Rating: 🏆 Must Visit
It's the gateway to the Whitsundays and Whitehaven Beach! Been here a few times, super laid back, some great bars along the main strip as well.

Top Things to Do

• Day Trip to Whitehaven Beach – Australia’s most iconic beach, with pure silica sand and swirling aqua waters.

• Scenic Flight Over Heart Reef – Unforgettable aerial views of coral formations.

• Sail the Whitsundays – Join a day cruise or liveaboard yacht (budget to luxury).

• Airlie Lagoon – Free public swimming pool with tropical views, great for chilling.

• Conway Circuit (Hiking) – Walks through lush rainforest and coastal ridges.

• Cedar Creek Falls – Swim under a waterfall, just 30 mins from town (best after rain).

• Sunset from Coral Sea Marina – Catch the golden light with a cocktail in hand.
  

How Many Days to Spend

• Minimum: 2–3 full days – Chill by the lagoon, explore the town, and take a day trip to Whitehaven Beach or a Whitsunday Islands snorkelling tour.

• Ideal: 4–5 days – Add a sailing trip through the Whitsundays, visit Conway National Park for rainforest hikes, and enjoy the local nightlife.

• More time? Use Airlie Beach as a base for longer sailing adventures or to explore the Queensland coast – Bowen, Cape Hillsborough, and Eungella are within reach.

Tip: Stay close to the main strip for easy access to restaurants and tour departures, or head up the hill for quieter stays with ocean views.

Best Time to Visit

• Winter (Jun–Sep): Dry season, sunny and warm — peak for sailing & reef trips.

• Spring (Oct–Nov): Great weather + less busy before summer rush.

• Summer (Dec–Feb): Hot & humid — stinger season (wear a suit when swimming).

• Autumn (Mar–May): Quieter, green and tropical — occasional showers.
  

Where to Stay

• Budget: Nomads Airlie Beach, Base Backpackers

• Mid-range: Coral Sea Marina Resort, Airlie Beach Hotel

• Luxury: Mirage Whitsundays, Pinnacles Resort (with epic ocean-view pools)

• Unique: Book a cabin or houseboat for a different experience
  

Travel Tips

• Stinger suits are recommended Nov - May — especially for reef & island trips.

• Book reef/Whitehaven trips in advance – they fill up fast in peak season.

• Free parking around town, but limited during busy months.

• ATM fees can be high – plan ahead or go cashless.

• Most tours include food/snorkel gear, so just bring your swimwear and camera.
  

Budget Breakdown (per day)

• Accommodation: $40–$300+ AUD

• Food: $20–$60 AUD

• Sailing or reef trip: $100–$250 AUD (one-time cost)

• Scenic flight: ~$280–$400 AUD

• Free activities: Lagoon, hiking, waterfalls, sunsets
  Tip: Look for package deals — combo tours can save you hundreds!

How to Get There

• Fly to Proserpine (PPP Airport): ~30 min from Airlie by shuttle or car

• Drive from Cairns or Townsville: Scenic road trip down the Bruce Highway

• Long-distance buses: Greyhound & Premier stop in town

No train station in town — nearest is Proserpine