Michelle’s guidebook
Neighbourhoods
We are located on Shute Harbour Road, Airlie's main street. Shute Harbour Road, is a vibrant strip of shops, bars and restaurants that are all walking distance from the apartment. Nothing is too far away, and the street exudes a laid-back holiday vibe. Parallel to Shute Harbour Road is the Airlie lagoon and foreshore. Our apartment sits between the convenience of the main street and the waterfront.
Shute Harbour Road
Shute Harbour RoadWe are located on Shute Harbour Road, Airlie's main street. Shute Harbour Road, is a vibrant strip of shops, bars and restaurants that are all walking distance from the apartment. Nothing is too far away, and the street exudes a laid-back holiday vibe. Parallel to Shute Harbour Road is the Airlie lagoon and foreshore. Our apartment sits between the convenience of the main street and the waterfront.
Sightseeing
Cedar Creek Falls is a must see destination when visiting the Whitsundays. During the wet season or after a serious tropical downpour, you can experience the spectacular cascades and enjoy a refreshing swim. This is a safe fresh water swimming spot and it's only a short drive from Airlie (about 25 minutes) between Airlie and Proserpine.
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Cedar Creek Falls
Cedar Creek Falls is a must see destination when visiting the Whitsundays. During the wet season or after a serious tropical downpour, you can experience the spectacular cascades and enjoy a refreshing swim. This is a safe fresh water swimming spot and it's only a short drive from Airlie (about 25 minutes) between Airlie and Proserpine.
Whitehaven Beach is located on Whitsunday Island, the largest island in the Whitsundays. It's 7kms of gorgeous white sand and turquoise colured water. The sand is about 98% silica, which gives the beach it's snowy white appearance. It's a popular spot for day trips with many operators offering full and half day packages to the island. There's a great walk on the island that takes you to a viewing platform, offering a great vantage point of the island and beach.
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Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach is located on Whitsunday Island, the largest island in the Whitsundays. It's 7kms of gorgeous white sand and turquoise colured water. The sand is about 98% silica, which gives the beach it's snowy white appearance. It's a popular spot for day trips with many operators offering full and half day packages to the island. There's a great walk on the island that takes you to a viewing platform, offering a great vantage point of the island and beach.
A great little walk (about 4km, grade 2 difficulty) located in the Conway National Park at Shute Harbour, a 14 minute drive from Airlie. The track leads you through changing flora, you'll spot the renowned Whitsunday Hoop Pines growing along the coastal ridges that lead you out to a picturesque coral beach (hence the name). Well worth the visit, often you'll end up the only people on this gorgeous coral and stone littered beach. You can re-enter the bush further up the beach to a small track that leads you to a viewing platform of Shute Harbour and the surrounding islands (although sometimes the view is a tad obstructed by the rapidly growing tropical foliage).
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Coral beach walking track
A great little walk (about 4km, grade 2 difficulty) located in the Conway National Park at Shute Harbour, a 14 minute drive from Airlie. The track leads you through changing flora, you'll spot the renowned Whitsunday Hoop Pines growing along the coastal ridges that lead you out to a picturesque coral beach (hence the name). Well worth the visit, often you'll end up the only people on this gorgeous coral and stone littered beach. You can re-enter the bush further up the beach to a small track that leads you to a viewing platform of Shute Harbour and the surrounding islands (although sometimes the view is a tad obstructed by the rapidly growing tropical foliage).
Hamilton Island is a great day trip by ferry from Airlie , taking about 1 hr. The island is mostly car free, the most popular mode of transport is to hire a golf buggy to see the sights of the island. There's plenty of accommodation on the island along with restaurants and entertainment.
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Hamilton Island Wildlife
1 Resort Dr Hamilton Island is a great day trip by ferry from Airlie , taking about 1 hr. The island is mostly car free, the most popular mode of transport is to hire a golf buggy to see the sights of the island. There's plenty of accommodation on the island along with restaurants and entertainment.
This is not for the faint-hearted, a 30km hike that climbs to a height a little over 400m above sea level. Offering spectacular views along the way and campsites to break up the journey. Like most walking tracks in the Whitsundays, insect repellent is essential.
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Whitsunday Great Walk
This is not for the faint-hearted, a 30km hike that climbs to a height a little over 400m above sea level. Offering spectacular views along the way and campsites to break up the journey. Like most walking tracks in the Whitsundays, insect repellent is essential.
Guests have recommended day trips out on the sea kayaks exploring the Whitsunday Islands. Kayaking options include half and full day trips and 6 day tours.
Salty Dog Sea Kayaking
Guests have recommended day trips out on the sea kayaks exploring the Whitsunday Islands. Kayaking options include half and full day trips and 6 day tours.
One of the day trip operators that always gets highly recommended by guests.
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Ocean Rafting
Shingley DriveOne of the day trip operators that always gets highly recommended by guests.
Great little business that you'll see travelling around the streets of Airlie. Friendly staff and great fun for families. They even offer a progressive dinner, which sounds like fun!
Just Tuk'n Around
8 Shute Harbour RoadGreat little business that you'll see travelling around the streets of Airlie. Friendly staff and great fun for families. They even offer a progressive dinner, which sounds like fun!
GSL offer many different sightseeing options - our family has done the jet skiing and the scenic island flight and loved both. Staff are really friendly and very helpful.
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Sailing Whitsundays
1 Airlie EsplanadeGSL offer many different sightseeing options - our family has done the jet skiing and the scenic island flight and loved both. Staff are really friendly and very helpful.
One of the two Marinas in Airlie Beach. Nice spot to have a wander, do a bit of shopping or have a bite to eat. Some of the tours depart from here along with the island ferries.
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Port of Airlie
One of the two Marinas in Airlie Beach. Nice spot to have a wander, do a bit of shopping or have a bite to eat. Some of the tours depart from here along with the island ferries.
Coral Sea Marina is the other side of the Airlie township to Port of Airlie, you pass it as you come into town. The marina was awarded Marina of the Year 2019/2020 and Superyacht Business Service Provider of the Year 2018 & 2017. The marina is walking distance from the apartment, the Airlie boardwalk will take you through the marina facilities and is a nice walk that continues further on to Shingley and Cannonvale Beach.
Tours and sailing charters depart this marina, the marina also offers restaurants and cafes with a great water view.
Shingley Dr near Shute Harbour Rd station
Coral Sea Marina is the other side of the Airlie township to Port of Airlie, you pass it as you come into town. The marina was awarded Marina of the Year 2019/2020 and Superyacht Business Service Provider of the Year 2018 & 2017. The marina is walking distance from the apartment, the Airlie boardwalk will take you through the marina facilities and is a nice walk that continues further on to Shingley and Cannonvale Beach.
Tours and sailing charters depart this marina, the marina also offers restaurants and cafes with a great water view.
Every Saturday (weather permitting) the Airlie Beach markets are held from 7- 1 pm at the Esplanade Beachfront Park (near the pub).
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Airlie Beach Market
11-27 Coconut GroveEvery Saturday (weather permitting) the Airlie Beach markets are held from 7- 1 pm at the Esplanade Beachfront Park (near the pub).
Only 20 minutes from Airlie, Proserpine Museum is a great little museum run by volunteers and full of local war, farming and Australian history. They have memorabilia form the old cinema and local wartime movies you can view in their little cinema. Well worth supporting and the visit.
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Proserpine Historical Museum
198 Main StOnly 20 minutes from Airlie, Proserpine Museum is a great little museum run by volunteers and full of local war, farming and Australian history. They have memorabilia form the old cinema and local wartime movies you can view in their little cinema. Well worth supporting and the visit.
This is a wonderful and quirky giftware store located in Proserpine, 20 minutes from Airlie.
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Colour Me Crazy
2B Dobbins LnThis is a wonderful and quirky giftware store located in Proserpine, 20 minutes from Airlie.
Hair, beauty and massage the organic and natural way. My local salon. Bookings required.
Organica Hair + Body Bar
303 Shute Harbour RdHair, beauty and massage the organic and natural way. My local salon. Bookings required.
A must see if you're going to visit Whitehaven Beach, it's located at the northern end of Whitehaven. Hill Inlet is best viewed from the lookout at Tongue Point on Whitsunday Island. You can moor your boat in Tongue Bay and take the short uphill walk to view the stunning Whitehaven Beach and amazing waters. Not all tour operators offer Hill Inlet in their Whitehaven package so be sure to check if you'd like that option...it's amazing and well worth the visit.
Hill Inlet Lookout
A must see if you're going to visit Whitehaven Beach, it's located at the northern end of Whitehaven. Hill Inlet is best viewed from the lookout at Tongue Point on Whitsunday Island. You can moor your boat in Tongue Bay and take the short uphill walk to view the stunning Whitehaven Beach and amazing waters. Not all tour operators offer Hill Inlet in their Whitehaven package so be sure to check if you'd like that option...it's amazing and well worth the visit.
Great little beach beyond Port of Airlie and the Whitsunday Sailing Club. Sandy, calm and netted during stinger season.
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Boathaven Beach
The BeaconsGreat little beach beyond Port of Airlie and the Whitsunday Sailing Club. Sandy, calm and netted during stinger season.
Our apartment faces the Airlie Beach Lagoon. The lagoon provides a year-round swimming and wading facility for locals and visitors. The lagoon is free to use and offers a safe swimming alternative in the warmer months when the stingers are more prevalent. The lagoon features plenty of lawn area to sunbake, children's playground area, barbeques, undercover table and benches, showers and toilets. The lagoon is open from sunrise to sunset and is monitored by lifeguards during operating hours.
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Airlie Beach Lagúna
Shute Harbourr RdOur apartment faces the Airlie Beach Lagoon. The lagoon provides a year-round swimming and wading facility for locals and visitors. The lagoon is free to use and offers a safe swimming alternative in the warmer months when the stingers are more prevalent. The lagoon features plenty of lawn area to sunbake, children's playground area, barbeques, undercover table and benches, showers and toilets. The lagoon is open from sunrise to sunset and is monitored by lifeguards during operating hours.
Well organised and professionally run. My family and I went on this tour in November (the dry season) the water in the Proserpine River was warm (around 30 degrees) so there were fewer crocodiles sunning themselves on the river bank. However we still managed to see some giant males...one even swimming alongside the boat for 15 minutes. It's a good value day trip, with pick up and transfer, river cruise (a couple of hours) lunch (BBQ) a wagon tour of the wetlands followed by damper and tea.
If you visit during the winter months the river is colder (more crocodiles to see on the muddy banks) but the wagon tour of the wetlands is best seen during the wet months. The staff are really friendly and very knowledgeable and work hard for your to get the best out of your day. Great day trip!
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Whitsunday Crocodile Safari
Glen Isla RoadWell organised and professionally run. My family and I went on this tour in November (the dry season) the water in the Proserpine River was warm (around 30 degrees) so there were fewer crocodiles sunning themselves on the river bank. However we still managed to see some giant males...one even swimming alongside the boat for 15 minutes. It's a good value day trip, with pick up and transfer, river cruise (a couple of hours) lunch (BBQ) a wagon tour of the wetlands followed by damper and tea.
If you visit during the winter months the river is colder (more crocodiles to see on the muddy banks) but the wagon tour of the wetlands is best seen during the wet months. The staff are really friendly and very knowledgeable and work hard for your to get the best out of your day. Great day trip!
Food scene
'The Pub' is open 7 days a week and has free live entertainment Thursday - Sunday. Every month on the weekend the pub feature numerous free tribute band performances, which are very popular. The line-up for who's playing can be found on their website.
Although the pub can be very busy and noisy, it has plenty of atmosphere and offers something for everyone.
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Airlie Beach Market
11-27 Coconut Grove'The Pub' is open 7 days a week and has free live entertainment Thursday - Sunday. Every month on the weekend the pub feature numerous free tribute band performances, which are very popular. The line-up for who's playing can be found on their website.
Although the pub can be very busy and noisy, it has plenty of atmosphere and offers something for everyone.
Lovely Italian inspired cuisine. Definitely book for this one as it quickly gets booked out with visitors and locals. Open 7 days a week from noon. Next door to the pub - great place to book when the pub has their free tribute concerts on.
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La Tabella
6 The EsplanadeLovely Italian inspired cuisine. Definitely book for this one as it quickly gets booked out with visitors and locals. Open 7 days a week from noon. Next door to the pub - great place to book when the pub has their free tribute concerts on.
A must do when you come to Airlie. A great lunch spot, they also run a free courtesy shuttle that will pick you up at the lagoon carpark right by our apartment. Northerlies is in Woodwark and looks across to the Airlie township and across the gorgeous turquoise waters. Ask to be seated in the restaurant a table with a view.
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Northerlies Beach Bar &Grill - Airlie Beach
Lot 116 Pringle RoadA must do when you come to Airlie. A great lunch spot, they also run a free courtesy shuttle that will pick you up at the lagoon carpark right by our apartment. Northerlies is in Woodwark and looks across to the Airlie township and across the gorgeous turquoise waters. Ask to be seated in the restaurant a table with a view.
Head to Sorrento Restaurant and Bar for the best sundowner spot in Airlie. The beer on tap is super cold, they have live music and 2 for 1 pizzas between 3-4pm. They're open 7 days a week, located at the Coral Sea Marina. There's a good mix of seafood, burgers, pasta, pizza and main dishes on the menu. Wine by the bottle is pretty reasonable (for Airlie). The upstairs dining on the deck is lovely on a calm, warm evening. Generally should book for this one (especially if wanting to sit on the upstairs deck) ask for a table with a view.
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Sorrento Restaurant & Bar
22 Shingley DrHead to Sorrento Restaurant and Bar for the best sundowner spot in Airlie. The beer on tap is super cold, they have live music and 2 for 1 pizzas between 3-4pm. They're open 7 days a week, located at the Coral Sea Marina. There's a good mix of seafood, burgers, pasta, pizza and main dishes on the menu. Wine by the bottle is pretty reasonable (for Airlie). The upstairs dining on the deck is lovely on a calm, warm evening. Generally should book for this one (especially if wanting to sit on the upstairs deck) ask for a table with a view.
A lovely beach, a nice drive (about 40 mins from Airlie) and a couple of places to eat. Cape Gloucester offers lunch (booking recommended) - fish and chips and burger type fare. The restaurant is out on a deck and there's seating on the lawn. the kids can use the pool whilst you eat and enjoy the view.
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Hideaway Bay
A lovely beach, a nice drive (about 40 mins from Airlie) and a couple of places to eat. Cape Gloucester offers lunch (booking recommended) - fish and chips and burger type fare. The restaurant is out on a deck and there's seating on the lawn. the kids can use the pool whilst you eat and enjoy the view.
Guest always provide positive feedback on the Red Plate. Korean fare with generous servings. Very close to our apartment, also facing the lagoon.
The Red Plate
265 Shute Harbour RoadGuest always provide positive feedback on the Red Plate. Korean fare with generous servings. Very close to our apartment, also facing the lagoon.
Popular with the locals and only a short walk from the apartment and very relaxed. Great for sundowners, food is consistent and there's something for everyone on the menu. The dining area overlooks Airlie, you can swim in the pool, play pool near the bar they offer share platter options and jugs of mixed drinks.
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Anchor Bar Airlie Beach
5 Golden Orchid DrPopular with the locals and only a short walk from the apartment and very relaxed. Great for sundowners, food is consistent and there's something for everyone on the menu. The dining area overlooks Airlie, you can swim in the pool, play pool near the bar they offer share platter options and jugs of mixed drinks.
I really like this place. Great spot for a sundowner and share platters. Part of Coral Sea Marina. overlooks the jetty where most of the super yachts are berthed. Worth the visit.
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The Garden Bar Bistro
Shingley DriveI really like this place. Great spot for a sundowner and share platters. Part of Coral Sea Marina. overlooks the jetty where most of the super yachts are berthed. Worth the visit.
Cool La La Cafe
303 Shute Harbour RdFusion/modern asian menu. Guest often recommend this restaurant.
Joa Sushi
287 Shute Harbour RoadGreat little sushi takeaway for during the day.
This is our breakfast and lunch favourite. Service is wonderful, food and coffee is really consistent. The menu is extensive and reasonably priced.
Garuma
346 Shute Harbour RdThis is our breakfast and lunch favourite. Service is wonderful, food and coffee is really consistent. The menu is extensive and reasonably priced.
Same owner as 'the pub' but specialising in seafood and rum. Nice little spot, good service and food.
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Fish D'vine & The Rum Bar
16 Shute Harbour RdSame owner as 'the pub' but specialising in seafood and rum. Nice little spot, good service and food.
Healthy breakfast location...acai bowls and smoothies are their speciality.
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Bohemian Raw Cafe
Shingley DriveHealthy breakfast location...acai bowls and smoothies are their speciality.
A very short walk from the apartment. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. Offers cheaper deals for pizzas mid to late afternoon. Nice spot and worth the visit.
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The Deck Restaurant & Bar
277 Shute Harbour RdA very short walk from the apartment. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. Offers cheaper deals for pizzas mid to late afternoon. Nice spot and worth the visit.
If you like steak, locals always recommend KC's. They have a good menu and service is prompt. They also have live music throughout the week.
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KC's
382 Shute Harbour RdIf you like steak, locals always recommend KC's. They have a good menu and service is prompt. They also have live music throughout the week.
Vietnamese specialising in Pho. They also offer noodle and stir fry options and bubble tea. Casual dining.
d'Viet House
293 Airlie EsplanadeVietnamese specialising in Pho. They also offer noodle and stir fry options and bubble tea. Casual dining.
Whitsunday Opals
4 The EsplanadeFish and chip takeaway...always popular for lunch and dinner on the foreshore.
Great Italian located at the Port of Airlie. Generous portions and great menu.
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La Marina Italian Restaurant & Bar
33 Port DrGreat Italian located at the Port of Airlie. Generous portions and great menu.
Sushi train, eat in or takeaway. Need to catch a bus from or drive from the apartment. Very reasonably priced, hot soups, fried food and bento boxes to order. Sushi is consistent and they have good turnover so it's always very fresh.
Yatai Sushi Airlie
Sushi train, eat in or takeaway. Need to catch a bus from or drive from the apartment. Very reasonably priced, hot soups, fried food and bento boxes to order. Sushi is consistent and they have good turnover so it's always very fresh.
Hog's Breath Cafe Airlie Beach
261 Shute Harbour RdAlways consistent. Service is good and food is reliable.
Little Vegas
259 Shute Harbour RdGreat little burger place good menu options.
Food is tasty, not a lot of ambience however better when there's plenty of other diners.
Lovely India
350 Shute Harbour RdFood is tasty, not a lot of ambience however better when there's plenty of other diners.
If you like fresh seafood and want to eat at home, Fishi is a great spot. Located in Cannonvale it's a car/taxi drive from the apartment. They'll do platters to order and it's worth checking their Facebook page for daily specials.
FISHI - Fresh Island Seafood, Hamilton Island Airlie Beach Whitsunday's
22 William Murray DriveIf you like fresh seafood and want to eat at home, Fishi is a great spot. Located in Cannonvale it's a car/taxi drive from the apartment. They'll do platters to order and it's worth checking their Facebook page for daily specials.
Great spot in Cannonvale for ready made salads if you're having a bbq or something ordered from Fishi. Located at the Centro Whitsunday Plaza - can travel by car, taxi or bus from the apartment.
The Prickly Pineapple
Galbraith Park RoadGreat spot in Cannonvale for ready made salads if you're having a bbq or something ordered from Fishi. Located at the Centro Whitsunday Plaza - can travel by car, taxi or bus from the apartment.
Great food, bar and location overlooking the Airlie Foreshore.
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Paradiso Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
287 Shute Harbour RdGreat food, bar and location overlooking the Airlie Foreshore.
Dining lunch and dinner 7 days a week.
Twilight social sailing happens every Wednesday afternoon. Head to the club at 3pm and look for crew members wearing a crew t-shirt, you may be able to find a spot on a boat for the sail. The twilight race involves sailing around three buoys which are located in Pioneer Bay. After the race crew head to the sailing club for drinks and dinner.
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Whitsunday Sailing Club
11 Ocean RoadDining lunch and dinner 7 days a week.
Twilight social sailing happens every Wednesday afternoon. Head to the club at 3pm and look for crew members wearing a crew t-shirt, you may be able to find a spot on a boat for the sail. The twilight race involves sailing around three buoys which are located in Pioneer Bay. After the race crew head to the sailing club for drinks and dinner.
Great little breakfast and lunch spot. When you take the boardwalk from Airlie and continue on you'll end up at Cannonvale Beach. Coffee is always good here and the water views are wonderful.
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Fat Frog Beach Cafe
44 Coral EsplanadeGreat little breakfast and lunch spot. When you take the boardwalk from Airlie and continue on you'll end up at Cannonvale Beach. Coffee is always good here and the water views are wonderful.
Borgartillaga
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Stinger season - October to May
Stingers are always around however they are more prevalent during the warmer months so if you're swimming in the ocean between October and May it's advisable to wear a full body lycra or neoprene suit. Beaches in Airlie have stinger nets - best to swim within these during the stinger time of year otherwise stick to the lagoon.