Planning a holiday? Or keen to make the most out of your weekend? No matter how long (or short) your vacation is, we've found the ideal destination for you. The list of things to do in Airlie Beach is practically endless thanks to its proximity to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, not to mention its own natural gems. From half-day activities to full-day exciting excursions, you're sure to find something that can fit your schedule.
You don't have to spend time looking up what to do at Airlie Beach because we've compiled the best activities and adventures, whether you're on a tight budget or looking to spend big. Here are our picks:
- Cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef
- See Airlie Beach from 14,000 up in the air on a skydive
- Explore Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island on a cruise
- Snorkel at Whitehaven Beach
- Skydive above Airlie Beach with a pro
- Get to know Hamilton Island at your own pace
- Sail and snorkel around the Whitsunday Islands
- Go jet-skiing around Airlie Beach
- Grab a bite at one of Airlie Beach's best restaurants
- Hike at Conway National Park
- Have a spa day by the beach
- Explore the Airlie Beach Community Markets
- Go fishing at Shute Harbour
- Take a dip at Cedar Creek Falls
- Go on a stroll along the Bicentennial Walkway
- Find the Honeyeater Lookout
- Pack a picnic by the beach
- Head to the Hydeaway Bay
Top Activities Below $300
1. Cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef
See the Great Barrier Reef’s treasures down below. Image credits: @greatbarrierreefcruise on Instagram
Ever wondered what's so great about the Great Barrier Reef? You can find out on a relaxing cruise on a catamaran. For a more immersive marine experience, you can choose to go snorkelling and swim with the fish. If that's not deep enough for you, there's also the option of diving to get up close with the colourful corals.
2. See Airlie Beach from 14,000 up in the air on a skydive
Get a bird’s eye view of the white sand and blue waters of Airlie Beach. Image credits: @skydiveaustralia on Instagram
For something that will get your heart pumping, why not go on a skydive? Airlie Beach is pretty great on foot, but it's a different kind of beauty from way up high where you can see clear, blue waters next to the golden sand beach.
3. Explore Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island on a cruise
Have a heavenly time with friends at Whitehaven Beach. Image credits: @cruisewhitsundays on Instagram
If you only have one free day and you want to make the most out of it, this is the cruise for you. Discover the best the Whitsundays has to offer with visits to Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island. The former is aptly named because of its long stretches of white sand, while the latter offers clear, blue waters and palm trees as far as the eye can see.
4. Snorkel at Whitehaven Beach
See coral reefs, fish, and other marine animals with the entire fam!
There are times in life when you just want to sit back, relax and enjoy the sights. For days like that, there isn’t a better place than Whitehaven Beach. It’s perfect for snorkelling because of its crystal clear waters and diverse marine life, from coral reefs to trout and butterflyfish. You can also just chill by the beach and soak in the sun.
5. Skydive above Airlie Beach with a pro
Get unobstructed views of the Great Barrier Reef from the clouds! Image credits: @1300skydiveairliebeach on Instagram
Millions of people have visited the Great Barrier Reef, but how many have seen it from the sky? Get unobstructed views of the Aussie icon when you skydive above the Whitsunday Islands. You have the option of choosing the height of your dive, 8,500 or 15,000 feet, for a longer freefall. This is definitely one of the most exciting things to do in Airlie Beach!
Top Activities Below $100
6. Get to know Hamilton Island at your own pace
Have a blast with the entire fam at Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is a treasure trove for travel because of its vibrant bushland and diverse wildlife. Take control of your holiday and choose the activities you want to do when you go on a cruise from Airlie Beach. You'll even get to take your pick of what kind of lunch to eat!
7. Sail and snorkel around the Whitsunday Islands
Soak up the sun on a relaxing sail to the Whitsundays
For a full day of aquatic fun with the entire fam, go on a Whitsundays adventure from Airlie Beach. The jam-packed day includes snorkelling to see turtles and corals in their natural habitat, a visit to Langford Island Sandbar and even lunch on board.
8. Go jet-skiing around Airlie Beach
Go on an exhilarating jet ski ride with your mate around Airlie Beach. Image credits: @whitsundayjetskitours on Instagram
One of the best things to do in Airlie Beach is to go on an exhilarating jet ski ride. You even have the option of sharing the jet ski with a friend for a fun experience. Plus, you'll have a chance to feed fish, and if you're lucky, you'll spot sea turtles along the way.
9. Grab a bite at one of Airlie Beach's best restaurants
Grab a bite to eat at one of Airlie Beach’s finest restaurants. Image credits: @fatfrogbeachcafe on Instagram
Airlie Beach is a place for stunning sights and delicious bites. It boasts a wide array of options, from Chinese restaurants to pubs and grills. Whether you're a vegan or a meat-lover, there's something for everyone!
10. Have a spa day by the beach
Feel at peace with a relaxing massage. Image credits: @vartamana_spa on Instagram
Beach activities are always fun, but they can be exhausting. Take a break from swimming and snorkelling with a relaxing spa day at one of Airlie Beach's best spas. You'll feel the tension leave your body as expert masseuses work on your tense muscles.
Top Free Activities
11. Hike at Conway National Park
Discover flora and fauna at Conway National Park. Image credits: @queensland on Instagram
You don't have to spend money to enjoy Airlie Beach. To explore a different side of the area, head over to Conway National Park, where you’ll be rewarded with views of lush trees and waterways for a slice of utopia. Just make sure you bring your hiking shoes!
12. Explore the Airlie Beach Community Markets
Look for antiques and gifts at the community market. Image credits: @travelforbliss on Instagram
To get a pulse of the local arts and crafts scene, go on a stroll through the Lions Airlie Beach Community Markets. Here you'll see handcrafted goods along with fresh fruits and delicious treats!
13. Go fishing at Shute Harbour
Take in the views as you fish at Shute Harbour. Image credits: @dannyandblondie on Instagram
Prepare your fishing rod and bait, and reel in fish at Shute Harbour. There's a public fishing jetty where you can try to catch squid or fish like barramundi and giant trevally. Try to head there early because the area fills up fast.
14. Take a dip at Cedar Creek Falls
Go on a relaxing swim at Cedar Creek Falls. Image credits: @backpackerhumpback on Instagram
There are so many things to do in Airlie Beach beyond sailing and snorkelling. Swap the sand and the waves for flora and fauna when you take a swim at Cedar Creek Falls, just half an hour's drive away from the beach.
15. Go on a stroll along the Bicentennial Walkway
Admire the picturesque bayside views along Bicentennial Walkway. Image credits: @soulviajero on Instagram
Not all holidays have to be thrill-seeking and heart-racing. Sometimes you just want to take things slow and chillax. The Bicentennial Walkway is just what the doctor ordered. Flanked by the clear waters of Airlie Bay on one side and cute cafes and restaurants on the other, you'll feel refreshed while taking a leisurely walk. One of the can't-miss free things to do in Airlie Beach!
16. Find the Honeyeater Lookout
Challenge yourself with a hike up Honeyeater Lookout. Image credits: @onepennybackpacker on Instagram
Even if you're not a beach person, there's still something at Airlie Beach for you. Look for the Honeyeater Lookout and get rewarded with unbeatable views of the Whitsunday Islands and Airlie Beach from up high. You can test your physical limits and soak in the picturesque views at the same time.
17. Pack a picnic by the beach
Enjoy the view along with food at Airlie Beach. Image credits: @ourfamilywanderbus on Instagram
For a romantic day with your partner or a fun activity with the fam, go on a picnic at Airlie Beach. Make sure you have the right ingredients so everyone can build their own sandwiches just the way they like! Get there early so you can get a spot under the shade.
18. Head to the Hydeaway Bay
Avoid crowds at Hydeaway Bay. Image credits: @barefoot.wandering on Instagram
True to its name, you'll find a spot where you can hide away at Hydeaway Bay. Its proximity to Airlie Beach makes it the perfect side trip when the beach becomes a bit too crowded. A little piece of tropical heaven just for you and the fam!
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