The Whitsundays’ mainland gateway, Airlie Beach is a vibrant and multicultural town, with an unhurried, beachy soul. A long-time favourite with travellers, sailors, families and nature-lovers, Airlie makes it easy to change down a gear and slip into holiday mode – the kind of place where you come for a day and stay for a week.
With a range of quality accommodation, buzzy bars and sophisticated dining options, Airlie is the perfect base for exploring the Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef and wild rivers of the hinterland. Or just spend a day wandering the main street, browsing the shops and galleries, enjoying a lavish seafood lunch, visiting the Saturday morning market, dipping into the swimming lagoon or people-watching over a sunset drink.
Cruise Whitsundays offers a range of day cruises to Airlie Beach.
Airlie Beach Attractions
If you’re staying at an island resort, Cruise Whitsundays operates a scenic return cruise to explore relaxed Airlie Beach, a brilliant little beach town. It’s the liveliest place on the Whitsundays coast – especially after dark – but Airlie manages to hold onto its relaxed, small-town atmosphere.
Highlights & Inclusions
Cruise Whitsundays’ vessels depart Hamilton Island at regular intervals, heading for Port of Airlie, a short walk from Airlie Beach town. Fill your day as you choose: explore the boutiques and shops along Airlie’s main street; visit the Saturday morning market; swim at Airlie Beach Lagoon; or rent a car or scooter and go exploring. Relax over a long lunch – Airlie’s restaurants serve everything from seafood to sushi and Brazilian to Italian – before returning to Hamilton Island.
- Scenic return cruise from Hamilton Island through the Whitsundays to Airlie Beach
- Air-conditioned cruise vessel
- Free day to explore Airlie Beach and surrounds
- Access to Airlie Beach Lagoon, shops, galleries and restaurants
What to bring
- Sunhat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Swimwear and beach towel
- Light jacket/sweater for a cool or windy day
- Camera
- Cash/credit card for lunch (own expense)
