Does Airlie Beach Have Good Nightlife?
Yes, Airlie Beach has amazing nightlife! Besides being known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach is famous for its buzzing atmosphere once the sun goes down. Within Australia it is common knowledge that the Whitsundays is not only a tropical holiday destination but also the ultimate location for bachelor and bachelorette parties, girls getaways, birthday celebrations, and boys trips! Whether you’re chasing a casual cocktail night or you plan on stumbling out of a nightclub into a kebab shop at 4am, Airlie Beach’s nightlife caters towards every party animal’s needs.
From cosy cocktail bars to roaring nightclubs, here is your guide to Airlie Beach’s nightlife!
Best nightclubs in Airlie Beach
Mama Africa Bar and Nightclub
Mama Africa Bar and Nightclub is where you can let your hair down and let that inner dancing Queen (or King) loose! The longest-standing nightclub in Airlie Beach, Mama’s has been around for longer than we can remember. The club is safari themed, covered in animal print with neon lit elephant, zebra, and cheetah paintings all over the walls. And of course, the best part about Mama’s is their dance floor! With different themes each night and rotating resident DJ’s playing everything from T-Swift to Jay-Z, you are bound to have the time of your life at Mama Africa!
Hours: Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, 8pm - 3am.
Boom Nightclub
Get your boogie on at Boom Nightclub. Boom is a great place to end the night if you want to dance in a dark atmosphere to house music. Rated Airlie Beach’s ‘premier’ nightclub with state-of-the-art decor, friendly staff and an all-round party vibe, Boom is the place to go if nightclubbing is your jam! Like Mama’s, Boom has its fair share of themed nights and resident DJ’s. From ladies nights to ‘El Loco’ nights, the nightclub has something for everyone.
Hours: Tues, 10pm - 3am. Thurs and Sun 9pm - 3am. Fri and Sat 8pm - 3am.
Paddy's Shenanigans
Paddy’s is an Irish themed nightclub where on a busy night out you’ll find a crowded dance floor jamming out to live bands. If you want that nightclub atmosphere without the heavy bass of electronic dance music, then Paddy’s is your go-to. The live bands make you feel as though you might actually be in a pub in Ireland (or maybe it’s just the green themed walls and shamrocks that hint at Ireland)... however, it’s a vibe! Grab your pals, grab a drink and visit Paddy’s for the time of your life.
Hours: 7 days, 9pm until late.
Best bars and pubs in Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach Hotel
The Airlie Beach Hotel is the largest venue in town and is full of energy every day of the week. Whether it’s a Monday evening or a Saturday night, the ABH is usually jam-packed with locals and tourists alike chatting, eating, drinking and listening to live entertainment. Start your night out at the pub (what it is referred to by locals) and soak in the raging, lively atmosphere. If you’re after food, you’re in luck! There is a great selection of meals to choose from - a little on the pricey side but worth it. The pub also has a sports bar, inside smokers area and gaming lounge so you might find yourself not wanting to leave at all!
Hours: 7 days, 10am until late.
Magnums Pub
Magnums is basically the heart of Airlie Beach. If you’re looking to have a wild night out, this pub is definitely where you start. With a large outdoor beer garden, live entertainment, pool tables, cane toad racing (yes, you heard that correctly) and a gaming lounge, Magnums has it all. Plus as 10pm approaches, the inside transforms into a nightclub which also offers karaoke! On occasion Magnums will host major artists (Bliss ‘n’ Eso, Mallrat, Slumberjack and Allday, to name a few) so visit their Facebook page to keep up with who is coming to town! Essentially you could have your entire night from start to finish here - however, we recommend you venture to the other places too. You can always opt to end the night at Magnums anyway…
Hours: 7 days, 10am until 2am.
Sandbar Airlie Beach
Sandbar is the newest venue to burst into the Airlie nightlife scene, and guarantees guests the best sea views and ambient atmospheres in town! Harmoniously combining casual dining with varied and delicious drinks, Sandbar is located just off the main street and features floor to ceiling windows, offering panoramic views over the foreshore, the esplanade and the tranquil turquoise blue waters of the Coral Sea beyond. Sandbar has an excellent Their generous Happy Hour lasts from 4pm until 6pm, making it the ideal venue for after-work drinks, and helps to solidify its place as one of the best venues for nightlife in town!
Hours: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 4pm - 9pm, Friday - Sunday 11am - 9pm
Breeze Bar
If you’re after a sophisticated atmosphere where you can sip on a classy cocktail, visit Breeze Bar. What the bar lacks in size, it makes up for in cocktails! The quaint, little bar is the ideal hangout if you’re on a first date, with the girls, or want to sneak away from the kids for a bit. The staff are lovely, the cocktail selection is divine and on occasion a pianist will perform from the grand piano located by the bar, truly topping off the sophistication. Breeze Bar is located in the centre of Airlie Beach, opposite the foreshore, and looks out to the islands. A must-visit for anyone wanting to start their night with a touch of class.
Hours: 7 days, 4:30pm until 12pm.
Anchor Bar
Be sure to add Anchor Bar to your already long list of venues to visit in Airlie. Anchor Bar is situated overlooking Airlie offering panoramic views of the town and the surrounding islands. Not only does the bar offer the best views in Airlie, but we would argue that the food and drink selection is heavenly, perhaps the most delicious in town! We’re not done yet - it gets better. The bar also has a pool and spa which you can relax in between drinks. Anchor Bar is the ideal spot to hit up if you want to have a relaxing afternoon of poolside cocktails while you watch the sun set… before you hit the clubs!
Hours: Thursday - Sunday, 11am until 10pm.
Looking for more? Why not try out a party boat!
Atlantic Clipper
The Clipper is the Whitsundays’ favourite party boat. Renowned for its wild adventures and crazy trips, the Clipper will leave you hanging out for your next trip. With party games, scuba diving, a huge heated spa AND a waterslide, the boat has the word 'fun' written all over it. If you’re travelling solo (or with friends) and want to socialise, it is the ultimate boat to board in the Whitsundays. Book a 2 day, 2 night trip and sail through the Whitsunday Islands stopping at iconic destinations including Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, all while having the time of your life. What makes the Clipper super fun is the enthusiastic and crazy (but safe) crew who are down to get to know you and tell you about the area!
