Is Cairns or Airlie Beach Better?
If it’s your first time travelling to the beaches of Queensland, Australia, you might be wondering, which one should you go to? Cairns or Airlie Beach?
Both beaches offer a wide range of activities on and off the pristine oceans. From scuba diving, snorkelling, guided bushwalking, exploring rainforests and lagoons, waterfalls, weekend markets, festivals, skydiving, lively nightlife and biking on a mountain trail, you might be torn between the two tropical island wonderlands.
So, in this article, we help you distinguish between the two destinations as you plan your dream holiday trip according to your travel style by exploring the differences between the region in marine life, population, parking, tours, affordability and, of course, price!
1. The Great Barrier Reef, Wildlife and Famous Attractions
The Great Barrier Reef in Cairns
Cairns is known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef with 75% of the world's coral treasures located in Far North Queensland.
Cairns lets you explore more of the outer reef, where turtles, fish and vast coral gardens are abundant. Due to this, it is a more popular spot for avid scuba divers who book the Ocean Freedom tour and Evolution's superyacht cruise!
The Great Barrier Reef in Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach, alternatively, offers you to experience the inner reef a lot more. A favourite of visitors is the Reefsleep and Underwater Hotel where you're taken on a cruise in a luxurious suite.
If you’ve always wondered what waking up to the morning breeze and gentle lull of the sea is like, both tours are just a ticket away to show you exactly what that feels like! You also get to swim up close with different sea creatures like sharks, whales and turtles - thanks to the region’s diverse marine life!
Why not do both?
The 15 days from Brisbane to Cairns package gives you a tour around the East Coast of Australia that also includes a 4-day sailing tour at the Whitsundays.
You start off at Brisbane on a scenic drive to K'gari (Fraser Island), with delicious meals included on board. You then continue on to the Whitsundays on the 6th day, sailing along jaw-dropping views of picturesque islands.
The trip also provides you with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the famous Daintree rainforest which is said to be 135-180 million years old - way older than the Amazon rainforest! You continue on to Cape Tribulation bike trails and Atherton Tablelands where caves and natural wonders of wildlife exist.
If you’re a backpacker on a budget, you should check the 15-day Budget from Brisbane to Cairns tour where you get to spend at least 3 hours with dolphins, scuba diving, paddleboarding and snorkelling - the perfect way to spend time with some of the historical places that Cairns is known for!
2. Population
The population of Cairns
Cairns has a current population of 155,560 and is the 5th most populated city in Queensland. It’s vibrant with night markets yet rich with its local and historical sites.
If you prefer a busier city that lets you explore different places using a car or an ocean adventure tour that reaches around 200 or more people on board, then you will likely find that Cairns suits you best!
The Great Barrier Reef in Cairns, for instance, takes you on a one-of-a-kind exploration of coral formations and the rich marine life with thousands of fish species, sharks and turtles!
You also won’t find any other spectacular way to slow down and get a bird’s eye view of Atherton Tablelands like the 30-minute Balloon Ride in Cairns where you can take photos as you soar over the skies for that memorable captures to take home with you!
The population of Airlie Beach
Meanwhile, the Whitsunday region is a coastal locality that has 37,152 people recorded in the most recent census, while Airlie Beach currently has a population of 4,024.
Airlie Beach is incredibly pedestrian-friendly, with a bustling hub of shops, restaurants and marinas! It’s quite well-known for its Whitehaven Beach adventures like the Camira Whitsundays where you get to sail on one of the fastest catamarans, snorkel, explore the National Park and enjoy delectable barbecue lunch, plus free drinks on board!
3. Parking and Traffic
Parking & Traffic in Cairns
Since Cairns is a larger city, you're going to need a car or public transport to explore and experience everything it has to offer.
You can also expect more traffic in Cairns regulating the flow of vehicles and pedestrians compared to Airlie Beach. Parking can be a little challenging too, according to reviews shared by travellers. However, check out our "Where to Park in Cairns” article before you start your discovery tour!
Parking & Traffic in Airlie Beach
Whitsundays 2 Everywhere picks you up from Proserpine airport to Airlie Beach. It also gives you a personalised door-to-door service to different hotels and resorts for that hassle-free transport arrangement, so all you have to think about is unwinding once you arrive!
And on your last day at the beach, our drivers pick you up from your accommodation to drop you off at the airport on your flight home - a seamless and convenient transport option just for you!
For other parking areas in Airlie that you should know about, check out some free parking spots as well as the Whitsunday Coast Airport parking spots just before you embark on your holiday journey!
4. Food
Food in Cairns
Cairns has a wide selection of the best brunch meals in the world! And since it caters to a more populated area, Cairns has a lot more choices of restaurants in the city, especially ones that are open until midnight.
Food in Cairns and Airlie only have a few differences in dollars and both offer visitors superb quality! To eat at the best restos in Cairns that satisfy your tastebuds and energise you, you should check out the places where you can eat, drink and play!
Food in Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach, on the other hand, also offers great food like BBQ, burgers, pizza, fine dining and different types of cuisines. There are professionally-catered, scrumptious meals on board the sailing and boat tours too!
And whether you’re craving for traditional breakfast, tropical lunch or fresh seafood for dinner, there are pubs, bars, cafes, weekend markets and festivals all around town that are quite unique to the beach. The Whitsundays will never leave you with an empty stomach in between your island-hopping journey!
5. Price
Prices in Cairns
Cairns offers tours for all swimmer levels that cater to your budget whether you’re a solo backpacker out to treat yourself and socialise with new people or travelling with friends. Signing up for group River Rafting adventures is the best way to unplug and create memorable nights!
If you’re out to treat your family, the Reef Magic Pontoon day tour indulges you with onboard massage, helicopter tour and semi-submersible glass boats designed for all ages of visitors.
If you’re looking to treat your romantic partner somewhere, the Barefoot Atherton Day Tour is the perfect getaway to swim in a volcanic crater lake and swim in three different waterfalls - with complementary chocolates, cake, fruits and drinks available!
Prices in Airlie Beach
Airlie offers last-minute discounts and sailing or boat tours that are on sale right now! There are also day and night package tours that you can inquire about!
Personalised tours like the Fly & Raft adventure are worth checking out if you want to get your money’s worth with a friendly crew every step of the way from your arrival at the airport to your holiday destination!
Both the Cairns and Airlie Beach offer great package deals and it’s really a matter of the type of adventures you’re seeking out where you can eat, drink, fly, swim, snorkel, bike, and dive!
6. Island Access
Island access in Cairns
Cairns offers Full-day Adventures in Fitzroy Island or Half-Day tours for that family-friendly trip where you get to have a picnic lunch, observe wildlife and relax on white sandy pristine beaches.
The Green Island Reef Cruise in Cairns is another traveller’s favourite for its airconditioned, modern and comfortable catamaran that takes you on a smooth-sailing cruise to swim, snorkel, dive or visit the crocodile park. Restaurants and shops are also conveniently located on your chosen island! The Fly & Cruise also takes you on a scenic flight where you can view Cairns, Green Island, and the Great Barrier like no other!
Cairns may be less popular for its beaches, but it’s more famous for its Reef Tours and family-friendly activities.
Island access in Airlie Beach
Whitsunday Island is home to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout, Hook Island, South Molle Island experience, Hamilton Island and Daydream Island escapades. It offers more hiking and camping adventures aside from its dreamy beach destinations than in Cairns.
7. Nightlife
Nightlife in Cairns
Cairns has a lively and safe nightlife for travellers to mingle and hang out seven days a week. From cheap drinks and good food to VIP clubs with sensational DJs and laser lights, there’s always something to do in Cairns!
Nightlife in Airlie
Airlie is more geared towards the young backpacker scene where live music elevates your party game into the wee hours of the morning against the backdrop of crystal-clear oceans. Most bars and pubs are either in hotels or just one shuttle away for that best bar hopping experience of your life!
Is Cairns or Airlie Beach Better?
That really depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for on your trip. If you’re out seeking lively nightlife, private access to resort islands and white silica beaches, then Airlie Beach is your best bet!
On the flip side, if you’re out to seek the outer reefs, a busier city, more restaurants and a visit to historical and natural wonders like the Daintree rainforest, then Cairns is the place for you!
If you ask us, we suggest that you check out both places as they offer very unique and exhilarating experiences! As to which destination you want to book first, we’ll leave it up to you! We’re excited to welcome you on your next holiday trip, whether that’s Airlie Beach first or Cairns second!
