Best Bars and Nightclubs in Airlie Beach
Guide to Bars & Nightlife in Airlie Beach 2024
Airlie Beach is home to a vibrant, bustling scene that really does come alive at night! Whether you’re after a sunset-lit arvo session, a crazy night of raving to DJ sets or a classy poolside platter and cocktail, our corner of the world has something for everyone!
Live it up on your seamless Whitsunday getaway with our tried-and-tested guide to Airlie Beach’s nightlife, clubs and bars! These gems are always busy and luminous, and a good time is ensured. So, let’s go show off your newfound Whitsunday tan with a night on the town... in style!
Image: Mama Africa's
Where to go in Airlie Beach
- Sandbar Restaurant & Bar
- Mama Africa Bar & Nightclub
- Magnums
- The Rocks Coral Sea Resort
- Paradiso Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
- KC's Bar & Grill
- Boom Nightclub
- Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill
- Beaches Bar & Grill
- Boaty's Airlie Beach
- Paddy's Shenanigans
Sandbar Restaurant & Bar
Known for: affordable cocktails, happy hour, Mediterranean-inspired menu, beach views
Brand new to Airlie Beach, Sandbar Restaurant & Bar is the go-to spot among locals and tourists alike for colourful, hand-crafted cocktails and mouth-watering tapas, all overlooking the oceanfront! With an interior inspired by Whitehaven, a light and breezy atmosphere, and endless views of the bright blue Coral Sea, Sandbar brings the beach to you! Choose from a menu of fresh local seafood, mouth-watering steak, and fresh Mediterranean salads while you're soaking up the sea views. Kick back, relax and enjoy some of the best-priced tropical cocktails in Airlie Beach!
Image: Sandbar
Mama Africa Bar & Nightclub
Known for: staying open late, being most popular nightclub in town, and home to in-demand DJ's
Undeniably one of the best nightclubs in Airlie Beach, Mama Africa Bar and Nightclub is the ultimate venue to hit up for a good night out! Home to the best resident DJ's in Airlie and with regular visits from popular DJ's (hello, DJ Tigerlily), Mama's is a crowd favourite amongst backpackers, locals and tourists. Dance the night away til the early hours on the morning on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights! Plus, Monday night is Mama's famous Ladies Night where the gals get free gifts (yes, please!). Mama Africa is the best place to unwind and let loose with delicious and affordable drinks, animal themed decor, comfy places to sit, a smokers area, and of course a raging d-floor!
Image: Mama Africa's
Magnums
Known for: cheap drinks, live music, underground nightclub, pool tables, giant Jenga
A quintessential Airlie watering hole, Magnums or “Maggies” as the locals call it, is both a bar and late-night club. Perfect for both an arvo beer, or a big night on the dancefloor, Magnums is a really big venue making it a flexible spot for every kind of partyer! Known as a fantastic spot to meet new folks on the big picnic benches while listening to live, local acoustic music, it’s the place to be if you’re new to town. Head downstairs to the indoor nightclub, that has a Berlin rave vibe, completely different from the social pub atmosphere outside. Equipped with plenty of free pool tables and giant Jenga games, you won’t get bored at Maggies!
Image: Magnums
The Rocks Coral Sea Resort
Known for: DJ Sunday sessions, luxe poolside lounging, fabulous cocktails
Craving a bit of tropical luxe? Well, you’re in luck! The Rocks at the Coral Sea Resort offers luxurious poolside lounging, up-market vibes and a decadent array of cocktails every day! For an experience that is more than just a bar, The Rocks boast stunning waterfront views for a day of delight and style under the sun! So, grab your swimmers, shades and a fruity cocktail before you hop in the pool at this incredible venue. Don’t miss the ever-famous Sunday sessions for a DJ set and poolside party full of glamour, class and tropical paradise!
Image: The Rocks Airlie Beach
Paradiso Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
Known for: delectable tapas, live music, chic rooftop photo opportunities, incredible cocktails
Right in the middle of Airlie Beach, Paradiso Rooftop Bar is a stunning, trendy bar ideal for a couple of instaworthy shots and a night of fun! Head on up to this chic, beachy tapas bar for waterfront views, divine cocktails and stunning tapas to enjoy over warm sunset hues. We can’t get enough of their espresso martinis and paradise seafood platter… especially when it’s paired with the easy-going live acoustic music found at Paradiso’s on the weekend!
Image: Paradiso Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
KC’s Bar & Grill
Known for: live music, local hangout spot, live music & jam sessions, pub feed
The go-to bar for locals, KC’s Bar & Grill is brimming with warm acoustic tones, quirky interior and a relaxed ambience. A long-time Airlie Beach regular spot, KC’s features live music nearly every night, as well as the occasional jam sessions which are not to be missed! Soak up the lively energy, and if you’re hungry, order some quality grub from the bar… the service, quality and selection of drinks are just unbeatable.
Image: KC's Bar & Grill
Boom Nightclub
Known for: house DJ’s, crazy dancefloor, open till late
The exciting lights and luxe up-market feel of Boom Nightclub will have you feeling that party-till-late energy in a heartbeat! Located just above Paddy’s Shenanigans, this space is a must-visit on your next night out. Boom Nightclub assures an absolute blast, as the hours slip away with the house DJ’s always providing groovers with a twist of house, RnB, hip hop, and techno spun to perfection! If you’re up a bit of cheeky mid-week fun, hit up Boom, where the beers are cold, vibes are high and tunes are loud!
Image: Boom Nightclub
Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill
Known for: funky events, stunning beachfront views, live music
Don’t miss live music at the Moon Bar paired with a botanically-curated cocktail on your next visit to Northerlies. Catch the courtesy bus from Airlie Beach to the beachfront beer garden packed with stunning lighting, magical vibes and tropical charm. A perfect hidden gem to catch up with your friends while the sunsets, and then to dance the evening away! Northerlies has plenty of funky events, featuring awesome live acts, quirky themes and wonderful food and drink specials, so don’t miss this laid-back, enchanting bar while you’re in Airlie Beach!
Image: Northerlies Bar & Grill
Beaches Bar & Grill
Known for: local pub vibes, cheap drinks, pub feed, pool tables, live music
A classic Airlie Beach choice for a night of fun, Beaches has nailed that classic Aussie pub atmosphere to a T! Wander on in for a beer, game of pool and pub feed with your mates during an afternoon sesh bound to have you feeling like you’re on holiday! Or, head to Beaches later to catch some catchy live music and a bustling local scene. Hang around into the late pm for some dancy hits being blasted, and bust a move to some cheeky 00’s bangers on the ever-popular dancefloor!
Images: Beaches Bar & Grill
Boaty's Airlie Beach
Known for: sunset views, cheap drinks, themed nights, lively outdoor beer garden
The vibrant atmosphere at Boaty's is what makes it adored by locals and travellers alike. Boaty's is a great place to wind down and watch the sunset with a beer or cider in hand before the night takes off. You can expect live music, trivia, friendly bar staff, plenty of drinks (and food if you're hungry), themed nights, game nights, and more! Boaty's has a social environment which is ideal if you're looking to meet fellow backpackers or travellers. Not to mention, a great d-floor so you and your new friends can cut shapes on the dance floor come dark!
Image: Boaty's
Paddy's Shenanigans
Known for: Airlie's only Irish bar, live music every night, roaring dance floor, open late
Paddy's is where the fun starts. Open later than most venues in Airlie, Paddy's is where you can go to see out the night. If you're not into the 'typical' nightclub scene with DJs then you'll love Paddy's. With a live band amping up the dance floor, you can jam out to your favourite sing-alongs in a comfortable and laid-back way. There are also booths and seating areas where you can mix and mingle with like-minded party-goers. Plus, Paddy's has affordable and delicious drinks which really add to the good vibes!
Image: Paddy's Shenanigans
