How to spend an unforgettable 48 hours in Airlie Beach
Itinerary
By Danielle Reckless
48 hours can feel like a flash-in-the-pan getaway – which is why you need a destination that really lets you soak up the most in a short escape. Enter Airlie Beach, the mainland jewel of the sparkling Whitsundays region. Here, you can fine-dine and feast on local catch, chase the sun or chase a spa day, clock up beach time, explore tropical islands and snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef – all in one glorious weekend.
Ready to get a taste of paradise? Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Airlie Beach.
Day 1
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Photo by @levilooke
Arrive and dive head-first into the action.
The best way to kick off your 48 hours in Airlie Beach is to get out on the water, and a tall ship sailing experience across the Whitsunday Passage on board Providence V is as good as it gets. Catch the breeze and set sail as the sun sets over the horizon, glass of bubbles in hand. There’s nibbles to keep your hunger at bay before you dock back at Coral Sea Marina at 7pm.
From here, continue getting acquainted with Airlie Beach’s flavours and take your pick of local-favourite restaurants and bars. Then, settle into your accommodation - there’s so much to choose from, whether you want a trendy backpacker hostel, self-contained apartment or hotel complete with infinity pool and wellness spa.
Day 2
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Photo by @_markfitz
Say good morning to paradise as you wake up to box office views of the palm-fringed beach and bustling waterfront.
Grab breakfast with the locals at Cannovale Beach’s Fat Frog Café, or stop in for a coffee in the heart of town at Three Little Birds. Then it’s time to hit the road to Cape Gloucester and discover some lesser-known gems on the mainland. Less than an hour into the scenic drive is Hydeaway Bay’s Montes Reef Resort. Home to a cluster of eight beachfront cabins and a rustic restaurant, it’s back to bare basics here – all you need is the pristine views, high ball beachside cocktails and bucket loads of sunshine. The more adventurous can jump on a jetski and go for a spin, head out on SUP, or strap on a snorkel for some turtle spotting. Or, simply roll out the beach towel and relax.
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Keen to continue off the beaten track? Head further north to Bowen, where you can call in on the famous Big Mango, take a dip at another secret beach, then go for a snorkel at Horseshoe Bay to discover the intertidal sculpture Bwya, soft and hard coral, giant clams and vibrant tropical fish. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, make your way to Bird’s Fish Bar for a smorgasbord of local seafood, before returning to Airlie Beach.
If you’re ready for another night on the town, instead make tracks to Fish D’vine, a seafood–come-rum bar in the main street that’s touted as home of the world’s best mojito. It’s only fair to sample a few and find out for yourself.
Day 3
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It’s the final countdown on your 48 hours in Airlie Beach, which gives you just enough time to explore the islands and Great Barrier Reef. How to do it? That’s up to you.
Get on the Whitsundays’ wild side with Ocean Rafting, an exhilarating fast-boat that introduces you to the region’s biggest sights in a half-day tour. Sink your toes into the sands of Whitehaven Beach, hike through the national park for views over Hill Inlet, and snorkel pristine reef in the hidden coves of Hook Island and Border Island. Different tours offer more snorkelling time or more beach time, so sign up for the one that suits you best.
Prefer a rock star’s guide to the reef? Hop on a half-day adventure with Air Whitsunday Seaplanes. Soar above the islands with a panoramic perspective of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, including iconic Heart Reef, then touch down at stunning Whitehaven Beach for a swim and Long Island to snorkel in a secluded coral lagoon. There’s nothing quite like it.
Back in town, it’s time to head to the airport – but we’ll see you soon. There’s so much more to experience in the gateway to The Whitsundays.
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