Top Reasons to Visit Airlie Beach, Australia

Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach has 520 berths and great facilities
Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach has 520 berths and great facilities | © Paul Kingsley / Alamy

Airlie Beach has long been a magnet for travellers drawn to its white silica sand, azure waters and vibrant bar scene. It’s also lucky enough to have the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands on its doorstep. Read on to discover why this beach town is one of the hottest destinations on the East Coast of Australia.

Explore Airlie Beach from the water by hiring a yacht for the day through SamBoat – no experience necessary. Alternatively, book a multi-day sailing holiday around the Whitsundays with Dream Yacht Charter.

It boasts wonderful weather year-round

Airlie Beach has a subtropical climate, which means it benefits from fine weather all year long. Summer is both the wet season and the jellyfish season, when temperatures can reach up to 32C (90F). However, Airlie Beach actually experiences less rainfall and lower humidity than the neighbouring Whitsunday Islands. In winter, the average daily temperature is a perfect 23C (73F), so plan to visit between June and October.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

It’s the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsundays are eye-wateringly beautiful

Airlie Beach is the main jumping-off point for the 74 Whitsunday Islands. Only seven of the islands are developed: Hamilton, Hayman, Hook, South Molle, Daydream, Long and Lindeman. The rest are just waiting to be explored by adventurous travellers. Stay at one of the best luxury hotels in the Whitsundays or discover the islands on a day trip from Airlie Beach.

The Great Barrier Reef runs along its coastline

The Great Barrier Reef ranks among the world’s best diving spots

Need we say more? While not as remote as the northerly section of the reef, it still boasts a rainbow array of marine life, from reef sharks to green sea turtles. There are several tour companies in Airlie Beach offering an assortment of Great Barrier Reef experiences, from scuba diving and snorkelling to sailing. If you’ve got time, head to Hardy Reef; it’s one of the most wildlife-rich local spots, located 100km (62mi) offshore from Airlie Beach.

It’s close to Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach is famed for it’s white sand and gin-clear water

Whitehaven Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world – for good reason. Blindingly white sand is lapped by the turquoise Coral Sea at this postcard-perfect spot on Whitsunday Island, the largest of the Whitsunday Islands. It’s only accessible via boat, helicopter or plane from Airlie Beach (depending on your budget). The pure silica sand stretches for 7km (4.3mi) – it’s easy to see why it’s a must-visit.

Backpackers flock here in droves

Main Street is full of useful resources for visitors

Airlie Beach is a key stop along the East Coast, one of the most popular backpacker routes in Australia. It’s situated seven hours south of Cairns and 12 hours north of Brisbane, so it’s a great place to break up the long journey. Check into a hostel and you’re guaranteed to meet other like-minded souls on a similar route – particularly handy if you’re travelling alone. There are also plenty of wallet-friendly places to eat and sink a bevvy or two, as well as a plethora of activities.

There are dozens of top restaurants and bars

Airlie Beach’s restaurants enjoy impressive sea views

Stroll along the main Airlie Beach strip and you’ll find a seriously decent selection of restaurants and bars. Book a table at the award-winning Fish D’Vine Restaurant & Rum Bar. They serve the area’s freshest seafood and stock nearly 200 rums from around the world. If you can handle it, check out their Seafood Platter, which is a feast for two or more people.

You can learn a new skill

The coastline around Airlie Beach is ripe for exploration

Naturally, it’s all about watersports in Airlie Beach. Do you fancy exploring under the water or on the surface? Whitsunday Dive Centre has a purpose-built scuba diving training centre, where you can become a PADI-certified diver in one of the most beautiful locations on earth. Alternatively, take to the high seas with the aptly named Sailing Whitsundays – they run two-day/two-night courses suitable for complete beginners.

There are beautiful hiking trails in Conway National Park

Conway National Park covers a large area of pristine lowland tropical rainforest

There’s plenty of natural beauty to see on the mainland, too. Head to Conway National Park, just south of Airlie Beach. It’s home to secluded beaches, mangroves, rainforest and deep gullies. The best way to explore is on foot. Lace up your trainers and hit the Mount Rooper Track, a 6.7km (4.1mi) trail with breathtaking views. Looking for something a little more challenging? Follow the 28km (17mi) Conway Circuit.

It’s an adrenaline-pumping paradise

Take in Airlie Beach from the air on a tandem skydive

Thrillseekers will definitely get their fix in this Queensland beach town. Hop on a helicopter ride over the Whitsundays or book an aerobatic mission in a Soviet warbird, if that’s more your style. Alternatively, experience Australia’s most beautiful drop zone with Skydive Airlie Beach, or go on an exhilarating jet boat ride with Island Jet Boating.

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article