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Home >  Australia  >  Queensland  >  Airlie Beach  >  

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach

Australia, Queensland, Airlie Beach 

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Airlie Beach

Australia, Queensland, Airlie Beach 

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Sandee Airlie Beach

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Airlie Beach in Queensland, Australia, serves as the mainland gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Nestled along the Coral Sea, this vibrant coastal town combines laid-back charm with a bustling tourist scene. Known for its marina, palm-lined esplanade, and lagoon-style swimming area, the beach itself offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, with stunning views transitioning into lively nightlife after sunset.

The tropical vibe here attracts backpackers, luxury travelers, and sailing enthusiasts alike. Its central location makes it a hub for accessing pristine islands like Whitehaven Beach and marine activities in the World Heritage-listed reef system. The town’s compact center features colorful markets, waterfront dining, and a welcoming atmosphere that balances energy and serenity.

Airlie Beach’s dining scene caters to diverse tastes, from casual beachside bites to upscale seafood. Sandbar Airlie Beach (4.6★) offers modern Australian fare with cocktails and harbor views, praised for its relaxed vibe and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill (4.4★) stands out for its wood-fired pizzas and sunset panoramas, while Sorrento Restaurant & Bar (4.2★) serves Italian-inspired dishes on a sea-view deck. For Mexican flavors, Mika Airlie Kitchen & Bar (4.3★) features lively street-food-style tacos, and Anchor Bar (4.7★) impresses with poolside cocktails and share plates.

Accommodations range from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels. Coral Sea Resort (4.3★) provides waterfront villas with direct reef access, while Mirage Whitsundays (4.5★) offers contemporary apartments and bay-view pools. Airlie Guest House (4.9★) charms with boutique rooms and homemade breakfasts, and at Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat (3.9★) features Thai cuisine and lagoon-style pools. Backpackers favor Nomads Airlie Beach Hostel (4.2★) for its central poolside bar and social vibe.

The beach area features a man-made lagoon for safe swimming, surrounded by free public showers, restrooms, and shaded picnic spots. Rental outlets along the esplanade provide snorkel gear, stand-up paddleboards, and stinger suits seasonally. Barbecue facilities and Wi-Fi hotspots are available near the main square, while shaded pathways and seating areas capitalize on ocean breezes.

Water-based adventures dominate: snorkeling trips to Heart Reef, sailing charters through the Whitsundays, and scenic flights over Whitehaven Beach. The lagoon offers family-friendly swimming, while nearby Conway National Park provides rainforest hiking trails. Sunset cruises, jet-skiing, and dive courses targeting the outer Great Barrier Reef are popular booked activities.

Paved pathways connect the lagoon, esplanade, and most restaurants, with ramps at key intersections. Accessible restrooms and parking spots are centrally located, while several tour operators offer wheelchair-friendly vessels. Rental companies provide adaptive equipment like beach wheelchairs upon request.

Street parking along Shute Harbour Road fills quickly during peak hours, with free and paid options. The large Whitsunday Shopping Centre lot (free for 3 hours) sits a 5-minute walk from the beach. Dedicated RV parking areas are located on the town outskirts, while disability-accessible spots are available near the lagoon entrance.

The man-made Airlie Beach Lagoon was built to protect swimmers from deadly Irukandji jellyfish. The area’s stinger season (November-May) sees nets and suits used as precautions. Airlie’s original name was “Whitsunday Shire” before rebranding to capitalize on tourism. The nearby Heart Reef—a coral formation shaped like a heart—is only visible by air.

Top draws include the coral-filled Bicentennial Walkway along the coast and the bustling Airlie Beach Markets every Saturday. Day trips to Whitehaven Beach’s silica sands and Hill Inlet’s swirling tides are essential. Conway National Park’s hiking trails and the Proserpine Museum’s sugarcane history exhibits provide land-based diversity.

Basic Details

INParking

INRestroom Available

IN6 Airlie Esplanade, Airlie Beach QLD 4802, Australia

Know Before You Go

Amenities

  • ATM

  • Barbecue

  • Boat Ramp

  • Dogs

  • Entry Fee

  • Fire Pits

  • Hidden

  • Lifeguard

  • Marine Life

  • Pier

  • Playground

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesRestrooms

  • Shops

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesShowers

  • WiFi

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesPicnic Table

  • Activities

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesBike Paths

  • Camping

  • Clubs Party Scene

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFishing

  • Hiking

  • Nude

  • Paddle boarding

  • Scuba Diving

  • Snorkeling

  • Surfing

  • Tours

  • Volleyball

  • Cave

  • Rentals

  • ATV

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesBikes

  • Boat

  • Fishing Boats

  • Jet Skiing

  • Kayaking Canoeing

  • Chair Rentals

  • Sailing

  • Speed Boats

  • Umbrella Rental

  • Waterskiing

  • Windsurfing

  • Yachts

  • Food

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesBars

  • Food Snacks

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesLocal Beach Vendor

  • Lounge

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesRestaurants

  • Access

  • Bike Racks

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesCar Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesDisabled Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesFoot Access

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - Free

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - Paid

  • Icon for Beach AmenitiesParking - RV Parking

  • Parking - Street

  • Public Bus Stop

  • Stairs to Beach

  • Boat Access

  • Features

  • Blue Flag

  • Jellyfish

  • Pebbles

  • Riptide

  • Rocky

  • Sharks

  • LGBTQ+

  • Airlie Beach - Beach Map

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Surf through our FAQs to help you find your perfect beach!

    Does Airlie Beach have parking? If so, is it free or paid?

    Yes, this Beach provides paid parking at the entrance, although spaces are limited. Visitors can also find street parking nearby for easy access to the beach.

    Does Airlie Beach have lifeguards?

    No, this Beach does not have lifeguards monitoring the beach - please be careful when swimming on this beach.

    Is Airlie Beach a family-friendly beach?

    No, this Beach is not family-friendly and does not have restrooms, lifeguards, and nearby food.

    Is Airlie Beach good for swimming?

    Yes, this Beach boasts excellent swimming conditions, attracting swimmers of all skill levels with its gentle waves and clear waters.

    Does Airlie Beach have restrooms?

    Yes, Restrooms are conveniently available on or adjacent to the beach at this Beach.

    Is Airlie Beach a nude beach?

    No, this Beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere and does not allow nude bathing.

    Is there food near Airlie Beach?

    Yes, this Beach has multiple food options near or on the beach, including restaurants and beach vendors.

    What are the activities at Airlie Beach?

    Yes, this Beach is renowned for its vibrant beach scene, offering various activities for everyone to enjoy Bike Paths, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Paddleboarding, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Tours.

    Does Airlie Beach have accommodations for people with disabilities?

    Yes, this Beach offers accommodations for people with disabilities, allowing everyone to relish the coastal experience.

    Is Airlie Beach a dog-friendly beach?

    No, this Beach is not dog-friendly.

    Is Airlie Beach good for surfing?

    No, this Beach is not generally considered to be good for surfing.

    Beaches Near Airlie Beach

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    Sandee Boathaven Beach

    Boathaven Beach

    Boathaven Beach
    Airlie Beach, AUS(0.37 Miles)
    Sandee Shingley Beach

    Shingley Beach

    Shingley Beach
    Airlie Beach, AUS(0.74 Miles)
    Sandee Cannonvale Beach

    Cannonvale Beach

    Cannonvale Beach
    Cannonvale, AUS(1.57 Miles)
    Sandee Lion's Lookout

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    Sandee Spion Kop Lookout

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