The Airlie Beach local's guide
Guide
By Chelsea Tromans
Airlie Beach may be best known as the starting point for a Whitsundays holiday, but skipping through this seaside town on your way to the islands would be a missed opportunity.
There’s a reason so many visitors come to Airlie Beach and find themselves never leaving. The idyllic tropical lifestyle and strong community spirit pulls you in. But while much of the town is geared towards tourists, there are plenty of local hidden gems to discover, too.
To see another side of this destination during your next stay, check out where to eat, drink and play with this Airlie Beach locals guide.
Where to eat and drink in Airlie Beach
Kick-start your day with a visit to Fat Frog Beach Cafe at Cannonvale Beach. This hamlet is where most of Airlie Beach's locals reside, and you’ll find many of them enjoying an early morning breakfast of housemade bircher muesli, banana pancakes or smashed avo here, with a side of ocean views and friendly service. The cafe is dog-friendly so expect to meet a lot of furry friends.
The best coffee in town can be found at Fat Frog Café or Bohemian Raw Cafe – the latter serves fairtrade organic coffee and also does amazing organic smoothie bowls.
Airlie Beach has a homegrown success story in the cold brew world: Mr Bean. They sell coffee concentrate which has been brewed in pure 0.02 micron filtered cold water for over 20 hours – which will make a difference to coffee aficionados. It started as a stall at the Airlie Beach markets and you’ll now find Mr Bean stocked across Australia, but also in many of Airlie Beach’s local cafes.
It doesn’t get much fresher than the seafood delivered from trawler to table at Birds Fish Bar at Bowen Fishermans Seafood Co. The seaside restaurant has been recently refurbished and while you do have to drive just shy of an hour north of Airlie Beach to Bowen to get there, it’s well worth the trip. Whitsundays Seafood Bar on the main drag of Airlie Beach is another great spot to grab takeaway and feast by the water.
Garden Bar Bistro has waterfront views (the sunsets here are spectacular), a relaxed tropical vibe and an Australian street eats-style menu that keeps Airlie locals coming back week after week. A bucket of fresh prawns with a side of craft beer goes down a treat on a Sunday afternoon.
If you want to try somewhere more family-friendly, check out Northerlies. Or, if you're after cocktails, Fish D’Vine is well known for its mojitos.
Keen for more Airlie Beach foodie tips? Head over here to this restaurant guide.
Where to stay in Airlie Beach
Many visitors may make a bee-line to the islands, but Airlie Beach makes a great home base with so much to do right here, and a gateway to so many day trips.
When choosing accommodation, the balcony view, outdoor spa and hammock at Coral Sea Resort or the infinity pool, a private Jacuzzi and sweeping vistas of the Whitsundays at Pinnacles Resort & Spa will get your tick of approval.
Mantra Boathouse has a wonderful marina feel and is also a lot cooler in the summer months as it doesn’t face the western afternoon sun. In addition to your self-contained apartment, you’ll also have access to a swimming pool, tennis court, and children’s playground during your stay.
There are also national park islands you can camp on for less than the price of a movie ticket. Check out these island camping spots if you’re thinking of giving it a go.
For more Airlie Beach accommodation options, head here.
Places to play
With the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef as your backyard, you can jump off into endless adventures in Airlie Beach. Whether it’s boating, fishing, kayaking, SUP or snorkelling, locals love to spend their spare time out on the water.
If it’s too windy to be on the water, head towards Eungella for camping and creek adventures, or to the Bowen Cinema (an old art deco style cinema) for a change of pace.
In the mood for a hike? Some of North Queensland’s best bush walks are just a few kilometres from town in the fringing Conway State Forest. Just behind Airlie Beach, take the winding 850-metre Airlie Creek track up the hill for incredible views out over The Whitsundays. Those wanting a greater challenge can journey along the 8km-return Honeyeater walk through the rainforest.
Trade a day by the sea for one amongst the Whitsunday Coast hinterland. Cedar Creek Falls is a local favourite watering hole for swimming. Less than half an hour from Airlie Beach, the drive there takes you through sugar cane fields to a secluded natural fresh waterhole that’s surrounded by white cedar trees, Alexander palms and wild orchids. If you’re lucky enough to visit after a decent downpour, the waterfalls will be in full force. Pack a picnic, your snorkel (to spot wild turtles in the watering hole) and your hiking shoes to make a day of it. The short bush trail to the top of the waterfalls reveals beautiful views over the area.
Airlie Beach shopping guide
Photo by @travelforbliss
Shopping takes a tropical twist in Airlie Beach. On the main street, find on-trend women's fashion at Court & Spark or flowing boho-chic style made from natural fibres at Airllywood. For homewares - plus clothes and accessories - Paya at Shingley Beach has some cool finds. If you’ve come all this way and forgotten your swimmers (or just need an excuse for a new pair) check out Beachworx for bathers and surf brands.
The Airlie Beach Markets on Saturday mornings have some great local food like Mr Bean for coffee, organic produce and locally made treats.
If you want to pick up a souvenir that really captures your stay in the Whitsundays, visit Above and Below Photography Gallery, which is located at Port Of Airlie. You’ll find marine-inspired jewellery, image printed silk sarongs and gifts, and a range of fine art prints of the area taken by local artist Brooke Miles.
The best beaches in Airlie Beach
While it may be tempting to stay put in Airlie Beach Lagoon, you need only head a short way out of Airlie Beach to find some of north Queensland's prettiest beaches.
The local’s preferred beach is a hidden spot aptly named Hideaway Bay, which is just a 40-minute drive out of town. Up there, you’ll find a stunning two-kilometre stretch of white-sand beach. Nearby there are two resorts, Cape Gloucester Eco Resort and Montes Reef Resort, which both serve up incredible food, live music and tropical atmosphere.
Grays Bay and Horseshoe Bay in Bowen are well worth the drive, while Coral Beach is another must-visit beach. You have to bushwalk to get there (it’s 30 minutes each way), which has meant it’s stayed well off the tourist track. Aptly named, the secluded beach is made up of coral and lies on the edge of a pristine rainforest.
For the best beaches in The Whitsundays, this is the list for you.
Want to explore the area further? Add these unique experiences to your Whitsundays itinerary, plus, for free things to do, check out this Airlie Beach guide.
