Have you visited Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia? If you have not yet seen this gorgeous part of Australia, you simply must visit.
Airlie Beach is one of the most unspoiled parts of Australia. If you enjoy nature and spending time outside, Airlie Beach is the perfect family holiday destination.
10 Best Things To See and Do at Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is located in a part of Australia called the Whitsundays. The best time to visit this part of Australia is September and October.
How many days do I need in Airlie Beach? To appreciate what the area has to offer, you need at least 5 days.
1 Can I Swim At Airlie Beach?
There are two beaches where you can swim. The best beaches for swimming are Boothaven Beach Marina and Canonvale Beach.
Although the beaches are not patrolled by lifeguards, they both have nets that protect you from jellyfish and other marine life. If you are travelling with young children it is important to know this.
2 Bicentennial Walkway
If you would like to explore the area, taking a walk along the Bicentennial Walkway walkway is a great idea.
This is a 4km long walk that takes in the best coastal views this part of Australia has to offer. You will enjoy the stunning scenery and meet friendly locals.
During the warmer part of the year, it is best to set out early in the morning or evening. As it is a rather long walk, you may end up slightly footsore unless you wear comfortable shoes.
If you have a young family, make sure you bring a buggy in case small feet get tired. You can turn around any time if you find the Bicentennial Walkway too much.
3 Heart Reef
Located in Hardy Reef. Heart Reef is one of the most romantic locations in the world. You can’t actually physically visit, but you can fly over it by helicopter or airplane.
Once you see it, you will never forget it. Heart Reef is the only natural reef in the world shaped like a heart.
4 Whitsunday Great Walk
This is a challenging walk or hike of 27km. However, you don’t have to take in the entire walk to appreciate the stunning landscape. Walking part of the trail with your children is a great way to introduce them to nature.
5 Shute Harbour
Shute Harbour is where your Whitsunday Island adventures begin. Even though you may be anxious to get to the islands, there is no reason why you should not linger for a while.
This is a beautiful spot with many exciting things to see and do. If you are travelling with kids, they probably appreciate a picnic on the beach. Shute is a beautiful natural harbour. The sunsets in Shute Harbour just take your breath away.
6 Lions Airlie Beach Market
Going to Saturday street markets is quickly becoming a popular Australian past time. When you are looking for a truly memorable experience, Lions Airlie Beach Market is second-to-none.
More than anything it is the setting that makes this street market a unique experience. Less rushed than other street markets, and maybe a bit touristy, but no visit to Airlie Beach is complete without visiting the Lions’ Beach market.
7 Conway National Park
Don’t miss out on visiting Conway National Park. The hills covered in tropical rainforest are something out of a book. It is hard to describe this part of Queensland.
In many ways, it feels like you have been beamed up and transported to a different planet. Not only are the trees, flora and fauna amazing, but you have also got the beaches.
Conway is a bit of heaven and the Garden of Eden mixed into one. For families, there are many park activities that they can take advantage of when they visit Conway Park.
If you want to be really adventurous, you can try camping and spotting a crocodile or two.
8 Mars Charters
One of the best ways to see the area is from the water. Mars Charters run a range of water taxi services. You can share a ride with other visitors, or you can charter a boat on your own.
Nothing is too much trouble for these guys. If you are staying at the Palm Beach Resort or Elysian Resort which is simply a paradise, a private transfer with Mars Charters is a must.
9 Airlie Creek Trail
If you are less than an experienced hiker, you are going to appreciate what Airlie Creek Trail has to offer. Walking along the trail is far less challenging than any of the other hikes mentioned.
Airlie Creek Trail is easy to walk. At a leisurely pace, it takes you an hour or so. Look out for the Whitsunday Bottle Tree and the elusive Prosperine Rock Wallaby.
Once again, another one of those places that feel like a world away.
10 Crocodile Safari
No visit to this part of Queensland is complete with a crocodile safari. For some reason, many visitors to Australia think crocodiles are found in all parts of Australia. That is not true.
A variety of crocodile safaris and tours are available. They are well worth doing. It is not until you see one of these animals you really appreciate how magnificent they are in real life.
Crocodile safaris are also about more than these pre-historic critters. You get a fantastic opportunity to see more of what this stunning part of Australia has to offer.
Final Thoughts
Airlie Beach is a great destination for families, solo travellers and couples. There is so much to see and do. To be honest, you are not going to have a chance to fit it all in. The best thing you can do is to promise yourself you will return – even if it is just for those amazing sunsets.
