Top Airlie Beach Day Trips

The rainforest-clad islands, white-sand beaches, and vast coral reefs of the Whitsundays are even more impressive when viewed from above. With this tour, take off on a scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands and admire the views from the panoramic windows. Fly over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and the Heart Reef, and enjoy a magnificent bird’s eye view of the Great Barrier Reef.

Get close-up views of Australia's Great Barrier Reef on a full-day journey to Reefworld. The spacious, innovative pontoon provides gear, instruction, and expert guides for snorkeling and diving in the tropical waters. Alternatively, observe the reef without getting wet when taking a semi-submersible ride, accompanied by informative commentary by reef experts. This tour gives you the chance to experience this natural wonder and is suitable for all levels of experience.

Enjoy a full-day tour of the stunning Whitsunday Islands, traveling on a sturdy motorized raft to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Beach. Choose from two tours that offer either more snorkeling or more beach time. Gain exclusive access to secluded spots where you can snorkel around pristine coral reefs, and take a walk with your guide in the national park to a lookout point with spectacular views.

Set out on a half-day catamaran tour to stunning Whitehaven Beach for swimming at this postcard–perfect slice of paradise. Considered one of the world's top beaches and the most beautiful one in the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach is a must-see in the Great Barrier Reef region. Travel in comfort from Port Airlie on a motorized catamaran with air-conditioning. Morning or afternoon tea is provided on board and your crew supplies beach activities and informative commentary along the way.

Set sail for a day of swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing in the Whitsundays on this full-day tour. Cruise around the islands on a high-speed catamaran and discover the colorful underwater world of the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef as you stop at two snorkeling hotspots. Explore the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, admire dramatic coastal views on a hike to the Hill Inlet Lookout, then tuck into a delicious buffet lunch on-board (included).

Explore the powdery white sand and turquoise waters of the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands on this full-day speed boat cruise around the islands. You’ll have plenty of time on the famous Whitehaven Beach for a buffet lunch picnic, swimming, and snorkeling, with a lesson if necessary, and also stop at Hill Inlet. The crew will also share stories and facts about marine life, aboriginal culture, and local history along the way.

Exploring the Whitsundays’ natural highlights can be a hassle on your own. This full-day tour from Airlie Beach takes care of the logistics for you, pairing a visit to Cedar Creek Falls with time to relax at the secluded Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill. Swim in freshwater rock pools, unwind on the beach, and enjoy included food and a drink, all without worrying about transport or planning a route between stops.

Explore the bush and estuaries of ‘wild Whitsunday’ on this full-day crocodile safari! Go croc-spotting on a Proserpine River cruise, and look for other wetlands wildlife on a tractor-pulled wagon tour. Get a taste of bush life with traditional billy tea and damper and feast on a fresh Aussie barbecue midday. Enjoy convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, or Proserpine.

Enjoy a full day to unwind at one of the most beautiful beaches in the Whitsunday Islands: postcard–perfect Whitehaven Beach. A private boat takes away the stress of ferry timetables—keeping the trip relaxed and unrushed. Have ample free time to swim far from the crowds, enjoy beach activities, walk to Whitehaven Beach Lookout, and take a guided hike to Hill Inlet for amazing views. Protective stinger suits are provided to keep you safe, and you can refuel with the included lunch and snacks.

Discover the Whitsunday Islands on a sailing day trip from Airlie Beach. Relax and admire the views from the decks of the spacious catamaran, Camira. Swim in the turquoise water, hike to the Hill Inlet Lookout, and spend time on beautiful Whitehaven Beach. Lunch, snacks, and refreshments are included throughout the day, and both snorkeling gear and stinger suits (protection against jellyfish) are available to use.

Discover the highlights of the Whitsunday Islands including Hill Inlet, and Whitehaven Beach on this full-day catamaran sightseeing tour. Start your tour with bus pickup from Airlie Beach before heading out to Shute Harbour, where you’ll hop on your boat and enjoy the scenic ride out to the Whitsundays. Jump ashore and enjoy guided walks out to viewpoints and time to relax and swim on the beautiful Whitehaven Beach. Experience the beauty of the Whitsundays on this full-day cruise Go for guided hikes up to Hill Inlet and Solway Circuit viewpoints Enjoy a delicious morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea Included bus transfers from Airlie Beach to Shute Harbour

Be as active or as relaxed as you like with access to the Whitehaven Beach Club. After arriving on a cruise from Airlie Beach, you can choose how you want to spend your time at Whitehaven Beach. Find a spot to relax in the sun or the shade, swim in the clear turquoise sea, or grab a paddleboard for some more active fun.

Short on time? This one-day boat tour brings you around the gorgeous Whitsunday islands, stops at picturesque Whitehaven Beach, and affords time for snorkeling the famous Great Barrier Reef. Maximize your trip on this super-fast boat that claims to be the only tour to do all of these highlights in one day. Everything is taken care of—lunch, snacks, gear—so you can just relax and create memories.

Take off on a flight over the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, and see sights including Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and Hill Inlet. Catch a bird’s-eye view of many of the Whitsunday Islands and fly over Whitehaven Beach and picturesque Hill Inlet before heading toward the Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll see one of the most photographed reef locations, Heart Reef. The comfortable fixed wing aircraft offers big window viewing, plus enjoy pilot commentary.

Discover a different side to Airlie Beach on this small-group tour. Escape the crowds and head for the beaches on the other side of Airlie where you can have a stroll along sandy shores and look out for wildlife before arriving at a beachfront resort for lunch (at own expense) and a swim.

Sail through the Whitsunday Islands on a classic yacht from Airlie Beach. Sit back and relax or lend a hand with the sailing of the Lady Enid on the way to stops such as Whitehaven Beach, Betty's Beach, and Hill Inlet. Snorkel around the Island Reefs and enjoy lunch and afternoon tea between activities. During the sunset sail back to port, sip sparkling wine and munch on appetizers.

Set sail for the Whitsundays on-board an authentic 62-ft gaff rigged schooner and spend the day swimming and snorkeling around the islands. Admire the famous powder-white sands of Whitehaven beach, jump off to take in the views from Hill Inlet and dine on a delicious lunch on-board. Finish your adventure snorkeling amid vibrant corals and schools of brightly colored fish and keep a look out for unique varieties like parrot fish and humphead wrasse.

Explore hidden gems of the Whitsundays on a small-group tour from Airlie Beach. Venture north through scenic countryside to uncover Bowen's best beaches, lookouts, and natural wonders like Horseshoe Bay, the Big Mango, and Flagstaff Hill Lookout. Enjoy a personalized experience led by a friendly guide and a delicious lunch included.

A sunrise encounter like no other, where the first light of day brings Kangaroos and Wallabies to the shores of Cape Hillsborough. This enchanting experience with nature, wildlife and the unspoiled beauty of one of Australia's most iconic coastal settings. Your eco-nature guide leads you on a bushwalk through the aging forest and gives insightful commentary on the surrounds to arrive at a magnificent lookout over the stunning bay and islands. If you enjoy nature, geology and photography then this tour is for you! (1hr 45 min drive)(3-4am pickup seasonal)

Say goodbye to the tourist trail and hello to the Whitsunday Islands of your dreams when you book this private custom cruise, good for groups up to eight. Work with your skipper to build your dream itinerary, whether that’s snorkeling the perfect reef, sunbathing in a deserted bay, or hiking the loneliest trails. Water and snacks are included, but bring your own food and alcohol (no glass allowed).

Take to the water and spend a full-day exploring the magic of the Whitsundays with your friends or family on this charter boat day trip with a personal skipper. Offering customizable experiences for up to eight people, jump on board your private speed boat and enjoy a day out in tropical paradise, discovering remote islands, snorkeling pristine coral reefs, and relaxing under palm trees on idyllic beaches.

Get off the beaten track and discover the magic of the Whitsundays with a private charter boat. Offering private tours around the islands from Whitsundays, Shute Harbour, and Airlie Beach, these half-day or full-day experiences include a personal skipper and snorkeling gear to maximize your fun above and below the waves. Perfect for groups, you can add catering for an extra deluxe adventure.