Welcome to Airlie Beach

Aside from being the obvious departure point for most trips to the unparalleled Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach has long been a destination par excellence on the east coast road-trip and binge-drink adventure trail. Its multiple hostels and massive beer gardens sit opposite a lawn-surrounded swimming lagoon where nothing much happens but the passing of carefree youth.

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Sure, there's the relatively new Port of Airlie marina, with its faux-sophisticated hotel and restaurant complex, as well as the town's impressive sailing pedigree, but the heart of Airlie still beats to the rhythm of unskilled sailors, taking to the sparkling seas and jungle-clad isles with bleary-eyed wonder.

Those looking to avoid the party scene – families especially – will have no trouble finding quieter lodgings near town. And it's possible to enjoy nautical activities close to shore, as well as excursions into Conway National Park, without the hassle of full day-trips and overnight yachts.

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Top experiences in Airlie Beach

Amazing hotels and hostels

We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

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Airlie Beach activities

$135.89 Day Trips & Excursions

Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island Cruise

A visit to cosmopolitan Hamilton Island is a definite Whitsundays must-do! Hamilton Island is the largest island resort in the South Pacific and boasts an exciting mix of things to see and do. Seven pools, boutiques, galleries, bars, a number of restaurants, over 40 optional activities, walking trails and a koala and wildlife gallery are just a few of its features. Picturesque Whitehaven Beach is one of the Whitsundays premier natural attractions - five miles (seven kilometers) of glistening white sand complemented by crystal clear waters. Renowned as one of the top ten beaches in the world, Whitehaven Beach is located on Whitsunday Island, the largest island in the region and is fully protected and uninhabited due to its National and Marine Park status. Its shallows are graced by various species of turtles, and these ancient creatures are often sighted during daily visits.Choose one of two options:Option 1 - Fully Guided Small Group TourYou will cruise to Whitehaven beach where your guide will take you on a morning walk around Solway Circuit to see views of surrounding islands and the south Whitehaven Beach. Enjoy free time to participate in beach games, sun bake or swim in the pristine waters. Board your cruise vessel and head to Hamilton Island where you will have your lunch at the Manta Ray Cafe (at own expense) overlooking the Hamilton Island Yacht Club and the Marina.After lunch, take on a fully escorted walking tour of Hamilton Islands' Front Street and gift shops. After a relaxing tour, board your complimentary shuttle to One Tree Hill, the highest point of Hamilton Island for photo opportunities of Catseye Beach and Passage Peak. After this visit, spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure at the resort to relax by the pool with a cocktail in hand (own expense) or to find souvenirs at the boutique stores. Option 2 - Self Guided TourSail to Hamilton Island where you can spend your morning at your own leisure. You can choose to take a shuttle bus around the island. The shuttle circuit run all day stopping at key attractions, scenic points and resorts so you can hop on and off as you please. You also have the option to take advantage of the facilities at the resort and swim by the pool or relax at Catseye Beach, visit Front Street and Marina Village.Enjoy a pub lunch at the Marina Tavern (at own expense) overlooking the marina followed by your cruise to Whitehaven Beach. Along the way, listen to informative commentary on the history and natural wonders of the area. You will have free time to swim, go on a bush walk or just laze around and bask under the sun. This tour is also available in reverse starting from Whitehaven in the morning followed by Hamilton Island in the afternoon.
$16.16 Transfers & Ground Transport

Proserpine Airport Transfer to Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour

Save yourself the hassle of finding a taxi when you arrive in the Whitsundays by booking an efficient and comfortable shared shuttle service from Proserpine Airport (PPP) to your Airlie Beach or Shute Harbor hotel. Your driver will be waiting for you in the pickup hall, holding a sign with your name. Simply meet your driver and head to the minicoach. Your friendly professional driver will transfer you in comfort and ease to your hotel in Airlie Beach or Shute Harbor. Stretch out and make use of the generous legroom and luggage storage during your drive. The smaller-size vehicles carry a maximum of 24 people, which means that you get to your hotel faster as there will be limited drop offs. Transfer service meets all flights arriving in Proserpine Airport (PPP).When booking your transport, be sure to provide your flight details and your Shute Harbour or Airlie Beach hotel details. Shuttle service is available for all flights at Proserpine Airport (PPP).
$168.22 Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours

Reef and Island Scenic Flight from Airlie Beach

The reef and island is a signature scenic flight from Airlie Beach.Begin your tour 45-60 minutes before departure time, with hotel/accommodation pickup.The 60-minute flight includes all of the best sites the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef have to offer. It’s easy to understand why the Great Barrier Reef is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the amazing contrast of colors is something that’s best experienced from the air. Taking off from Whitsunday Airport, your tour takes you over most of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays. You'll see the island resorts dotted around the islands as you head toward Whitehaven Beach and the renowned Hill Inlet. Enjoy two passes of Australia's best beach and then head out to the Great Barrier Reef. Included in your tour is the famous Heart Reef, nestled amongst the bright colors and patterns of Hardy Reef. On board, everyone enjoys a window seat, a pilot commentary and superb views from our fleet of high wing aircraft.Sights include Shute Harbour, Hamilton Island, Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Beach, Heart Reef, Hook Reef, Hayman Island, Hook Island, and Daydream Island.
$80.80 Outdoor Activities

Whitsundays Jet Ski Tour

After pickup from your hotel (in Airlie Beach), head to the check-in office where you meet your guide for an orientation and safety briefing. After board your Sea-doo Jet Ski, which you can ride solo or with a friend. Put on the provided riding apparel — vest, sunglasses or goggles, a hat — then climb on to your Jet Ski for a ride through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Whitsunday Islands!Choose from the options below for your tour, all with a maximum of 20 people for a more personalized small-group tour. Your guide snaps photos of you on your Jet Ski, and you’ll be able to see them online after the tour. Airlie Adventure:Take off in the morning from Airlie Beach to zip around Pioneer Bay's scenic bays and lovely beaches. Spot small islands, among other places pointed out by your expert guide, during your explorations. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of sea turtles, sea birds, or a large dugong (akin to the manatee) bobbing along the water. Expect to spend 1.5 hours riding on the Jet Ski, covering about 18 miles (30km) total. Your guide provides entertaining and informative commentary throughout the tour, and can help with any questions that you may have. Take breaks for photo ops, to get a closer look at places you see, and to sip on provided bottled water. This option is suitable for both beginner and experienced jet skiers.South Molle and Daydream Islands Experience:This 2.5-hour experience offers 50km of jet skiing and is all about maximizing your time on-board the Jet Ski. Explore the stunning Whitsunday Islands visiting the natural beauty of South Molle Island and Daydream Island.Jetski to ParadiseSatify your thirst fro adventure jetskiing away from the crowds to the very exclusive Paradise Cove Resort. Enjoy a cool drink and a delicious tropical brunch before spoling yourself in the resort pool, go for a paddle board or just relax. Once invigorated, prepare to hang on as the adventure reignites on the return journey. This exciting adventure incorporates a one hour resort stopover and two hours jetskiing. Ultimate Island TrekSolo riders will love the epic adventure on the Ultimate Island Trek as you journey to the island oasis of Palm Bay Resort on Long Island. Enjoy a beautiful poolside lunch including delicious woodfired pizzas, salads and chips. Relax with a drink, take a dip in the pool or chill on the beach, before the thrills are amplified on the return journey, delivering more scenic splendour exploring numerous islands and resorts as you conquer the ultimate 70km trek. This exhilarating new tour includes a 1 hour resort stopover and 3 hours jetskiing. SOLO RIDERS ONLY
$12.49 Transfers & Ground Transport

Proserpine Airport Shuttle to Airlie Beach Resorts

After meeting your driver in the arrivals hall at proserpine airport, you will transferred to your accommodation in Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour. You will be dropped off at the door of your accommodation, arriving in comfort. Your local driver will share insider knowledge of the region throughout en route from the airport to your hotel.
$131.49 Day Trips & Excursions

Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout Full-Day Snorkel Cruise

ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Hill InletTake the famous walk to the lookout for stunning views of Whitehaven BeachDuration: 30 minutesStop At: Whitehaven BeachWe stop at the famous Whitehaven Beach where you can dip your toes in the crystal clear water. Duration: 20 minutes
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