Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach

Mainland launchpad for the Whitsundays — marina, lagoon and the jump-off for every reef and island trip.

8 tours
5 caravan parks
8 articles
📷 13 photos
View on Google Maps →

Tours in Airlie Beach

See all 8 tours →
Airlie Hidden Beach Adventures - Dingo Beach & Cape Gloucester

Airlie Hidden Beach Adventures - Dingo Beach & Cape Gloucester

7 hours
From AUD $140
Airlie Beach: Beautiful Bowen Beaches Day Tour.

Airlie Beach: Beautiful Bowen Beaches Day Tour.

6 hours
From AUD $155
Private 2hr Yacht Hire Whitsundays

Private 2hr Yacht Hire Whitsundays

2 hours
From AUD $3700

Next 7 days at Airlie Beach

Live forecast from Open-Meteo. Updated each time the page loads.

Loading forecast…

Best time to visit Airlie Beach

Based on 30 years of weather data. Sweet spot: Jun, Jul, Aug — mild temperatures, low rainfall and plenty of sun. Avoid Jan, Feb if you can — typically the wettest or hottest stretch of the year.

Jan
29°
25° low
205mm
Feb
29°
25° low
212mm
Mar
28°
24° low
148mm
Apr
26°
23° low
58mm
May
24°
20° low
32mm
Jun
22°
18° low
26mm
Jul
22°
17° low
24mm
Aug
22°
18° low
25mm
Sep
25°
20° low
11mm
Oct
26°
22° low
21mm
Nov
28°
23° low
56mm
Dec
29°
24° low
103mm
Daytime high (large) · overnight low (small) · monthly rainfall (blue bar). Climate normals: 1991–2020 from Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis.

Beach & ocean conditions at Airlie Beach

Typical wave height around 0.8 m over the next two weeks. a wetsuit makes winter swims much more pleasant.

Avg wave height
0.8 m
Sea-surface temperatures from Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis. Wave forecast from the GFS Wave model — check official sources before swimming, paddling or boating.

What else is around Airlie Beach

Points of interest within 25 km, pulled from OpenStreetMap. Distances are straight-line; check road access before heading out.

🔭 Lookouts & viewpoints (15)
🏰 Historic sites (2)
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.

Drive times to and from Airlie Beach

Real road distance and driving time to other destinations in the state. Click through for fuel estimates, suggested overnight stops, and tours along the way.

To Whitsundays
2 km · 0h 7m
To Mackay
149 km · 2h 1m
To Townsville
276 km · 3h 41m
To Magnetic Island
287 km · 4h 3m
To Rockhampton
481 km · 6h 11m
To Gladstone
590 km · 7h 41m
To Cairns
621 km · 8h 19m
To Atherton Tablelands
625 km · 8h 22m

Photos from around Airlie Beach

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
park
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Conway Beach
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Conway Beach
park
NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park
NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park
park
Discovery Parks - Airlie Beach
Discovery Parks - Airlie Beach
park
BIG4 Whitsunday Islands Holiday Park
BIG4 Whitsunday Islands Holiday Park
park
ProSail Whitsundays — Maxi Yacht Sailing & Tours from Airlie Beach
ProSail Whitsundays — Maxi Yacht Sailing & Tours from Airlie Beach
article
Thundercat Whitsundays - All Inclusive Day Tour
Thundercat Whitsundays - All Inclusive Day Tour
article
A Whitsunday Islands Sail, SUP & Snorkel Tour- NEW
A Whitsunday Islands Sail, SUP & Snorkel Tour- NEW
article
Thundercat Private Charter 38 Guests
Thundercat Private Charter 38 Guests
article
Kangaroos On The Beach Tour
Kangaroos On The Beach Tour
article
Ultimate Whitehaven Experience
Ultimate Whitehaven Experience
article
The Best of the Whitsundays - Full Day Tour
The Best of the Whitsundays - Full Day Tour
article
The Purrrfect 3 Days - All Inclusive Day Tours
The Purrrfect 3 Days - All Inclusive Day Tours
article

Frequently asked about Airlie Beach

Where is Airlie Beach?
Airlie Beach is in Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia. The destination guide above maps the area; the drive-times panel further down lists distances to other Queensland destinations so you can pencil it into a longer itinerary.
When is the best time to visit Airlie Beach?
Based on 30 years of climate data, the most comfortable months at Airlie Beach are typically August, July, June — milder temperatures, lower rainfall, and longer sunshine hours. February tends to be the trickiest month weather-wise. School holiday weeks (Easter, late June–early July, late September, mid-December–late January) get busy and prices rise, so shoulder season is usually the sweet spot if you're flexible.
What's the weather like in Airlie Beach?
Summer daytime highs average around 29°C and winter overnight lows can drop to about 17°C. Annual rainfall sits at roughly 919 mm spread across the year. The climate panel above breaks every month down — daytime high, overnight low, monthly rain, sunny days — so you can match the trip to the weather you want.
How do I get to Airlie Beach?
Most travellers arrive by road. From Whitsundays it's about 2 km — roughly 0h 7m of driving via the main highway, conditions permitting. The drive-times panel above lists travel time and distance to every other Queensland destination so you can sketch out a road-trip route. Check road conditions in winter if your route crosses high country, and plan for breaks every ~2 hours.
What are the top things to see in Airlie Beach?
Well-known spots within day-trip range include Red Cat Adventures, ZigZag Whitsundays Day Tour, Boat tour meeting point, Cruise Whitsundays, Marina boardwalk. The "What else is around" panel above lists every named point of interest by category — lookouts, peaks, waterfalls, museums, beaches — pulled straight from OpenStreetMap. Click any name for the location, opening hours and directions.
Where can I stay near Airlie Beach?
We list 5 caravan and holiday parks in and around Airlie Beach above — powered sites, cabins, glamping, and big-rig-friendly options. Pet rules, dump points and shaded sites are noted on each park's page. For hotel-style stays, the Drive Times panel makes it easy to base yourself in a nearby town and day-trip in.
How many days should I spend at Airlie Beach?
Most travellers spend 1–2 days at Airlie Beach to cover the highlights without rushing. There are 8 bookable tours and experiences, 0 attractions and 5+ named viewpoints/landmarks listed for the area on this page — plenty to fill a weekend, more if you slow down and explore the outer reaches.
Is Airlie Beach good for families with kids?
Yes — there are 9 family-friendly attractions, museums and family destinations within easy reach (zoos, aquariums, interactive museums, family-friendly theme parks). The caravan parks section above flags parks with playgrounds, kids' pools and family cabins.
What day trips can I do from Airlie Beach?
Within ~2.5 hours' drive: Whitsundays, Mackay. The drive-times panel above lists every nearby destination with road distance and travel time — pick one, drive across in the morning, and you're back for dinner.
Is there public transport at Airlie Beach?
Coverage varies — major destinations have train and bus links from the closest capital, but smaller regional towns rely on infrequent coach services. The most reliable way to explore the wider area is a hire car or your own vehicle. If you're using public transport, plan around the timetables and check the night before you travel; rural routes are often once or twice a day.
Is Airlie Beach accessible for wheelchair users and reduced mobility?
Major town centres, museums and built-up tourist precincts at Airlie Beach are usually accessible; bush walks and lookouts vary widely. The OpenStreetMap data underneath the "What else is around" panel records wheelchair access on individual sites — click through to any place's page for the specific accessibility info. For tours, check the operator's website or call ahead; most reputable operators publish their access details.
How much does a trip to Airlie Beach cost?
Budget travellers can do Airlie Beach on roughly $120–180 per person per day (caravan park, cooking your own, free walks); mid-range $200–350 (hotel, paid attractions, eating out once a day); higher-end $400+ (boutique stays, tours, fine dining). Fuel is the big variable — Australia's regional driving distances add up. Tours and attractions in the listings above show prices in AUD where the operator publishes them.
Will I have phone signal at Airlie Beach?
Most named destinations in Queensland have at least Telstra and Optus coverage in town. Coverage drops off quickly outside built-up areas — particularly in national parks, valleys and along long stretches of highway. If you're heading into remote areas, download offline maps before you leave, tell someone your itinerary, and consider a PLB (personal locator beacon) for serious bush walks.

All tours in Airlie Beach

Airlie Hidden Beach Adventures - Dingo Beach & Cape Gloucester
Airlie Hidden Beach Adventures - Dingo Beach & Cape Gloucester
★ 5.0 · from AUD $140
Airlie Beach: Beautiful Bowen Beaches Day Tour.
Airlie Beach: Beautiful Bowen Beaches Day Tour.
★ 5.0 · from AUD $155
Private 2hr Yacht Hire Whitsundays
Private 2hr Yacht Hire Whitsundays
★ 5.0 · from AUD $3700
Airlie Beach: Kangaroos on the beach at sunrise
Airlie Beach: Kangaroos on the beach at sunrise
★ 5.0 · from AUD $155
Sunset Sail Cruise Airlie Beach
Sunset Sail Cruise Airlie Beach
★ 5.0 · from AUD $120
Airlie Beach Explorer Private Shore Tour
Airlie Beach Explorer Private Shore Tour
from AUD $420
Half-Day Airlie Beach Sailing and Snorkeling Tour on Yacht
Half-Day Airlie Beach Sailing and Snorkeling Tour on Yacht
from AUD $250
Waterfalls & Rainforest: Airlie Beach Private Shore Tour 4 Hours
Waterfalls & Rainforest: Airlie Beach Private Shore Tour 4 Hours
from AUD $873

Caravan parks nearby

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
Airlie Beach · Whitsunday Regional
★ 4.6
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Conway Beach
BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Conway Beach
Conway · Whitsunday Regional
★ 4.4
NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park
NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park
Cannonvale · Whitsunday Regional
★ 4.2
Discovery Parks - Airlie Beach
Discovery Parks - Airlie Beach
Jubilee Pocket · Whitsunday Regional
★ 4.2
BIG4 Whitsunday Islands Holiday Park
BIG4 Whitsunday Islands Holiday Park
Flametree · Whitsunday Regional
★ 4.2

Nearby destinations

Whitsundays
Whitsundays
Central Queensland
Mackay
Mackay
Central Queensland
Townsville
Townsville
North Queensland
Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island
North Queensland
Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef
Queensland coast

Airlie Beach travel articles

ProSail Whitsundays — Maxi Yacht Sailing & Tours from Airlie Beach
ProSail Whitsundays — Maxi Yacht Sailing & Tours from Airlie Beach
ProSail Whitsundays runs 2 and 3-day adventure sailing tours of the Whitsunday Islands aboard former racing maxi yachts, including Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and the Great Barrier Reef's fringing snorkel sites.
Thundercat Whitsundays - All Inclusive Day Tour
Thundercat Whitsundays - All Inclusive Day Tour
Discover Paradise with the Thundercat Whitsundays - All Inclusive Day Tour The Ultimate Whitsunday Experience Prepare yourself for an adventure you will never forget with the Thundercat Whitsundays All-Inclusive Day Tour. This award-winning tour takes you to the Whitsunday Islands, where white sandy
A Whitsunday Islands Sail, SUP & Snorkel Tour- NEW
A Whitsunday Islands Sail, SUP & Snorkel Tour- NEW
Explore the Whitsundays on a Luxury Cruise Experience the Whitsundays on a Premium Adventure The Whitsunday Island Sail, SUP & snorkel Tour - NEW will take you to a world filled with sun, sea and serenity. The SV Wings III offers a six-hour premium day cruise that will allow you to discover one
Thundercat Private Charter 38 Guests
Thundercat Private Charter 38 Guests
Experience the Whitsundays in Style with Thundercat Private Charter Your Ultimate Whitsundays Adventure Awaits Prepare yourself for an adventure of a lifetime with the Thundercat Private Charter, your exclusive gateway to Whitsunday Island's stunning beauty. This award-winning tour is a combination
Kangaroos On The Beach Tour
Kangaroos On The Beach Tour
Discover Nature Up Close on the Kangaroos on the Beach Tour Enjoy the Magic of the Kangaroos at the Beach Airlie Adventure Tours offers the unforgettable Kangaroos On The Beach Tour to start your day. This early morning experience departs from Airlie Beach, Queensland, at 3:00 am. You will arrive in
Ultimate Whitehaven Experience
Ultimate Whitehaven Experience
Enjoy the Ultimate Whitehaven Experience with GSL Marine Experience the Beauty of Whitehaven Beach The Ultimate Whitehaven Experience is a full-day tour to the Whitsundays that will take you into the heart of this beautiful region. Enjoy a relaxing, comfortable, wave-piercing journey to discover Whi
The Best of the Whitsundays - Full Day Tour
The Best of the Whitsundays - Full Day Tour
Explore Tropical Beauty on The Best of the Whitsundays Tour The Best of the Whitsundays Full Day Tour Full Day Tour will take you on a journey of a lifetime through one of Australia’s most beautiful destinations. This tour is designed to show off the best of the Whitsundays. As soon as you board, yo
The Purrrfect 3 Days - All Inclusive Day Tours
The Purrrfect 3 Days - All Inclusive Day Tours
Experience the Best of the Whitsundays With The Purrrfect 3 Days Tour Package The Purrrfect 3 Days All-Inclusive Day Trips in Whitsundays The Purrrfect 3 Day All-Inclusive tours will allow you to enjoy the Whitsundays with ultimate style. This package is the perfect way to discover paradise and give