The Best Hotels and Vacation Rentals to Book in Airlie Beach, Queensland

You’ll feel on top of the world as you catch the breeze on your balcony while overlooking the ocean. These one-, two- and three-bedroom condo-style modern apartments have spacious living rooms and full kitchens. Dine al fresco on your balcony or, if you want someone else to cook, head downstairs to Tides restaurant and indulge in the local crab, bugs and scallops. If the lure of the view upstairs proves irresistible (and before too long it will), have your dinner delivered to your room. Later, take a dip in the resort pool and idle awhile in the spa with generous loungers lining the timber deck.

High on a lushly forested ridge, this huge holiday house in Airlie Beach will suit large groups or a family wanting a roomy getaway. Four bedrooms and three bathrooms are set over two levels, with two huge balconies and fine ocean views over the treetops. You’ll love the look of this property: stylish exposed timber flooring and ceilings, ornate pendant lighting and stone kitchen tops. It’s a short walk down to Airlie Beach Lagoon, where you can swim at the beach and relax on the loungers in the tropical sun.

We know the priority here – you’ll want to jump straight into the impressive rooftop horizon pool, with its timber-lined hot-tub hut. But allow plenty of wallow time, too, for your in-room spa bath. Whichever you choose, these one- to three-bedroom, fully self-contained luxury apartments are some of the best in Airlie Beach. Don’t just look longingly from your balcony over towards the islands dotted on the horizon – grab a hop-on-and-off daily ferry pass and explore nearby Daydream Island and Hamilton Island resorts. They’re great for a day trip or two – snorkelling, swimming and exploring the local reefs.

Staying here is so convenient – you’re just a short walk from the cafes and bars of Airlie Beach as well as the foreshore swimming lagoon. Budget-priced double cabins are dotted around the grounds – or you might prefer one of the double or twin rooms with shared bathrooms. How to spend the days? Hang out with other travellers in the large, shared kitchen and nearby BBQ area, or get active on the volleyball court. There’s an extensive tour desk for booking cruises to the Great Barrier Reef, flights over the islands or snorkelling and dive adventures. You won’t be bored for a moment.

This colonial-style building brings the past firmly into the present with a huge welcoming deck, large shade-throwing umbrellas and a fantastic in-house restaurant, the Palms. All rooms are air conditioned, and one-bedroom apartments have a small kitchenette – great if you’re on a budget. The slate-lined swimming lagoon at the centre of it all is the must-visit-spot for cooling off. Then you’ll be refreshed and ready to jump on a private sunset charter, where you might see dolphins or even a dugong (Google them – they’re cute). Or hire a jet ski and take a 90-minute adrenaline-pumping tour of the local islands.

At this attractive retreat, you’ll fall in love with the stunning 180-degree views of the Coral Sea and islands. And then you’ll fall for the spectacular infinity-edge waterfall swimming pools, where one cascades into another below. There’s plenty to like about these 30 luxury apartments – not least the setting, among tropical gardens above Airlie Beach, just a stroll from great cafes and bars. Another big tick goes to the huge individual balconies included with all properties, furnished with comfy loungers and serene sea-themed artworks.

Is it a hotel or a pub? The great news is that it’s both, so you can have your beer and drink it. At the Airlie Beach Hotel, it’s the done thing to grab an icy drink and party with the band at the Pub, which is open to the esplanade while overlooking parkland and the stunning beach. When you’re done, retreat to one of the 60 rooms and suites. Take your pick between a modern-designed motel-style room, or an ocean-view suite with lounge and self-contained kitchen. Either way, you’ll have full use of the resort pool – your cue to make a splash.