Dial up the romance with this couple's guide to Airlie Beach

Love might be all you need, but a tropical getaway certainly doesn’t hurt. In fact, we’d wager that there are few places more romantic than Tropical North Queensland destination Airlie Beach, a place that offers its guests as much to do on land as it does out on the water. A gateway to the idyllic cluster of Whitsundays Islands, Airlie is also host to its own array of adventures, making it the perfect place to visit with your significant other in tow.

Not only is there plenty to see here, but it’s easy to reach too - Airlie sits an hour and a half flight from Brisbane, accessible by a short bus trip or taxi from the nearby Whitsunday Coast Airport. Or if you’re craving a road trip from the Queensland capital, it’s a 13 hour drive up the coastline.

While Airlie Beach can often be overlooked in favour of the surrounding islands, it’s palm fringed beaches, lush waterfalls and vibrant food scene make it worthy of your attention for a stand-alone holiday. But ahead of your trip, every couple should know about these romantic things to do in Airlie Beach.

Eat

Airlie’s dining scene is on the rise, from beachside bites to tasty seafood feasts. Don’t expect white tablecloth fine dining here, instead, the jewel in the crown of this tropical destination is the local produce. Carnivores will want to make way to steakhouse KC’s Bar and Grill, while seafood lovers should head to make way for Fish D’vine. It’s not just fruits of the sea you’ll find here either, but an adjoining rum bar with quite the reputation for its mojitos.

But with romance on your mind you may be craving something extra special and who can blame you – pair your meal with a side of stunning views at specialty food and wine bar The Belvedere at Toscana, with sweeping views over the town of Airlie Beach (and beyond). Or nestle poolside at The Rocks at the Coral Sea Resort, where you can indulge in some award-winning al fresco dining brimming with fresh seafood - nibble on daily shucked oysters, truffle fries, and lobster pasta.

Nurse your hangover the next day at the Fat Frog Beach Cafe, a local institution which serves up Campos coffee alongside brunch favourites right on the beachfront.

Drink

With a reputation for its nightlife it’s no surprise that Airlie Beach’s drinking dens are only growing in population. But they have expanded their horizons from backpacker-favouring establishments to sophisticated watering holes making them one of the best romantic things to do in Airlie Beach.

Creative cocktails are the specialty of waterfront Paradiso Restaurant and Pavilion, which boasts a rooftop bar for celebrating a special occasion, and a menu laden with woodfired pizzas and bar snacks. Equally upmarket is The Garden Bar, found within the Coral Sea Marina Resort. This is the place to be for a sunset beer or afternoon cocktail, while you watch the yachts pass by.

Casual places to grab a cold one are just as plentiful around here. The Pub at the Airlie Beach Hotel is a non-negotiable while you’re in this neck of the woods, especially if you’re a fan of an ice-cold beer on a hot day. Just as fluent in beer is Ballistic Whitsundays, a 1000-litre craft brewery and taphouse in neighbouring Cannonvale that is home to the likes of the tropical-inspired (and nationally award-winning) Hawaiian Haze brew. And not forgetting the beer-friendly Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill, a beachfront pub combining casual dining and live music right on the sand.

Play

Airlie Beach is a mecca for the outdoors enthusiast, with its natural wonders as numerous as its ways to explore them. This Whitsundays region resident sits within easy reach of a handful of eye-catching experiences that belong among the most romantic things to do in Airlie Beach and are best enjoyed via a crew of experienced operators. Pay a visit to a duo of local icons with Red Cat Adventures’ tour to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, or go for a romantic sunset sail courtesy of Sundowner Cruises or Whitsunday Sailing, which make the most of the district’s famously protected (and crystal clear) waters.

If less leisure, more adventure is what you and your beloved crave, join Salty Dog Sea Kayaking for a paddle-based cruise along the coastline, or kick things up a gear (quite literally) with Whitsundays Jetski Tours. Of course, there’s plenty to do on land too - especially for daring lovebirds. Bike and Hike Whitsundays will take you on an adrenaline-pumping tour aboard electric mountain bikes.

But you don’t need a designated tour at all to appreciate the resident wonders - keep an eye out for Conway National Park, host to Cedar Creek Falls and a maze of walking trails. Or utilise Airlie Beach’s coastline, and enjoy a dip at the likes of Boathaven Beach, Cannonvale Beach, or the Airlie Beach Lagoon.

Stay 

Airlie Beach accommodation isn’t lacking, with a variety of different options to suit varying budgets and group sizes. Set amongst palm trees, perched right on the waterfront is Coral Sea Resort. Unwind with ocean views from a hammock on your balcony, sip bubbles by the pool, or dial up the romance with a starlight soak in your private, outdoor spa. Cap it all off with a meal and cocktails at onsite restaurant The Rocks, and The Garden Bar.

Then there’s the boutique-style Heart Hotel and Gallery, an Airlie Beach accommodation option dreamt up by leading North Queensland architects Hunt Design. Picture 40 rooms with high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, palm trees, and Italian marble finishes. Or check into Freedom Shores Resort, a quirky retreat with unique boat bungalows out front, nudging the hotel’s own private beach.

But if you’re eager to impress, Airlie Beach can cater to that too. Splurge with a stay at Pinnacles,  a cluster of luxury self-contained one, two, and three bedroom apartments with jacuzzis, pool access, and show-stopping views of the beach and surrounding islands below. Stylish self-contained spaces are also the specialty of Mirage Whitsundays, which offers multi-room apartments alongside two-storey villas, and three-storey townhouses, plus penthouses - all boasting kitchens, and ample space if you’re travelling with multiple couples.