Airlie Beach in Queensland has made a name for itself as the jumping off point for some of Australia's most beloved tourist destinations. Australian travellers seek out this petite spot to explore the beautiful Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Sailing, shopping, dining and relaxing are favourite pastimes in this vacation spot that has something for everyone, from the beach bum to the family vacationers, to the honeymooners and the rugged outdoorspeople. As long as you stay away from the jellyfish, you're sure to have a great time in Airlie Beach.
Getting in and around Airlie Beach
Whitsunday Coast Airport
Air travellers to Airlie Beach will fly into Whitsunday Coast Airport. Airlines offering flights into this tiny coastal airport include Virgin and Jetstar from neighbouring airports in major cities. It's also possible to take a bus tour to Airlie Beach from one of the many tourist destinations nearby.
Airlie Beach Transport
Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a bus to Airlie Beach, however, many of these buses must be booked ahead of time. You can also take a taxi to your lodging in Airlie Beach. There are bus services that travel around the Whitsundays, however hiring a car will give you more freedom.
Airlie Beach Car Hire
Car hire in Airlie Beach is the best way to get around and see the sights. It's a small area and navigating it on your own is easy to do. Many of the major car hire companies operate in Airlie Beach, which makes finding car hire for Airlie Beach very convenient.
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Airlie Beach, Whitsundays accommodation
Airlie Beach has long been known as a backpacker's destination, filled with hostels and budget accommodation. However, the rest of Australia has discovered this little gem of a holiday destination, and luxurious and commercial hotels, resorts and apartments have moved into Airlie Beach.
Luxury
Waterfront Whitsunday is an elegant boutique hotel in Airlie Beach. This property is an entirely unique hotel experience.
Peninsula Airlie Beach offers modern amenities and decor along with spacious rooms and flawless service. It is the ultimate in luxury accommodation in Airlie Beach.
Waterfront Whitsunday is an elegant boutique hotel in Airlie Beach. This property is an entirely unique hotel experience.
The Peninsula Hotel in Airlie Beach offers modern amenities and decor along with spacious rooms and flawless service. It is the ultimate in luxury accommodation in Airlie Beach.
Mid-range
Azure Sea Airlie Beach Resort. These luxurious apartments have all the amenities you're looking for without the huge price tag.
Mantra Club Croc Airlie Beach. Great for families and couples, this award-winning resort is fabulous yet surprisingly affordable. Azure Sea Grand Mercure Apartments Airlie Beach These luxurious apartments have all the amenities you're looking for without the huge price tag.
Club Crocodile Resort Hotel Airlie Beach Great for families and couples, this award-winning resort is fabulous yet surprisingly affordable.
Budget
Colonial Palms Motor Inn. This amazing budget-friendly accommodation is just steps away from the centre of Airlie Beach and easy distance from shopping, dining, and major attractions.
Paradise Court Holiday Units. Guests can enjoy the privacy of a fully contained space that is affordable, comfortable and close to all of Airlie Beach's main attractions. Best Western Colonial Palms Motel Airlie Beach. This amazing budget-friendly accommodation is just steps away from the centre of Airlie Beach and easy distance from shopping, dining, and major attractions.
Paradise Court Holiday Units Guests can enjoy the privacy of a fully contained space that affordable, comfortable and close to all of Airlie Beach's main attractions.
Backpackers
Backpackers by the Bay. This award-winning hostel is equipped with beautiful decor and everything you need for a comfortable stay in Airlie Beach.
Magnums Airlie beach is a great, centrally located hostel close to restaurants, cafes and nightlife. You can stay in ensuite cabins or more affordable rooms with shared bathrooms. Beaches Backpackers is a great, centrally located hostel connected with one of the most popular nightspots in town. Fun-loving guests can enjoy regular live music and a great location.
Backpackers by the Bay This award-winning hostel is equipped with beautiful decor and everything you need for a comfortable stay in Airlie Beach.
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Things to do in Airlie Beach Whitsunday
Airlie Beach is known for its sailing industry and access to the Great Barrier Reef. But there are so many other fun and unique things to do in Airlie Beach.
Sailing. Airlie Beach is a great place to experience sailing, whether it's your first time or you're a veteran sailor. Visitors to Airlie Beach can enjoy day sailing trips or even overnight sailing trips to get a taste of this popular pastime.
The Airlie Beach Lagoon offers a great and safe alternative to beach swimming. Its proximity to shopping and dining makes the Airlie Beach Lagoon a wonderful place to relax.
Whitsunday Quad Bike Bush Adventures. Airlie Beach is also the gateway to Australia's wild and untamed wilderness. Just ten minutes outside of Airlie Beach, you can experience an exciting tour of the Australian bushland on an all-terrain vehicle.
The Peter Faust Dam. For those who want to get in a bit of fishing during their trip to Airlie Beach, Peter Faust Dam is the ideal spot.
Airlie Beach skydiving. There's no place like Airlie Beach to have your first skydiving experience. Not only will you get that ultimate head rush, you'll also get a fantastic view.
Bredl?s Wild Farm. Get up close with koalas, snakes, crocodiles and cassowaries. Book ahead for the all-inclusive four-hour tour.
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Day trips in and around Airlie Beach Whitsunday
Whitsunday Crocodile Safari. Take a day to see these dangerous yet magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The rugged safari along the Proserpine River sees the surrounding areas and rare wildlife.
Cedar Creek Falls. The beach isn't the only thing Airlie Beach has to offer. Just a few kilometres outside of town, you'll find Cedar Creek Falls in Palm Grove. These breathtaking waterfalls are a truly spectacular place to go swimming, hiking, take in the beautiful wildlife and relax.
Air Tours of the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkelling and scuba diving are just two ways to see the beauties of the Great Barrier Reef. To take in the spectacular size and beauty of this magnificent natural wonder, air tours are the best way to go. Helicopters and seaplanes are available for amazing aerial views of the Great Barrier Reef.
Snorkelling and Diving on the Great Barrier Reef. You haven't been to Airlie Beach unless you've been snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. The Reef is Airlie Beach's main attraction and there are snorkelling and diving tours to meet every taste and budget.
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