Shopping & Retail
9 Free Things to do in Airlie Beach
9 Free Things to do in Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is the beating heart of The Whitsundays. Its laid-back, friendly atmosphere is a favourite for both travellers and locals alike. For the thrifty traveller, Airlie Beach is a haven!
Here are some ways to enjoy your time in Airlie Beach without breaking the bank!
- Walk the Bicentennial Walk
The Bicentennial Walk is a must-do when in Airlie Beach. It stretches over five kilometres from Cannonvale Beach into the Airlie Beach Lagoon. Along the way, you will discover restaurants with live music, cafés, small tucked-away beaches, and sunset views to cherish forever! The walk is fully pathed the whole way and is reasonably flat perfect for an afternoon stroll with friends or family.
- Swim the Airlie Beach Lagoon
The Airlie Beach Lagoon, situated in the middle of the main street, has become a central point for the town. Perfect for those warm summer days, the whopping 4,000 square metres public pool is a great spot to sit and enjoy your lunch, read a book, roll out the yoga mat, or watch as the kids splash and play in the children’s area. Built on raised ground, you will have views out over the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands while you enjoy the barbecue facilities, shaded picnic areas, bathrooms, and change rooms all free for your use.
- Bask on the beaches
Airlie Beach has three main beaches; Cannonvale Beach, Airlie Beach and Boathaven Beach. Throw in a line at Cannonvale Beach or take the kids to the small playground, Airlie Beach is perfect for an evening picnic; recently redeveloped with new facilities and a mega playground this sets the perfect scene for a relaxed dinner by the beach. Boathaven Beach is a beach lovers’ paradise, perfect for those instal-shots, and with a stinger net during the summer months, you can enjoy the water all year round.
- Hike the Honeyeater Lookout
Beginning on Kara Crescent just off Airlie Beach’s main street, this hike is not for the faint-hearted! It is a 5km round trip (allowing an hour to walk up and 40mins down). The terrain is steep and rugged, but the view is well worth it! With panoramic views over Airlie Beach and out to the Whitsunday Islands, this is a beautiful way to start your morning, listening to the birds and watching the sunrise will be an unforgettable memory made in The Whitsundays.
- Cool off at Cedar Creek Falls
For a memorable half-day outing, jump in the car and head out to Cedar Creek Falls. Only 30 minutes from Airlie Beach, the journey is an experience in itself! You will travel past picturesque cane fields, and scenic landscapes to the secluded natural fresh waterhole tucked away in the Whitsunday Coast hinterland. You will enjoy spectacular waterfalls in the wet season and abundant flora and fauna, including butterflies, birds, lizards, fish, and turtles. The waterfall is an easy walk from the parking area. There are also bush walks up and around the falls for the more adventurous.
- Stroll the Saturday markets
Bring your Saturday to life with a stroll through the Airlie Beach Community Markets. Walk around the many market stalls; it is a feast for the senses. Complete with local produce, art, craft, and locally made souvenirs. This is the ideal place to buy a unique gift with that Airlie charm or simply walk around with a coffee in hand and be a part of the Airlie Beach morning vibe. The markets are on every Saturday morning!
- Browse the main street boutiques
Airlie Beach is the shopping hub of The Whitsundays; with so many unique stores, there is something for everyone. Take a wander and discover galleries, boutiques, souvenir stores and listen to the live music, feel the ocean breeze and take in the coastal charm that Airlie Beach has to offer.
- Hop to Hydeaway Bay
One of the locals best-kept secrets! Hydeaway Bay is a short 40-minute drive from Airlie Beach and should definitely be on your list when visiting. This little gem is home to a stretch of beach over 2 kilometres long with five public access points, meaning you will likely have your own little section of beach all to yourself. The beach is characterised by a few rocky outcrops filled with long stretches of white sand, the perfect place to take your family, search for unique shells, or do a little rock hopping.
- Grab a selfie at an iconic Airlie Beach sign
Before you farewell Airlie Beach make sure you grab a photo in front of one of the iconic Airlie Beach signs with views over the Coral Sea you will make all of your friends envious of the time you spent in The Whitsundays, the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
