Airlie Beach

Things To Do

Get ready as you’re about to have the best time of your life! Located in Tropical North Queensland, Airlie Beach might be remote and isolated, but it’s one of the top tourist destinations in Queensland. There’s no question that people from all over the world visit this coastal town to visit the incredible Whitsunday Islands found just offshore. Here is our guide on the absolute best things to do to get the best out of your trip at Airlie Beach.

Dive and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
Explore the magical underwater world of Great Barrier Reef by joining a diving or snorkel trip! This is the best way to explore the myriad of marine creatures and beautiful corals at the World Heritage-listed site. The Great Barrier Reef is the most extensive reef system in the world, consisting of almost 3000 individual reefs, and is home to 10 percent of all fish species in the world. Join an action-packed day trip from Airlie Beach and embark on an out of this world journey exploring the best of Great Barrier Reef. Spend a full day diving or swimming with turtles and tropical fish in crystal clear water with professional guides. Prefer to stay dry but don’t want to miss out on what the underwater world has to offer? You can even enjoy the spectacular views from the underwater viewing chamber or experience the unique marine vistas on a reef safari in one of the semi-submersible submarines! This experience is definitely one that you will remember for a long time.

Explore the beautiful Whitsundays
Onboard a high-speed boat or catamaran and sit back and relax while you’re cutting through the water on your journey to explore the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. Whitsundays is unarguably one of the most beautiful places in the world and is rated as the best beach in Australia. After a thrill seeking ride, find yourself marveling at the sparkling white sand and crystal clear water of Whitehaven Beach. Go on a full-guided tour to the world-famous Hill Inlet lookout to admire the turquoise blue waters swirl with pure white sand- it really is a sight to behold! You’ll also get the chance to snorkel through a myriad of colourful fish and soak up the rays of the sun on the island. Prefer to spend more time in the water or you’re more keen to relax and chill by the beach? Choose your option so you’ll get the most out of your trip! 

Jump on a seaplane adventure
This is your chance to truly live like kings and queens in Airlie Beach! A boat is not the only way to see the famous Whitsundays. Board a seaplane, land right in front of a pristine beach, and enjoy a private picnic. This is a bucket list adventure for your dreamy trip to the Whitsundays. The scenic seaplane flight takes you to above and beyond and watch the incredible views of Hill Inlet and the iconic Heart Reef, a section of coral that has naturally formed in the shape of a heart. Land on Whitehaven Beach to soak up the sun and snorkel at Haslewood Island and explore beautiful coral and marine life including ray and fish. Want more? Touch down on the private lagoon in Hardy Reef at a private vessel and view the underwater world in an underwater viewing chamber. Enjoy a different perspective of the reef on a semi-submersible tour, snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef and relax on the deck before stopping at the Whitehaven Beach. 

Visit Cape Tribulation
Discover beautiful gorges, incredible ecosystems and immerse yourself in the serenity of the untouched rainforest here at the World Heritage-listed Cape Tribulation. Enjoy an ocean adventure on this ocean safari and rafting package in both the incredible Cape Tribulation and the stunning Whitsundays departing from Airlie Beach. Spend your time enjoying an exhilarating ocean safari ride to snorkel the pristine untouched Great Barrier Reef off the Daintree Coast. You’ll also get to snorkel at fabulous locations at Mackay and Undine Reefs before heading to Whitehaven Beach. When you’re at Whitehaven Beach, choose to spend more time in the water or relax on the beach to make the most of your time there. This experience combines the best of both worlds to provide you with a fun-filled and unforgettable trip.

Sea kayaking
Experience the breathtaking Whitsunday Islands kayaking on the sea. Keep your eyes out to spot sea turtles and colourful tropical fishes as you glide across the beautiful turquoise water. You’ll even get to spot humpback whales during the whale migration season in winter months! This half day experience is perfect for those who have a few hours to fill in. If you have the whole day to spend, combine snorkelling activities with your sea kayaking experience! Snorkel through colourful reefs or even follow an experienced guide on a hike to explore ancient plants and hundreds of butterflies. You’ll fall in love with the tranquility of nature as you relax your mind and soul on these experiences. Sea kayaking is suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced paddlers.