Thanks to its position as a major stop off point for travellers taking trips to the Whitsunday Islands, recent years have seen a huge upsurge in both the number and the quality of eating establishments in Airlie Beach. Serving everything from Asian to Mexican and African to Thai at a price that even the most budget conscious among you can afford, eating out is one thing that shouldn’t cause you too much concern during your stay.
Seafood is particularly good with fresh deliveries being made to restaurants on a daily basis. Sample the finest of lobster, salmon, tuna and much more in any of the eateries in the town. Even the host of ethnic restaurants have their very own seafood specialties.
Another added bonus in Airlie Beach is the excellent weather which means that almost every day is suitable for eating al fresco. Whether it’s a picnic in the park or terrace dining overlooking the sea each is catered for. This also means that you can save quite a bit of money by buying cheap takeaway meals or shopping in the local supermarket instead of having to eat in cafes and restaurants every day.
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390 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach, Australia
Excellent little eatery serving both lunch and dinner. Particularly popular for lunch as you get a meal and drink for the rather reasonable sum of $4.95.
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Mango Terrace, 263 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach, Australia
For a classier night out head to Panache for the best of authentic gastronomic treats. With a balcony on the waterfront overlooking the beach, the location is idyllic and prices aren’t bad either.
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283 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach, Australia
Serving the finest Tex Mex and seafood in town, this establishment has the added attraction of doubling as an Internet café – a sure fire way of packing the backpackers in.
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269 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach, Australia
Airlie Beach’s best burger joint, this café is open twenty-four hours daily. So, if you’re partial to a burger for breakfast this is the place for you.
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Shop 3, 390 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach, Australia
BYO café serving an excellent selection of both sweet and savoury crepes. Offering a welcome change from your run of the meal dinners and lunches, this place is also very reasonably priced which is always an added attraction.
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Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach, Australia
Located in the Arlie Beach Hotel, this eatery offers alfresco dining as well as a full bar. Really nice place to spend an afternoon or to start your night out.
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Beach Plaza, The Esplanade, Airlie Beach, Australia
Typical Thai food at very reasonable prices. Also does an excellent selection of fresh seafood. Its location on the seafront makes it particularly appealing.
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Corner Shute Harbour Road & The Esplanade, Airlie Beach, Australia
Those of you missing your Chinese culinary treats will love this one. Another restaurant serving big portions where prices are not so big, also has some excellent value meals for groups. Opens at 6.00pm daily.
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Beach Plaza, The Esplanade, Airlie Beach, Australia
The best place for breakfast in Airlie, this café opens at 6.00am daily and serves a superb selection of hot and cold treats. Also has excellent all you can eat buffets which should fortify you for most of the day.
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Coral Sea Resort, Ocean View Avenue, Airlie Beach, Australia
Two different venues in one offering you an excellent choice between a casual seafood café and a more up market restaurant with a superb a la carte selection.