Best Way to Spend One Day in Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is known for being the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Located in North-East Queensland, Airlie Beach is the town from which most Whitsunday sailing tours depart, taking visitors from far and wide out to the hidden gems and world-renowned spots in the Whitsundays, including Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, and the Great Barrier Reef.
Before or after traversing into the Whitsundays, you may be lucky enough to have an extra day in the beachside town of Airlie Beach. Here, you can find trendy cafes, fine dining restaurants, boutique shops, local markets, and a plethora of beaches, bushlands, and trails to explore. With so much to see and so little time, you won’t want to waste a minute in Airlie Beach!
That’s why we’ve put together a guide to the best way to spend one day in Airlie Beach - from morning to night.
Best way to spend one day in Airlie Beach
Morning
Wake up bright and early, head out to Airlie Beach’s main street, and grab coffee and breakfast with the locals at Zorro’s, Rufus & Co., or the Sidewalk cafe. Enjoy your morning meal with the backdrop of the Whitsunday Islands in view.
Alternatively, if you’re in Airlie Beach on a Saturday, spend your morning at the Airlie Beach Saturday Markets. Open from 7am to 1pm, the town’s Saturday markets are lined with local stalls selling jewellery, arts and crafts, clothing, and souvenirs to take home and reminisce on your Whitsundays trip. There’s also a range of delicious food and coffee stalls to sample the local produce and businesses.
After breakfast, go for a stroll along the Bicentennial Boardwalk. Stretching 2.2km from the Airlie Beach Lagoon through to Cannonvale Beach, this walk offers stunning scenery of the coastline on one side while getting a taste of the town on the other.
After your walk, cool down at Cannonvale Beach or Airlie Beach Lagoon (just a five-minute walk from Airlie Beach) – wherever you end up!
Afternoon
After your cool-down swim, have lunch at one of Airlie Beach’s casual restaurants or cafes along the town’s main street. Our favourite spots for lunch include The Deck, The Boathouse, Sandbar, or Paradiso.
Digest your lunch with a hike along one of the trails near town. For a short 2km trail option, explore the tranquil Airlie Creek Track. The track winds through forests filled with fig trees, subtropical plants, and native wildlife, finishing up at natural rock pools – another opportunity for a quick dip. If you want more of a challenge, put on your hiking boots and head to Honeyeater Lookout – an 8km steep trail up to awe-inspiring views of the Coral Sea.
Once you’ve pulled yourself away from the natural wonders of Airlie Beach, head back to your accommodation to have a shower and unwind.
Evening
After a mid-afternoon siesta, get out on the water for a private sunset sail around the island. Sit back with a drink in hand and watch as the blue sky turns a shade of orange behind the Whitsunday Islands.
As the sun begins to set and your tummy starts to grumble, head out for a night on the town! Enjoy a cocktail and dinner at one of the town’s best restaurants to celebrate your big day in Airlie Beach.
Airlie Beach is by the sea, so stay on theme and try out Fish D’vine. This seafood restaurant has an ever-changing seasonal menu with classic and innovative dishes, featuring fresh seafood that you can pair with a drink from their enticing Rum Bar. If seafood isn’t your thing, the town is filled with other delicious cuisines. Some of our favourites include Mika Arilie Kitchen & Bar for its fragrant Mexican food, or La Tabella Italian for its gourmet, homemade pasta and pizza.
If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to your day in Airlie Beach, take the long way back to your accommodation and stroll along the Boardwalk one last time before you’re finally ready to get back to your room.
For more ideas of what to do in Airlie Beach, see our five best things to do in Airlie Beach.