AIRLIE BEACH
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With its gorgeous outlook over the bays and islands, and the tropical feel of an island resort, Airlie Beach is the perfect base for your next holiday to the Whitsundays. The largest town on the Whitsunday Coast and the main point of access to the islands and the Great Barrier Reef by day, Airlie Beach is a thriving hub which offers a vibrant array of dining and nightlife, shopping and relaxation. How you choose to spend your day, exploring the Whitsundays, relaxing by the lagoon or at the beach and tantalising your tastebuds by night, you are guaranteed a good time.
THE LAGOON
Swim all year round at the fabulous Airlie Beach lagoon. Free to enter, with babecues and a handy carpark, the lagoon is surrounded by grassy knolls, perfect for a spot of sunbathing, or finding a quiet spot in the shade to read a book. The sandy beach area at one end provides a safe, stinger free environment for the children to play in the shallows and the lagoon is surrounded by landscaped gardens for added appeal. A children's pool is situated at one end and the pool is patrolled. The lagoon is a quick 300 metres from Coastal Vista.
WHY AIRLIE BEACH?
Situated on the coast with the stunning mountainous backdrop of Conway National Park, Airlie Beach is a lively town with so much to do - shops, bars, amazing restaurants and plenty of Whitsunday activities for adults and kids alike. Unlike the islands, where you are limited to a few dining outlets and activities, Airlie Beach has access to all that the Whitsundays has to offer and it's all easily accessible.
Relax and play at the renowned Airlie Lagoon during the day and enjoy the bars, restaurants or nightclubs after dark. And if you love the beach - well, there's four of them, as well as the Bicentennial Boardwalk for those long strolls.
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WHAT TO DO HERE
With the Port of Airlie to the south and Abell Point Marina to the north (both walking distance from Coastal Vista) you're only a short distance from most of what the Whitsundays offers.
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Around Airlie
Sailing, bareboating, kayaking, jet skiing, scenic flights, snorkelling, scuba diving, mountain biking, bushwalking, Segway tours, camping, hiking, golf, shopping, relaxation and much more! Or if you'd rarther be on the water for the day, join a tour heading to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet or the Great Barrier Reef. If you'd rather not walk to the dock, most tour operators will pick you up from Coastal Vista!
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Every Saturday morning, the foreshore of Airlie Beach is lined by stalls selling local produce and souvenirs. Drink coffee, buy art and crafts, or eat some of Airlie's delicious local produce. The fresh local mango sorbet is a must!
Check out the Landscape
Explore the waterfront by foot or Segway. Just minutes from Airlie Beach, discover quiet coves, beaches and rainforests, and enjoy the green as it contrasts with the stunning azure blue of the water! There is a diversity of green landscapes which contrast perfectly with the blue of the ocean. Conway National Park is one of the best-kept secrets of the Whitsunday Coast and Hinterland, with numerous walking trails and scenic lookouts which wind through the rainforest, Australian bushland and seasonal waterfalls such as the stunning Cedar Creek Falls.
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Island hop!
The Whitsundays Islands are easily accessible from Airlie Beach - hop along to Daydream Island, Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, Long Island and the Whitsunday islands, or just go to them all for a magical day lying on pristine beaches surrounded by turquoise waters.
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HOW TO GET HERE
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Get from anywhere to Airlie Beach easily. You can fly, drive, take the bus or the train or even your boat!
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Fly to Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine)
The closest airport is in Proserpine located 30 minutes from Airlie Beach by car. Fly directly from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane with Jetstar, Tiger Air or Virgin Australia. Shuttle buses meet all flights.
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Fly to Great Barrier Reef Airport (Hamilton Island)
You can also fly to Hamilton Island Airport from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns with Jetstar, Qantas or Virgin Australia and take a ferry with Cruise Whitsundays to Airlie Beach.
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Drive from Cairns to Airlie Beach
Driving down south of Cairns to Airlie Beach via Townsville is an experience you will never forget. Journey past verdant fields and scenic towns stopping for a break at the enchanting coastal city, Townsville. Cairns to Airlie Beach takes 8 hours by car.
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Drive from Sunshine Coast to Airlie Beach
Driving down to Airlie from the Sunshine Coast takes approximately 11 to 12 hours. We suggest making a stop at Yeppoon and visiting Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary. The next day you could drive to Airlie Beach directly (which is approximately 6 hours away) or make a stop at beautiful Mackay. The journey from Mackay to Airlie Beach will take approximately 1.5 hours.
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Train Journey
The train journey from Cairns to Airlie takes around 11 hours while Sunshine Coast to Airlie takes 14.5 hours, but you are promised beautiful views of the surroundings. Queensland Rail services link Proserpine to all major destinations from Cairns to Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and beyond. Shuttle buses meet all trains.
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By Bus
The cheapest travel option from Cairns to Airlie Beach is taking the bus. Travelling through the scenic region, enjoy the view without the stress of driving yourself. The bus journey from the Sunshine Coast to Airlie Beach takes 19-20 hours.