Whitsundays, Queensland
Everything to See and Do in Airlie Beach & the Whitsundays
Honest, locally-written guides to tours, beaches, scenic flights, and free things to do — written by people who've actually been.
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The Airlie Beach essentials
Whitehaven Beach Day Sail
Sail to the world-famous silica sands of Whitehaven Beach and the Hill Inlet lookout in a single day.
Whitsunday Islands Snorkelling Tour
Visit two protected snorkel sites in the fringing reefs around Hook and Hayman Islands.
Great Barrier Reef Day Trip
Reach the outer Great Barrier Reef pontoon at Hardy Reef for snorkelling, diving and a glass-bottom boat ride.
Scenic Flights over Heart Reef
Helicopter or seaplane flight over Heart Reef, Hill Inlet, and Whitehaven Beach.
Whitehaven Beach
Seven kilometres of 98% pure silica sand — the most photographed beach in Australia.
Ocean Rafting Northern Exposure
Fast rigid-inflatable adventure boat with Whitehaven, Hill Inlet, and two snorkel stops.
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Airlie Beach & Whitsundays FAQ
What is Airlie Beach famous for?+
Airlie Beach is the mainland gateway to the 74 Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. It's famous for Whitehaven Beach, sailing tours, snorkelling, scenic flights over Heart Reef, and a lively foreshore with a free public lagoon.
What are the best things to do in the Whitsundays?+
The classics are a Whitehaven Beach day sail, a snorkelling tour of the inner reefs, a scenic helicopter or seaplane flight over Heart Reef, and a sunset cruise from Coral Sea Marina. Add a hike in Conway National Park if you have a spare morning.
When is the best time to visit Airlie Beach?+
May to October is the dry season — sunny, low humidity, no marine stingers, calm seas. November to April is hotter, wetter, and requires stinger suits in the water but accommodation is cheaper.
How do I get to Airlie Beach?+
Fly into Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP) at Proserpine for direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, or Hamilton Island (HTI) and ferry across. You can also drive from Brisbane (12 hours) or Cairns (7 hours) on the Bruce Highway.
Is Airlie Beach suitable for families?+
Yes — the Airlie Beach Lagoon is free, stinger-free and patrolled, and most reef tours welcome children. Glass bottom boats, the Proserpine crocodile safari, and Cedar Creek Falls all suit younger travellers.