Boathaven Beach
Sheltered stinger-net beach 5 minutes from town — locals' pick for a quick swim.
Boathaven Beach sits between the lagoon and Coral Sea Marina. It's smaller and quieter than the lagoon and has a permanent stinger enclosure netted off during stinger season. The sand is golden rather than white, and the water is shallow for a long way out — fine for toddlers. There's a grassy reserve behind the beach with picnic tables. Park free along Shingley Drive. Locals come here at low tide for the calm conditions and to avoid the lagoon crowds.
- Picnic tables
- Free parking
- Toilets at nearby marina
Highlights
- ✓Stinger net enclosure (Nov–May)
- ✓Sheltered shallow swimming
- ✓Free parking on Shingley Drive
- ✓Less crowded than the lagoon
- ✓Picnic tables and grassy reserve
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boathaven Beach safe for swimming?+
Yes. There's a stinger net in season and the water is shallow and sheltered.
Are there toilets at Boathaven Beach?+
Public toilets are a 2-minute walk away at the Coral Sea Marina.
Where do I park for Boathaven Beach?+
Free street parking along Shingley Drive, opposite the beach.
Is Boathaven Beach patrolled?+
No regular lifeguard patrols. Swim within the stinger enclosure in season.
How is Boathaven different from the Airlie Beach Lagoon?+
Boathaven is a real beach with sand. The lagoon is a constructed pool. Boathaven is quieter; the lagoon has more facilities.
Other beaches
Whitehaven Beach
Seven kilometres of 98% pure silica sand — the most photographed beach in Australia.
Airlie Beach Lagoon
Free, lifeguard-patrolled saltwater swimming lagoon right in the centre of Airlie Beach.
Cedar Creek Falls
Freshwater swimming hole at the base of a rainforest waterfall — a wet-season-only swim.