Top Things to do in Airlie Beach
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Looking for all the best things to do in Airlie Beach, Queensland? Most widely known as the popular mainland gateway to the many jewels of the Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach has a historic reputation as a hub for backpackers - however, continued recent development and monetary enhancement has seen the town grow in terms of both upmarket offerings and quantity of things to do, places to stay, and restaurants in which to dine.
Of course, the town's marina at Abel Point is its primary hub, serving as the launching point for numerous tours and day trips both out to the various individual Whitsunday islands as well as further afield to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, pontoons, and a number of other itineraries. In Airlie Beach itself, opportunities for entertainment start with its excellent foreshore Esplanade area and its signature lagoon, while the town is also perpetually bustling with nightlife activity.
Select one from the following:
Select one or more from the following:
Whitsundays Seaplane Scenic Flights
Whitehaven Beach Ocean Rafting Adventures
- Best Seller
Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island
- Best Seller
Whitehaven Beach Sailing Adventure
- Likely to Sell Out
Whitsunday Airport to Hotel Arrival Transfer
Whitsunday Island and Whitehaven Beach Half Day Cruise
Hotel to Whitsunday Airport Departure Transfer
Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island Full Day Tour with Lunch
- Likely to Sell Out
Great Barrier Reef Overnight Cruise
Whitsunday Segway Tours
The Cedar Creek Falls
Airlie Beach Lagoon
Airlie Beach Esplanade
Scenic Flight and Ocean Rafting Package
Whitsundays Half and Full Day Fishing Charters
- Likely to Sell Out
Jetski Tours around the Whitsundays
- Likely to Sell Out
Airlie Beach Skydiving
- Exclusive Bonus
- Likely to Sell Out
Whitsundays Scenic Plane Flights
Whitehaven Beach Speedboat and Snorkel Tour
Whitsundays Tallship Sailing Cruise and Snorkel Tour
The Bicentennial Walkway
The Conway Circuit
Boathaven Beach
Helicopter Tours From Airlie Beach
- Likely to Sell Out
Overnight Sail Experience Whitsundays
Whales in Whitsundays Cruise
Whitsundays Turtle Bay Wildlife Cruise
Whitsundays Fast Boat Tour and 2 Night Accommodation Packages
Ocean Rafting and Derwent Hunter Tallship Package
- Best Seller
Top 10 Things to do in - Airlie Beach and surrounds
Tandem Skydive
#1
Conway Circuit
#2
Segway Tour
#3
The Lagoon
#4
Scenic Flight
#5
Boathaven Beach
#6
Fishing Charter
#7
The Esplanade
#8
Cedar Creek Falls
#9
Bicentennial Walkway
#101. Take the leap with a tandem Skydive
Location:Horizons Way, Airlie Beach
To enjoy breathtaking views of the gorgeous Whitsundays region while also satisfying your thirst for adventure, a tandem skydive with Skydive Australia is the best way to go. Taking to the skies 14,000ft above Airlie Beach, you’ll be treated to some breathtaking views of the region including the vibrant blue waters, luscious islands and white gleaming sand of Whitehaven Beach in the distance. Featuring a 60-second free fall followed by a relaxing float back down to Airlie Beach, this is one of the best skydiving destinations in the country. Reaching speeds of up to 220 kilometres per hour, this is by far one of the most adventurous ways to sightsee in Airlie Beach and the greater Whitsundays region.
2. Walk the Conway Circuit
Location:Conway National Park, Cape Conway
A 28-kilometre journey through Conway National Park, the Conway Circuit is not for the faint-hearted. One of the Great Walks in the country, the track can be completed in around 8 hours and offers some spectacular views of the Whitsundays region. Traversing a variety of terrain ranging in difficulty, the track sees you tackle steep climbs, downhill journeys and more over the duration of the day. If you’d rather space out the completion of the track, you can spend the night in one of the two designated campsites.
3. Zip around with a Segway Tour
Location:4 Golden Orchid Dr, Airlie Beach
Why take a walking or coach tour when you can take a Segway tour?! An exciting and fresh take on the classic sightseeing tour, Whitsunday Segway Tours takes you on a journey around town to see the best sights while also enjoying the thrill of steering a Segway. There are two different tours available, the Rainforest Discovery Tour journeying into the luscious Conway National Park or the Sunset Segway & Tapas Boardwalk Tour that travels through the heart of Airlie and combining sightseeing with some delicious tapas at sunset.
4. Swim in the Airlie Beach Lagoon
Location:Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach
One of the most popular things to do in Airlie Beach, the Lagoon on the waterfront is a great, safe way to swim in the region. With two large pools varying in depth and a man made beach to give you the illusion of actually being at the beach, you can easily spend all day at the lagoon. There is a large grassed area surrounding the pools as well as cabanas, picnic tables and barbeques so you can set yourself up with a picnic to waste the day away in this beautiful location.
5. Take to the skies with a scenic flight
Location:Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach
Much like any destination in Australia, Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays region is best viewed from above. Taking to the skies in a seaplane or helicopter, you’ll be flown around the region to admire the breathtaking views of the coastline, surrounding 74 islands and beautiful blue waters. There are two different flight options operating out of Airlie Beach, you can choose from GSL Aviation’s helicopter tours or Air Whitsundays’ seaplane flights. Both offer incredible views of the region, however, are two unique experiences in themselves.
6. Relax on Boathaven Beach
Location:The Beacons, Port of Airlie
Touted the best sand beach in Airlie Beach, Boathaven Beach near Port of Airlie is a popular hangout for locals and visitors who know about it. The beach offers visitors a safe place to swim with sheltered conditions and stinger nets in place year round. While at the beach, you’ll often have views of the passing boats and cruise ships as they head out on the water for the day.
7. Throw out a line with a Fishing Charter
Location:Port of Airlie, E Arm
All avid anglers out there will love the chance to hook a big one in the iconic Whitsundays region. In saying this, visitors who are looking to just try their hand at fishing will be well catered for as well. Local operator Stryker Sports Fishing conducts half day tours and full day tours from Airlie Beach out on the water for a fishing adventure for all ages to enjoy. While on the water you’ll have the chance to reel in a keeper with the waters populated with the likes of Mackeral and Tuna.
8. Dine on The Esplanade
Location:Esplanade, Airlie Beach
After all of your exploration in the beautiful region, you’ll be in dire need of a good feed, and The Esplanade is the place to go. Looking over the beautiful water of the Whitsundays, The Esplanade offers a variety of choices for hungry travellers and visitors. You can choose from classic fish and chips for a cheaper takeaway option, or grab a table, order a few drinks and delicious wood-fired pizza to set yourself up for the night.
9. Swim at Cedar Creek Falls
Location:Cedar Creek
Located on the outskirts of Airlie Beach, an hour outside of Bowen, Cedar Creek Falls is a beautiful fresh water option for visitors to the region. With a waterfall and large swimming hole, Cedar Creek Falls is a popular hot spot for locals throughout the year, especially after some fresh rainfall. It’s best to visit the falls after rainfall, as the water is fresh and running as opposed to stale and stagnant in the dry season.
10. Follow the Bicentennial Walkway
Location:Various locations
The Bicentennial Walkway is a 4-kilometre boardwalk stretching along the Airlie Beach waterfront. Taking around 45 minutes to complete, the boardwalk offers beautiful views of the coast with views of the islands in the distance on a good day. You’ll often find walkers, joggers, skateboarders, cyclists, prams and Segway riders making their way up and down the boardwalk.