Searching For Paradise? Look No Further! 3 Days in Airlie Beach & The Whitsundays are IT ♥
I’m sure you’ve seen photos of the gorgeous, picture-perfect Whitsundays. It is the 3rd most photographed location in all of Australia, and honestly, it is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. And I feel like I’ve seen a lot of beautiful places.
Airlie Beach is THE place to go if you want to check out the Whitsundays for yourself. I spent 3 days in Airlie Beach, and while it was not nearly enough time to see and do everything, it was plenty! It is a beautiful little haven, tucked into a quiet bay filled with sailboats, that’s known for being a party hotspot.
Pay attention all you late-night eaters!
If you’re used to eating late, partying all night, and having access to shops most hours of the day like I am when going on vacation (hellooo USA – home of the 24/7), you won’t have that here. I found a lot of restaurants close between 8 and 9 pm. One even closes at 7:30 pm! Who the hell eats dinner that early? My apologies if you do. And guys, this was even Mcdonalds!
So if you’re looking for a good meal, plan to eat earlier. Otherwise, your “late” night options after 9 will be either the kebab shops or Dominoes. I also found that a few of the places are closed on Mondays AND Tuesdays and the only place to buy alcohol for take-away is from liquor stores, aka bottle shops, and they close at 9 pm.
Just want to make sure you are prepared for all of this in advance, so you aren’t wandering around hungry for dinner at 9 like I was. And that you have plenty of alcohol stocked in your hotel room. So I have put together everything I did and learned in this guide for spending 3 days in Airlie Beach. Now, let’s dive into all things Airlie Beach, shall we?
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Your Guide to Airlie Beach
Itinerary for 3 Days in Airlie Beach
Day 1: Explore Airlie Beach
Day 2: Whitsundays Tour
Day 3: Explore Nearby Beaches
Optional: checkout nearby waterfall either on the way or leaving Airlie Beach, or add it to one of the other days. It’s only a short 30-minute drive away.
Optional: If you have extra time, opt to go to Cape Hillsborough, famous for kangaroos on the beach at sunrise. It is a 2-hour drive though, so make sure to leave early enough to make it on time!
Day 1: Explore Airlie Beach
Spend your first day exploring the town. Check out the different beaches, shops, and restaurants. There are a few different ones to choose from. There’s one right across from the main street of restaurants. You can overlook it while you are dining at one of the many restaurants that line the sidewalk there.
You’ll also find a nice grassy area filled with some trees if you want to just chill out in the shade. There is also another beach by the Port of Airlie, and then another one if you go around the peninsular area by the Coral Sea Marina.
There are so many restaurants to choose from as well! If you’re a foodie, you will definitely find a lot of yummy meals to be had. Just make sure you get to those bottle shops to buy alcohol before they close!
Beware! Dangerous Animals
An important thing to note is that there are some deadly things in the water here in this area of Australia. The main ones are the box jellyfish, the Irukandji stingers, stingrays, and the saltwater crocodile. These can be very deadly, so it might just be safer to relax on the beach shores and take a swim at the Lagoon. The lagoon is a man-made area for you to swim at, overlooking the water.
I happened to be in Airlie Beach on a Sunday, and the Coral Sea Resort was having a live DJ pool party. The place was full of people, and it was a great time. They have a pool, hot tub, main bar, and a couple standalone bars set up, as well as a little “beach” area with sand for you to catch a tan.
All of this was right on the waterfront, allowing gorgeous views of the ocean, and a spectacular sunset. I don’t know if they have this going on all the time, but it is definitely worth checking out! I highly recommend staying here if you can. The views, the location, and the restaurant on site are top tier.
Day 2: Whitsundays Cruise
The Whitsundays are a collection of 74 islands off the coast of Australia by the Great Barrier Reef. Most of them are uninhabited, full of forests, and pristine white sandy beaches. Some of the islands you can visit, and even stay on. The main islands are Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, Hook Island, Daydream Island, and Whitsunday Island. You can learn more about these islands here.
You can do a multi-day tour through the Whitsundays. If you have the time and the funds, I’d recommend going for it! I was on a time crunch though, therefore a day cruise was perfect for me. I decided to go with the tour company Cruise Whitsundays on their day tour option sailing aboard the Camira after a friend recommended them.
It was awesome!! I highly recommend. The cataraman was the perfect way to explore the Whitsundays. You’re able to relax and tan while you sail around instead of being jammed inside a traditional tour boat. And besides, who doesn’t want to sail on a catamaran?
I did a little research (not much honestly) and it seemed that this option was slightly more expensive than some of the other tour groups, but the fact you got to spend all day sailing on a catamaran instead of cooped up inside a covered boat, was worth that extra cost! This tour costs $160USD/$239AUD.
Synopsis Of Sailing Aboard The Camira
Camira is a nice, purple catamaran that has friendly staff. They pick you up in the morning from the Port of Airlie, take you through the beautiful Whitsunday Islands, then to the famous Whitehaven Beach. There we had an hour to bask in the sun on the pristine white beach. The sand is so fine and powdery as it’s made out of almost pure silica.
If you’re lucky, you may have a whale sighting along the way! There were a few we passed, but they were so far in the distance we didn’t get a great look.
Afterward, you sail towards the hiking point where you get to see the famous view of the Whitsundays that I’m sure you’ve seen online. Let me tell you, pictures cannot do it justice! I sat there just staring at it for such a long time because I couldn’t believe it was so beautiful. Our tour guide told us that each day you see it, it’s unique because the tides move the sand differently each day.
For food, we grabbed McDonald’s (as it was the only thing we could find open that early) for breakfast, but the tour ended up having a light breakfast available of muffins, yogurt, and coffee. Not long after they had warm ham and cheese croissants. After Whitehaven Beach is when you get served lunch and free alcohol (beer, wine, and cider).
You’re given a light lunch. Then after your hike, on the way back to port, they offer afternoon tea which was fresh fruit, cheese, and crackers.
You leave port at 8:30 AM and return at 5:30 PM. So it’s an all-day event! After spending all day in the sun, head back to your place to freshen up and make sure you grab dinner before it gets too late! Then get ready to check out some bars for a fun night out. If you’re too exhausted from drinking in the sun all day, don’t feel bad if you gotta catch some zzz’s back at your room.
After spending 3 days in Airlie Beach, I’m sure you’re bound to find plenty of time to get your drink on!
Day 3: Explore Nearby Beaches – Hydeaway & Dingo Beach
The beaches in Airlie are nice, but they are tucked in the bay. If you want to check out some other beaches, about 40 minutes north through a beautiful drive of fields and mountains, are Hydeaway and Dingo Beach. The two are right next to each other. If you go left, you’ll arrive at Hydeaway Beach, and at the very end of the road is a viewpoint at the top. It has an amazing view of the coastline there.
Head back south 7 minutes drive to Dingo Beach. There you’ll find a park area with a playground, a pavilion, and some park benches and tables if you want to have somewhere to eat. There is also an enclosed area with a screened fence in the water that keeps out all the deadly animals so you can actually take a swim in the water and feel safe.
Afterward, I’d recommend heading back to Airlie and catching the sunset at Sorrento’s. They have a happy hour on drinks and the most stunning view for a sunset overlooking the marina. If not this night, just make sure you catch it one of your 3 days in Airlie Beach. You won’t be disappointed!
Here Are Some Of The Basics:
Where To Stay
I wanted to opt for a hotel, as I was not trying to stay in a hostel for the 3 days in Airlie Beach for my birthday. But also stay on a budget, because I’m still a traveling backpacker. I ultimately decided to stay at Sebel Whitsundays. It was a great place to stay!
The room prices were affordable at $133USD/$199AUD a night. The hotel is right across from the Port of Airlie and a short walk away from the main strip of bars, restaurants, and beaches. The room was very nice and spacious.
They are set up like apartments, so you have a bedroom, a bathroom with a spa bathtub, a small kitchen area, a living room, and a balcony.
The best part was the balcony! Our room was on the 6th floor, so we had an amazing view overlooking the marina where we were able to catch a beautiful sunrise.
Other Excellent Options
Keep in mind that Airlie Beach is not very large and it’s a very popular destination for holidays on the east coast. I recommend booking your accommodation in advance because it’s known for selling out.
For those with a bigger budget, I’d highly suggest staying at the Airlie Beach Hotel or the Coral Sea Resort as those are both directly overlooking the ocean and in prime locations. Very prime options if you’re lookin for an awesome stay.
If your budget is smaller and/or you’re traveling alone, I’d recommend staying at Airlie Beach Backpackers by the Bay. I stayed here for a few week as a solo traveler and it was amazing. Great place with family vibes, everyone here hung out together and it’s in a great walking distance to the main bits.
Where To Eat In Airlie Beach
- The Deck
This place is right across from the main beach and has really yummy food. I went here twice! The first time I had a southern fried chicken burger with garlic aioli for lunch and then for breakfast a different day I had their bacon eggs benedict. I never ate their pizza but I did read a review online that they have really good pizza. This is the place that closes at 7:30pm though, so if you want to check it out, make sure you get there early! They also had a happy hour deal during 3-5pm I believe, with free beer or wine with the purchase of a pizza, as well as 10$ cocktails.
- Fish D’Vine
This place has really great seafood and cocktails from their Rum Bar. We had some of their yummy garlic bread, I had the mornay oysters, and a coral trouth over corn and zucchini fritters. Everything was delicious. They are known for their big crab dishes, but they are a two-person meal, and since my partner doesn’t eat seafood, I didn’t get to try it! So if you are a seafood lover, try it for me and let me know how it is!!
- Sorrentos
This place not only has an incredible view of the ocean, marina, and sunset, but it also has reallllyy good food! We had a pizza and pasta that was to die for. Get there between 3-4 and you can get their 2-4-1 pizzas. Happy hour is 3-5 pm with 4$ draft beers, 5$ spirits. If you call ahead, you can have them reserve you a table on the terrace. Otherwise, try to get there a little early to snag a spot for sunset.
- Spicy Thai
This is a great spot for takeaway that’s right next to the Blue Horizons Resort and Airlie Beach Backpackers By The Bay if you’re too lazy to go out and grab something.
- Sidewalk Cafe
We had their breakfast burrito, which was insanely delicious, and some great coffee! This was a perfect option for takeaway on our way to the waterfall.
Two other places I really wanted to eat at but didn’t have the time:
- La Marina – an Italian restaurant in the Port of Airlie
- Paradiso – right along the main beach. It has a second story rooftop area and super cute decor. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays though! A perfect spot for a meal and cocktails.
Where To Drink In Airlie Beach
- The Pub
This place was really nice and when we arrived it was on and poppin’ with live music on a Saturday Night.
- KCs
This place had good vibes with live music as well.
- Magnums
A late night drinking bar, it was always packed with people when we walked by.
- Boom Nightclub
Again, a line to get into this place, so you know it’s good!
For Day Drinking In Airlie Beach, Check Out:
This place has a badass view, a nice pool, and a bar and kitchen. Amazing spot to spend the day drinking cocktails. When I was there, they had a DJ, but I’m not sure if it’s common. Definitely make sure to try their passionfruit & guava mojito! And don’t forget to stay for the incredible sunset.
Things To Do In Airlie Beach
There are a variety of things to do! While you may not be able to cover them all, you can definitely still do plenty with your 3 days in Airlie Beach. Make sure you come back another time to do the rest, I know I will!
Ride A Helicopter Over The Whitsundays
This is probably the most epic thing you can do in Airlie Beach. You can see this magnificent wonder from above with the most incredible view you’ll ever see. The Whitsundays are a marvel and there’s no better way to see it than from above. Consider doing this helicopter tour for an incredible price of just $210USD/$313AUD per person. This is the best rate you’ll find!
Go to the Beach
There are a few beaches where you can go to. Just be careful swimming – there are so many deadly things here in Australia’s northeastern waters. Two deadly types of jellyfish, crocodiles, and stingrays. I didn’t see any, but it doesn’t mean they aren’t there! Beware.
Shopping
There are a few shops here. I didn’t see anything too worthwhile, mainly things were touristy. But I also didn’t look too closely, and besides, we may have different tastes!
Whitsundays Tour
This is by far the main attraction. I don’t see a point in coming to Airlie Beach if you’re not going to go to the Whitsundays! There are a few different tour companies you can go with, and also do either a single day or a multi-day tour. We opted for the day cruise with Cruise Whitsundays – Camira, as recommended by a friend. This is the one I highly recommend.
Great Barrier Reef
You can do a tour of the Great Barrier Reef to do snorkeling and diving. We chose not to do it here because I did it up in Cairns where it’s supposed to be a better location for it. But if you have the funds and the time to do it, why not!
This is the option for a 2 day 1 night adventure where you can sleep on the boat. This is a great option for you if you have a few days here. You can book this here.
For those of you who are short on time, you an opt for a 1 day experience out on the reef. You can book that tour here.
Kayaking
You can do kayaking here as well. This company, Salty Dog Sea Kayaking, offers half-day, full-day, and 6-day expedition guided tours. You can also rent it out on your own if you prefer not to do a guided tour.
Checkout Nearby Beaches
Hydeaway Beach and Dingo Beach are right next to each other, about 40 minutes north of Airlie by car. On the way, you will drive through lots of gorgeous fields and mountains stretching out as far as you can see. The road to the beaches looks a little sketch and far out, but trust me, the beaches at the end are gorgeous!
Hydeaway offers a beautiful viewpoint if you drive to the end. When we went, it was low tide so we were able to play around in the water there. It was very quiet and we saw hardly anyone there!
Just south of Hydeaway Beach is Dingo Beach. It has a nice park area with a kid’s playground, a pavilion, and picnic tables. The cool part is, there’s a fenced-in enclosure so that you are able to really swim in the water without any of the deadly creatures creepin in on ya! Definitely worth checking out.
Cape Hillsborough
This area is well known for kangaroos on the beach at sunrise. It’s a two hour drive from Airlie Beach. If you have time to add this onto your trip or you are heading north, I highly recommend it! Be sure to arrive before sunrise (we camped nearby) so you can play with the kangaroos as the sky paints pretty colors.
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Cedar Creek Falls
This waterfall is only a short 30-minute drive south of Airlie Beach. Depending on how you are getting to Airlie, you can easily do a short trip during the day or hitting it on your way in or out of Airlie. I was under the impression you had to hike to the fall, but you literally drive right up to it.
Once you park, you get out and walk to it within 1 minute. It’s not rainy season, so the waterfall wasn’t that powerful or impressive, but it was still a gorgeous, relaxing spot. Normally it is packed with people swimming in the cool, clearwater during the warmer busier months. It was quite cold for me so I didn’t get in. I’m still not used to it being winter in July here.
And There You Have It! The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary For Airlie Beach
My short and sweet guide to spending 3 days in Airlie Beach. It really is a lovely, beautiful marina town. I’ve been here twice now and cannot wait to go back. It’s such a small, vibrant little community with so much to do. I loved my time there and I hope you love it too!
Save or bookmark this for your getaway trip to the beautiful Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Islands!♥
xx, christine
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