Photo of Airlie Beach

About Airlie Beach

Perched on Queensland's beautiful coastline, overlooking the magical Whitsunday Islands, is the easygoing seaside community of Airlie Beach. A fantastic springboard for outdoorsy adventurers looking to discover the region through activities on both land and sea, this is a much-loved destination for travellers of all ages. You’ll find ocean-facing resorts, multi-bedroom apartments and quirky boat-shaped bungalows on our list of the best places to stay in Airlie Beach — all are brilliant for fun-filled holidays!

The proximity of the Whitsundays invites keen sailors, divers and snorkelers to discover the bright blue waters of the Coral Sea and the Great Barrier Reef with expert guides. Soar above magical scenery in a small plane or helicopter, spotting Heart Reef and landing on pristine Whitehaven Beach, or zip between islands on a jet ski, kayak or paddle board. Keen hikers will delight in following challenging trails through the Cape Hillsborough National Park, where you can also admire myriad birds. For more fearsome wildlife encounters, take a Whitsunday Crocodile Safari.

Airlie Beach itself brims with great cafes, galleries, shops and eateries. Expect a buzzy evening scene, and plenty of scope for a lively night in at one of the best places to stay in Airlie Beach. Travel outside the school holidays if you can — this is a deservedly popular destination!

The Best Places to Stay in Airlie Beach

For Families or Groups

  • Coral Sea Resort is a stylish seaside collection of white-on-white guest rooms, suites and multi-bedroom apartments on the edge of Airlie Beach. Guests share access to the 25m swimming pool, a lively restaurant and event spaces. Think private balconies with ocean views and understated contemporary interiors. Chic and well-suited to families or groups who will appreciate the option to self-cater.
  • Freedom Shores, 15 minutes from Airlie Beach, has sea-facing suites and boat-shaped bungalows with crisp white and blue decor. Whitewashed walls and polished wood create a clean, sleek feel, and doors open onto lush gardens which extend towards the beach. The three-bedroom homestead is great for groups, and the hotel can host weddings for up to 40 guests. Fun and easygoing.
  • Mirage Whitsundays offers almost 200 rooms and multi-bedroom apartments facing the ocean and the marina. Expect bright blue accents, floor-to-ceiling windows and sleek spaces with open-plan kitchens and sitting rooms. There are pools for kids and adults, a lovely spa and good restaurant. Ideal for families and groups, with easy access to lots of activities.

FOR A HOLIDAY Cottage or APARTMENT

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Whitsunday Coast Airport and travel to your hotel in Airlie Beach by bus or taxi in around 30 minutes. Many hotels will be happy to arrange an airport or bus station pick up in advance.
  • Queensland is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Like much of Queensland, Airlie Beach has two seasons: the warm, dry season — from April to September — and the hot, wet season, between October and March. Visit during the warm, dry season if you can, avoiding the school holidays for great hotel deals.

STILL NOT SURE?

Best Hotels in Airlie Beach

  • Freedom Shores Airlie Beach (Australia) 14 rooms from €145

    Groups  -  The 3-bedroom Pioneer Bay Homestead is perfect for groups of friends, who will love the fun, easygoing feel
    Great walks  -  Follow hiking trails through the Dryander National Park or journey along the Whitsunday Great Walk
    Weddings  -  A brilliant wedding venue, with space for 40 guests to stay, flavoursome fare & superb cuisine
    Watersports  -  Sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, diving and glass-bottom boat trips are great fun
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    Set 15 minutes from Airlie Beach, this collection of sea-facing suites & quirky boat-shaped bungalows is bedecked in white & blue. Think modern bathrooms, high ceilings & polished wood. Lush gardens lead to the beach, plus there's a refreshing pool & restaurant. Fun, fresh & easygoing. See More

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  • Mirage Whitsundays Airlie Beach (Queensland) 185 rooms from €187

    Beach Life  -  A brilliant seafront stay, with apartments promising uninterrupted views of the water & beach possibilities aplenty
    Sailing  -  Overlooking the nearby marina, this is a marvellous spot for sailors, who can glide between the Whitsunday Islands
    Groups  -  Multi-bedroom apartments are great for groups of friends or families with children of all ages
    Great walks  -  Follow striking hiking trails through the Conway National Park, which offers trails to suit a whole host of abilities
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    Stylish multi-bedroom apartments facing the ocean near Airlie Beach & the marina. Interiors are sleek & airy, with bright blue accents, open-plan kitchens & sitting rooms & big balconies. There are pools for adults & kids, a spa & a good restaurant. The ideal base for Whitsundays explorations. See More

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  • Coral Sea Resort Airlie Beach (Queensland) 77 rooms from €192

    Snorkelling  -  Glide through the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, skimming above coral gardens filled with rare fish
    Families  -  Multi-bedroom apartments, beautiful coastal views & a big swimming pool are great for fun family trips
    Beach Life  -  A swish coastal resort in Airlie Beach with the feel of a private island, perfect for beach days
    Great walks  -  Hike through the spectacular Cape Hillsborough National Park, following wonderful walking routes and spotting birds and wildlife
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    A swish, contemporary resort overlooking glittering blue waters on the edge of Airlie Beach. Chic, white-on-white guest rooms, suites & multi-bedroom apartments face the ocean & the 25m swimming pool. Many have spa baths & balconies. Event spaces & a buzzy restaurant are great for celebrations. See More

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