How To Spend 7 Days In Airlie Beach
When most people think about Airlie Beach, they think about going sailing in the Whitsundays. But Airlie Beach itself is a charming Queensland town with many fun things to do.
To help you plan your stay in the Queensland Tropics, here is an itinerary for 7 days in Airlie Beach! We'll include all the area's highlights. Feel free to modify the itinerary to suit your travel style!
How to spend 7 days in Airlie Beach | An itinerary from the local experts
The team at Sailing Whitsundays and the Travel Shop is comprised of seasoned travellers from around the world. The majority of the team lives and works in Airlie Beach, making us local experts on the Whitsundays region.
Here is our insider's guide on how we would recommend spending 7 days in Airlie Beach, Australia!
Try one of these activities during your Airlie Beach itinerary!
Day 1 - Sightseeing, shopping, and local swimming spots
Welcome to the beautiful and adventure-filled beach town of Airlie Beach! Airlie Beach is a great place to spend a week in the Whitsundays and see what makes this beautiful area so special. We suggest taking it easy on your first day and exploring town.
Lounge at the Airlie Beach Lagoon where you can swim in the safe, lifeguarded public swimming pool. Or walk over to Boathaven Beach for a sandy sunbathe. Then wander around and shop, visit a cafe, and sightsee around the tropical town centre.
Day 1 in Airlie Beach Highlights
- Local cafes and shops
- Airlie Beach Lagoon
- Boathaven Beach
Day 2 - Whitehaven Beach Day Trip on Whitsunday Bullet
Spend your second day exploring the Whitsundays on the fast day boat, Bullet. This day tour lets you see it all, from snorkelling in exquisite coral reefs to marvelling at Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout.
You are sure to leave happy as this is one of the most popular day boats around. After an adventure-filled day on Bullet, take a nap before enjoying a yummy dinner at the favourite local bar, Boaty's. Many of the overnight boat guests go there as well, so it’s a great place to share your boat adventure stories!
Day 2 in Airlie Beach Highlights
- Boat tour on Whitsunday Bullet
- Visit Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Lookout
- Snorkelling and paddleboarding
Day 3 - Day Trip to the Outer Great Barrier Reef
Another highlight of visiting Airlie Beach? You're just a few hours away from the World Wonder of the Great Barrier Reef! Enjoy an exciting day on the Outer Great Barrier Reef in style. You will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience visiting the Outer Reef, with the chance to snorkel or scuba dive with the diverse marine life.
Spend the day on an Outer Reef pontoon, where you can enjoy your buffet lunch on the deck with one of the best views of the reef! With so many options for exploring the reef, including an underwater viewing chamber, you will be sure to have the best experience of this unique World Heritage Site.
Day 3 in Airlie Beach Highlights
- Boat tour to the Outer Great Barrier Reef
- Snorkelling and scuba diving with marine life
- Pontoon activities and buffet lunch
Day 4 - Skydive and cocktails at Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill
No trip to the Whitsundays and Airlie Beach would be complete without taking to the sky and seeing the beauty of the Whitsundays from above with Skydive Airlie Beach. Embark on an adrenaline-filled adventure and skydive over crystal clear waters and sparkling white sand. Step out of your comfort zone and jump out at 15,000ft or choose to jump at 8,500ft with the knowledgeable crew of Skydive Airlie Beach.
The perfect way to end your night after a skydive is by taking the free shuttle to Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill. Just a short drive away from Airlie Beach, this hidden oasis surrounded by ocean and jungle is a dreamy location for a sunset cocktail and some fresh oysters.
Day 4 in Airlie Beach Highlights
- Skydiving over Airlie Beach
- Free shuttle to Northerlies, a popular beachfront bar and grill
- Excellent cocktails and seafood
Day 5 - Hamilton Island Day Trip
Another stunning Whitsunday destination to visit while you're in Airlie Beach? Hamilton Island! 7 days in Airlie Beach leaves you plenty of time for another day trip. So board the Cruise Whitsundays ferry at Port of Airlie and ride over to Hamilton Island.
Spend your day checking out the beautiful beaches, bushwalks, pools, cafes, and attractions on the island. Our full list of the best things to do on Hamilton Island can help you get some ideas!
Day 5 in Airlie Beach Highlights
- Ferry to Hamilton Island
- Explore island beaches and walking trails
- Hamilton Island cafes, shops, and attractions
Day 6 - Airlie Beach Hikes and Waterfalls
On day 6 in Airlie Beach, explore the local nature. The town is surrounded by lush national park where there are lots of free and fun things to do out in the wilderness. We recommend renting a car or joining a guided tour!
Start with a hike such as Honeyeater Lookout or Mount Rooper Circuit. These are all moderate day hikes that have amazing views. After some lunch in town, head to Cedar Creek Falls for an afternoon swim and beautiful view.
Day 6 in Airlie Beach Highlights
- Beautiful bushwalks
- Epic coastal views
- Cedar Creek Falls swim
Day 7 - Scenic Flight and Sunset Sail
It's your last day in Airlie Beach! Today you can try two of the most beloved local activities in the Whitsundays. Start your day with an incredible scenic flight. This one hour flight goes over many of the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, the Great Barrier Reef, Bait Reef, and Hardy Reef. The unique colours and patterns of the ocean and reef seascape are best seen from above, and the view will take your breath away!
Have a relaxing afternoon enjoying your final strolls around Airlie Beach. Then board a sunset cruise so you can toast the day away and admire the natural colours of sunset on the water.
Day 7 in Airlie Beach Highlights
- Scenic flight over the Whitsundays
- See Heart Reef and Hill Inlet from above
- Peaceful sunset sail
Summary of the best 7 days in Airlie Beach
Day 1
- Exploring local cafes and shops
- Swimming and sunbathing at Airlie Beach Lagoon and/or Boathaven Beach
Day 2
- Whitsunday Bullet boat tour to Whitehaven Beach
- Snorkelling and paddleboarding
Day 3
- Outer Great Barrier Reef day trip
- Snorkelling and scuba diving with incredible marine life
Day 4
- Airlie Beach Skydive
- Cocktails and seafood at Northerlies Bar & Grill
Day 5
- Ferry to Hamilton Island
- Beaches, hikes, cafes, galleries, attractions
Day 6
- Hikes around Airlie Beach
- Swimming at Cedar Creek Falls
Day 7
- Scenic flight over the Whitsundays
- Afternoon sunset sail
