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Before you go
Your trip to Airlie Beach.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Airlie Beach – Queensland Destination Whitsundays about 1120 km from Brisbane
How to get there
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Aeroporto Whitsunday Coast (PPP) Proserpine · 39 km
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Coral Sea Marina 1 km
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Port of Airlie 1 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
Whitsunday Coast Airport, in Proserpine, is about 39 km away, with shuttle buses to the village. Queensland coastal regional buses stop in Airlie Beach. By road, via the Bruce Highway, Airlie is a little over 1,100 km from Brisbane.
How many days
Three days: one for Whitehaven and Hill Inlet, one for the outer reefs or a scenic flight, and half a day for the lagoon and the village. With more time, a two- or three-day sailing trip through the islands.
When to go
From May to October, with drier weather and generally calmer seas for boats. From June to September humpback whales commonly pass through the region. In summer, from December to February, it is hot, humid and rainier.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. The village is walkable, and tours pick up travelers at accommodations or depart from the marinas, a few minutes from the center.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Airlie Beach
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All day
Whitehaven and Hill Inlet
Leave early from the marina on a full-day trip to Whitsunday Island, with a climb to the Hill Inlet lookout, time on Whitehaven Beach and a snorkeling stop.
2 days in Airlie Beach
Day 2
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Morning
Flight over Heart Reef
Take a scenic airplane or helicopter flight over Heart Reef, Hardy Reef and the islands. Many flights also pass over Whitehaven.
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Afternoon
Lagoon and waterfront
Return to swim in the Airlie Beach lagoon and walk along the waterfront to the marinas in the late afternoon.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in the sea at Airlie Beach?
The village has a public lagoon with lifeguards on the waterfront, open year-round. Some nearby beaches have stinger nets in the warm season.
How to get from Proserpine Airport to Airlie Beach?
Whitsunday Coast Airport is about 39 km away. There are shuttle buses timed to flights, taxis and rental cars.
Is the boat trip or the scenic flight better?
The boat takes you to Whitehaven and Hill Inlet with beach time and snorkeling. The flight is the only way to see Heart Reef. Many travelers do both on different days or in combined packages.
Where do the boats depart in Airlie Beach?
From the village’s two marinas, Coral Sea Marina and Port of Airlie, a few minutes from the center. Some tours depart from Shute Harbour, about 10 km away.