Jump to:
Petite, palm-dotted, and a honeypot for a nomadic community of would-be sailors and just-passing-through sunseekers, Airlie Beach points the way to the Whitsunday Islands. A small, walkable town, Airlie Beach’s focal points are a short boardwalk that wiggles around its waterfront, and an artificial swimming lagoon bordered by caf茅s and beachwear boutiques.
As a town, Airlie Beach has little of intrinsic interest. Its bars, hostels and eateries are mostly frequented by a young, rucksack-toting crowd, biding their time here before leaving to crew boats departing for the Whitsundays or the wider Great Barrier Reef. And, it’s as a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands that the town serves its greatest purpose for visitors.
You can reach Airlie Beach by flying into nearby Proserpine Airport from Cairns or Brisbane. Then, from the town, you can take a ferry directly to Hamilton Island, one of the most accessible islands in the Whitsundays, or embark on a multi-day cruise around the entire Whitsunday archipelago.
Despite the name, Airlie Beach isn’t blessed with the greatest beaches: for these, you’re best heading to the Whitsundays. You can also take a ferry from Airlie Beach directly to Whitehaven Beach, the poster child for Whitsunday sandscapes. It’s famed for its white silica sand, which forms psychedelic whorls and looping patterns.
Best time to visit Airlie Beach
Northern Queensland has a tropical climate, with a humid wet season (November to April) and a drier mild season (June to October).
For the best of the weather and fewest crowds, aim to visit between mid-August and mid-November. Be mindful that Australian schools have a three-week break from September to early October, turning Airlie Beach very busy during that particular short period.
who's been there
-
01993 838 92501993 838 810
- Make an enquiry
Suggested itinerary featuring Airlie Beach
This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Airlie Beach, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Airlie Beach
- The Whitsunday Islands 13 miles away
- Hamilton Island 17 miles away
- The Great Barrier Reef 75 miles away
- Orpheus Island 185 miles away
- Queensland 217 miles away
- Wilson Island 294 miles away
- Atherton Tablelands 300 miles away