What a blessing to have Airlie Beach just down the road from home .. well, three hours “down the road” which is close, in Queensland terms.

When I lived in Paris, three hours drive took me into a neighbouring country!

Winter in the tropics

I’m totally loving winter in the tropics .. so different to the hot and humid summers. Now, days are warm and dry, and it’s the best time of year to visit stunning Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays of Australia.

Airlie Beach reminds me of Byron Bay (Australia’s iconic beach destination favoured by hippies, surfers and international celebrities) thanks to its relaxed coastal vibe, multitude of waterfront alfresco dining options and tourists getting around in suntans and not much else - even in winter.

Where is Airlie Beach?

Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.  Comprising 74 islands, there are plenty of island hopping options as well as scenic flights, sailing and snorkelling adventures to be had off this tropical coastline.

With good intentions to embark on vigorous walks, lap swimming and healthy eating, I find myself (rather happily) waylaid by afternoon siestas, cocktails, lazy strolls through shops and gastronomic delights that I’m sure will require a detox when I get back home.

Where to Eat, Stay + Play at Airlie Beach in The Whitsundays 

1.  Coral Sea Resort

My favourite ‘barefoot luxe’ escape in Airlie Beach. Picture a whitewashed hideaway dotted with palm trees and pink bougainvillea blooms set against the aqua waters of the Coral Sea. I love strolling along the long wharf to plonk myself on one of the large circular daybeds to watch the clouds dance across the endless horizon.

2.  Mika Airlie BBQ + Bar

Airlie Beach’s best food, drinks and view in my opinion. So good, in fact, I visited twice. Go at happy hour and sip an espresso martinis or share a jug of white wine and passionfruit sangria while watching the palm tree shadows shift and dance on the expansive lawn below, directly across from the beach. Then feast on Brazilian BBQ style meals so generous, you likely won’t have space for dessert.

3.  The Deck Restaurant + Bar

Happiness is a glass of pinot noir, vegetarian pizza and a delightfully english Eton mess dessert topped with tangy berry sorbet.

4.  Fish D'Vine + The Rum Bar

Although I don’t have the chance to sample their extensive rum collection at night, my breakfast of corn fritters topped with scrambled eggs, guacamole, cumin-spiced salsa and micro greens is hearty enough to see me through the day’s adventures until well past lunchtime.

5.  Joa Sushi

A little hole-in-the-wall with sushi so big and enticing my tastebuds start tingling the minute I clap eyes on the impressive selection. 

6.  Airlie Beach Lagoon Pool

A huge oceanfront lagoon-style pool fringed by palm trees, grassy knolls and shady places under the palms for picnics from which to watch the sunset over the ocean.

Happy holidays | Bon vacance !