Things to do in Airlie Beach

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Airlie Beach Lagoon which includes general coastal views, a luxury hotel or resort and tropical scenes
Coral Sea Marina featuring a bay or harbor and a sunset
Airlie Beach showing general coastal views and a bay or harbor
Coral Sea Marina featuring a sunset and a bay or harbor
Shute Harbour which includes general coastal views and boating

Airlie Beach Attractions

You won't have any problem finding exciting things to see and do in Airlie Beach. Dive into the area's history and check out the best sights in this delightful city. Work out your travel schedule now so you're ready to go when you arrive.

Discover what makes Airlie Beach tick with the most popular tours & day trips. Check out our top {84 fun activities in Airlie Beach fun activities in Airlie Beach}, and book with ease knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Airlie Beach must see attractions

1. Airlie Beach Lagoon

Airlie Beach Lagoon is a safe and relaxing swimming spot in the heart of the township, where you can play and swim in the clear waters and enjoy the pretty tropical surroundings. Known affectionately to visitors and locals as “the lagoon,” this sheltered man-made pool has been a favored meeting place since 2001 and combines elements of a natural lagoon to create an enticing and secure environment to unwind.
Learn more
Airlie Beach Lagoon showing a pool, swimming and tropical scenes

2. Port of Airlie

Boasting year-round warm weather, subtropical waters, shops, restaurants and accommodations, the Port of Airlie can be seen as a destination in itself, although most visitors come here to take a trip out to the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.
Learn more
Port of Airlie which includes a bay or harbor

3. Catseye Beach

Catseye Beach is a perfect crescent of sand overlooking the royal-blue reefs and forested mountains of Whitsunday Island, making it a popular backdrop for weddings. Regarded as one of Hamilton Island’s premier beach destinations, Catseye Beach is a convenient and scenic spot to spend the day soaking up the sun’s rays or exploring the magnificent shoreline. Swim in the shallows, paddle along the coastline in a kayak, skipper a catamaran or grab your snorkel and mask and discover the picturesque shores of Catseye Beach.
Learn more
Catseye Beach showing a beach and sailing as well as a small group of people

4. Hamilton Island Marina

The Hamilton Island Marina is a convenient place to launch your voyage into the breathtaking Whitsunday Islands or stopover for a relaxing stay in a waterfront villa. With spacious berths for yachts and super yachts, the marina is fitted out with state-of-the-art facilities and professional boat care specialists. Alternatively, jump on board one of the passenger ferries or charter tours that depart from the Hamilton Island Marina to explore Airlie Beach, Whitehaven Beach, the Great Barrier Reef or the Whitsunday Islands.
Learn more
Hamilton Island Marina showing landscape views, a bay or harbor and boating

5. Coral Sea Marina

With its elegant waterfront village and unbeatable yachting facilities, Abell Point Marina is the premier marina destination in the Whitsunday region. The marina offers a welcoming berth to cruising and boating visitors, as well as a chic spot for callers from Airlie Beach to enjoy the fantastic cafés and restaurants. Begin your boating adventure around some of the Whitsundays’ 74 islands or embark on a trip bound for the Great Barrier Reef from this state-of-the-art marina. Alternatively, recharge in the cozy seaside town of Airlie Beach with Abell Point Marina as your base.
Learn more
Abell Point Marina featuring boating, a bay or harbor and sailing

6. WILD LIFE Hamilton Island

WILD LIFE Hamilton Island is a small animal park that serves as a refuge for the local wildlife, including cassowaries, dingoes, crocodiles, pademelons and other species that tend to be tricky to spot in the wild.
Learn more
WILD LIFE Hamilton Island showing signage as well as a small group of people

7. Airlie Beach Market

Pick up some hand-made souvenirs or tropical fruits, enjoy a coffee or a massage on the beach, and mingle with the locals at the Airlie Beach Market. This popular community event takes place every Saturday and live music by local talent gives the gathering a festive atmosphere.
Learn more
Airlie Beach featuring markets and a beach

8. Boathaven Beach

Boathaven Beach in the Port of Airlie is one of the best beaches to visit during the peak season if you want to avoid cruise ship passengers that descend upon Airlie Beach.
Learn more
Boathaven Beach featuring general coastal views and a beach

What to do in Airlie Beach

Free Things to Do in Airlie Beach

An escape to Airlie Beach doesn't have to hurt your hip pocket. You won't have to spend a penny if you go to:

Port of Airlie - This is a lively place where you can absorb the vibe and discover local life.

Airlie Beach Lagoon - Find a nice place to sit and appreciate the feeling of calm that comes with being near the water.

Airlie Beach Market - Flick through your guidebook and discover why this place is worth adding to your must-see list.

Boathaven Beach - Go for a nice, relaxing stroll along the shoreline and maybe even dip a toe in.

Things to Do in Airlie Beach with Kids

There are plenty of memorable experiences in Airlie Beach that the entire gang will enjoy. These are a few of the best family friendly experiences around.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Airlie Beach? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach Lagoon showing a pool, swimming and tropical scenes

Airlie Beach Lagoon

4.5/5(41 reviews)

Spend the day with the family enjoying the sheltered waters of Airlie Beach’s own tropical oasis, surrounded by landscaped gardens and grassy picnic areas.

Airlie Beach Lagoon
Port of Airlie which includes a bay or harbor

Port of Airlie

4.5/5(27 reviews)

This sun-kissed marina is your gateway to the world-famous Whitsunday Islands. Sail or drive here to shop or dine with views over the glistering turquoise waters.

Port of Airlie
Abell Point Marina featuring boating, a bay or harbor and sailing

Coral Sea Marina

4.5/5(26 reviews)

Whether you are stopping over on a Whitsundays sailing trip or simply enjoying the waterfront views, this Airlie Beach marina provides a vibrant portside experience.

Coral Sea Marina
Airlie Beach featuring markets and a beach

Airlie Beach Market

4.5/5(11 reviews)

This local event combines all that is great about the Whitsunday region: sunshine, freshness, creativity, community spirit and relaxation.

Airlie Beach Market

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach which includes general coastal views and watersports as well as a couple

Cannonvale

Shute Harbour featuring general coastal views and landscape views

Cape Conway

Whitehaven Beach which includes tropical scenes and general coastal views

Whitsundays

Frequently asked questions

Is Airlie Beach worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor activities and history, there are loads of great things to do in Airlie Beach. Make sure to experience the area's blend of cool attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Airlie Beach?
Daydream Island Living Reef and Shingley Beach are two good places to start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to check out the dining and retail options in Airlie Beach while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Airlie Beach?
Don't go home without checking out Daydream Island Living Reef, rated the top tourist attraction in Airlie Beach.
Is three days enough to stay in Airlie Beach?
Three days in Airlie Beach is more than enough to enjoy the city's main highlights. Many guests spend three days on average. Shingley Beach, Boathaven Beach and Bicentennial Park are among the most popular sights. Like to see more? Hang around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Whitsundays.
What are some activities to do in Airlie Beach with kids?
Planning what to do in Airlie Beach with kids has never been easier. Whether you're vacationing with teenagers or little ones, there are many family-friendly tours and activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Airlie Beach for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Airlie Beach, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Daydream Island Rejuvenation Day Spa.
Are there free things to do in Airlie Beach?
From checking out parks to wandering around hip neighborhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Airlie Beach. If you need inspiration, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Shingley Beach is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia