As a launch pad to the stunning Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach attracts the bulk of travellers exploring the east coast of Australia, which has led to it becoming much more than just a stopover town. Its main thoroughfare is Shute Harbour Road, and here you'll find everything that this small town has to offer. You'll also encounter countless tour companies dealing in wild adventures at sea during the day include sailing, snorkeling, scuba-diving, kayaking and speed boating, while on dry land an equally wild nightlife awaits you. But the main attractions here are the breathtaking Whitsunday Islands. You can choose from a host of multi-day cruises which bring you all around this UNESCO World Heritage site and also to jewel in the crown, Whitehaven Beach. Explore this region and you'll leave thinking you've just seen paradise. You won't be far wrong.
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Download GuideLike most people who go to Airlie, we went for the whitsundays sailing tour which was awesome. The city itself is rather boring. Not much at all to do, it is a city with one main street where everything in Airlie is. we succumb to boredom pretty easily for the day after out sailing tour.
Cockroaches in abundance in Koala's and reception staff rude. City very nice, especially lagoon and sailing.
Insider Tip:DON'T STAY AT KOALA'S- that's the only tip you need!
FOR US THIS WAS AN EXCELLENT RETREAT FROM ALL THE HUSTLE/BUSTLE OF AIRLIE BEACH DOWNTOWN...ALSO, THEY PROVIDE A GREAT SHUTTLE TO TOWN EVERY HR SO YOU CAN GET TO FOOD,FUN,SHOPPING QUICKLY IF NEEDED. QUIET PLACE WITH NO PARTYING, SO YOU COULD CHILL AND RELAX BUT STILL BE JUST A SHUTTLE AWAY FROM ALL THE ACTION.... BREAKFAST WAS SMALL AND RATIONED WHICH WAS SILLY WE THOUGHT... BE AWARE, THERE ARE NO ACTUAL PRIVATE SUITES - YOU SHARE A KITCHEN AND BATH WITH ONE OTHER UNIT... UNITS ARE VERY CLEAN AND A GOOD SIZE SO THIS MAKES UP FOR THE SMALL MISLEAD ON THE PRIVATE ACCOMADATIONS... ENJOY!!
Insider Tip:BE VERY CAREFUL WITH YOUR CHOICE OF REEF/ISLAND TOURS... IN OUR EXPERIENCE FOR THE MOST PART,IT IS BETTER TO PAY A LITTLE MORE TO GET A LOT MORE (IE; FOOD,TIME, EQUIPMENT,STAFF)... FORGET THE $99 TOURS; GO WITH AT LEAST $149 TO START... ALSO HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU BOOK WELL IN ADVANCE TO GET THE BETTER CHARTERS - IF POSSIBLE, TAKE THE OVERNITE SAILING PACKAGES - THEY GIVE YOU FAR MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK..
Gorgeous place, very relaxing with the option of a lively night out. Whitsundays are beautiful and must not be missed!
''Airlie Swamp" or "Airlie No-Beach" as it used to be known by the locals years ago has come along way since I lived near here. The town itself is small but not lacking in shopping, restaraunts and mostly bars. Cheap it is not though and if you're on a budget find a place with self catering facilites... there are supermarkets. Alot of backpacker accom and organised trips have courtesy buses but it can be difficult to get to anywhere else without transport eg National Parks. I would recommend "Salty Dog Kayaking" as great fun and a unique way to see the sea. You don't have to be fit and you have to work for it so it's more rewarding!
Insider Tip:Biggest tip would be to wait and check out the booking offices for deals if you're looking for savings on the more expensive activites eg sailing. Outside 'Magnums' and at Shute Harbour I've seen savings up to $90pp on some trips. Plus of you're heading south, the booking office in town does deals including Fraser Island visits and accomodation.
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