Luxury Escapes Guide to Airlie Beach & the Whitsundays
Introducing the world-famous Whitsundays — a place of protected turquoise waters, unforgettable scenery, extensive marine life and natural wonders.
Featured escape
Things to see and do
Enjoy a quick dip in the Airlie Beach Lagoon
Located on the foreshore of Airlie Beach, Airlie Beach Lagoon is the perfect spot for a day of relaxation. Providing an environment that is completely safe from stingers all year round, this patrolled haven was constructed on a raised breakwater, allowing excellent views of the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands. As well as featuring several pools for all ages and fitness levels, this man-made watering hole is surrounded by lush grassy knolls and landscaped gardens, perfect for a spot of sunbathing. Best of all, there is no admission fee.
Get away from it all on the Honeyeater Lookout Trail
Home to some of the most diverse and impressive landscapes in the world, Australia is spoilt for choice when it comes to spectacular hiking destinations. Located just outside the Whitsundays, the tropical refuge of Conway National Park features one of the finest: the Whitsundays Great Walk. If you’re not quite ready for a 30-kilometre hike, tackle just part of the walk with the shorter Honeyeater Lookout Trail. Winding through a magnificent tropical setting and past seasonal creeks, this two-hour return walk will eventually lead you to a lookout offering magnificent views beyond Cannonvale, Dryander National Park and the Whitsunday Islands.
Cool off at Cedar Creek Falls
Located halfway between Airlie Beach and Proserpine, Cedar Creek Falls is a spectacular waterfall set in a natural rock amphitheater. Surrounded by white cedar trees, Alexander palms, wild orchids and dry eucalypt forest, the clear water of the famed rock pool is an easy walk from the carpark. Don’t forget your swimmers! After a refreshing dip, take to the lookout, a 20-minute return, easy-grade track offering incredible waterfall views. You can also venture deep into the ancient Conway National Park to Cedar Creek Falls — on the lookout for unique flora and fauna — on a Rainforest & Waterfalls group tour.
Get up close to the Great Barrier Reef with Cruise Whitsundays
The Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach are regarded as some of the most unique and incredible natural wonders in the world. With Cruise Whitsundays, you can explore the region’s hidden corners, uninhabited sand cays, small islands, exotic sea life and pristine reef systems, all in complete comfort. Accompanied by expert guides on purpose-designed and built expedition ships, you’ll be brought closer to remote sites and natural habitats in the most immersive and educational experience possible.
Go barramundi fishing at Lake Proserpine
There are over 4,000 species of fish in Australia, but the elusive barramundi is the one everyone wants on the end of their line. Cast a line at Lake Proserpine — also known as Peter Faust Dam — from the shore or aboard a boat, any time of day or night (barramundi bite all year round in both fresh and saltwater), and benefit from the recent barra-boom. Everybody has an opinion on the best way to catch barra, so if it’s your first time, join a tour or charter and be shown everything you’ve ever wanted to know.
Take a walk on the wild side with a crocodile safari
When you need a break from the Great Barrier Reef, head inland with a Whitsunday Crocodile Safari — a one-of-a-kind nature experience that will get you up close and personal with native birds, mammals and reptiles. Departing from the Proserpine River, you’ll join professional local guides to explore the region’s marine mangrove ecosystem and discover the unique wildlife and vegetation of the estuaries and wetlands. The best part? The safari will also introduce you to a float of saltwater crocodiles, basking in the sun, swimming, or just plain hanging out. Do not worry, you are in safe hands.
Top places to eat and drink
Grand View Hotel
Craving simple but delicious food in a laid-back setting? A visit to the Grand View Hotel is an absolute must. Situated one block back from the pristine waters of McCanes Bay, this iconic pub has kept a loyal following watered and fed for over 100 years and is one of the region’s premier destinations for relaxed dining. Be sure to arrive hungry, as this old Queenslander still delivers exceptional local cuisine and outstanding service. Pub quiz trivia: the Grand View Hotel has been destroyed twice (by fire and cyclone), and starred as the Aussie Territory Hotel in Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Australia’.
Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill
Set on the shores of a bay in Woodwark, just outside Airlie Beach, Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill is an award-winning restaurant and bar that features seasonal seafood-heavy dishes cooked to perfection in unpretentious style. Find fresh, hand-picked produce plucked direct from the local area on the mouth-watering menu, plus an extensive selection of wines, cocktails and boutique beers on tap. The peaceful views across to Airlie Beach are spectacular.
KC's Bar & Grill
More than just a place to satisfy your growling stomach, KC’s Bar & Grill is a local Whitsundays institution. Nestled on the main drag of Shute Harbour Road, KC’s buzzing atmosphere guarantees a great time – but not at the expense of genuinely good gourmet pub grub. While KC’s is famous for its steaks, tasting plates of chargrilled crocodile, kangaroo, emu and buffalo are perfect if you’re feeling game for a taste of Australia.
Breeze Bar
Breeze Bar on Shute Harbour Road is the perfect spot for Sunday sessions or long lunches that lead into longer dinners. Any time is the right time to visit Breeze — however Happy Hour is probably best (between 3pm and 6pm). With a fun-loving vibe, cheery staff, a classic Australian menu and Airlie Beach’s finest martinis, Breeze Bar is a seriously energetic spot to start or finish a night – your choice.
Fat Frog Beach Café
If you like your breakfast with a side of uninterrupted water views and delicious coffee, your destination of choice should be Fat Frog Beach Café. Spacious and sun-drenched, this eclectic café is a friendly favourite among the locals — and their pooches. Serving great-value homemade dishes, ready-to-go options, fanciful slices, tarts, cupcakes and pastries, this dog-friendly spot truly offers something for everyone.
Bird’s Fish Bar
With over 30 years on the board, Bird’s Fish Bar certainly knows how to put together a fish and chip pack. Located on Bowen Marina, with great access to the finest, freshest and most environmentally conscious protein in Bowen, it goes without saying you’ll find plenty of it here. Expect all the usuals — including coral trout, Spanish mackerel, barramundi, bugs, tiger prawns and mud crab — as well as freshly made salads and potato cakes to throw on the side. Take away or choose to watch the boats in the marina from the recently renovated outdoor eating area.
Anchor Bar
Introducing the worst-kept secret in Airlie Beach: Anchor Bar. Set on a sprawling alfresco patio, this poolside bar personally helped bring ‘cool’ back to this village town’s after-dark scene. Boasting renowned DJs, delicious cocktails, an all-star menu of classics, and spectacular views of the bay and surrounding islands, this small-yet-busy bar oozes tropical holiday vibes synonymous with that enviable Whitsundays lifestyle.
Sorrento Restaurant & Bar
Perched atop the Coral Sea Marina, with sweeping views across the palm-fringed waters, Sorrento Restaurant & Bar is best known for its delectable cuisine and great local hospitality. Its downstairs bar offers live acoustic music and pub classics, while the restaurant upstairs prides itself on a full-service dining experience and Italian classics with a Queensland twist. Then there’s that view from the newly renovated Ocean View Deck — one of the best in the entire Whitsundays.
Lux moments
Head for the skies aboard a seaplane
Enjoy a panoramic perspective of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park from both the air and ocean with GSL Aviation. These comfortable seaplanes or helicopters depart daily to explore World Heritage-listed expanses, including the perfectly shaped Heart Reef. Ideal for all ages and fitness levels, this experience lets you travel in style with dedicated pilots and staff at your service. Other tours include a Fly and Cruise, Fly and Sunset Sail, Fly and Jetski.
#GoBareboating
The clear, protected waters of the Whitsunday Islands lend themselves to some of the best sailing in the Southern Hemisphere. Why not charter your own private yacht and let the landscape wash over you in the ultimate adventure of relaxation? Sail your dream with #GoBareboating and choose to be your own captain, leave it to a skilled skipper, see more by catamaran or get closer to nature with an Aqualodge floating villa.
Hike, snorkel and take in Whitehaven Beach all in one day
Visit the ‘Wild Side’ of the Whitsundays on a custom-built, semi-rigid, inflatable rafting vessel. Travelling at 65km/hr, this exhilarating ride will take you to world-famous Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and Lookout, before spending time at some of North Queensland’s most pristine snorkelling reefs. You will also be guided on a memorable experience through the Whitsunday Island National Park and around some of its uninhabited islands — where flocks of marine, bird and animal life freely frolic.
See the Whitsundays from 15,000ft
Experience the ultimate adrenalin rush skydiving from Airlie Beach. After a safety briefing and short scenic flight to altitude, prepare to jump from up to 15,000 feet and revel in the thrill of freefall at over 220 km/hr for up to 60 seconds. Anyone brave enough to take the literal leap of faith will be rewarded with spectacular views of Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands for up to 5 minutes under canopy, before returning to base. It doesn’t get any more exciting.
Zoom around the Whitsunday waters
Is there a better way to explore the beautiful bays of Airlie Beach and World Heritage-listed Whitsunday Island Marine Park than on the latest model jet ski? No longer just for adrenalin junkies, a jet-ski tour is the perfect mix of adrenalin and eco adventure. Better still, it is suitable for all ages as no licence or experience is necessary. Tours operate daily, and sea turtles and other marine life are often encountered when exploring the pristine waterways. Informative commentary provided by qualified guides and riding apparel is also included.
Tailor your escape to Airlie Beach & the Whitsundays
Immerse yourself in Airlie Beach & the Whitsundays with Luxury Escapes’ hand-picked Experiences. We’ve curated a selection of cultural activities, adrenaline thrills, food adventures and luxury add-ons to help you discover your destination. These Experiences are bookable when you purchase your next escape. Simply select your travel dates and number of travellers for any package, and opt to tailor your escape by selecting the available Experiences.