Airlie Beach

Travel Guide

Airlie Beach Lagoon featuring a pool, swimming and general coastal views
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach
Shute Harbour featuring 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P6,866 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
P6,866
P7,553 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,006 reviews)
"In the middle of Airlee ,everything close buy."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Airlie Beach Hotel
Magnums Airlie Beach

Magnums Airlie Beach

2 out of 5
370 Shute Harbour Rd., Airlie Beach, QLD
The price is P3,966 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P3,966
P4,363 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
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! (665 reviews)
"Love that this property is in the middle of Main Street but doesn’t feel like it. With its creek and greenery it feels a separate world away"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Magnums Airlie Beach
The Sebel Whitsundays Airlie Beach

The Sebel Whitsundays Airlie Beach

4.5 out of 5
3 Hermitage Drive, Airlie Beach, QLD
The price is P10,499 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P10,499
P11,549 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (415 reviews)
"Its a little out of town but great views. 10mins walk to main strip"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

The Sebel Whitsundays 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.
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! (639 reviews)
"2 bdrm unit was a very generous size. Clean and well set out. The spa on the balcony was fantastic."

Reviewed on Jul 13, 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! (247 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay. Don’t like the couple of cockroaches in our room."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Club Wyndham Airlie Beach
Pinnacles

Pinnacles

5 out of 5
16 Golden Orchid Drive, Po Box 1322, Airlie Beach, QLD
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (633 reviews)
"Absolutely stunning"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Pinnacles
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do