Top Airlie Beach Things To Do – A Locals Guide
Our Top Airlie Beach Things To Do list has been designed by Whitsundays locals in the tourism industry, who have lived in the Whitsundays region for over 15 years. You will find GoPro footage of most locations that have been filmed by us during friends and family days exploring the region. The gateway to the Whitsunday Islands is a bustling seaside town. Whether you are here on holidays or new to town and looking for something interesting for the weekend, we have the top lists for you! . Right here you will see the top 12 free activities and down this page you will find the top 10 paid tours and activities.
First Up – Top 12 FREE Airlie Beach Things To Do
Number #1 – Airlie Beach Lagoon
The Airlie Beach lagoon was always going to be on top of the Free Airlie Beach things to do list. It is situated in the middle of the central st next to the sea. The Lagoon has multiple swimming depths with a great safe kids areas as well. One end of the lagoon has a human-made beach, and the other has a kids playground. Undercover seating is available and a few free BBQs are perfect for lunch. Full toilet amenities and outdoor showers are situated in the middle by the crossing bridge. The Airlie Beach lagoon is open all day every day and is the best way to cool down during your Whitsundays holiday
Number #2 – Boathaven Beach
Boathaven Beach is situated on the seaside of Port of Airlie, by the sailing club on the South end of the main st. This beach is Airlie’s first fully tidal beach and has stunning white sand. During the season there is a stinger net in place so you can swim safely. With rock walls sheltering the beach on both ends, it is great for a swim in any conditions. There is no shade at this beach so make sure to take a sun umbrella and use plenty of sunscreens. Toilet facilities are available across the road and lunch is a short walk away at the sailing club. The best part is most people don’t know this beach exists
Number #3 – The Great Walk
Enjoy a different Whitsundays experience and escape to the rainforest on the Conway Ranges. You can ride, run or walk the Conway circuit on a 27 km long track, starting at Forestry Road just 10 km west of Airlie Beach and finish on the ranges above Airlie Beach. There are 2 campsites along the track if needed, book here. With a medium to high fitness level, you can walk the track in a day. Otherwise, you can access the track from either end and walk in and out again the same way. This track is a great day out under the cool umbrella of the rainforest. Map
Number #4 – Cedar Creek Waterfall
Cedar Creek Waterfall is a must in the Airlie Beach things to do list. A 30-min drive from Airlie Beach the location is situated back towards Proserpine on Conway road. Cedar Creek falls is best in the wet season from November to April, but it can run all year round. The water is deep and refreshing with small freshwater turtles calling it home. There is a short walk up the top with running pools you can bath in. There are 2 layers to the top pools so make sure to explore both as the view is astounding. Jumping off the falls is no longer allowed after numerous accidents. Nothing beats this spot on a hot day. Make sure to take the mozzie spray.
Number #5 – Conway Beach And Proserpine River
Conway Beach is a 35-minute drive from Airlie Beach. There is a small town with a caravan park which has an open day on Sundays for the kids with a pool and water park. At one end of the beach is the mouth of the Proserpine River, which at low tide you can walk to with some good fishing. Prawns can be caught straight off the beach and barramundi are caught in season in the river. When the tide is out the beach exposed for over 1km, which makes it great for exploring and finding all kinds of sea life left in the pools. As the beach gets some good wind, it’s the perfect place for kites, land sailing, and kite boarding.
Number #6 – The Board Walk
The Bicentennial boardwalk starts at the sailing club beside the sea and continues to Cannonvale beach 4.7 km away. This walk hugs the coastline and gives you plenty of time to spot marine life including turtles by the VMR. You pass 3 children’s playgrounds along the way and multiple cafés and a bar at the Coral Sea Marina. This walk is perfect for an early morning or late afternoon stroll, as 95% of the walk is on flat ground it is perfect for the whole family. Once at Cannonvale Beach you will find a playground for the kids or walk out and explore this awesome little beach. The fat frog café is also nearby
Number # 7 – Fishing
One of my favourite Things To Do In Airlie Beach! You are spoilt for choice when it comes to fishing in the Whitsundays. There are boat ramps at VMR, Coral Sea Marina, Port of Airlie and Shute Harbour, If you don’t have a boat there are the rock walls at VMR, Abell Point Marina, Whitsunday Sailing Club, Port of Airlie and Shute Harbour Jetty. Freshwater fishing is available at Proserpine River and Faust Dam. Talk with the local fishing store in Airlie Beach or Cannonvale for the best spots and baits for the time of year
Number # 8 – Playgrounds and Skate Parks
There are plenty of playgrounds for the kids around Airlie beach, you can find them located at the lagoon, the esplanade, sailing club and Cannonvale beach. The new esplanade playgrounds opened in 2019 and are the best in the region. Opposite Cannonvale beach is Logan’s adventure playground with a flying fox and climbing rope web. Skate parks are opposite Cannonvale State School and at the PCYC in Jubilee Pocket. We all know when the kids are happy the parents are happy! So this is a must Airlie Beach things to do.
Number # 9 – Airlie Beach Markets
The markets are held every Saturday morning on the Esplanade next to the beach. The Markets are also on every time you will see a cruise ship out the front of Airlie Beach. For updates check here. The markets boast a wide variety of products including local foods and coffee, clothes, home-wares, posters, toys, camels rides plus so much more. The markets are a perfect way to spend a few hours by the beach and relax on a Saturday morning.
Number # 10 – Mount Rooper Lookout
This is a great way to spend a few hours, The Mount Rooper walk starts on Shute Harbour Road just around 6 km south of Airlie Beach. If you do not have a car, buses run every half an hour. There are 2 walks that do join up, Mount Rooper walk is 5.1 km round trail and has a stunning lookout over Shute Harbour, Hamilton Island and Long Island. The other walk is to swamp bay, don’t be fooled by the name this walk ends up at a private stoney beach, looking directly across at Day Dream Island
Number # 11 – Coral Beach Walk Shute Harbour
This walk starts at Shute Harbour and wanders through Australian Bush over 1km through to Coral Beach, this beach is covered in old coral formations and stones. You will be greeted by crystal clear waters and stunning views north towards Airlie Beach. From here, you can take an uphill walk to the beak lookout. This Platform is built just above the tree line and gives magnificent views of the islands, Allow around 2 hours to explore this walk and beach.
Number # 12 – Airlie Creek Walk
This 850-meter walk in each direction is a great way to spend an hour exploring this local creek with some nice views. Only 400 meters from the main street this walk covers walking grades 1 to 4. In the dry season, you can explore the creek bed, and in the wet season you can cool down under a small waterfall. There are also island views on the way back down. Take some insect spray as the march flies and mossies can be bad.
Top Airlie Beach Things To Do In Paid Tours And Activities
Airlie Beach is spoilt for choice when it comes to tours. We have picked the most popular ways to spend a holiday or activity for your weekend. To find over 25 discounted Airlie Beach things to do in ways of tours and activities see our Whitsundays Deals Page Here, we have deals in the Whitsundays up to 50% off.
Number # 1 – Whitsundays Day Tour
My Top pick for Airlie Beach Things to do. There are plenty of day tours that operate to the Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach and most depart from Airlie Beach. A typical day tour visits Whitehaven beach with 1 or 2 snorkel locations. Lunch and snorkel equipment is provided onboard. Currently, our favourite day tour is ZigZag Whitsundays Airlie Beach Snorkelling tour. This is a new breed of tour with a faster boat visiting more locations. Like other destinations, there are always popular tours so try to book in advance to secure your favourite Whitsundays Tour
Number # 2 – Overnight Sailing Tours
There are plenty of overnight sailing tours that visit the Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach. These range from cheap backpacker tours to high-end luxury yachts. The trip length varies as well with 1, 2 or 3 nights on board. A typical overnight sailing tour will see you visiting Whitehaven Beach and three or more snorkel locations. All meals and snorkel equipment are included. Prices vary from $200 to over $1000. Booking early is the key to these tours you can find great Whitsundays deals here. You will also find other interesting Airlie Beach activities
Number # 3 – Great Barrier Reef Tour
A Great Barrier Reef day tour is one of the best Whitsundays and Airlie Beach Things to do; Explore Reef Tour will take you out to bait reef where you can snorkel or dive this unusual living structure. This is a full-day tour starting at 8 am and finishing after 5 pm. Lunch is included as well as snorkel equipment. Diving is an optional extra but well worth the money! This boat is very comfortable and air-conditioned. This tour is not usually discounted, but you can find 40% off on some days with Book Me
Number # 4 – Fishing Charter
The Whitsundays is an excellent place for fishing. Fishing Tours are available in half or full-day packages. These tours range from out the front of Airlie Beach to around the Whitsunday Islands or even the outer reef. Most tours include tackle rods and bait, but you are welcome to bring your gear as well. Do your homework on the internet and find one that’s always catching fish, TripAdvisor is an excellent place to start. I recommend Real Deal, they have both island and outer reef options. I have been fishing with them, and the boys have been doing this a long time
Number # 5- Island Ferry Hopping
Ferry transfers operate between Airlie Beach, DayDream Island, Hamilton Island Resorts. Cruise Whitsundays run all the ferry’s from Port of Airlie Marina and have various times of departure throughout the day. This is an excellent way for the family to see the resorts, without the price tag of staying the night at these resorts. There is plenty of activities on the islands as well as lots of restaurants and cafés. No Whitsundays holiday is complete without visiting these island resorts. This is why it’s in the top Airlie Beach Things to do. You can visit the island ferry timetable here.
Number # 6 – Stand Up Paddle Board Hire
Stand up paddleboarding is a great way to spend a few hours at a low price. With two different locations, you can hire a board and enjoy a fun few hours on the water in any wind conditions. There are lessons available if it’s your first time and board hire for the experienced paddlers. Mark owns and runs this business and has competed in endurance events around the Whitsundays. You couldn’t be in better hands. There are often Standup Paddle board deals of up to 50% off a 2 hour hire or lesson here with Book Me Australia
Number # 7 – Jetski Tour
One of the most fun top Airlie Beach things to do is a Jetski tour. These Tours offer an exciting adventure out the front of Airlie and around some close islands, they offer different tours and time frames Enjoy riding your very own jetski into the beautiful world heritage Whitsunday Island Marine Park and spot turtles and whales in season. This fast-paced tour will get your adrenaline going and will visit some lovely destinations along the way. You can find live availability and bookings here
Number # 8 – Jet Boat Tour
This fast-paced jet boat tour is a blast. Crammed full of adrenaline-pumping action, this is the Ultimate Airlie Beach Things to do! 180’s, 360s, Drifts & some submarine action is a certainty. See the best of Airlie from the water, multi-million dollar mansions, our native wildlife & even a ship wreck! Often encountering Turtles, Dugong’s and Rays. With Courtesy Transfers and FREE photos, this is by far the most value-packed tour in the Whitsundays! Multiple tour times throughout the day makes it pretty hard for you to miss out! You can Book the jet boat tour here
Number # 9 – Crocodile Tour Proserpine River
Whitsunday Crocodile Safari is a nature excursion into the Proserpine in the Whitsundays. This unique tropical environment is home to approximately 150 crocodiles. Cruise the calm waters of Proserpine River and watch crocodiles in their natural habitat. Meet some interesting Aussie characters on your tour like Rastas the crocodile. Enjoy a barbeque lunch and experience the unique tastes of traditional Billy Tea and fresh cooked Damper. See more here .One for the smaller but better Airlie beach things to do
With so many Airlie Beach things to do, you will never be sitting around on your holidays or weekends left wondering. Get out and enjoy everything the Whitsundays and Airlie surrounds has to offer.
We will update our Top Airlie Beach things to-do list on a weekly basis or as new awesome entertainment comes along.
To find over 25 discounted Airlie Beach things to do, click on over to our partner Book me Australia who has deals in the Whitsundays up to 50% off.
