Where to Stay in Airlie Beach, Australia

Indulge in a luxurious retreat at the Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays. High ceilings, spacious verandas and timber-clad finishes add to the elegant architecture, while shiny ceramic floors and contemporary furniture give the hotel a stylishly modern feel. Art lovers will admire the on-site boutique gallery on the top floor, which features monthly exhibitions from local artists. Swing by the restaurant and lounge bar for delicious cocktails or some local cuisine.

Do things differently and spend a nautical night in one of these unique boat bungalows. Freedom Shores also has suites and a beach shack with a private garden. Dine while overlooking the ocean at Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill Restaurant, known locally for its sumptuous seafood platter; it also serves a range of vegetarian meals and home-made pizzas. Take a cocktail or beer out to the water’s edge for a truly relaxing holiday moment.

Choose between an activity-packed adventure or unwinding by the sea – or even better, do both – with a stay at the oceanfront Coral Sea Resort Hotel. Award-winning sailing tours across the Great Barrier Reef set off from the Coral Sea Marina, along with speedboat excursions, jet-ski rentals and helicopter flights for adrenaline junkies. If relaxation is calling, hang out by the pool, or be pampered in the resort’s spa. The Rocks Restaurant, Bar and Pool Club is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat and hang out.

The Water’s Edge Resort’s self-contained apartments, on a hillside among lush tropical gardens, provide stunning views across Airlie Beach and the Coral Sea. Take in the scenes from the comfort of your private balcony while soaking in the hot tub or one of the complex’s infinity pools. The apartment decor is Balinese-inspired, and each one has amenities to help make you feel at home.

On the Esplanade, in the centre of town, is the Airlie Beach Hotel – a local hotspot known for its pub, where you can grab a hearty plate of high-quality grub, enjoy live entertainment and drink into the early hours. There’s an on-site bottle shop for stocking up on drinks before heading out, and the rooms are clean, stylish and provide views out across the ocean. Bottom’s up!

Mantra Club Croc is all about the location – only a two-minute walk away from the Whitsunday Shopping Centre, Whitsunday Marine Club and Coral Esplanade. The traditional Queenslander-style building offers a glimpse into the region’s past, contrasted by its contemporary accommodation and laid-back tropical vibe. Hotel rooms have freshly designed interiors with coastal-inspired decor and modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.

How does a hilltop massage on your private balcony overlooking the whole of Airlie Beach and ocean sound? This luxury aparthotel is only a seven-minute walk from the town centre yet provides blissful seclusion and all the amenities to create a home from home – as well as a jacuzzi, 20m infinity pool and gym.

The spacious resort suites at Club Wyndham Airlie Beach have open-plan layouts with large windows letting in all the natural Australian light. Open up the doors to the balcony for sweeping views and to feel the sea breeze – the resort pool has stunning scenery, too. Choose to dine in the Tides at Airlie Beach restaurant or have your meals delivered to your room.

Arrive in style by taking the lift up and walking across the bridge over the pool. Once you finish unpacking, slap on your sunscreen and soak up the Aussie rays from the tropical decking area at the French-Caribbean-designed Mantique Whitsunday. Take a dip in the 20m infinity pool, or sink into the bubbling hot tub while gazing out across the bay.

The luxury apartments, villas and penthouses at Mirage Whitsundays are some of the most exclusive in the area. Incredible ocean views are matched by vast open living areas, stylish private pools (in the villas and penthouses) and sleek contemporary design. There’s even a gym if you want to work up a sweat while on holiday.

Save your pennies in style with a stay at the Colonial Palms Motor Inn. This budget-friendly accommodation is a stone’s throw from the town centre and its cafes, bars and restaurants. The bedrooms are larger than average, and there are three swimming pools surrounded by palm trees, including a shallow one for children. Dine at the on-site restaurant, which offers a range of dishes, including fillet steak, locally caught fish and vegetarian meals – but we’d recommend trying the boned half duck and lamb shanks.