Long Weekend In Airlie Beach
Dreaming of escaping your busy schedule and enjoying a long weekend filled with tropical temperatures, poolside cocktails, island adventure and seafood feasts?
Located along Queensland’s northeast coast, Airlie Beach is a laid-back holiday town in the heart of the Whitsundays. From snorkelling and hiking adventures to resort dining and bar hopping, Airlie Beach is the perfect location for a well-deserved long weekend getaway!
What are you waiting for? It’s time to set your out-of-office message, pack your sunscreen, and treat yourself to a quick break in Airlie Beach! Laden with locals' favourites and Whitsunday highlights, we’ve planned the ultimate 3 Day Airlie Beach Itinerary!
How to spend a long weekend in Airlie Beach
With long weekends multiple times a year thanks to Queensland public holidays, there are several opportunities to plan a long weekend in Airlie Beach. We're here to provide the perfect Airlie Beach itinerary so you can celebrate the long weekend in style! Feel free to modify this itinerary however suits you.
Planning A Trip To The Whitsundays? Don't Forget To Book Your Tours In Advance To Avoid Missing Out!
Getting to Airlie Beach
To get the most out of your long weekend in Airlie Beach we recommend flying to the Whitsunday Coast Airport, located just a short drive from Airlie Beach in Proserpine. For holidaymakers located in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns multiple airlines operate convenient flights to and from the Whitsunday Coast Airport. Additionally, direct flights from Rockhampton, Newcastle, the Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast now operate on a regular basis!
For visitors who aren’t hiring a car to explore the Whitsunday mainland, simply book an airport transfer from Proserpine to Airlie Beach. With door-to-door service, you’ll be checked in and strolling through Airlie’s main street within an hour!
Day 1: Adventure the Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach
Start your first day in Airlie Beach with a tropical adventure, by cruising through the Whitsunday Islands and splashing amongst the inner Great Barrier Reef coral gardens!
Day
Rise early and head down to the Airlie Beach foreshore to enjoy a rich coffee and a morning stroll around the Airlie Beach Markets. Specialising in fresh produce, arts & crafts, reef souvenirs and scrumptious food, kick off your first day in Airlie Beach with some local charm.
After a delicious seaside breakkie, it’s time to cruise through the best of the Whitsundays with Ocean Rafting! Depart from the Coral Sea Marina at 10 am for a day of high-speed cruising and island fun. Sink your toes in the sparkling silica sands of Whitehaven Beach, swim amongst crystal clear shallows, and enjoy a guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout. Experience the signature swirling sands and turquoise lagoons from above, grab the perfect holiday snap, and jump back aboard to journey into the kaleidoscope of Hill Inlet’s colours with Ocean Rafting’s exclusive permit access.
Next, cool down with an unforgettable snorkel amongst the inner Great Barrier Reef! Laden with biodiverse wonders, explore flourishing coral gardens and keep your eye out for stunning Maori Wrasse, friendly sea turtles, and schools of quirky reef fish. For the avid snorkellers, Ocean Rafting’s Northern Exposure tour visits two premier reef sites at Hook Island, whilst the Southern Lights tour visits both the northern and southern ends of Whitehaven Beach.
Night
Arriving back at Airlie Beach by 4:30 pm, there’s plenty of time to shower before an indulgent dinner in one of Airlie’s seaside restaurants. Famous for its sensational sunset views and decadent Italian menu, Sorrento Restaurant and Bar is the perfect venue to raise a glass! From homemade pasta and pizza to local ‘fish of the day’ specials, a Sorrento’s visit is an Airlie must.
Afterwards, let your hair down and make a red carpet entrance to Mama Africa’s, the most popular club in Airlie! Watch the relaxed beach town come to life after 9 pm with an abundance of bars and clubs attracting backpackers and locals alike for a night out. If you’re up to it, be sure to join the fun and hit Mama’s dancefloor!
Day 2: Experience the best of downtown Airlie Beach
The day is yours to soak up Airlie’s sites, relax poolside with a cocktail, and immerse yourself in some locals' favourites!
Day
Following a night on the town, we recommend some breezy fresh air, a green smoothie, and the glistening waters of the Coral Sea! Start the day with a relaxing bush walk to the Coral Beach Lookout. A moderate walk with a gentle incline and loads of wildlife near Mount Rooper, visitors can enjoy stunning island views along the 3.4 kilometre track. We recommend leaving an hour to complete the walk and rising early to avoid the midday heat!
Now that you’ve ticked off your long weekend exercise, the afternoon is yours to bask in! Hit the Airlie Beach Lagoon for a swim and picnic, or relax on the sand at Boathaven Beach.
Alternatively, if you’re eager to hit the water again, fill your afternoon with a thrilling adventure behind the wheel of a jetski! A jetski safari is an ultimate way to make a splash and explore more of the Whitsundays, and lucky for you no previous experience is required!
Night
Located on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach is renowned for its fresh local seafood. Continue the sunset indulgence with a cruisy cocktail at Anchor Bar overlooking Airlie’s main street before a night of delicious seafood dining at Fish D’vine!
Chill out to tropical tunes, choose a beverage from over 450 types of rum, and feast on fresh, locally-sourced whole reef fish or seafood platters. For holidaymakers on a romantic long weekend or girls' getaway, a Fish D’vine experience is a must.
If you’re a fun seeker keen on continuing the night, check out some of Airlie’s premier watering holes afterwards, from Magnum's bustling beer garden or Beaches’ cheeky dancefloor - no town does a bar crawl better than Airlie!
Day 3: Explore the mainland sites around Airlie Beach
For holidaymakers with accommodation located within the Airlie Beach CBD a car isn't required, however, if you’re planning on visiting the mainland coast and hinterland gems during your long week in Airlie Beach we recommend hiring a car. Live chat with our travel experts to explore your options!
Day
Following a day of poolside cocktails and laughs, it’s time to hit the open roads and venture out to the mainland’s lush natural highlights. Dotted within a short drive of Airlie Beach, picture freshwater havens and remote tropical beaches!
Kick off the day early with a drop-in to the Whitsunday Gold Coffee Plantation for an award-winning 140,000 Arabica coffee and then cruise to Cedar Creek Falls before the lunchtime crowds. Situated in a natural rock amphitheatre, take a short bushwalk through abundant flora and fauna, including unique white cedar trees, before arriving at the freshwater swimming hole!
After swimming under the flowing falls, hop back behind the wheel and head northeast to the Cape Gloucester Beach Resort for a beachside lunch. Hit the sands and explore the magnificent beaches of Hydeaway Bay for a stroll, where you’re likely to have whole stretches of the beach to yourself. If you’re searching for a protected beach to swim during stinger season, the nearby Dingo Beach has a stinger net (we recommend wearing a stinger suit also)!
For those without a car in Airlie Beach, check out the Whitsundays Creek to Cape tour which explores the mainland gems in one adventure-packed day.
Night
On the way home, enjoy a selection of cool beverages and fresh seafood delights at Northerlies. Nestled amongst swaying palm trees and boasting outdoor dining along the seaside, there’s no better place to say cheers to the last Whitsundays sunset of your long week getaway. Although the long weekend may be coming to an end, leave knowing you’ve explored the best destinations the Whitsundays have to offer!
For the best of local tips and additional itinerary recommendations be sure to check out our Official Guide to the Whitsundays and Airlie Beach.
