Free Camping In Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is a charming coastal town located in the Whitsundays in Northern Queensland. The town is buzzing year-round, with travellers from near and far taking advantage of the sunshine and warm weather. Airlie has plenty to offer from diving tours to the Great Barrier Reef to day trips to tropical islands to an array of fine restaurants in the town centre. With endless to do, it's no wonder travellers want to save their pennies on their accommodation so they can splurge on the exciting activities in the Whitsundays.
If you're visiting the region with the intention of camping, you're probably wonder where you can free camp in Airlie Beach?
Where can you camp for free in Airlie Beach?
There are no campsites in Airlie Beach that are free. The closest campsite that is free is the Guthalungra Rest Area (LOT 86 Coventry Road), located 121 km north of Airlie Beach. It has toilets, a BBQ area, phone reception, and is pet friendly. On the other side of Airlie Beach, located 129 km south is another free campsite called Leap Hotel (1959 Bruce Highway, The Leap). It too allows pets, has toilets, and phone reception.
So, if you’re travelling from the north or south, you have two free camping options on your way into Airlie Beach.
Where are the cheapest campsites in Airlie Beach?
Although there are no free campsites in Airlie Beach, there are plenty of affordable campgrounds available. You could book a spot in the heart of Airlie at either Base Backpackers (336 Shute Harbour Road) for $15 a night or Nomads (354 Shute Harbour Road) for $20 per night. There are also campgrounds within 5 minutes of Airlie Beach you could stay at that are reasonably priced too. NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park (234 Shute Harbour Road) has unpowered sites from $29 a night, Tasman Holiday Parks (1 Jubilee Pocket Road) has unpowered sites from $32, and Discovery Parks (2634 Shute Harbour Road has unpowered sites from $35 per night.
Can you camp on the Whitsunday Islands?
If you’re dreaming of camping on an island then you’re in luck! There are several campsites located within the Whitsunday Islands where you can pitch a tent, have a BBQ, and enjoy the island serenity. You can camp on Hook Island at Steen’s Beach, Maureen’s Cove, Curlew Beach, and Crayfish Beach. You can also camp on Whitsunday Island, the largest island in the entire Whitsundays and is home to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach. The locations where camping is permitted include Dugong Beach, Nari’s Beach, Cairn Beach, and, of course, Whitehaven Beach.
Where can I park my car for free in Airlie Beach?
If you’re visiting Airlie for the day and want to explore the town by foot, then you’ll want somewhere free but safe to leave your car. The biggest free car park in Airlie Beach is located behind Woolworths in the middle of the town. It is accessible off the roundabout on Waterson Way, just before you turn into Woolies if you’re driving from Cannonvale. There is also free parking next to Cafe One3, Boathaven Beach, on the main road next to Woolworths, and on the main road as you’re first driving into Airlie Beach from Cannonvale.
Please note, you are not permitted to camp in the free carparks around Airlie Beach. Fines may apply.
What are the free things to do in Airlie Beach?
You can’t camp for free in Airlie Beach, but there are plenty of activities you can do free of charge! You can swim in the Airlie Beach Lagoon located in the town’s centre, have a BBQ on the beach, take yourself on an adventure and go on a hike, listen to local live music that can be heard throughout the town any night of the week, wander through the markets, or check out weekly events like trivia or karaoke that are free to join. There are also great places to check out just outside of Airlie Beach. You could go for a day trip to Bowen (there's plenty of free things to do there), visit Cedar Creek Waterfall, have lunch at Cape Gloucester or have a swim at Dingo Beach.
