Find your Whitsundays home-base with this Airlie Beach accommodation guide

A Whitsunday hotspot that has it all, put you bags down at Coral Sea Resort and you might have trouble leaving to explore the region.

It’s not just the luxuriously appointed suites that lure travellers to this 4-star Airlie Beach resort, but the opportunity to stay and play among great hospitality – with a pool and entertaining space that creates perhaps the most beautiful front yard on earth.

Swing about in a hammock (or hire a cabana for the day) with no agenda other than what to order next from The Rocks – the signature poolside restaurant and bar.

Venturing out is a breeze though, as Coral Sea Resort is nestled on the headland between the marina, providing easy access to the extraordinary adventures awaiting on the water, and the town of Airlie Beach, with its eclectic mix of boutiques, dining and beachfront. Just be sure to come back and wind down for the daily 4pm cocktail happy hour. 

The Boathouse Apartments

Check into family-owned The Boathouse Apartments and you'll be on the doorstep of everything Airlie Beach has to offer. Located right beside the Port of Airlie Marina (where Cruise Whitsundays takes off to the islands), the fully equipped apartments are complete with spacious balconies to make the most of your water view come sunset.

Your apartment has a kitchen, but when you're steps away from all the best restaurants on Shute Harbour Road, like local favourite Fish D'vine, you might not do much cooking. 

Freedom Shores Resort

Ever wanted to sleep on a boat, without the hassle - or worrying about seasickness? If you’re looking for unique Airlie Beach accommodation, Freedom Shores Resort is it.

Here, you’ll get to enjoy spectacular ocean views from your boat bungalow, nestled into the hillside at Woodwark – about 15 minutes outside Airlie Beach.

Its nautical inspiration sprung when the owners acquired some old jetty poles from Shute Harbour, leading to a resort built around reclaimed boats. But look closely and you’ll appreciate the finer details that make Freedom Shores truly one-of-a-kind, like a part of General MacArthur’s WWII fleet at the resort’s entrance, or palm trees that were planted here after starring as Pirates of the Caribbean props.

You won’t have to wander far for a bite and a brew either, with famous Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill just steps away from your boat.

Pinnacles Resort

Escape where the blue sky meets the blue water. The rooms at Pinnacles Resort self-contained apartments are designed to make the most of the panoramic views over the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands. Soak up the scene from the comfort of your private balcony jacuzzi or Pinnacles’ 20m wet-edge resort pool.

Not just a resort for newlyweds, this is a place to get wed. The Pinnacle penthouse balcony is 90 square metres in size, so there’s room to fit the whole bridal party in for photos.

Looking for Whitsundays wedding venues? Check out these locations.

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

Taking a family holiday to The Whitsundays? Forget kids clubs or searching for activities: BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort is a boredom-busting paradise, with a 13-slide water park, endless activities, and 26 acres of botanic-like gardens for little legs to explore.

From camping and caravan sites where you BYO set-up, to three-bedroom cabins where the grandparents can stay too, BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort has accommodation for every family - no wonder it's the most awarded holiday park in the region.

Martinique Whitsundays

If you’re someone who chooses accommodation based on the views from the infinity pool, make Martinique your base in Airlie Beach. With French-Caribbean inspired surrounds and some of the best Coral Sea views of any Airlie Beach accommodation, you might want to take an extra few days’ leave purely to clock up pool time.

The open-plan, breezy self-contained apartments and penthouses feel like a home away from home, and you’re easy strolling distance to all the cafes, restaurants and nightlife that Airlie Beach offers.

Magnums Backpackers, Airlie Beach

In search of a tropical oasis on a backpacker’s budget? Welcome to Magnums.

Smack bang in the middle of Airlie’s main street, you’ll find air-conditioned dorm rooms, twins and doubles here, along with ensuite cabins. 

More than just a bed, bar and free-wifi, you’ll have access to Magnum’s shared kitchens, BBQ area, laundry and luggage storage, which makes this a perfect stopover to reset on your east-coast adventure. There’s an onsite tour desk to book activities, like an overnight Whitsundays sailing adventure.

Airlie Beach Lagoon and the Port of Airlie are only a short walk away for any day trips and activities, while you can easily wander to the weekly markets (held Saturdays), bars and restaurants.

Read up with this backpacker guide to The Whitsundays.

Mirage Whitsundays

Set on the pristine waterfront at Cannonvale, Mirage Whitsundays offers some of the most lavish Airlie Beach accommodation.

With all the convenience of contemporary living, travellers can choose from one, two and three bedroom apartments, two storey villas, three storey townhouses and four bedroom penthouses – all with uninterrupted Coral Sea views. When you’re not out exploring or soaking up the views from your private balcony, you can be soaking in one of the two sprawling lagoon pools or outdoor spa, relaxing into a day spa treatment, or raising a glass at the restaurant – with water views too, of course.

Mirage feels like a serene, secluded oasis – yet it’s just a 5 minute drive from the centre of Airlie Beach. Better yet, stretch your legs and walk into town along the foreshore pathway that winds along the water’s edge. 

Horseshoe Bay Resort, Bowen

Today, finding a caravan park that’s within towel-whippin’ distance of the sand is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Unless you get lucky at Horseshoe Bay Resort and Caravan Park.

Here, the bush quite literally meets the beach. It’s got access to Bowen's Horseshoe Bay Beach, which was voted one of the top 20 beaches in Australia. Cape Edgecumbe walking track (2.6km one way) winds its way right past the property and happens to be one of Bowen’s best short walks.

It’s not all caravanning or camping either. If you prefer solid foundations, the idyllic pastel beach huts can sleep up to six people.

Airlie Beach Eco Cabins

Take in the adventure of The Whitsundays by day, then slip away to the peace of your own retreat at Airlie Beach Eco Cabins. It’s just a 10 minute drive to Airlie Beach.

Here, you’ll swap backpackers for marsupials, and bustle for a slice of tranquility. This sub-tropical bush sanctuary is home to wallabies, possums and bandicoots, and plenty of native birds too.

Cabins and two bedroom apartments are nestled in nature, each uniquely designed, air conditions and equipped for self-catering – each with its own campfire. Much more than just a bed for the night, it’s an experience in itself.

Now your Airlie Beach accommodation is sorted, it's time to plan what to do. Get started with this local advice and our guide to the best day trips from Airlie Beach.