Top 10 Things To Do On The Whitsundays Mainland
Situated along Queensland's teeming East Coast is the Whitsundays region, home to coastal mainland towns and a collection of 74 tropical islands. Renowned as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays attracts a mixed bag of holidaymakers and backpackers each year.
Whether you're staying in Airlie Beach for a long weekend or passing through on a northeast road trip, you're sure to jam-pack your itinerary with island-hopping, reef sites, and Whitehaven's silica sand beaches. Yet, many travellers are often unsure how to spend a day on the Whitsundays mainland!
With lush natural havens and thrilling activities around every corner, exploring the Whitsundays mainland is the perfect way to spend a rainy day or enjoy a freshwater escape after days filled with salt water adventures - let our team of local experts tell you all about the Top 10 Things To Do On the Whitsundays Mainland!
1. Skydive over the 74 Whitsunday Islands
Skydive over Airlie Beach and experience the rolling islands and gleaming blue ocean from new heights! Choose from three different heights, enjoy a mesmerising scenic flight on the way up, and then take a thrilling leap - the ultimate way to see Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays!
Rather stay in a plane, but want the same adrenaline fix? You may also opt for an aerobatic joy flight on a Russian Yak52, complete with a clear glass roof and the plane completely to yourself. If adrenaline isn't your thing, there are plenty of calm scenic flights that glide peacefully over the iconic sites of Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach also.
2. Bushwalk through the Conway National Park
There are numerous bushwalks through lush tropical forests on the Whitsunday mainland, including the renowned Great Whitsunday Walk. The 28 km walk is the ideal way to experience the unique native flora and fauna of the Whitsundays, however, is not for the faint-hearted and plenty of water is a must!
If a shorter hike is calling your name, the Great Whitsunday Walk also has a range of walking trails. To explore the best of Whitsundays hikes and walks be sure to check out Hiking Around Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays.
3. Wine and dine at Airlie Beach
Home to a main street laden with an abundance of exciting dining experiences to suit all your cravings and budgets, an afternoon of wining and dining along the Airlie Beach foreshore is a dream.
Whether you're searching for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you'll certainly be able to unwind from the day to day and turn your watch to island time in Airlie Beach - just make sure there's a cocktail in hand whilst doing so! Check out the best restaurants and bars here.
4. Stroll along the Airlie Beach Bicentennial Walk
For those who have just arrived in Airlie Beach, the best way to check out the town's sights and sounds is along the Bicentennial Walkway! A roughly 4-kilometre-long waterfront walkway, the pathway winds along the Airlie Beach Foreshore and Abell Point Marina, ending at the quiet seaside town of Cannonvale.
Boasting panoramic views of the gleaming Coral Sea the Bicentennial Walkway is a relaxing walk that requires minimum physical ability - the ideal early morning stroll, with a coffee in hand of course!
5. Have a swim in the Airlie Beach Lagoon
Located in the centre of town is the Airlie Beach Lagoon, the perfect place to take a cool dip and enjoy a sunbake. Boasting postcard-perfect views of the surrounding Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands, the lagoon is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike - you are sure to meet new friends here!
The Airlie Beach Lagoon is patrolled by lifeguards, ensuring a safe and monitored swimming spot for the whole family, free from stingers. Completely free and offering public BBQs and ample shady spots, the lagoon is the best place on the Whitsundays mainland for a refreshing swim in the balmy months!
6. Explore the hidden gem of Cape Gloucester
Not only boasting a stunning scenic drive through lush tropics to get there, but Cape Gloucester is also home to a lovely restaurant and bar located on the beach. We recommend calling ahead to make sure there aren't any private functions, as this local's favourite can get busy on the weekends!
A hidden off-the-beaten-track gem, Cape Gloucester is located approximately 45 minutes from the hub of Airlie Beach. Unlike the Airlie Beach CBD, where travellers can easily walk from one destination to the next, visitors will need access to a car to get to Cape Gloucester.
For those planning on hiring a car during their time in the Whitsundays, be sure to live chat with our friendly team for the best car rental advice and deals.
7. Take a day trip to Bowen
Home to the big mango and some of the East Coast's best seafood, Bowen is a seaside destination that cannot be missed in the Whitsundays. Located an approximate hour drive north of Airlie Beach, Bowen is the best place to enjoy unspoilt bays and pristine national park walks without the crowds!
For a day filled with tropical adventure and small-town charm, we recommend hiring a car and heading up the coast for the day to check out the idyllic beaches, take a movie, and explore the many historic sites of Bowen. Read more Bowen itinerary inspiration here!
8. Visit the pristine Cedar Creek Falls
Cedar Creek Falls are a great way to escape the holiday crowds, enjoy some freshwater bliss, and fill your itinerary with lush natural beauty! Surrounded by an amphitheatre of rock formations, the natural freshwater lagoon runs year-round, with the waterfall flowing best in the Whitsundays wet season after rainfall.
Located a 30-minute drive inland from Airlie Beach, visitors will need a car to explore this popular swimming hole. Whilst you're in the area, why not make a day of it, and check out the charming rural town of Proserpine along the way!
9. Check out the Airlie Beach Markets
Every Saturday along the Airlie Beach Foreshore, there is a pop-up market in Airlie Beach that is a must-see! Open on the foreshore from 7:00 am - 1:30 pm, you can find amazing local coffee, handmade crafts, vintage clothes and more.
We recommend grabbing a coffee and a bite to eat and starting your lazy Saturday morning with a leisurely seaside stroll through the markets - there is something for everyone!
10. Escape the crowds at Hydeaway Bay
Situated a short 45-minute drive north of Airlie Beach, Hydeaway Bay is the perfect way to spend the day beachcombing, hiking and enjoying some blissful downtime away from the high-season crowds. Although there are no official hiking tracks at Hydeaway Bay there are a number of short rock scrambles that grant breathtaking 180-degree views along the southern coastline. For those eager to explore the off-the-beaten Whitsundays track we recommend setting your alarm early and catching a sunrise!
If you're searching for a secluded beach on the Whitsundays mainland, Dingo Beach is located just around the corner from Hydeaway Bay and provides a stinger net for swimmer safety during the summer months.
For more local insight into the best spots around town and all you need to know about getting around, be sure to check out our Official Guide to the Whitsundays and Airlie Beach!
