Airlie Beach

Travel Guide

A beach with palm trees, a pool, and people sunbathing.
A marina filled with various boats and yachts, with a backdrop of hills and a clear sky.
A coastal bay with turquoise waters, sailboats, and a backdrop of green hills.
A marina with boats docked, a rocky shoreline, and a paved walkway.
A turquoise sea with numerous boats, a small island, and lush green mountains in the background.

Enjoy picture-perfect water, lie on the soft white sand, or take a cruise around one of Australia’s most beautiful coastal beaches.

Airlie Beach is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays but with many scenic walks and beautiful beaches, it is also a great place to spend some time.

Wander along the beach and take in the scenery. This is one of Australia’s prettiest coastal areas, with crystal-clear blue-green waters, white sandy beaches, and tropical rain forests. Pack some lunch, stock up on water, and tackle the Great Whitsunday Walk. It goes for several miles but tracks are well-maintained and there are plenty of spots to rest and relax. For some of the most scenic walks in the area, head to Hill Inlet. You’re likely to see local wildlife and will get a stunning view of Whitehaven Beach from the hilltop.

Make your way back to town and cool off in the lagoon. This is Airlie’s main swimming area as large numbers of stinging jellyfish mean beaches are off limits during the warmer months.

Those out to better explore the area should rent out a jet ski or kayak and look around the area. Adventurers can go diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Local companies cater for pros and novices alike, and you’ll get to see some of the world’s most amazing marine creatures. Fishing fans will find some great spots on land or you can jump aboard a charter boat and head out to sea. Leisure seekers will find fully-catered yacht trips to destinations all around the region.

Airlie Beach is a tropical destination with a lovely, local atmosphere. Walk around and admire the stunning scenery, cruise out to the Reef, or find yourself a comfy patch of sand and relax.

Airlie Beach Hotel

Airlie Beach Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Corner The Esplanade and Coconut Grove Airlie Beach QLD
$149 nightly
The price is $165 total per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
$165 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Easy to get to the shops . Clean and friendly staff"

Reviewed on Sep 4, 2026

Airlie Beach Hotel
Magnums Airlie Beach

Magnums Airlie Beach

2 out of 5
370 Shute Harbour Rd. Airlie Beach QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$60 nightly
The price is $67 total per night from Oct 7 to Oct 8
$67 total
Oct 7 - Oct 8
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Magnums Airlie Beach
Coral Sea Resort

Coral Sea Resort

4 out of 5
25 Oceanview Avenue Airlie Beach QLD
$265 nightly
The price is $295 total per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
$295 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a marina. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
Coral Sea Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Martinique Whitsunday

Martinique Whitsunday

3 out of 5
18 Golden Orchid Drive Airlie Beach QLD
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (619 reviews)
"The view was outstanding"

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2026

Martinique Whitsunday
Club Wyndham Airlie Beach

Club Wyndham Airlie Beach

4.5 out of 5
Mount Whitsunday Drive Airlie Beach QLD
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (282 reviews)
"Nice stay and beautiful location."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2026

Club Wyndham Airlie Beach
Pinnacles

Pinnacles

5 out of 5
16 Golden Orchid Drive Airlie Beach QLD
Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Airlie Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Pinnacles
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Airlie Beach attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

Is Airlie Beach worth visiting?
Airlie Beach is worth visiting for its standout attractions, including the refreshing Airlie Beach Lagoon and the scenic Port of Airlie. Travelers can also enjoy a diverse food scene, with options for both Asian and European dining.
When is the best time to visit Airlie Beach?
The best time to visit Airlie Beach is from May through September, when the weather is typically pleasant for exploring. For fewer crowds and better value, the warmer months of December through March are a good option, offering a different experience with generally higher temperatures.
What is Airlie Beach known for?
Airlie Beach is known for its Airlie Beach Lagoon, a popular spot for travelers. It also features the Port of Airlie and Coral Sea Marina, offering access to the water. As a city in Australia, travelers can also find a strong Asian food culture here.
What is a good itinerary length for Airlie Beach?
A good itinerary length for Airlie Beach is three to four days to explore the Airlie Beach Lagoon, Port of Airlie, and Coral Sea Marina. This also allows for a 2-Day Great Barrier Reef experience. For a longer trip of five to seven days, you can add a 2-Day/2-Night Prosail Whitsundays Sailing Adventure and more time to relax. See Airlie Beach Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Airlie Beach?
In Airlie Beach, travelers can enjoy stunning natural beauty and exciting aquatic adventures:


How do I plan a trip to Airlie Beach?
To plan your trip to Airlie Beach, search for places to stay and book flights in advance. Consider experiences like a Great Barrier Reef trip or a Whitsundays sailing adventure. Plan outdoor activities, such as visiting Airlie Beach Lagoon, for early morning or late afternoon. You can also find rental cars and more activities on Expedia.
What cuisines can you find in Airlie Beach?
In Airlie Beach, you can find Mediterranean cuisine, with dishes like hummus and souvlaki. Travelers can also enjoy abundant fresh seafood offerings. Additionally, the destination provides Italian specialties such as pasta and pizza, alongside a variety of Asian and Australian dishes.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Airlie Beach?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Airlie Beach by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Airlie Beach with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Airlie Beach trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Airlie Beach?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Airlie Beach can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Airlie Beach trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Airlie Beach trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Airlie Beach trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Airlie Beach trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Airlie Beach?
If it's your first trip to Airlie Beach, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Airlie Beach hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Airlie Beach hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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