Destination: Airlie Beach - It's not just a party town!

Looking out from Airlie Beach

Destination: Airlie Beach

Region: Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia

Temperature Guide: Temperatures usually range from the low-20s in winter to mid-30s with high humidity in summer.

Overview:

Located in the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach is the gateway to the southern Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands, including Hamilton Island, Daydream Island and Hayman Island.

Known for its crystal blue water and laid-back beach vibes. While many think of Airlie Beach as a party destination, it is also a great place for families to go and relax, a great chance to reconnect as a family, especially since most of the partying kicks off when most families would be back at their accommodation relaxing and unwinding from the day.

While there isn’t a massive number of attractions within Airlie Beach itself, there is plenty to do in the surrounding areas with an abundance of day trip tours on offer to fill up your days when you’re not relaxing by the pool, on the beach or at the Airlie Beach Lagoon.

Airlie Beach Lagoon

Enjoy a day soaking in the relaxed beach atmosphere, strolling along the waterfront, stopping at one of the cafes for brunch, enjoy afternoon drinks and a meal at the hotel or dine at one of the many restaurants.

There’s even plenty of retail therapy available for those who love to shop or wish to add to their holiday souvenir collection.

Best time to go:

Airlie beach is nice pretty much all year round, however you will generally experience less crowds and beautiful temperatures late winter and early spring, especially August thru October.

You should also remember Airlie Beach is in tropical cyclone territory, while cyclones don’t hit the area every year, be aware that if you are booking during in Cyclone season, November thru April, there is a chance that you could be in for a different holiday experience than planned.

Attractions and Experiences:

Whitsundays Adventure Playground

• Swim at Airlie Beach Lagoon, a free public swimming pool

• Relax on the beach with your choice of Boathaven Beach and Airlie Beach, located in the heart of Airlie Beach, or nearby Cannonvale Beach just 3ks from Airlie Beach

• Enjoy a morning at Whitsundays Adventure Playground, located at the end of the esplanade next to the Whitsunday Sailing Club. There is also a small playground next to Airlie Beach Lagoon

• Stroll along the beach, the esplanade or Bicentennial Walk

• Hike up Honeyeater Lookout Trail

• Take a day tour out to one of the islands, such as Whitehaven or Hamilton Island

• Do an experience tour such as ocean rafting or jet ski tour

• Do a seaplane or helicopter tour to Heart Reef

• See crocodiles in their natural habitat with a crocodile safari along Proserpine River

• Take a drive or do a tour to nearby Conway National Park

• Head into Proserpine for a look around and stop at Whitsunday Gold Coffee for a coffee and bite to eat, where you'll also find an indoor children's playground and menagerie

  
  

Accommodation:

We have stayed at Club Wyndham Airlie Beach both times we have been to Airlie Beach and have enjoyed our stay both times. However, Discovery Parks Airlie Beach and Big 4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort are both family friendly accommodation options with lots of kid friendly activities onsite.

Though, there is no shortage of accommodation options in Airlie Beach, including a number of Airbnbs, so you will be bound to find something to suit your needs and budget.

Things you should know:

Airlie Beach is host to a number of events throughout the year so be sure to check out Tourism Whitsundays What’s on page.

As with any tropical water destination in Queensland be aware of Marine Stingers – including Irukandji jellyfish, Crocodiles and Sharks when swimming in the waters around Airlie Beach and take note of any advisory signs.

Watch out for parking as most parking is paid parking in Airlie Beach

Recommendations:

Whitehaven Beach

Tour: We really enjoyed the Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island Cruise from Airlie Beach by

Cruise Whitsundays. It includes lunch at Marina Tavern and morning and afternoon tea on the cruise, our son was only 13 months old when we did it and found it to be a family friendly experience. We took some sand toys for Whitehaven Beach and the travel pram for Hamilton Island. Be aware that seating is often an issue at Marina Tavern, especially when you have children as you can't take them upstairs, so if possible try to avoid the lunch rush.

Places to eat: We have thoroughly enjoyed the meals we have had at Tides at Airlie Beach, La Marina Italian Restaurant & Bar and Airlie Beach Treehouse. All three of these venues are accommodating of children.

I hope you and your family are excited for your holiday to Airlie Beach and that this information helps you in your holiday planning.