School Holidays on the Mainland

The Whitsundays mainland transforms school holidays into something simple and special, placing marinas, ocean tours, and national parks all within easy reach. Families can establish their base in Airlie Beach, Proserpine, Collinsville, or Bowen, then layer in adventures, bushwalks, and morning markets to create a holiday that perfectly balances relaxation with discovery.

Airlie Beach offers a diverse range of accommodation, restaurants, bars, and cafés. Making everything feel simple and laid-back, whilst maintaining those spectacular views of the reef and islands just a short distance away.

Leading this guide is BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, a long-standing family favourite. The resort features its renowned waterpark, complete with a lagoon-style pool and farm animals for children to meet, as well as generous spaces for play and exploration. With cabins and powered sites to suit every budget, it's conveniently positioned just a short drive from Coral Sea Marina. Given its popularity during both peak and quieter seasons, advance bookings come highly recommended. It's the perfect setting for young families to unwind and embrace everything the Whitsundays has to offer.

Coral Sea Marina Resort seamlessly blends convenience with coastal vibes. Positioned directly on the waterfront, the resort provides families with immediate access to the marina's restaurants, shops, and tour departure points. The bright, modern rooms and suites feature balconies that open to sweeping views across the Coral Sea. The resort's pool and landscaped gardens offer peaceful spaces to relax, whilst dining at The Coral Sea Pavilion brings a touch of indulgence through fresh, seasonal menus served beside the water.

Situated on Cannonvale's water's edge, Mirage Whitsundays provides spacious, luxurious apartment-style accommodation that elevates any family stay. The north-facing one, two, and three-bedroom apartments feature generous living areas flowing onto terraces or balconies, creating perfect spaces for relaxed indoor-outdoor living. Fully equipped kitchens with premium appliances and laundry facilities make self-catering effortless. The resort's impressive amenities include a lagoon pool, an adults-only horizon pool, spa facilities, a gymnasium, and on-site dining at Mira Café and Whisper Restaurant & Gin Bar, ensuring entertainment options for everyone.

Three main marinas serve Airlie Beach, each fulfilling a distinct role in connecting families to the reef and islands. Knowing which marina your tour departs from simplifies the day's planning, particularly regarding parking and timing.

At the eastern end of town, the Port of Airlie is Cruise Whitsundays' base. Large ferries and reef cruises depart from here, offering direct services to Whitehaven Beach, the outer reef pontoon, and resort transfers to Hamilton and Daydream Islands. This busy, well-organised terminal with nearby parking provides convenient one-stop access for families.

Just west of the town centre, Coral Sea Marina buzzes as a lively waterfront village and departure point for numerous smaller tour operators, sailing charters, and day trips. Ocean Rafting operates from this marina, with their fast boats combining beach time at Whitehaven, snorkelling on fringing reefs, and visits to Hill Inlet lookouts. Red Cat Adventures also departs from here, offering high-energy adventures aboard their distinctive, bright red vessels. Explore Group provides catamaran sailing, snorkelling, sunset cruises, and their two-night Whitsunday Explorer experience. From the same marina, Portland Roads offers families the opportunity to captain their own boat with a Bareboat experience. At the same time, Iconic Whitsunday Adventures provides a local perspective on exploring both the islands and the shorelines of Airlie Beach itself.

Ten minutes from town, Shute Harbour provides a quieter, more sheltered terminal nestled amongst the hills. Explore Group operates their full-day snorkel and dive tours to the outer Great Barrier Reef from here, with transfers available from Airlie Beach. For families preferring a calmer start to their water adventures, this marina offers a gentler pace whilst keeping excitement within reach. Cruise Whitsundays also runs island ferry connections through Shute Harbour, providing alternative scheduling to the Port of Airlie services.

Dining in Airlie Beach always feels simple and relaxed, with a wide range of options that match the pace of a family holiday. Cafés welcome early risers with pre-tour breakfasts, fish and chips make perfect waterside lunches, and the marina boardwalk provides casual spots for quick bites between adventures. Evenings feature family-friendly menus and sweet treats for the walk home, whilst restaurants overlooking the Coral Sea offer leisurely meals accompanied by spectacular sunset views.

Proserpine welcomes visitors as a genuine country town with deep historical roots and a strong community spirit. Wide-open landscapes, freshwater lakes, and rural experiences complement the convenience of small shops, cafés, and family-friendly atmospheres.

Families seeking a natural setting will appreciate Proserpine Holiday Park, which provides shady powered and unpowered sites, neat cabins with ensuites, and access to both a free swimming pool and the water park next door. This peaceful, leafy retreat features cabins, coin-operated laundry facilities, barbecue areas, and plenty of space to relax, all within walking distance of the town centre.

Further out, Lake Proserpine (also known as Peter Faust Dam) offers a tranquil alternative for families who prefer stargazing, fishing, and expansive open spaces. The well-maintained lakeside campground offers unpowered sites for tents and self-contained campers, along with clean amenities, a kiosk stocked with essentials, picnic and barbecue facilities, and access to pontoons and a boat ramp. With ample space to cast a line for metre-plus barramundi (permit required), it creates a getaway that's both simple and unforgettable.

Venturing inland to Proserpine reveals destinations combining heritage, wildlife, and authentic local flavours. Start at Whitsunday Gold Coffee Plantation, one of Australia's largest Arabica coffee producers, surrounded by 140,000 trees. The café and licensed restaurant allow adults to savour freshly roasted blends, while children enjoy an indoor air-conditioned play area, a bird aviary, and a small animal park.

Nearby, the Whitsunday Crocodile Safari delivers an unforgettable Proserpine River experience. Expert guides lead families on secure boats for crocodile spotting, followed by a tractor-drawn wagon ride through the wetlands. Midday brings a generous Aussie barbecue, then bush-style billy tea and damper beneath shady trees – complete immersion in local wildlife and folklore.

History enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Proserpine Historical Museum, a volunteer-run collection celebrating the region's journey from its Juru, Gia, Bira, and Ngaro heritage through to early European settlement. Main Street showcases country bakeries, welcoming family pubs, and relaxed cafés. An early breakfast works perfectly before transfers, whilst hearty pub dinners provide the ideal conclusion to water-filled days.

Bowen embraces visitors as a relaxed seaside town renowned for family-friendly beaches and unhurried charm. Calm bays, waterfront parks, and fresh local seafood create a slower pace whilst keeping adventure within easy reach.

Beachfront holiday parks and apartment-style accommodation keep families close to Bowen's water's edge. Horseshoe Bay boasts peaceful, shallow waters that are ideal for safe swimming, especially during the calmer months. Nearby nature trails wind through coastal bushland, offering explorers sweeping views of the Whitsunday Islands. It provides the perfect setting to unwind following discovery-filled days. Horseshoe Bay Resort, situated just above the shoreline and café, offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every family.

The award-winning Rose Bay Resort sits nearby, right on the waterfront, delivering a particularly peaceful escape that maintains its connection to the area. Families can choose from self-contained studios or one- and two-bedroom apartments situated above the beach. Many rooms feature private balconies overlooking crystal-clear waters, where guests can enjoy full kitchens, pools, complimentary barbecue facilities, and an on-site children's playground. It's ideal for restoration beneath the Whitsunday sun.

Seaside classics take centre stage in Bowen. Fish and chips enjoyed on the grass at sunset, casual cafés serving mid-morning treats, and pub meals following beach days all maintain an easy-going atmosphere. Weekend markets contribute fresh local fruit when operating, adding another layer to the town's culinary appeal.

Collinsville reveals a different side of the Whitsundays, where mining heritage meets country hospitality. This authentic outback town offers families a glimpse into Queensland's coal mining history, while providing comfortable accommodation and genuine local experiences, just an hour and 45 minutes' drive from Airlie Beach.

The Bowen River Hotel anchors Collinsville's accommodation offerings with its blend of historic charm and modern comfort. This classic country pub provides clean, air-conditioned rooms that offer respite after outback adventures, whilst maintaining a unique, authentic atmosphere. The wide verandas invite evening relaxation, where stories flow as freely as the cold drinks, and children can safely explore the grounds whilst parents unwind.

The Coal Face Experience transforms Collinsville's mining legacy into an unforgettable family adventure. This interactive journey through the town's coal mining heritage brings history to life through carefully preserved equipment, photographs, and personal stories from generations of mining families. The experience includes underground simulations and hands-on displays that make learning both engaging and memorable. Knowledgeable local guides, many with personal connections to the mines, share tales that bring the past to life. This ensures that visitors leave with a genuine appreciation for the industry that has built the region.

The Pit Pony Tavern serves as one of Collinsville's social hubs, where hearty meals are an easy find. This local favourite understands that country town appetites demand generous portions and authentic flavours. The relaxed atmosphere means children can be themselves whilst parents enjoy a cold beer and conversation that flows as easily as the service is friendly.