5 Best Things to Do in Airlie Beach When It’s Raining

The Whitsundays and Airlie Beach attract more than 800,000 tourists each year.

And while most of those tourists don’t plan on spending their time in the area sheltered from the rain, mother nature can sometimes have other ideas.

During the wet season that runs from November to May, Airlie Beach gets its fair share of rainy days. And while it may not be the idyllic itinerary that you had in mind when you booked your getaway, Airlie beach has plenty to offer when the rain sets in.

Here are 5 things that we recommend that you do and discover when it’s raining in Airlie Beach.

1. Head to Cedar Creek Falls

You cannot have a list of the best things to do in Airlie Beach when it is raining and not have Cedar Creek Falls on the list. Fittingly, we’ve placed it at number one of our list of things to do when it’s raining in Airlie Beach. Cedar Creek Falls is between Airlie Beach and Proserpine – around 30km and 20km each way, respectively.

Cedar Creek falls is easy to access from the Parking at 76 Cedar Creek Falls Rd. From there, you’ll have a short walk of around 200m to check out the Falls. Check with Conway National Park before heading out to ensure that the park is open and safe to visitors if the weather is more extreme than a little rain.

2. Drink coffee with the locals

While most people don’t head to Airlie beach with the intention of checking out the local coffee scene, you’d be crazy not to take the opportunity when it is presented. There are more than a dozen cafes and coffee haunts along Shute Harbour Road that are worth checking out. The locals love a good coffee and brunch so you’re in for a treat and can’t go too far wrong if you stick with the crowds.

3. Go bar hopping

You would not be the first visitor to seek refuge at Airlie Beach’s 15+ bars and pubs that are largely centred around the waterfront on Shute Harbour Rd. Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill, Anchor Bar, and Magnums are all crowd favourites. Without giving you the greenlight for anything too crazy, it’s worth checking out multiple pubs and clubs along Shute Harbour Rd if the weather and time permits.

4. Walk the Bicentennial Walkway

Alright – if the mud along our world-famous trails is too much to bear on those rainy days, then why not stick to the solid footing along Bicentennial Walkway. The 6km Bicentennial Walkway path links Airlie Beach Lagoon to Cannonvale Beach and is the perfect way to see the shoreline and take in the lookouts that offer uninterrupted views across Pioneer Bay and The Whitsundays.

5. Relax & take in the views from your accommodation

The great thing about most accommodation in Airlie Beach is that it comes complete with a view. If you’ve spent a bit more, then you may be able to enjoy that view from the privacy of your room. Alternatively, almost all hostels and hotels will have some communal area where you can sit down, relax, and take in the stunning views of the Whitsundays. Rainy days in Airlie Beach are the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the Whitsundays. No rushing between activities, simply sit there and watch the rain pour down and the world pass you by.