What Is There To Do In Airlie Beach?
Airlie Beach is a coastal town situated on the Coral Sea in the Whitsundays. The town is the hub for those wanting to explore the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. While there are tours that depart Airlie Beach daily, there is actually plenty to do within the town itself. If you have the time during your holiday, be sure to schedule in a few days and nights in the town of Airlie Beach, as there's so much to offer!
1. Visit the Airlie Beach markets
Every Saturday, the Airlie Beach Lions Club holds a community market made up of 50 local stalls. From locally-made art to clothing to sweet treats, the markets have something for everyone. They open bright and early from 7am and run through until 1:30pm. The markets also run when there's a cruise ship docked in town, so be sure to stay up to date with the cruise ship timetable so you don't miss the markets!
2. Check out the twilight sailing at the Whitsunday Sailing Club
Every Wednesday afternoon, the Whitsunday Sailing Club holds their twilight sailing, which includes up to 20 yachts racing around Pioneer Bay. In view from the club's famous waterfront deck, twilight sailing is great to watch as the sun sets over the horizon. If you're not a sailor, the club is also a great place to visit to watch the sunset, have a cocktail, or enjoy a meal from the decadent dinner menu. On Saturdays, the club often has live music too!
3. Go for a swim at the Airlie Beach Lagoon
The Airlie Beach Lagoon is surrounded by tropical palm trees and overlooks the Coral Sea. The lagoon is the perfect place to swim in Airlie Beach during the summer months when it's stinger season. Not only is the lagoon safe in that aspect, but it's also operated by lifeguards and is maintained daily. Around the lagoon are barbecues, benches, a children's pool, a playground and plenty of grassy, shaded areas to sit. It's a great place to go and meet people if you're a backpacker, and it's family-friendly too.
Check out these Airlie Beach activities!
4. Relax on Boathaven Beach
Within walking distance from Airlie Beach is Boathaven Beach, a peaceful sanctuary away from the mayhem of the town. Boathaven is the ideal spot for relaxation during the sunny Whitsunday days. Grab a towel, umbrella, picnic basic and set yourself up on the beach for the day. There's also a swimming enclosure to keep out jellyfish during stinger season (but please be mindful that it does not offer 100% protection, so be sure to wear a stinger suit during the summer months).
5. Head out for coffee and brunch
There is a smorgasbord of options when it comes to dining out, and brunch is a popular meal to enjoy out and about during your Whitsundays getaway. The most popular places to head out for a tasty brunch in Airlie Beach include Sidewalk Cafe (shout out to some of the best coffee in Airlie), Garumas, Paradiso, Treehouse, Boho Cafe, and Fat Frog Cafe. If you're having trouble deciding, simply take a walk along the main street of Airlie Beach and find a place that suits you.
6. Enjoy the Boardwalk
The Bicentennial Boardwalk connects Airlie Beach and Cannonvale and offers a scenic stroll over the shore of the Coral Sea. The walk is approximately 4 kilometres one way and runs through Coral Sea Marina. It's the perfect walk if you're looking for a spot of fresh ocean air and want to escape the chaos of the town. The boardwalk is family-friendly, bike and scooter-friendly, and even dog-friendly!
A Local's Perspective On Things To Do In Airlie Beach
I have resided in Airlie Beach for the past four years and can say there is plenty to do in the town! During my weekends, you can find me strolling along the boardwalk as the views never get old, grabbing coffee from one of my favourite cafes, Boho Cafe in the Coral Sea Marina, and reading a book by the Airlie Beach Lagoon. Plus, whenever I feel like treating myself, I'll pay a visit to the Saturday Markets, which has the best knick-knacks, jewellery, souvenirs and locally-made artwork. While there's plenty to do in the town of Airlie Beach itself, there's also SO much to offer out on the water. I highly recommend (if you have the time) exploring the Whitsunday Islands by boat too!
