Airlie Beach

Travel Guide

Airlie Beach Lagoon featuring general coastal views, swimming and tropical scenes
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach
Shute Harbour showing general coastal views and boating
Enjoy picture-perfect water, lie on the soft white sand, or take a cruise around one of Australia’s most beautiful coastal beaches..

Airlie Beach is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays but with many scenic walks and beautiful beaches, it is also a great place to spend some time.

A small town about mid way along the Queensland coast, Airlie Beach has long been a stop on the  budget backpacker run but it has recently become popular with up-market tourists. Despite the growing number of visitors, it hasn’t lost its regional beach-town charm.

Wander along the beach and take in the scenery. This is one of Australia’s prettiest coastal areas, with crystal-clear blue-green waters, white sandy beaches, and tropical rain forests. Pack some lunch, stock up on water, and tackle the Great Whitsunday Walk. It goes for several miles but tracks are well-maintained and there are plenty of spots to rest and relax. For some of the most scenic walks in the area, head to Hill Inlet. You’re likely to see local wildlife and will get a stunning view of Whitehaven Beach from the hilltop.

Make your way back to town and cool off in the lagoon. This is  Airlie’s main swimming area as large numbers of stinging jellyfish mean beaches are off limits during the warmer months.

Those out to better explore the area should rent out a jet ski or kayak and look around the area. Adventurers can go diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Local companies cater for pros and novices alike, and you’ll get to see some of the world’s most amazing marine creatures. Fishing fans will find some great spots on land or you can jump aboard a charter boat and head out to sea. Leisure seekers will find fully-catered yacht trips to destinations all around the region.

Airlie Beach is a tropical destination with a lovely, local atmosphere. Walk around and admire the stunning scenery, cruise out to the Reef, or find yourself a comfy patch of sand and relax.

Airlie Beach Hotel
Airlie Beach Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Corner The Esplanade and Coconut Grove, Airlie Beach, QLD
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Wonderful Location
"Booked on our travels, so glad we choose to stay at Airlie Beach Hotel. Everything in short walking distance. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on 28 Jun, 2025

Airlie Beach Hotel
Coral Sea Resort
Coral Sea Resort
4 out of 5
25 Oceanview Avenue, Airlie Beach, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$294 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
S$294
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"The location is excellent to see all of Airlie Beach by foot."

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

Coral Sea Resort
Magnums Airlie Beach
Magnums Airlie Beach
2 out of 5
370 Shute Harbour Rd., Airlie Beach, QLD
Stay at this hotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (647 reviews)
"Amazing"

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

Magnums Airlie Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Martinique Whitsunday
Martinique Whitsunday
4 out of 5
18 Golden Orchid Drive, Airlie Beach, QLD
Stay at this 4-star luxury aparthotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (566 reviews)
"A few of my friends and I stayed here for 5 days and it was amazing. Staff and reception guy was absolutely lovely and so helpful, the place was really clean and had an amazing view. It was in close proximity to the Main Street with all the shops, supermarket and eating places and overall would definitely ..."

Reviewed on 19 May, 2025

Martinique Whitsunday
at Boathaven Bay Holiday Apartments
at Boathaven Bay Holiday Apartments
4 out of 5
440 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach, QLD
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (634 reviews)
"Large room with comfortable soft furnishing to relax on ( so many places dont provide this leaving just the bed to sit on) Easy stroll into town. Lovely pool"

Reviewed on 6 Jun, 2025

at Boathaven Bay Holiday Apartments
Club Wyndham Airlie Beach
Club Wyndham Airlie Beach
4.5 out of 5
Mount Whitsunday Drive, Airlie Beach, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (241 reviews)
"The location of the resort was amazing. Also we stayed in the presidential suite which was the best! The only issue I had with it was the shower head holes were a big clogged so water did not come out nice and straight. I ended up using one of the many bathrooms the suite had to offer that wasn’t ..."

Reviewed on 8 May, 2025

Club Wyndham Airlie Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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