What is Airlie Beach?
Airlie Beach is a lively Queensland town that serves as the main gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach on the Great Barrier Reef.
Tours leave Airlie Beach daily for the 74 Whitsunday Islands, including sailing trips, snorkelling and scenic flights over Heart Reef.
The town's lagoon is a safe swimming spot. Bars and restaurants line the main street.
Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island stretches about seven kilometres. Its silica sand is very fine and white. Hill Inlet's swirling sands are famous.
Conway National Park borders the town. Airlie was damaged by Cyclone Debbie in 2017.
Sailing is one of the most popular ways to explore the Whitsundays, with tours ranging from day trips to multi-day cruises on yachts. Bareboat charters allow visitors to sail themselves, even without a skipper's licence in some cases. Island resorts such as Hamilton Island and Daydream Island are also reached from Airlie Beach. The town hosts the Airlie Beach Race Week sailing regatta each August, and its Saturday market sells local crafts and food.
Did You Know?
Whitehaven's silica sand does not retain heat, so it stays cool to walk on.