Airlie Beach is a paradise town known for its tours and transportation that visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're scuba diving with your friends, relaxing on the beaches, or hiking in nature, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Airlie Beach, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Airlie Beach?
You should plan to spend around $159 (AU$253) per day on your vacation in Airlie Beach. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $53 (AU$85) on meals
- $19 (AU$30) on local transportation
- $113 (AU$179) on hotels
A one week trip to Airlie Beach for two people costs, on average, $2,225 (AU$3,542). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,113
AU$1,771
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,225
AU$3,542
-
One Month
Per person
$4,769
AU$7,590
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,225
AU$3,542
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,451
AU$7,084
-
One Month
For a couple
$9,538
AU$15,180
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Airlie Beach cost?
A one week trip to Airlie Beach usually costs around $1,113 (AU$1,771) for one person and $2,225 (AU$3,542) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Airlie Beach on average costs around $2,225 (AU$3,542) for one person and $4,451 (AU$7,084) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Airlie Beach will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Airlie Beach on average costs around $4,769 (AU$7,590) for one person and $9,538 (AU$15,180) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Airlie Beach expensive to visit?
Airlie Beach is a popular town that attracts plenty of visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
You can find Airlie Beach to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit can help you save money.
On average, budget travelers spend $67 (AU$109) per day, mid-range travelers spend $157 (AU$253) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $323 (AU$520) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Airlie Beach.
Within the Pacific, which is known to be an expensive region, Airlie Beach is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Kaikoura or Coffs Harbour.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Airlie Beach Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Airlie Beach?
The average Airlie Beach trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Airlie Beach travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Airlie Beach cost?
Airlie Beach on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$23
(AU$37)
|
$56
(AU$90)
|
$125
(AU$199)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$8
(AU$13)
|
$19
(AU$30)
|
$37
(AU$59)
|
Food 2
|
$23
(AU$36)
|
$53
(AU$85)
|
$109
(AU$174)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$68
(AU$108)
|
$155
(AU$246)
|
$291
(AU$463)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-6
(AU$3-9)
|
$4-13
(AU$7-21)
|
$9-26
(AU$14-41)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Airlie Beach with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $67 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Fortunately, Airlie Beach features plenty of hostels, including Nomads Airlie Beach, Base Airlie Beach Resort, and Airlie Beach YHA. At hostels like these, you can find cheap dorm beds and a vibrant social atmosphere, though amenities are often scarce.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Many visitors to Airlie Beach are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $157 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Airlie Beach. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Martinique Whitsunday Resort is a good kid-friendly option, and Toscana Village Resort is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Airlie Beach here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $323 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the town will demand a higher price range. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Airlie Beach Tuk-Tuk Tours - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Airlie Beach
In Airlie Beach, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak summer season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $127, but during peak season they jump to an average of $237. You can find budget options starting at $79 up to luxury rates at $388. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Airlie Beach for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $113 (AU$179). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $56 (AU$90) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Airlie Beach? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Airlie Beach include:
- Azure Sea Whitsunday starting at $151
- BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort starting at $122
- Martinique Whitsunday Resort starting at $135
- Toscana Village Resort starting at $167
- Coral Sea Resort Airlie Beach starting at $222
While Airlie Beach has a good public transit system that allows for staying farther from the town, cheaper accommodations could lead to more expensive and time-consuming commutes.
In a family-friendly place like Airlie Beach, finding accommodation with more space is key when traveling with children.
This town has a variety of resorts to explore. You might find one that includes meals, or at least breakfast, and many come with onsite dining options.
Many visitors to Airlie Beach stay for a week, and if you're staying for an extended period, a vacation rental with a kitchen could help you prepare your own meals.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid summer), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.
Many enjoy discovering Airlie Beach by walking, so it's beneficial to stay in a central spot. However, this convenience could lead to increased costs.
Transportation Budget in Airlie Beach
With a good public transit network in Airlie Beach, many of the main sights are easy to reach. There's a public bus that runs from Proserpine to Shute Harbour. The main bus station is near the city center and the main beach. Public transit is a great way to save some cash and get around, but only if it's close to your destination. Taxis and rideshares are available, too.
Visitors who like to explore on foot will enjoy their time here. The town itself is walkable, but the surrounding area is hilly and requires a car.
Public Transit: 



(good)
Walkability: 



(great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $19 (AU$30) per person, per day, on local transportation in Airlie Beach. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Airlie Beach is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$19
AU$30
If you're driving, it's essential to check if your hotel offers convenient parking.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Transfer from Whitsunday Coast Airport for $16 details
- Airport Transfers - Return (round fare) share shuttle service for $27 details
- One Way Only - Airport Transfer share shuttle service for $16 details
How much does it cost to go to Airlie Beach? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Airlie Beach will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Airlie Beach
The culinary scene in Airlie Beach is pretty good, but it's not the main draw for visitors. You'll find a few standout places around the town that are definitely worth a visit. There's a good selection of restaurants in town that offer everything from freshly caught local seafood to fine dining or casual. Try to pick a place with a view.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Airlie Beach can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Airlie Beach is $53 (AU$85) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$53
AU$85
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Airlie Beach is around $52 (AU$85) per person, with previous travelers spending from $22 to $108. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Airlie Beach are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $16
- Lunch: $8 to $21
- Dinner: $16 to $37
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
There are plenty of restaurants around town that vary in price and quality. As a tourist destination, most restaurants in town are set up specifically for tourists and prices reflect this. Takeaway places are available for those on a particularly tight budget. If you're willing to spend a little more money for decent food then Deja Vu at Water's Edge Resort and Capers at the Airlie Beach Hotel are both recommended. For decent pub food head to Beaches, Down Under Bar & Grill or Magnums.
There's also a large supermarket behind the main Airlie Beach Street and several options are in the suburbs as well. If you arrange a sailing trip while you're in town, they often provide a meal as well.
When traveling with children, look for restaurants with a kids menu. This can save you plenty of money as these options tend to be much lower in price. Some restaurants don't list the kids' options on their menu, so ask the waiter before you order.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Enjoy the scenery while saving money by planning a picnic. Find a nearby grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and choose a lovely park or picturesque spot for your meal.
Stay hydrated with a water bottle instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also great for the environment.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Airlie Beach. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Whitsundays Segway Sunset and Boardwalk Tour with Dinner for $80 details
- 3-Hour Sunset Segway Tour with Dinner for $78 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Airlie Beach
The reason people visit Airlie Beach is clear, as it offers resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Airlie Beach typically cost an average of $155 (AU$246) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$155
AU$246
Airlie Beach itself is not the best beach destination. The beaches are overrun with jellyfish so it is best not to swim without a stinger suit to protect you. Instead, it is better to use Airlie Beach as a jumping off point to make your way to the Whitsunday Islands. There are some nice views of the harbour and the bay from the center of town. Walk along Shute Harbour Road and enjoy the atmosphere while you're in town. There is also a great man made lagoon in town. It is about two hundred metres long and fifty wide and it's been landscaped with a bridge and grass where you can relax. There is a life guard on duty during the day and it's a pleasant place to swim. There is also a Saturday morning market along the waterfront where you can pick up local produce and foods, or just wander around and enjoy the atmosphere.
Most people use Airlie Beach as a jumping off point for trips to the Whitsunday Islands or the Great Barrier Reef. It's easy to arrange tours of these areas while you're in town and most tours leave from Abel Point Marina or occasionally from the Port of Airlie.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Scuba diving in Airlie Beach is one of the most popular activities. You can't snorkel right off the shore because the water is murky and mucky, but there are excursions that will take you to the Great Barrier Reef. There are many day cruises that will take you out on the reef to several sights where you may see beautiful coral, sea turtles, or even reef sharks.
Beaches:
Many visitors come to Airlie Beach to relax at the beach. Near town there are world class beaches that range from secluded and idyllic to those lined with luxury resorts. For an escape, head to Hideaway Bay or Dingo Beach. If you don't want to leave town, there's also Airlie Beach, which is right off the Main Street. You likely won't want to swim here, but you can enjoy a picnic. Whatever beach you chose, do confirm that there's a stinger net.
Hiking:
Don't miss out on the wonderful hiking opportunities around Airlie Beach. You'll find many incredible hiking trails in the area. Conway National Park is a great place to hike through the rainforest and Conway State Forest is another nice spot.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Airlie Beach. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Whisper Cruises - One-Hour Turtle Spotting Bay Cruise for $44 details
- Waterfalls and Bushwalk Eco Adventure for $77 details
- Jet Ski Adventure in Airlie Beach for $159 details
Nightlife Budget in Airlie Beach
For nightlife, Airlie Beach offers some activities, but it's not as active as in other more popular destinations. The town has a number of nightlife venues that include DJ hosted parties, beachfront cocktail lounges, and mellow local bars.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $8.70 (AU$14) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Airlie Beach per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$8.70
AU$14
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
If you're out drinking at night, keep an eye on your surroundings. You could be a target for pickpockets, so it's wise to stay in a group and with people you trust.
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 22, 2024
Traveling in Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach, in Queensland, offers the closest port to the Whitsunday Islands on the Great Barrier Reef. It's a small town of only 25,000 and has grown out of the area's popularity as a tourist destination. It's main industry remains tourism and, as such, there are many venues set up to accommodate travelers hoping to make trips to the Whitsunday Islands and the Outer Great Barrier Reef. The town has the feel of a vacation destination. While in the past Airlie Beach appealed specifically to the backpacker crowd, it's popularity has spread and now there are facilities catering to all travel types. The area has become more commercialized and there are plenty of large resorts to choose from. Even so, you'll still find no shortage of affordable accommodation around town.
Neighborhoods & Around
The main drag in town, Airlie Beach proper, is where you'll find most of the affordable accommodation in town. This area has the highest concentration of backpacker resorts and pubs. To the west of the strip is Cannonvale. Commercial development slows in this area and Cannonvalley and Strathdickie are more rural with farming land and houses on acreage. Jubilee Pocket and Shute Harbour or other suburbs in the area.
There are two large commerical marines very close to the center of town. Abel Point has 450 berths and Port of Airlie, at the southern end of the main street, has 350. There are ferries to Whitsunday Islands that leave from the Cruise Whitsundays Maritime Terminal next to the Port of Airlie Marina. You can also catch a ferry to Hayman Island at the Abel Point Marina.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.