Heaven does exist, and it’s located on the northeastern coast of the Land Down Under.
Airlie Beach might be small, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in beautiful nature, amazing restaurants, paradise-like islands, and ever-welcoming locals.
Located on the northeast coast of Australia, in the Whitsunday region of Queensland, Airlie Beach is a beautiful mixture of crystal blue waters, stretches of golden sand, and a bustling little resort town that is ready to bring on the chill when the heat gets real.
With the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands within striking distance, plus plenty of fun waiting in the town itself, you’ll never feel short of things to do in Queensland.
And if you’re wondering if Kangaroos are part of the fun at Airlie Beach, let’s just say they’ll meet you at the beach when you visit Cape Hillsborough National Park.
With this and more, let’s explore some of the best things to do in Airlie Beach, to help you see why this place needs to get on your bucket list, like now.
1 – Go sailing through the 74 Whitsunday Islands
Once you’ve seen a glowing sunset bounce off the Whitsunday waters, you’ll never want to leave Queensland’s tropical coast. A true heaven on Earth, this stunning archipelago offers white-sand beaches, warm waters, wonderful biodiversity, and borders the famous Great Barrier Reef.
With tour options including yachts, catamarans, or private sailboats (romantics, take note), plus durations spanning a few hours to a few days, there’s something for every budget.
2 – Join a rainforest or boardwalk Segway tour
Walking is so overrated, right? Whether you’re planning on exploring the quaint Airlie Beach boardwalk or the immersive rainforests of Conway National Park (or both!), a Segway tour is the perfect plan of attack.
Witness the splendor of nature, from the Goanna monitor lizards, exotic birds, and even a few 100-year-old fig trees on the tour.
Looking for something a little more thrilling? Combine the Segway tour with a jet ski adventure (and save a few bucks thanks to the package deals)!
3 – Go swimming at Airlie Beach Lagoon
Situated on the Airlie Beach coastline is the Airline Beach Lagoon – an artificial pool filled with crystal blue waters, perfect for a day in the sun.
Pop in for a fun time, typically populated with locals and visitors, and, full of opportunities to sunbathe, meet up with friends, take your kids to enjoy some fun in the sun, or plan a beachside picnic.
The lagoon offers different pools with differing water depths, perfect for children and adults.
4 – Become a certified diver at none other than the Great Barrier Reef
An undisputed Aussie icon, the marine paradise that is the Great Barrier Reef should be high atop any visitor’s Airlie Beach bucket list.
While thousands of travelers opt to cruise and snorkel (or dive) on a day trip, for those looking to take the journey to the next level, why not try an overnight sailing adventure or a scenic flight?
Take your scuba diving to the next level, big time, at the Reef Safari Diving, a training facility that offers incredible experiences, from an intro to diving course, to a diving certification with the best in the business.
5 – Tantalise the tastebuds at one of many seafood restaurants
Check out Fish D’vine & The Rum Bar for any dinner and drinks combo; for beachside eats, book your table at Sorrento Restaurant & Bar or Boatys for exquisite yet relaxed dining, incredible cocktails, and live music on the weekends.
For a casual lunch on a shady patio, check out The Deck Airlie Beach and its fabulous coffee martinis.
Soak in the impressive waterside view at Boathouse Fishbar; or for a good old fashioned affordable plate of battered fish and chips, head straight to the Whitsunday Seafood Bar.
No matter where you end up, rarely does a meal disappoint.
6 – Cuddle a koala at Bredl’s Wild Farm!
Always dreamed of cuddling a koala? What about holding a baby crocodile, petting a wombat, or feeding a kangaroo? All these incredible hands-on experiences (plus so much more) are the norm at this adored, yet wildly underrated family-run attraction.
Animal lovers, do yourselves a favor and add Bredl’s Wild Farm to the top of your list of things to do in Airlie Beach!
7 – Take a powerful ocean raft to Whitehaven Beach
Perhaps Australia’s most picturesque sands, the winding, colorful Whitehaven Beach is one of the essential things to do in Airlie Beach, without a shadow of a doubt! But just because it’s beautiful that doesn’t mean it’s non-stop relaxation — reaching speeds of over 50 km with the ocean breeze and sea spray in your hair, the journey is just as exciting as the destination.
Bring your walking shoes too; to reach the famous Hill Inlet Lookout, a moderate hike awaits.
Explore the beach and incredible marine life on a snorkeling experience down under, and enjoy the contrast in the colors of the fish against the aquamarine colors of the water.
8 – Try Skydiving!
Attention, adrenaline junkies: if you’re looking for heart-pumping things to do in Airlie Beach, look no further!
Rocketing down from the clouds at terminal velocity from heights of 15,000 feet is an unforgettable experience in and of itself, but gliding toward brilliant blue waters, with views of untouched islands and white-sand beaches — well that’s just unbeatable.
If safety is a concern, rest assured you’ll be jumping with highly trained skydivers who will safely guide you through the experience.
9 – Hike, swim, and snack at Cedar Creek Falls
Walk the 1.8-mile hike and other few walks at the beautiful Cedar Creek Falls, a stunning hike with gorgeous, local flora.
Once the bushwalk works up a bit of a sweat, the stunning Cedar Creek waterfall presents as the perfect opportunity to cool off — that, plus wonderful picnic locations and plenty of friendly wildlife make this slice of Mother Nature one of Airlie Beach’s must-visit destinations.
Best of all, it’s just a quick 15-minute drive from the main haunts.
10 – Visit the tropical seaside town of Bowen
Bowen welcomes its travelers to the beautiful seaside town of Bowen, a local hidden gem in Whitsundays, and only a 40-minute drive from Airlie Beach.
The perfect summer getaway, featuring more than 5 different turquoise-colored beaches for swimming, diving, fishing, and simply admiring, you’ll surely find the beach with the perfect activities to match your interests.
Stop by for dinner at one of the seaside restaurants for extremely fresh and savory seafood dishes!
11 – Greet the wildlife on Hamilton Island
One of the Whitsundays’ most popular getaways, Hamilton Island is adored by locals and tourists alike — not just because it boasts incredible snorkeling opportunities, but also because the leafy, beachy paradise plays host to some of Australia’s most beloved creatures.
Camera at the ready, folks — wallabies, goannas, sea eagles, cockatoos, and kookaburras are known to hang out on Hamilton!
The best time to catch wildlife sightings is during the drier seasons, between June-October.
12 – Explore Airlie Beach in a tuk-tuk
A unique spin on the traditional sightseeing itinerary, a tuk-tuk tour allows guests to sit back and relax while friendly, informative locals skirt between the main Airlie Beach hot spots — exploring the Port of Airlie, Coral Sea Marina, and everything in between.
With multiple different time slots per day, a tuk-tuk experience makes for a perfect, relaxing, and scenic end to your day.
No time for lunch? Opt for a food-themed tuk-tuk tour to sample all of the area’s delicacies.
13 – Take a scenic airplane flight over the Heart Reef
While the views from Whitsundays’ beaches are second to none — likewise from the hills of Airlie Beach — there’s nothing that quite compares to soaring over the Aussie east coast in a private propeller plane.
Enjoy listening to your pilot as they share fascinating facts about the beauty before you, from local ecology to historical facts and more!
Have the camera at the ready; there’s no more impressive social media photo than a bird’s eye of the stunning Heart Reef.
14 – Take your kids to Cannonvale
If you’re traveling with kids, or just prefer to get away from the crowds for a bit, definitely check out Cannonvale, known for its secluded and safe beaches.
Bring food ingredients and your grilling materials to start a barbeque on the beach, or explore the beauty of the beach like the molten rock when the tide is low.
Cannonvale is located only 3-minutes away from Airlie Beach, making it a perfect little day escape.
15 – Come face to face with iconic views of Airlie Beach at Honeyeater Lookout
Trek through the roundtrip trail of approximately 8.2 kilometers, to Honeyeater Lookout; a perfect vantage point that shares views of the water, nature, and a close encounter with fascinating wildlife.
A fairly easy journey to get to from the city center of Airlie Beach, locals recommend starting your trek from Kara Crescent and following the sign to Honeyeater Lookout.
Enjoy the journey, as you view lizards, birds, and other critters native to the area.
16 – Zoom across the waters on a jet boat
Hold on to your hats and prepare to get soaked! If it’s adrenaline and thrills you’re after, then a high-speed Airlie Beach jet boat ride is exactly what the doctor ordered.
With drifts, power stops, nosedives, and spins on the menu — not to mention the sublime views from departure to docking — this high-octane adventure is a must for the Airlie Beach bucket list.
17 – Head out on a glass-bottom boat tour
Experience the amazing underwater life without getting wet! How? On a glass-bottom boat tour from Shute Harbour — an ever-popular Airlie Beach tourist activity suitable for all ages.
Kids (and adults alike) love feeding the fish; the ship’s crew are experts in marine biology, and it’s also a great way to meet fellow like-minded travelers.
A bit trippy at first, the experience quickly becomes magical as the animal start to emerge, and starting at $52 USD, the experience is a steal.
18 – Grab a souvenir at the Airlie Beach markets
A quaint collection of pop-ups straddling the shoreline, these local markets are always a pleasant time.
Whether you’re after souvenirs, a quick bite to eat, something refreshing to drink, or just a chance to meet the locals, a morning stroll through either the Whitsunday Market or Airlie Beach Market (within walking distance of one another) is more than worthwhile.
Listen to the sounds of the water in between songs played by the local bands!
19 – Explore Conway National Park!
While Airlie Beach is synonymous with its serene islands and beaches, the area isn’t short of lush rainforest either. Those looking to stretch their legs often make a beeline for the Conway National Park, home to the Mt Rooper Circuit and Swamp Bay Track, among others, and located conveniently close to Airlie Beach’s main draws.
Take on the Whitsunday Great Walk, a 27-kilometer trail that promises to take you through patches of dense forests, and a few steep climbs with phenomenal views.
The Fringe Circuit and Hayward Gully 41-minute walk offers an easier trek with mostly flat lands, perfect for families with small children.
20 – Enjoy a perfect cup of coffee at the best coffee shops
Whether you’re there for the drinks, the meal, or the amazing coffee, SideWalk Cafe and Restaurant has you covered with the best meal waiting to happen. Order the best latte in Airline Beach, or ask the barista for their recommendation.
“Funky, friendly, and unique” are the 3 words that Fat Frog Beach Cafe describes itself with, so come on in, and enjoy a delicious menu of healthy options, and delicious coffee, served seaside.
21 – Join a whale watching tour
It’s near impossible not to picture wildlife when you hear the word Australia, and despite the furry kangaroos and koalas getting the bulk of the attention, the ocean’s gentle giants frequent Airlie Beach on cue, year after year.
The most common sightings are humpback whales, who migrate down to Queensland’s warm waters annually between June and August.
So don’t hesitate to hop on a whale-watching tour, where you may even catch sea turtles and other colorful fish.
22 – Explore the area with a jet ski safari
An activity that promises both excitement and beauty in spades, a jet ski tour through the Whitsunday Islands is one of the best things to do in Airlie Beach.
Once you’ve glided across the scenic waterways to the Palm Bay resort, you’ll be greeted by woodfire pizzas, endemic wildlife, and friendly, informative locals who love to point out all of the region’s icons.
23 – Play a round at the Hamilton Island Golf Club
Nothing quite says ‘vacation’ like a day on the fairways, and there’s no better place to do exactly that on the postcard-worthy Hamilton Island.
The sought-after 18 hole championship golf course claims to have “the most spectacular views and settings of any golf course in the world” — but we’ll let you be the judge of that one.
Make sure to book your “Tee Time” slot in advance for this one to secure your spot-all on their website!
24 – Consider a unique helicopter tour
Most touristy helicopter tours soar above concrete jungles, landing at a quiet airport on the city’s outskirt — not in the Whitsundays.
Here, visitors are blessed not only with the opportunity to soar above some of Australia’s most pristine islands, including Daydream Island, Hill Inlet, and Long Island; but land on the untouched white sands of Whitehaven Beach as well!
Depending on your tour, many experiences include roundtrip transportation included to the point of departure from your hotel – win!
25 – Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day at the best spas
Unwind and relax after so much sightseeing with a relaxing spa day, at some of the best spas in Airlie Beach.
Situated on the coast of Arlie Beach, Mana Skin Body & Soul guarantees the utmost attention and service in delivering you massage and skin treatments that rejuvenate your spirit.
Make sure to book the special hot stone massage, followed by a relaxing scrub and soak to treat your wandering feet too at Aroma Stone Boutique.
26 – Create lifelong memories on an overnight sailing adventure
An experience unlike any other, a multi-day, overnight sailing adventure is truly unforgettable.
Why choose an overnight tour? So many reasons! You can tick off BOTH the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands in one package; you can learn the ins and outs of working a sailboat; you can see the unobstructed night sky; and, perhaps most impressively, you can wake up to the ultimate tranquillity of the ocean air.
27 – Tackle the town’s streets on a roaring trike
A surprisingly exhilarating twist on the traditional bike or bus tour, the Airlie Beach trike tours are always popular for solo travelers, couples, or simply visitors looking to rest their legs a little.
Depending on how much time’s available, choose from trips to Hydeaway Bay Beach, Conway National Park, or just cruise around the main Airlie Beach hotspots.
Fully customizable, this tour experience will be designed to cater to your needs and include the specific sights you’d want to explore.
28 – Sign up for a Survivor-style camping experience
Any reality TV fans in the house? If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at the remote Survivor lifestyle, now’s your chance!
During the multi-night camping experience, there’s no shortage of thrilling activities; spend a few hours fishing, explore caves, or try sandboarding for the first time, all while learning the tricks of the survival trade.
Don’t worry, there’s plenty of dedicated relaxation time too.
29 – Embark on a crocodile safari
As you cruise calmly down the Proserpine River waters and the Goorganga Plains wetlands, keep your eyes peeled: these locales are home to the infamous Aussie saltwater crocodile — the world’s largest reptile.
Besides the chance to see these intimidating creatures in the flesh, safari tours also typically include a barbecue lunch during which travelers can try traditional indigenous billy tea and damper (similar to bread).
30 – Go fishing
With such a broad marine ecosystem, Airlie Beach’s range of fishing opportunities is some of the best in the country.
For experienced folk looking to reel in a Mangrove jack or Coral trout from land, head to the rock walls; for newbies or seasoned vets wanting to head out to sea and catch something bigger, a number of companies offer half or full-day chartered fishing tours.
31 – Sip some wine on a sunset cruise
For any lovebirds looking for romantic things to do in Airlie Beach, take note. With a glass of bubbly in hand, sparkling views of the town in one direction and glowing blue waters in every other one, a sunset cruise around Pioneer Bay is nothing short of magical.
Keep your eyes peeled for turtles and (in the Australian winter) humpback whales too.
32 – Watch the sunrise… on a beach… with kangaroos!
If there’s anything more quintessentially Aussie than a pair of kangaroos hopping down the sandy beaches at sunrise, we’re yet to find it.
For an experience guaranteed to foster lifelong memories, a sunrise beach tour at Cape Hillsborough National Park takes visitors off the beaten track into areas seldom visited by the general public.
With breakfast and a light morning tea included, it’s the perfect start to any day.
33 – Spend a night on the ultra-luxurious Hayman Island
If, after hiking, diving, swimming, or partying (perhaps a little too hard) you need nothing more than a good old-fashioned pampering, then Hayman Island is the place.
Known for its unmatched luxury, the island’s resort offer private villas, exclusive bungalows, and opulent touches in every room. 5-star travelers often find themselves at the beloved Intercontinental.
Though good weather blesses Hayman Island, August-December guarantees optimal summer vibes and a good crowd.
34 – End your nights right exploring the Airlie Beach Nightlife scene
Hit up the locally beloved hot spot on Airline Beach Main Street, Mama Africa Bar for some of the top DJs, amazing drinks, and even better vibes.
Feel the energy of warm summer nights, any time of the year at BOOM Nightclub, featuring themed nights, amazing DJs, and a full cocktails and shooters menu for your enjoyment.
Since 1997, Paddy’s Shenanigans Irish Bar has been entertaining visitors with amazing entertainment, and incredible events, so don’t miss out!
How to get to Airlie Beach?
Save yourself the stress or worry of figuring out how to get to your hotel from the airport (Hamilton Island Airport or Whitsunday Coast Airport) by booking an airport transfer, easily and quickly taking you to wherever you need to go.
This is a great option, especially for those traveling in large groups, or with children and lots of baggage.
Where to stay in Airlie Beach?
Get luxury travel vibes at half the price at Airlie Beach Magnums – an adults-only hotel resort that offers a great selection of restaurants, and bars, as well as a few beautiful natural sights. Enjoy a lovely sunset at the Coral Sea Marina, or get your friends together for a BBQ.
Relax and breathe in the ocean views at the apartments at Mirage Whitsunday, serving fresh, and free breakfast daily. Whether you want to relax and disconnect via swimming, or adventure with the local activities, like boating to the Great Barrier Reef, it’s all here.
Enjoy the beautiful views from your balcony at Club Wyndham Airlie Beach, on the stunning Whitsunday coast. Relax every night in the modern, fully furnished rooms, perfect for couples and small groups of friends. Walk down the boardwalk just in time for sunset, and make it to Tides restaurant close by for an incredible dinner.
Where to go next?
Once you’ve explored Airlie Beach, make sure to look into the many multi-day trips, offering an extended exploration of surrounding gem towns and beaches.
From beautiful national parks like Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, near Darwin, to foodie-friendly Sydney Fish Market, or driving through the magnificent Great Ocean Road on the southern coast of Australia, near Melbourne – the list of things to do in Australia is a long, but exciting one worth learning.
Complete your list of things to do in Port Douglas, starting with a day trip to the emblematic Daintree National Park, one of the world’s oldest rainforests, and simply absorbing the tropical vibes snorkeling, swimming, diving, and more.
Cairns, about an hour away from Port Douglas is another Australian hot spot, with magnificent national landscapes covering lagoons, gardens, rainforests, canyons, and more to its cultural opportunities opening a window into the Aboriginal culture at the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, and more.
After exploring Cairns, consider an idyllic retreat to Palm Cove. This coastal paradise to the north is home to pristine beaches, luxurious spas and renowned restaurants, combining relaxation with fine dining to create an unforgettable Australian experience.
Head south and embark on a journey to Hervey Bay, widely known as the gateway to Fraser Island and Australia’s whale-watching capital. With quaint cafes, quiet promenades, and the Hervey Bay Historical Village and Museum, it’s the perfect blend of natural and cultural attractions.
Final thoughts
Will you make it over to Airlie Beach?
With its luxurious destinations like Hayman Islands, to budget-friendly activities that give off luxurious vibes like sipping on a cocktail on a dinner cruise, while watching peeping turtles and whales, we hope that our list of things to do in Airlie Beach matches what you’re looking for in an Aussie vacation.
Happy travels!