whether you're up for renting a yacht and skippering it yourself, or your idea of enjoying this natural wonderland is to just lie back and letting someone else do all the work, there's no excuse for staying on the mainland. For getting around the Whitsunday Islands, please visit our WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS page.
CRUISE WHITSUNDAYS
Shingley Drive, Abel Point Marina, Airlie Beach
Phone (07) 4946 4662 / Fax (07) 4946 4382
www.cruisewhitsundays.com
Purpose built vessels and personalized service!
Cruise Whitsundays provide transfers to/from Hamilton Island Airport and Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) to Daydream Island Resort and Spa, Long Island, Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island. The service provides a seamless, hassle free and fast connection for arriving and departing guests with modern and well-appointed vessels
Of course if you've got a desire for the freedom and flexibility that can only be had at the wheels of your own vehicle, please visit our CAR HIRE page. We may be called Cairns Unlimited, but we can get you a great deal on a rental car or campervan anywhere! Simply fill out our obligation free enquiry form, and we will get back to you - usually the next working day - with the best deal on a vehicle to suit your needs.
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Virgin Blue and Jetstar both fly to nearby Proserpine, and also to Hamilton Island from most state capitals and major centres. Prices vary according to demand. A taxi from Proserpine to Airlie Beach will cost approximately $50, as per December 07, but as you will see below, there are other transport options available.
Please note that Proserpine airport is referred to as 'Whitsunday Coast' airport.
Although the Bruce Highway passes by 20 kilometres inland, Airlie Beach is included in the regular Brisbane to Cairns Greyhound bus route, with up to five departures every day. A Greyhound 'bus pass' will give you the flexibilty to stop off at interesting destinations along the way.
Airlie Beach is one of the essential stops on all of the Oz Experience East Coast routes. Oz Experience has a range of passes and itineraries around the country.
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The nearest centre serviced by Queensland Rail is Proserpine, about 30 kilometres away, but Queensland Rail provides a 'Trainlink' bus connection to Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour for an extra $10 on the price of your ticket.
Airlie Beach has a 24 hour local taxi service, with a taxi rank in the centre of town. Phone tollfree on 131 008.
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WHITSUNDAY TRANSIT
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EMERGENCY SERVICES
In case of emergency only, dial 000. In all other cases, phone the local service :
Ambulance 131 233
Hospital (07) 4945 0400 (Proserpine)
Fire Brigade (07) 4946 1128
Police (07) 4946 6445 (Cannonvale)
EMERGENCY SERVICES
In case of emergency only, dial 000. In all other cases, phone the local service :Ambulance 131 233
Hospital (07) 4945 0400 (Proserpine)
Fire Brigade (07) 4946 1128
Police (07) 4946 6445 (Cannonvale)
