Top Airlie Beach How to Get Around

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.

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.

Hop aboard a catamaran to cruise the coast around Airlie Beach and Pioneer Bay at sunset—when it’s at its most atmospheric and romantic. Instead of trying to find a viewing spot on land, enjoy a vantage point only achievable by boat, right out on the water. Along the way, enjoy an included glass of sparkling wine, soak up the scenery, and snap photos of the beautiful Whitsunday coastline.

Watch the dreamy sunset over the Whitsunday islands on this evening cruise, sailing on-board a traditional gaff-rigged schooner. Sip a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and tuck into light snacks as you glide around Pioneer Bay, and experience the beauty of Airlie Beach at twilight as you drift back to shore.

Experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet on a glass-bottomed boat tour. Ideal for kids, grandparents, and non-swimmers, the experience promises uninterrupted views tropical fish, amazing coral, turtles, and other sea life at the reefs near Airlie Beach. Plus: learn about the marine ecosystem through on-board commentary.

Cruising out among the Whitsunday Islands is a fun and relaxing way to watch the sunset from Airlie Beach. However, costs can build up when you start ordering drinks, and can also lead to disappointment if your drink of choice is unavailable. On a BYO cruise, you choose what drinks you want to enjoy while admiring the scenery, snacking on provided canapés, and listening to tunes as you go.

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).

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.

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.

Set sail into the enchanting golden hours of the Whitsundays on an unforgettable sunset cruise. Departing from Shute Harbour this laid-back evening experience showcases the breathtaking Molle Islands including Daydream Island as the sky transforms into a stunning palette of colors. Savor a complimentary glass of bubbles and delightful grazing nibbles while enjoying the serene waters. Perfect for couples or anyone looking to unwind, this tour provides convenient pick-up from selected local accommodations. Capture the beauty of nature’s greatest show with your camera as you soak in the peaceful ambiance of the sunset.

Explore the waters of Airlie Beach on this guided jet ski tour. Zip across the bays at high speed, with the chance to possibly encounter marine life such as sea turtles. The Sea-Doo skis are suitable for both experienced riders and beginners. No experience required. There is a maximum of two passengers per jet ski.

Explore Airlie Beach on a private tour by tuk-tuk for a fun twist on a traditional sightseeing tour. Just sit back and admire the city as a guide introduces you to the best locales. Select from various tour durations and themes, including a food tour or sunset ride, to suit your schedule and budget.

Quickly see the highlights of Airlie Beach with this Airlie Hopper sightseeing tour: Hop on a minibus and relax while your guide takes care of planning and logistics. Make the rounds of the Queensland coastal resort town, seeing Airlie Beach Lagoon, Cedar Creek Falls, and the Whitsunday Gold Coffee Plantation. Then, stop for lunch at a retro 1950s diner (own expense).

Whether you’re on a quick shore excursion from a cruise ship or are staying around Airlie Beach and don’t want to self-drive, this shuttle bus service makes it easy to visit Cedar Creek Falls. With departures throughout the morning and afternoon, you can find a time to suit your schedule. Admire the natural beauty of the falls, swim in the clear waters, and look out for birds and animals.

This sailing excursion stands out by offering two days of travel and exploration instead of one. Spend two days exploring the Whitsunday Islands and the fringes of the Great Barrier Reef, stopping at good snorkeling locations along the way. Travel on a large sailboat, sleep below decks on bunks, and take advantage of the provided meals and snorkeling gear.

Airlie Beach's Only Emissions Free Whisper Quiet Electric Boat. Experience Mother Nature at her finest on our turtle spotting bay cruise. Embark on an extraordinary and environmentally responsible journey by stepping aboard Airlie Beach's most unique tour. With a maximum capacity of just 8 passengers, our charming vessel, "Tallulah" stands out as the only electric boat in the Whitsundays. Experience the magic of spotting turtles in eco-friendly luxury, gliding through calm waters with our whisper-quiet, fume-free electric boat. Be on the lookout for the endangered loggerhead and green sea turtles. Immerse yourself in a serene journey as you tour through Turtle Bay, around Pigeon Island and the local foreshore, and then back past the million-dollar yachts in the Coral Sea Marina. Join us for an intimate and serene adventure where sustainability meets luxury, creating memories that are as gentle on the environment as they are unforgettable. Can you beat our ‘turtle count’ record?

Make the most of the beautiful Whitsundays—without the hassle of planning or organizing—with this full-day adventure. Head out on a high-speed, 80-passenger boat (complete with air-conditioning and a spacious outdoor area to sunbathe) and spend the day relaxing on the pristine sands of Whitehaven Beach. Enjoy a guided walk to South Whitehaven Lookout and dine on a buffet lunch served onboard the boat. Upgrade your day with the option to include snorkeling at a secluded reef location—all snorkel equipment is provided for ease. As you swim, spot tropical fish and maybe even a sea turtle or two.

Hop on a Jet Ski tour of the Whitsunday Islands from Airlie Beach for an unforgettable experience of this tropical paradise. The multiple tour options suit beginner and experienced riders, with tandem riding possible on some tours. Zip past picturesque coves and beaches as you learn about the region from your guide and admire the gorgeous views. Receive personalized attention on small-group tours.

Discover the Whitsundays through a unique eco-tour that connects you with marine conservation efforts and local wildlife. Engage in hands-on activities that support initiatives like sea turtle rescue and recycling, all while exploring the pristine beauty of the region. This experience not only educates but also empowers you to leave a positive impact on the environment. Join in the mission to keep the seas clean and learn about the vital work of Eco Barge Clean Seas. - Participate in hands-on activities supporting marine conservation - Learn about recycling initiatives transforming plastic waste into new products - Visit a sea turtle rescue center and engage with marine life - Every tour directly supports local conservation efforts and community initiatives

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

Experience one of Australia’s most iconic wildlife moments on this small-group eco tour from Airlie Beach to Cape Hillsborough National Park. Before most people are awake, you’ll be standing on the sand watching wild kangaroos and wallabies move along the shoreline as the sun comes up over the Coral Sea. No fences, no crowds, no feeding shows. Just a quiet beach, soft morning light, and animals going about their dawn routine while you watch from a few metres away. We handle the 3 am start and the 1.5‑hour drive each way, so you don’t have to. Travel in a modern air‑conditioned vehicle with an eco‑certified local guide, arrive at the right time for sunrise, and warm up with coffee and an Aussie drover’s breakfast before heading back to Airlie Beach. With small groups, comfortable transport, and one of the most photographed wildlife experiences in the country, this morning is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who wants to see the “real Australia” beyond the islands.

Explore more of the Whitsundays’ Conway National Park on a fun small-group Segway tour. Learn to operate the vehicle: full instruction and practice time is provided so no experience is necessary. Then follow your guide on a scenic tour through the rainforest, going further than you would on foot. Glide along serene rainforest trails, following part of the Whitsunday Great Walk, and hop off to enjoy a filling morning tea.

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.