Airlie Beach is a coastal destination in Australia and a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. The tropical locale offers palm-fringed beaches, adventure activities and endless vistas of the turquoise sea.
One of the most popular things to do in Airlie Beach is to snorkel or dive amongst the vibrant sea creatures that call the Great Barrier Reef home. You can also spend the night on the reef for a unique experience under the stars. If you’d rather stay dry, head to the award-winning Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island and spend the day lounging on its powder white sands. Back on the mainland, Boathaven Beach is a secluded little strip of soft sand with a protected area where you can swim.
Airlie Beach is a great spot to admire the unspoilt beauty of the Whitsundays. You can take a helicopter or seaplane flight to see the perfectly shaped Heart Reef from the sky, or set off on a scenic cruise from the lively Coral Sea Marina. For an adrenaline-pumping experience, try out skydiving over the stunning white-and-blue swirls of the sand and sea. Alternatively, nature lovers can hike or mountain bike amidst mangroves, tropical rainforests and secluded coves in the nearby Conway National Park. If you’re after a more relaxing time, the artificial Airlie Beach Lagoon offers year-round swimming alongside landscaped gardens, barbecue facilities and a children’s pool.