Things to Do in Airlie Beach & the Whitsundays
From half-day sails to free walks in Conway National Park — here's everything worth doing in the Whitsundays, organised by what you actually want to do.
Sailing
Day sails, overnight charters, and sunset cruises across the 74 Whitsunday Islands.
Snorkelling
Fringing reefs, coral gardens, and Great Barrier Reef day trips from Airlie Beach.
Scenic Flights
Seaplanes and helicopters over Heart Reef, Hill Inlet, and Whitehaven Beach.
Beaches
From the silica sand of Whitehaven to the free saltwater Airlie Beach Lagoon.
Family
Stinger-safe swims, glass bottom boats, and short tours that suit younger travellers.
Fishing
Reef fishing charters and estuary trips chasing coral trout, mackerel and barramundi.
Food & Drink
Marina restaurants, Saturday markets, and waterfront bars along the Airlie foreshore.
Nature
Rainforest walks, national park trails, and free lookouts over the Whitsunday Passage.
All attractions
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.
Sunset Sailing Cruise
A two-hour sail off Pioneer Bay timed for sunset, with drinks and canapés onboard.
Jet Ski Whitsundays Tour
Guided jet ski tour around Pioneer Bay and across to the Molle Islands.
Ocean Rafting Northern Exposure
Fast rigid-inflatable adventure boat with Whitehaven, Hill Inlet, and two snorkel stops.
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.
Boathaven Beach
Sheltered stinger-net beach 5 minutes from town — locals' pick for a quick swim.
Cedar Creek Falls
Freshwater swimming hole at the base of a rainforest waterfall — a wet-season-only swim.
Scenic Flights over Heart Reef
Helicopter or seaplane flight over Heart Reef, Hill Inlet, and Whitehaven Beach.
Conway National Park Hiking
Free rainforest and ridge walks with sweeping views over the Whitsunday Passage.
Airlie Beach Markets
Weekly Saturday market along the foreshore — food trucks, local makers, and live music.
Coral Sea Marina
Working super-yacht marina with waterfront restaurants and a public boardwalk.
Proserpine River Crocodile Safari
Boat tour up the Proserpine River to see saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat.
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
See coral and reef fish without getting wet — ideal for young children and non-swimmers.
Reef Fishing Charter
Bottom-fish the reef edges for coral trout, red emperor, and Spanish mackerel.