Once considered a pit-stop Airlie Beach has become a thriving gateway to the Whitsundays. This transient coastal town in mid-north Queensland is superbly located on the Coral Sea and is the ultimate portal for beach fun and sailing trips year-round. But before you book that charter you’ll need somewhere to stay …
Best luxury accommodation
The Heart Hotel and Gallery is a Queenslander-style hotel that will add a serious dose of luxury to your stay in Airlie Beach. Plantation shutters, your own in-room Nespresso machine, Bose speakers, a raindrop shower head, and L’Occitane or Appelles shower goodies, oh my! Just 20 metres from the lagoon, it’s the perfect place to rest your head before sailing off into the Whitsundays. While you’re on land, check out the monthly exhibitions from local artists on the top floor and let the staff arrange bike, snorkelling and dive trips all from one spectacular location.
Rooms from $185 per night
Rating: 5 stars
Best romantic venue
Perched on the ocean front overlooking the ocean is the Coral Sea Resort – the best place to go if English isn’t your first language. With French, Italian and Japanese-speaking staff, you’ll have no trouble booking activities like the crocodile river tour as well as all the sailing adventures you have time for. If the sunset over the sea brings out your romantic side, there’s a chapel on site and affordable wedding packages for up to 50 guests. It’s everything you need under one roof.
Rooms from: $265 including breakfast
Rating: 4 stars
Best budget hostel
Magnums in Airlie Beach isn’t just for Backpackers but you do need to be over 18 to stay. With an onsite travel agency it’s a great place to organise discounted tours and you’ll even get free accommodation when you book an overnight sailing trip. There are female only dorm rooms and 8-share cabins with ensuite bathrooms. With a large Woolworths supermarket right behind the hostel, Magnums provides the best budget accommodation in Airlie Beach, by far.
Rooms from $21 per night
Rating: 5 stars
Best family fun
Looking for a fun, family excursion for the next school holidays? Big4 Adventure Park in Airlie Beach is an all-round winner. From camping and caravanning to 3-bedroom villas, Big4 has it all. The giant water slide park and kids club takes care of the little’uns so mum, dad and the grandparents can enjoy some grown-ups-only time. Take your pick from tennis, mini golf, pedal karts and the biggest heated pool in Airlie Beach – winter hols sorted! Kids eat free and there’s an all-weather activity schedule should the clouds come in.
1-bedroom villas from $155
Rating: 5 stars
Best road trip stopover
If you’re just passing through Airlie Beach, the Colonial Palms Motor Inn provides a welcome haven for a quick pit stop (although you might be tempted to stay for longer). The huge beds, spacious rooms and views of Boathaven Bay makes this an no ordinary motel. There’s a licensed restaurant, coin-operated washing machines, two tropical pools and a wading pool for small kids. It’s everything you need (and more) before you hit the highway and head off to your next Queensland adventure.
Rooms from $145
Rating: 4 stars
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