Airlie Beach is a beautiful coastal area located in the Whitsunday region. It is spread over 3.5 kilometers and has a population of approximately 1300. Known as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, it offers access to Hamilton Island, Whitehaven Beach, and Daydream Island via ferries. Another notable location nearby is Bowen, which is approximately a 50-minute drive from Airlie Beach.
The beach itself is safe for swimming when the tide is in and is generally calm. However, it should be noted that there are no lifeguards on duty. For families with young children, the lagoon is a popular spot. It features a few pools and is shallow, making it a safe area for children. The lagoon is also equipped with plenty of toilets and lifeguards for added safety. Visitors can enjoy shade under trees on a grass embankment. It is recommended to bring food as there are no cafes close to the lagoon.
The area is also home to a variety of amenities including numerous cafes, restaurants, shops, and bars. Accommodation options are somewhat limited, which can result in higher prices.
Airlie Beach is also known for its hilly terrain. Therefore, when booking accommodation, it is advisable to stay near the beach area as it is flat and more suitable for families with children. The central area of Airlie Beach features a large blue wall with 'Airlie Beach' written on it, making it a distinctive landmark.
Frequent trips by renowned cruise liners are a common sight at this clean and famous beach. Visitors can also catch a boat to Hamilton Island, which takes about an hour. Additionally, the Coral Resort Marina is within walking distance, where boats depart for the pontoon (reef).
Airlie Beach amenities include toilet.
You can enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the bars situated on the beach.
Best restaurants near Airlie Beach include Sorrento Restaurant & Bar, Jubilee Tavern Restaurant, Little Vegas Burger & Bar, The Garden Bar Bistro, The Rocks Restaurant & Bar, D'livery Airlie Beach and La Tabella Italian.
Visitor reviews highlight the beautiful and varied scenery of Airlie Beach, with its safe swimming areas, stunning views, and accessibility to other popular destinations like Hamilton Island and Whitehaven Beach. Many visitors appreciate the convenience of the location, with its proximity to shops, restaurants, and cruises, as well as the family-friendly lagoon with pools and lifeguards. However, some visitors complain about the hilly terrain, which can be challenging for families with children, and the high prices for accommodation due to limited options.
Visitors to Airlie Beach often stay near the central area, which is flat and convenient for families, offering easy access to the lagoon and amenities. Many choose accommodations within walking distance to enjoy the proximity to the beach and the vibrant local dining and shopping scene.
The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.
Latitude: -20.2667366 / Longitude: 148.7116235
Airlie Beach is located in Queensland. The following map of Airlie Beach shows the exact location.
Nearby destinations:
| Low / High | 18.5°C/22.6°C |
|---|---|
| Feels Like (High) | 22.6°C |
| Sea Temperature | 24.2 °C |
|---|---|
| Wave Height | 0.7 m |
| Rain Chance | 0% |
|---|---|
| Rainfall | 0 mm |
| Rain Duration | 0 h |
| Sunrise / Sunset | 06:24/17:38 |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Hours | 10.7 hrs |
| UV Index | 6.55 |
| Cloud Cover | 20% |
| Speed | 23 km/h |
|---|---|
| Gusts | 54.7 km/h |
| Direction | SE |
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