Explore The Whitsundays with these day trips from Airlie Beach

From backpacker capital to luxurious hideaways, coastal-haven Airlie Beach is the best mainland base to jump off into The Whitsundays. There’s plenty to experience right here in town, and you’ll be sure to find a spot to rest your head that suits your budget.

Whether you want to see The Whitsundays from above, on or under the water – or explore the wild, greener side to the region – you can do so with these day trips from Airlie Beach.

Dive beneath to witness the magic of the Reef

The Whitsundays might be known for its jewel-like islands, but it sparkles beneath the surface too. A far as day trips from Airlie Beach go, nothing can compare to a Great Barrier Reef excursion.

There’s plenty of ways to access the reef. Cruise Whitsundays will take you by scenic cruise from Airlie Beach to a floating pontoon at Hardy Reef where you can spend the day swimming, snorkelling, diving and exploring the 1400 coral species and tropical fish found on the reef. The pontoon is a great alternative from those whose sea legs aren’t up to a whole day on a boat, and there’s even an underwater observatory. For a unique experience, visitors can also book a night's stay in the underwater suites or top-deck reef accommodation. 

Take the plunge with Explore Group to choose from a number of reef snorkelling and island adventures, departing from either Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island. Or do it all with GSL Aviation, where you can get a bird's eye view of the reef from seaplane, snorkel, swim and cruise in one huge day adventure.

Here are more ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef in The Whitsundays. 

Make your way to Queensland’s most famous beach

One of the world’s best beaches is just a stone’s throw away, so get ready to sink your toes into its silica white sand.

Day trips from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach come extravagant and casual, so choose your preferred adventure and you’ll soon be front and centre to Hill Inlet’s kaleidoscope of colour, or feeling the tropical waters against your skin as you dive in.

Experience the wild side of the Whitsundays with Ocean Rafting’s day trip that includes an exhilarating ride to Whitehaven Beach, hiking in Whitsunday Island National Park and snorkelling on the reef.

Red Cat Adventures operates one of The Whitsunday’s fastest catamarans, so you can experience more in one action-packed day. But for laid-back luxury, Lady Enid Sailing offers a relaxed day exploring the sights where you can sit back in the sunshine, or get involved and hoist the sails. Leave your footprints on the sand with Camira Sailing Adventure, or soar above it all on a seaplane tour.

Want to do something totally unique? Journey to the Heart is an unforgettable day trip via helicopter to an exclusive pontoon beside Heart Reef .

Set sail on an incredible adventure

With the world’s best tour operators on your doorstop, visiting the awe-inspiring Whitsunday Islands can be done in easy day trips from Airlie Beach.

The serene, protected waterways makes The Whitsundays one of the best sailing spots in the southern hemisphere – even if you only have a day. It’s as peaceful as it is action-packed, whether you choose to explore the 74 islands on a private charter with Whitsunday Paradise Explorer or Whitsundays Escape; or even by kayak.

Have more than a day trip from Airlie Beach up your sleeve? Consider setting sail on a bareboating adventure, or joining the Ozsail crew for an overnight sail/camping trip. 

If you’ve got the kids in tow but you’re short on time, you can even escape for the day to family-friendly paradises of Daydream Island and Hamilton Island with Cruise Whitsundays. Once you arrive from Port Airlie, explore Daydream Island at your leisure, witness the Living Reef in action with a live fish feeding, learn about marine life in the Living Reef Centre and soak up ocean views from the huge pool area. Set sail to Hamilton Island and you’ll get to meet kangaroos and koalas at WILD LIFE, try kayaking, snorkelling or quad biking, with plenty of pool time before the return cruise to Airlie Beach.  

See a new side of the region

Have a free day? Spend it exploring the best that Airlie Beach has to offer.

There’s so many free activities that will take you from secret beaches to adventures on the reef and in national parks, but these tours will give you a new perspective on this bustling beach town. Weave through islands with Whitsunday Jetski tours, go higher and get your heart racing with a skydive view, or take a trip on the wild side and explore estuaries on a crocodile safari.

Find a beach for yourself

Whitehaven might take the glory, but there are a handful of secret beaches in The Whitsundays that could easily steal the crown. And you don’t need a private plane or boat charter to get there.

Head a little north of Airlie Beach to Bowen and you’ll find eight beaches surrounding the town, including Horseshoe Bay, one of the most spectacular spots to spend a day at the beach. Don’t forget to pack your snorkel and mask – there are a number of fringing reefs just offshore to explore.

There’s plenty more to keep you occupied in Bowen too. Visit the Big Mango and the Bowen Historical Society’s museum; head to Flagstaff Hill for 360 degree views of the town and surrounding islands, and look out for whales breaching in the winter. Grab a fresh-off-the-trawler lunch from the seafood co-op, then walk the Cape Edgecumbe Trail or relax at the foreshore waterpark. 

Take the scenic route

In Queensland, you can escape the crowds anywhere; even in the middle of paradise.

If you want your choice of secluded coves, jump in the car and head to the locals’ favourite, Cape Gloucester, for the day. There’s nothing but stunning views of the Coral Sea, sandy beaches and postcard-perfect palm trees. 

Get off the beaten track at the quiet townships of Hydeaway Bay and Dingo Beach. Unwinding is easy here, so spend your day beachcombing, fishing, or explore the bays by kayak or stand-up paddle board.

Before you head back to Airlie Beach, grab a drink or bite to eat at the beachfront bar at Cape Gloucester Resort.

Keep your camera handy if you time your visit over winter: you’re bound to see humpback whales on their annual migration.

Discover a waterfall hidden deep in the rainforest

Nestled in a natural rock amphitheatre, halfway between Proserpine and Airlie Beach, is one of the most serene swimming holes you’ll ever find.

Cedar Creek Falls is a favourite with locals and visitors, and you’ll see why before you even dip your big toe in the water. It’s an easy walk from the carpark, but you’ll want good walking shoes as it’s slippery after rainfall. Float in the clear waters, surrounded by white cedar trees, palms and orchids.

You can make your way here by car, or visit as part of a day tour with Red Cat Adventures. There’s plenty more to see in Conway National Park too, from beginners walks to the three day adventure of Conway Circuit. 

Keen to book that trip? Discover more local secrets and where to dine while you're in Airlie Beach.