Top Things to do in Airlie Beach

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.

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.

Perfect for adrenaline junkies, people ticking off their bucket list, and holidaymakers looking to try something different, tandem skydiving over Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays is our top thing to do, and once you’ve tried it, it will definitely be yours too.

The minimum age limit for jumpers is 12 years and while there is no maximum limit, a reasonable level of fitness is required.

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.

All hikers are advised to bring their own supplies including food and water, despite there being several water stations over the course of the trail.

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.

There are also numerous lookouts along the track offering views of Shute Harbour to as far out as Whitehaven Beach.

For active visitors to keep their adventure levels high, a trek on the Conway Circuit is a definite must, but if you’re looking for a short stroll then this might not be the best option for you.

Location: 4 Golden Orchid Dr, Airlie Beach

When exploring Airlie Beach for the first time, adding an extra two wheels to the proceedings can turn the mere act of sightseeing into a fun activity in and of itself. An exciting and fresh take on the classic sightseeing tour, Whitsunday Segway Tours takes you on a journey around town, the waterfront and even potentially some lush rainforest to see the best sights while also enjoying the unique thrill of 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.

This is a great option for visitors looking to add something extra to their trip to Airlie Beach.

Segway tours are a great way to cover a lot of ground to discover a new town. The "easy to use" two wheeled Segways truly ARE easy to use, even if you have never tried one before.

This is a great option for visitors looking to add something extra to their trip to Airlie Beach as this modern take on the sightseeing tour will provide you with an exciting and enjoyable adventure.

All segway riders must be at least 12 years of age and weigh between 40 kilograms and 145 kilograms.

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.

The Airlie Beach lagoon is the commuity hub 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 pool 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.

There are two large car parks located near the lagoon offering hourly metred parking. The lagoon is stationed by on-duty lifeguards to ensure everyone enjoys the lagoon safely.

As the lagoon is located in the heart of the town, it can be reached within walking distance from a number of central hotels and apartments. Entry to the lagoon is free of charge so you visit as many times as you like during your stay in Airlie Beach.

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.

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 a variety of flight paths for the seaplane tours, including flights over the Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach either together or individually. For those keen to jump into a helicopter, there is a 30 minute, 2 hour, or 2.5 hour flight with a landing on Whitehaven Beach to choose from.

This is one of those experiences you’re sure not to forget as the excitement of the flight mixed with the beauty of the region makes it an enviable experience you’ll be talking about for months.

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.

Relax on Boathaven Beach year round with warm tropical temperatures and very little crowds to speak of. This is the perfect little hideaway whilst you are in Airlie Beach.

The seclusion of the beach makes it a nice quiet place to spend the day while still being close to the main town centre. The only downfall of the beach is that there’s no shelter or other facilities, so if you have access to a beach umbrella, be sure to bring it.

It’s also advised you bring your own food and drink if you’re looking to stay for the day without making regular trips back into town.

Location: Abell Point Marina

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 Airlie Beach Fishing Charters 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.

You can't better a better fishing spot than in the waterways surrounding Airlie Beach. With its picturesque scenery and plentiful fish- what more could you want.

All necessary equipment is provided including bait, rods and reels, eskies and ice, all you’ll need to bring is yourself, some sun safe clothing, food and alcohol (cans only), and your eagerness to catch a big one.

All charters cater for kids as young as four years old, so the whole family can get out on the water for a memorable experience out of the norm of the usual Whitsunday activities.

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.

For a small regional town, Airlie Beach has a great selection of dining, bars and nightlife options for visitors to choose from and most come along with a beautiful ocean view.

Some of the stand out establishments includes Mr Bones Pizza Bar, Capers on The Esplanade, Airlie Beach Hotel and Clipper Restaurant Bar and Lounge.

Location: Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Airlie Beach

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.

Bring a pool float or noodle to help you relax in the refreshing water, otherwise, you can spend your time swimming up to the falls and sitting under the flowing falls.

This creek is a little known secret to many visitors that come to Airlie Beach. The cedar creek falls are a tranquil setting and makes a nice change to the busy little town and ocean views that surround the town.

There is a small car park located at the falls that often fills up, so visitors have to revert to parking down the road. Drivers are urged to take care, especially if you’re new to the area, as the winding road can be quite challenging especially in the wet.

The falls are reached with a short walk from the car park which features public drop toilets. There are no other facilities at the falls, so be sure to bring your own food and drink, swimming gear and a beach towel.

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.

The walkway winds its way through the centre of town with scenic views of the ocean the whole way. The walk is a great way to navigate yourself around town and there are a couple of places where you can stop on the way to grab a cup of coffee.

The trail ventures through town passing various shops, cafes and restaurants so the option to stop and grab a bite to eat is always there.

This acts as a great way for visitors to break up their non-stop adventures in the region and simply stroll around and admire the beauty the region possesses.