Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands: from here, sailing trips head to Whitehaven Beach with its almost pure quartz sand, scenic flights go over Heart Reef, and snorkelling tours visit the Great Barrier Reef. Here you'll find all the checked spots from our map with tips.
You reach Airlie Beach by long-distance bus on the east coast route, or by plane to Proserpine or Hamilton Island. From Proserpine Airport shuttles take about 40 minutes to Airlie. In town everything is within walking distance; boats leave from Coral Sea Marina and the Port of Airlie.
From May to October is the dry season, with pleasant temperatures and no dangerous jellyfish — the best time. From late October to May, Irukandji and box jellyfish drift in the water; tours then provide stinger suits. Cyclones can occur in the wet season from January to March.
A large hostel in a tropical garden opposite the lagoon, with a pool, bar and campsites. At the in-house tour desk you book sailing trips and reef tours.
Camping on the famous beach, reachable only by water taxi. Basic facilities — bring everything, including drinking water. Book with a permit.
A large, patrolled lagoon in the town centre, free and separated from the sea — jellyfish-free all year and therefore the safe place to swim in Airlie. With toilets, showers and lawns; the backpackers' meeting point.
Seven kilometres of almost pure white quartz sand on Whitehaven Island — one of the best-known beaches in the world. It's only reachable by boat, sailing trip or water taxi. In stinger season tours provide stinger suits; note the warning below.
Safety: From late October to May, Irukandji and box jellyfish drift in the water. Their stings can be fatal — only go in wearing a stinger suit.
Most sailing trips and day tours to the islands leave from Coral Sea Marina. Last-minute spots on sailing trips are often cheaper through the hostels.
From the lookout at the northern end of Whitehaven you look down on the swirling lines of sand and turquoise water in Hill Inlet. The pattern is clearest at low tide — choose your tour accordingly.
A heart-shaped reef in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef — one of the reef's most photographed sights. You can only see it from above: scenic flights from Airlie Beach usually combine it with Whitehaven and Hill Inlet.
A waterfront path along the bay between town and marina. At sunset it's the meeting point before going out. Free.
A weekly market every Saturday morning on the foreshore, with food, fruit and crafts. Go early — it gets hot by midday.
Restaurants and bars on Shute Harbour Road, Airlie's main street. In the evening the centre of the nightlife.
Two- to three-day sailing trips with nights on board, snorkelling on the reef and a visit to Whitehaven Beach. More expensive than day tours, but the east coast highlight for many backpackers.
Only by boat: on a day tour, sailing trip or water taxi from Airlie Beach.
From May to October: dry, pleasantly warm and without dangerous jellyfish.
In stinger season, from late October to May, only in a stinger suit. The lagoon in the town centre is safe and free.
All spots on the Airlie & Whitsundays map. Nearby: Agnes Water to the south and Townsville and Magnetic Island to the north. The coast at a glance on the Great Barrier Reef Drive road trip.
Updated September 2026. Checked against official sources and operator websites. Prices, opening hours and seasons change — check before you go.