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Whitsunday Segway Rainforest Discovery Tour
Glide through the pristine Whitsunday Conway National Park on a 3.5-hour guided Segway tour. The only Segway tour in Australia to operate in a full rainforest National Park. Your tour includes full training informative commentary by your experienced tour guide, courtesy bus pickup and drop-off from your Airlie Beach hotel and a delicious and fresh…
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Whitsundays Segway Sunset and Boardwalk Tour with Dinner
Enjoy spectacular views while you glide along the Whitsunday Bicentennial Boardwalk on a Segway. A Segway is a great way to get around, it is easier than walking, and more unique and personalised than a coach tour. You’ll ride your own Segway from Airlie Beach to Cannonvale stopping on the return journey to enjoy delicious…
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One Way Only – Airport Transfer share shuttle service
We provide as much as possible, door to door Airport Transfers at Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) from/to Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket and Shute Harbour. We stop at all ports, resorts, hotels, airbnb’s and private addresses. As we use fully air-conditioned 13 & 24 seater buses this means fewer stops; therefore getting you to your…
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Airport Transfers – Return (round fare) share shuttle service
We pick up from all ports, resorts, hotels, Airbnb and private addresses. As we use fully air-conditioned 13 & 24 seater busses this means fewer stops; therefore getting you to your destination faster than other services. We operate 365 days a year meeting every arriving and departing flight at the Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine).
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Airlie Beach Sunset Cruise
The Sundowner Airlie Beach Sunset cruise sets sail from Coral Sea Marina Airlie Beach. Enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and nibbles while we cruise around the bay for two hours. The bar on board is fully licensed, for further drink purchases. Sorry, no BYO. Sundowner is a fully undercover, purpose built catamaran designed…
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1-Hour Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight
An amazing and unforgettable experience. This is our most popular flight and with great reason! Combining both the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef in one including the world famous Heart Reef! Departing from the iconic Shute Harbour airport, only 9 mins drive from Airlie Beach main street. Enjoy the iconic scenery as you soar…
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The Big Island Day Tour: Full day tour to Whitehaven Beach
Experience the ultimate eco-friendly adventure with an advanced eco-certified full-day scenic cruise through the breathtaking Whitsunday Islands stopping at the famous Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. Complete with modern facilities including a 360° view rooftop deck to ensure that you have a brilliant experience. Highlights – Cruise the Whitsunday Islands in air-conditioned comfort – Buffet…
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Siska – 2 day 1 Night – Maxi Sailing Tour of the Whitsundays
If you’ve got limited time to make friends and visit the Whitsunday icons, Siska is the boat for you. This Australian built ex-Ocean Racing Maxi has a few nautical miles under her belt. But this hasn’t stopped her from continuing to provide amazing tours of the Whitsundays! She’s one of the most loved Maxi yachts…
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Prima – Overnight Sailing Experience of the Whitsundays
The homely monohull sailing yacht Prima offers you the best in a Whitsunday Islands adventure. With only 12 guests on board, leave the crowds behind and enjoy the more personalised experience with greater flexibility. Enjoy the best of the islands, join in with the sailing of the vessel and while away your time on Prima.
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Solway Lass – Overnight Tall Ship Sailing Adventures around the Whitsundays
Solway Lass is a beautifully preserved tall ship with a rich history that you’ll feel the moment you step on-board. Today, she provides leisurely sailing tours around the islands. Expansive deck space, a licenced bar, air-conditioned cabins and comfortable saloon ensure the utmost comfort. There’s a fun rope swing, glass bottom boat and stand-up paddle…
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3 Day Whitsundays Sailing and Diving Adventure: Kiana
Sail and Dive the Outer Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands on our 16.4m ketch and enjoy your first dive for free. Kiana is the only vessel in the region that caters for small numbers to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Explore, dive or snorkel the incredible diversity of the islands and outer Great Barrier…
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Scenic Flight over Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, GBR
Enjoy a 60 minute scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef, including Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet! See the Whitsundays from above with a stunning Whitsunday 60 minute scenic flight over the islands and Great Barrier Reef, including famous Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of…
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Whitsundays Guided Jet Ski Tour
Multi award winning Whitsunday Jetski Tours offers exciting adventure tours in the Whitsundays and is the first and only guided jetski tour operating from Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach to the Whitsunday Islands. Guests can ride the latest model Sea-Doo jetski into the beautiful world heritage Whitsunday Island Marine Park. Three tours operate daily, the…
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Fly Raft Package: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkel and Scenic Flight
Experience the best of the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef in one day with a Whitsunday scenic flight and Ocean Rafting adventure! Experience the Whitsundays’ ultimate destinations… Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and secret snorkelling locations. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of many of the 74 Whitsunday Islands, fly over Whitehaven Beach and…
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Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout
“THE ORIGINAL AND MOST AWARDED TOUR IN THE WHITSUNDAYS” Visit three top destinations whilst having the ride of your life! Each Ocean Rafting day includes an exhilarating ride to world famous Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Beach and Lookout, pristine snorkelling reefs and guided Whitsunday Island National Parks walks, all in one day! The semi rigid…
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Camira Sailing Adventure through Whitsunday Islands
Sit back and enjoy the sea air on-board the largest sailing catamaran in The Whitsundays. With capped capacity numbers, you can stretch out and relax as Camira sails through the Whitsunday Islands and takes you to the region’s most iconic locations. Hike to the Hill Inlet Lookout, leave footprints in the white silica sand, snorkel…
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Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Day Trip: Chill and Grill
Explore the stunning white, silica sand of the world-famous Whitehaven Beach on this full-day excursion. This is the best way to experience all that Whitehaven Beach has to offer. This guided tour includes a trip to Hill Inlet for a short hike to take in the breathtaking views from the famous Hill Inlet Lookout and…
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Private Airlie Beach Tuk-Tuk Tours
Jump on a Tuk Tuk, it is a great way to see beautiful Airlie Beach and mingle with the locals. Sit back and relax as your local guide shows off their home town, taking you to the best scenic spots and venues. You have the choice of 30, 60, 90 or 120 minute tour’s at…
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Matador Whitsundays
Join the crew on Matador Whitsundays for a truly unique experience on-board an ex-race boat legend. Matador has been freshly refurbished in 2017 for its 2-Day 1-Night Tour. Hop on-board with like-minded guests sailing over to the World Famous Whitehaven Beach then on to the best snorkelling spots the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park has…
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The Airlie Hopper Sightseeing Bus (cruise ship friendly)
The Airlie Hopper Sightseeing Bus is a great way to see all the things Airlie Beach has to offer. Airlie Beach, , waterfalls, wild turtles, fish, goannas, Georges retro 50’s Diner, Learn about the Turtle Beach at Conway Beach, Whitsunday Coffee Plantation, and mini zoo (exotic Parrot refuge) and Northerlies Beach Bar where you can…
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Cedar Creek Express. (cruise ship friendly)
The Cedar Creek Shuttle bus leaves from Airlie Beach and takes you out to Cedar Creek. Escape to a natural wonderland that’s a must-visit for short and long holidays. Cedar Creek is a breathtaking waterhole that’s stunning year-round but truly comes alive in the wet season or after a refreshing downpour when the waterfall flows…
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2-Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure on Trimaran Avatar
Avatar Whitsundays is the only commercial sailing trimaran in the Islands. What does this mean for you? Minimal lean while sailing, maximum deck space with nets for sun baking, you can soak up the stunning World Heritage-listed Whitsunday Islands while never feeling over crowded. Just the way it’s meant to be. Avatar caters to guests…
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2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef
Spank Me Whitsundays 2 day/2 night adventure tour explores the World Heritage-listed Whitsunday Islands, visiting Whitehaven Beach and snorkeling the fringing Great Barrier Reef. You can help the crew and pull up the main sail, otherwise relax on the spacious deck and enjoy the view of the pristine Whitsunday Islands. The 82-foot sailing vessel Spank…
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Heart Reef & Whitehaven Rest and Relax – 2.5Hr Helicopter Tour
Please Note: Weight Limits Apply* Dreamed of visiting Whitehaven Beach, or the gorgeous Heart Reef? Then look no further! This two & a half hour helicopter tour takes you to Whitehaven Beach, where you’ll enjoy a one & a half hour stay, complete with nibblies and ice cold beverages. First we head out to the…
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Whitsunday Whirl – 20 Minute Helicopter Tour
Please Note: Weight Limits Apply* This scenic 20-minute helicopter tour will allow you to take in the incredible views of Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour, and it’s surrounding islands and reef systems. Once we’re aboard our Robinson R44 Helicopter, we’ll depart from Shute Harbour Airport and make our way out to the islands to see The…
All about Airlie Beach
When to visit
Blessed by a subtropical climate, Airlie Beach is great to visit at any time of year. It is also a particularly appealing winter escape; while more southern areas of Australia are feeling the chill, Airlie Beach enjoys some of its best weather from June through September. This period is also the best time to spot migrating humpback whales. The town can get very busy during the country’s three-week school holiday in September and early October, so avoid that window if you don’t like crowds.
Getting around
Airlie Beach is compact, and you can reach most attractions and services by foot. A public bus connects the town with Prosperpine and Shute Harbour, and you can also see more of the area by booking a tuk-tuk tour. If you’re arriving by plane, you’ll want to book a shuttle service to reach your hotel. Airlie Beach is also the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands; the departure points for tours to the archipelago are located in the town center or very nearby.
Traveler tips
While most visitors use Airlie Beach as a base for sailing trips around the Whitsunday Islands, there’s plenty of natural beauty to see on the mainland, too. Head to Conway National Park, just south of town, to explore multiple hiking trails, swaths of ancient rainforest, mangroves, and secluded beaches and to look for wildlife, including paradise kingfishers and the Proserpine rock-wallaby. Guided tours departing from Airlie Beach offer a convenient way to see it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Airlie Beach known for?
Airlie Beach is known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the main port for ferries and cruises to Hamilton Island and the Whitsundays. The lively seaside town also has renowned nightlife, white sand beaches, and accommodation options for everyone from backpackers to luxury travelers.
How do I spend a day in Airlie Beach?
With just one day in Airlie Beach, most travelers opt for a day trip to Hamilton Island and the Whitsunday Islands. For the ultimate experience, include a seaplane or helicopter flight over Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef, and then cruise out to the Great Barrier Reef to swim and snorkel.
Can you swim at Airlie Beach?
Yes, Airlie Beach has two beaches—Airlie Beach and Boathaven Beach—both a short walk from the town center. The rocky shores of Airlie Beach are better suited for sunbathing than swimming, and Boathaven Beach has white sands and a summer swimming area complete with a stinger net.
What is there to do in Airlie Beach at night?
Renowned as one of Queensland’s party capitals, Airlie Beach has a buzzing nightlife and a lively backpacker scene. Bars, restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs line the main street, Shute Harbour Road, where you can spend the night sipping happy hour cocktails, tucking into tapas, and dancing into the early hours.
How long is the ferry from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island?
Ferries from Airlie Beach take about 60 minutes to reach Hamilton Island (depending on weather conditions). Up to nine passenger ferries depart daily from the Port of Airlie Marina, arriving at Hamilton Island Marina. Ferries also depart from Shute Harbour (just south of Airlie Beach), taking around 35 minutes.
Is Airlie Beach worth visiting?
Yes, Airlie Beach is the closest ferry port to explore the lower Great Barrier Reef or cruise out to Hamilton Island and the Whitsunday Islands. Not to mention it has white sand beaches, buzzing nightlife, and the rainforest hiking trails of the Conway National Park right on its doorstep.