5 Best Things to Do in Airlie Beach, Australia
Airlie Beach is not only the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands but also a beautiful place to holiday and enjoy all that the tropical Queensland region has to offer.
The coastal town of Airlie Beach offers year-round warm weather, palm-fringed beaches, immersive coastal walkways, rainforests, and vibrant markets. With its laid-back environment where locals and Australian wildlife live harmoniously amongst the unmatched landscape of the region, Airlie Beach is an active yet relaxing place that anyone can visit.
As locals ourselves, we know a thing or two about making the most out of the area. Here are our top 5 best things to do, if you find yourself lucky enough to be holidaying in the Airlie Beach area.
1. Beach Hop
Airlie Beach is home to several beaches accessible by land. Start the day at Airlie Main Beach, located just off the main street. The naturally formed beach curves around palm trees and grassy picnic areas – perfect for a morning coffee spot.
From there, make your way to Airlie Beach Lagoon or Boathaven Beach to cool off in the crystal-clear waters, protected by nets to reduce your risk of being stung by a jellyfish. Lastly, hop to Shingley Beach located inside Coral Sea Marina. Shingly Beach provides a unique vantage point, looking out at yachts while lying on the beach and soaking in the sunshine rays.
2. Browse the Saturday markets
Airlie Beach hosts the Whitsunday Airlie Beach Markets every Saturday from 7am to 1pm. The Saturday markets showcase fresh produce, yummy food, arts and crafts, and souvenirs perfect for keepsakes as a reminder of your holiday or gifts for friends and family back home. The Whitsunday Markets are for people of all ages, whether you’re with your family, friends, partner, or by yourself – there’s something for everyone at the markets.
3. Go For A Hike
Airlie Beach is home to some of the region’s most awe-inspiring hikes and trails. Just under a 2 km hike from Airlie Beach, immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the Airlie Creek Track or walk along the picturesque Bicentennial Walkway for a 4km hike. If you’re up for a challenge, the Honeyeater Lookout is an 8 km track along rugged terrain, offering unmatched views of the Coral Sea.
4. Walk along the Bicentennial Walkway
The Bicentennial Walkway is a must-do while visiting Airlie Beach. This walk runs along the coast, going from Airlie Beach to Cannonvale Beach, offering breathtaking views and food or beverage stops along the way. The track begins at Airlie Beach Lagoon and goes along the Coral Sea Marina and Turtle Boardboard.
The last stretch of the hike to Cannonvale Beach is surrounded by trees and Australia’s unique wildlife. Depending on whether you stop for photo breaks along the way or keep a brisk pace, the reasonably flat 4 km walk can take an hour and a half to three hours to complete.
5. Sail around the Whitsundays
A trip to Airlie Beach would not be complete without a sailing adventure around the world-renowned Whitsunday Islands. Whitsunday sailing tour companies, like True Blue Sailing, offer travellers unforgettable sailing experiences, departing from Airlie Beach.
Our range of Airlie Beach tours allows visitors to see the Whitsunday Islands like never before. From visiting the famous Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet to vibrant snorkelling spots on the Great Barrier Reef, our tours provide memorable adventures, unique stops to explore, and plenty of opportunities to relax.
Let the adventure begin
To make your trip to Airlie Beach unforgettable, make sure you don’t miss out on any of the above best things to do in the region. As Airlie Beach is the gateway into the Whitsundays, the area can get pretty busy, so it’s advisable to book your accommodation and tours ahead where you can. Fortunately, some of the best things to do in Airlie Beach, like beach hopping, visiting the Saturday Markets, and going on hikes or walks, don’t need to be booked. But for an epic Whitsundays Island tour – make sure to secure your spot and book ahead!
At True Blue Sailing, we offer two of the most famous Airlie Beach tours: Atlantic Clipper Overnight tour and New Horizon Private Charter tour. Contact us today to secure your spot on a life-changing Whitsundays Island adventure with True Blue Sailing.