What to do in Airlie Beach
Ready to explore the wonders of Australia? Where do you go? Well, let me tell you, Airlie Beach is an absolute must-visit.
Why Airlie Beach is the backpacker's paradise
Airlie Beach is a backpacker paradise due to how close it is to the magical Whitsunday Islands, it's the mecca of incredible opportunities for sailing, snorkelling, and diving on the Great Barrier Reef.
It attracts a lot of young travellers as its got a load of budget-friendly activities like hiking, relaxing on the beach, and kayaking. The town has a vibey social scene with a great selection of hostels, bars, and restaurants, making it easy to meet fellow travellers. Airlie Beach is a great combination of natural beauty, affordability, and a social scene making the town a top choice for adventurers on a budget seeking unforgettable experiences in Australia. Stray Australian adventure tours that go through Cairns like the Emu or Kookaburra stop off on the way to give you a taste of this awesome town.

Relax by the pool and soak up the tropical vibes in Airlie Beach
What time of the year to go?
Firstly, the weather is just dreamy. Forget raincoats and shivering – Airlie Beach enjoys year-round tropical weather, with Spring (September to November) being the absolute sweet spot. Think sunshine, warm breezes, and the occasional tropical downpour that quickly passes, leaving the air sparkling clean.

Endless epic views of the Coral Sea
Gateway to the Whitsunday Islands
Now, for the adventures! Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, a stunning archipelago of 74 islands scattered across the Coral Sea. Think white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, tropical fish and the iconic Heart Reef. Here's our top list of activities to check out.
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Sailing: Jump on a boat and explore the islands around the Coral Sea, snorkel or dive on the Great Barrier Reef, and maybe even spot some turtles, dolphins or whales. Want to stay on one overnight and sail the Whitsundays? Stray Adventure tours that end in Cairns have this incredible activity as part of the tour - check out our ultimate adventure tour - the Emu tour
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Snorkelling: When you are on the Great Barrier Reef you need to get amongst! there are loads of places to jump in and experience the beauty of this area. You can join a tour that can take you to areas like Mantaray Bay, Stonehaven, Langford Island, Luncheon Bay, and Bait Reef. Stray Select Tours that depart from Cairns and head to Airlie Beach give you the opportunity to check out all the pretty sealife by Whitehaven Beach on our catamaran day tour which is not to be missed.
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Walking: There are some great walks around Airlie Beach. Two ones we would recommend whilst you're on your stopover are the Honeyeater walk - this is a 7.6 km hike that is moderately challenging and takes you Honeyeater Lookout for some incredible views over the coastline. And talking about the coast if you fancy a less challenging stroll check out the Boardwalk, a 7.2 km easy walk along the coastline where you can run, bike or stroll to soak in the vibes of this beautiful area.
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Kayaking or SUPs: Soak in the sun and enjoy the view from the water by picking up a kayak or SUP at the harbour for a couple of hours.
And when you're not feeling adventurous? Well, Airlie Beach has you covered there too.
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Relax on the beach: Soak up the sun on one of the many beautiful beaches, like Boathaven Beach near the Port of Airlie or if you want a quick swim head to the Airlie Beach lagoon located in the middle of town.
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Indulge in some delicious food: From fresh seafood to wood-fired pizzas, Airlie Beach has a fantastic selection of restaurants and cafes.
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Enjoy the nightlife: Airlie Beach has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from.

Join Stray's Whitsunday two-day sailing trip
Best places to eat in Airlie Beach
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The Deck: On Shute Harbour Road won a Travellers Choice award last year so a definite contender for an evening meal if you fancy treating yourself. The Deck has a relaxed beachfront atmosphere where you can enjoy a cocktail or two. Couple a drink though with their legendary wood-fired pizzas or treat yourself to one of their seafood platters, perfect for sharing.
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Paradiso: Another great venue on the waterfront. It's the perfect place to sit and relax overlooking the sea. They have live music from Thursday to Sunday so kick back with a cocktail and yummy pizza and enjoy a relaxing evening
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Cafe One 3: Looking for a taste treat for breakfast or lunch this place is a hidden gem on Waterson Way. It's a fantastic place for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free goodies. They are reputed to have the best acai bowls.
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The Boaty's: On Shute Harbour a night at Boaty's is guaranteed to be vibey. There's live music, happy hours and food and drinks to be had all day.
Why should you go?
Honestly, Airlie Beach is just one of those places that you have to experience for yourself. The beauty of the Whitsundays is simply breathtaking, and the laid-back Aussie vibe is infectious. Plus, meeting fellow travellers from all over the world is practically guaranteed.
So, if you're planning a trip to Australia, make sure you add Airlie Beach to your itinerary. You won't regret it!
P.S. Don't forget to pack your sunscreen! ☀️
Check out Stray's East Coast tours - Our local legends (aka our tour guides) take you on a journey to epic hidden gems and bucket-list places. Relax and embrace travel without the hassle on our private bus tours