TRAVEL GUIDE

AIRLIE BEACH | QLD, AUSTRALIA

Considered the gateway to the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach is an iconic destination in Australia's tropics celebrated for its spectacular views and laid back living.

Sandy beach fringed by palm trees in Airlie Beach, Whitsundays

Coral Sea Resort with views to Whitsunday islands in Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach | QLD, Australia

Known as the launching pad for the iconic Whitsunday islands, Airlie Beach offers a multitude of island hopping options as well as scenic flights, sailing and snorkelling adventures off its tropical coastline.

Set in the Queensland tropics, year-round tropical weather invites relaxation and unwinding, however winters are milder and less humid. Whether winter or summer though, Airlie is all about slowing down, unwinding and taking in the beautiful scenery.

In between island adventures, Airlie’s relaxed small town atmosphere offers an array of laid back discoveries, from an oceanfront saltwater lagoon pool fringed by palm trees, resorts with spectacular views over the Coral Sea, beachfront eateries offering sunset apéros and alfresco dining to vibrant beachside markets.

Views from Coral Sea Resort through palm tres to Coral Sea at Airlie Beach, Whitsundays

Alfresco dining at Airlie Beach, Whitsundays

White sand beach fringed by tropical palm trees at Airlie Beach, Whitsundays

Saltwater lagoon pool at Airlie Beach, Whitsundays

Views from white wicker deck chairs across Coral Sea from Coral Sea Resort at Airlie Beach, Whitsundays

Views across Coral Sea Airlie Beach, Whitsundays from a palm tree pergola

Sandy beach fringed by palm trees at Airlie Beach, Whitsundays

Coral Sea Resort exterior with palm trees and umbrellas at Airlie Beach, Whitsundays

Select experiences trusted by Barbara

OVERVIEW AIRLIE BEACH

Driving - 20 mins from the main arterial Bruce Highway, connecting with Townsville and Cairns to the north, and Mackay and Brisbane to the south.

Nearest airports - Proserpine (30 mins drive) and Hamilton Island (50 mins ferry ride).

Ferries to the nearby Whitsunday Islands operate several times a day from Port of Airlie.

LOCATION

Driving - 20 mins from the main arterial Bruce Highway, connecting with Townsville and Cairns to the north, and Mackay and Brisbane to the south.

Nearest airports - Proserpine (30 mins drive) and Hamilton Island (50 mins ferry ride).

Ferries to the nearby Whitsunday Islands operate several times a day from Port of Airlie.

DINE

Mika BBQ + Bar - happy hour cocktails, Brazililan BBQ overlooking palm trees on the expansive lawns across from the beach.

The Deck Restaurant + Bar - carefree luxury meets effortless tropical north Queensland elegance.

Fish D'Vine + The Rum Bar - hearty breakfasts and lunches, and extensive rum collection by night.

Joa Sushi - tiny hole-in-the-wall with an impressive sushi selection.

STAY

Coral Sea Resort

A whitewashed, barefoot luxe escape dotted with palm trees and pink bougainvillea blooms set against the aqua waters of the Coral Sea. Highlight : the long wharf with large circular daybeds from which to watch the clouds dance across the endless horizon.

DISCOVER

Airlie Beach Lagoon pool - saltwater lagoon pool surrounded by palm gardens. Picnic or BBQ as the sun sets over the Coral Sea.

Sailing, snorkelling and diving in the Whitsundays particularly Whitehaven Beach, Hamilton Island and Heart Reef.

LOCATION

Driving - 20 mins from the main arterial Bruce Highway, connecting with Townsville and Cairns to the north, and Mackay and Brisbane to the south.

Nearest airports - Proserpine (30 mins drive) and Hamilton Island (50 mins ferry ride).

Ferries to the nearby Whitsunday Islands operate several times a day from Port of Airlie.

DINE

Mika BBQ + Bar - happy hour cocktails, Brazililan BBQ overlooking palm trees on the expansive lawns across from the beach.

The Deck Restaurant + Bar - carefree luxury meets effortless tropical north Queensland elegance.

Fish D'Vine + The Rum Bar - hearty breakfasts and lunches, and extensive rum collection by night.

Joa Sushi - tiny hole-in-the-wall with an impressive sushi selection.

STAY

Coral Sea Resort

DISCOVER

Airlie Beach Lagoon pool - saltwater lagoon pool surrounded by palm gardens. Picnic or BBQ as the sun sets over the Coral Sea.

Sailing, snorkelling and diving in the Whitsundays particularly Whitehaven Beach, Hamilton Island and Heart Reef.

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