Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Airlie Beach?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Airlie Beach?
Most visitors spend four to seven days in Airlie Beach when visiting. The paradise town offers so many things to see and explore, so you'll want to take full advantage of the limited time you have. Highlights include scuba diving and snorkeling, the beaches, the hiking, and the beautiful scenery.
For many, Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. It is a resort town that has a mix of luxury resorts, family-friendly hotels, and backpacker hostels. There are ferries and excursions that leave from the town and visit the islands, but many visitors also choose to spend some time exploring the mainland area as well.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Airlie Beach? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Airlie Beach?
With one week you'll have more than enough time to enjoy the beach and take in all that Airlie Beach has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Airlie Beach as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying scuba diving and snorkeling, the beaches, and the hiking at your own pace. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend a week in Airlie Beach
Scuba diving and snorkeling around Airlie Beach is world-class, and is one of the main reasons why so many visitors come here. Spend a day exploring the beauty of the surrounding underwater world. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach Tour: Beaches, Lookouts and Snorkel ($154)
- Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout ($134)
- Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise ($148)
Airlie Beach is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. Serving as a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, this town is surrounded by some of the world's most idyllic landscapes.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Whitsundays Segway Sunset and Boardwalk Tour with Dinner ($84)
- Airlie Beach Jet Boat Thrill Ride ($60)
- Lady Enid Sunset Sail Airlie Beach - Adults Only ($67)
Airlie Beach is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The town itself is walkable, but the surrounding area is hilly and requires a car.
The beautiful beaches await you in Airlie Beach, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. 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.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Airlie Beach Trike Tours ($50)
- Private Airlie Beach Tuk-Tuk Tours ($20)
- The Big Island Day Tour: Full day tour to Whitehaven Beach ($171)
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. 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.
The public transit in Airlie Beach is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the town quite easily and affordably. 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.
Known for it's hiking, Airlie Beach sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. 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.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The town has a number of nightlife venues that include DJ hosted parties, beachfront cocktail lounges, and mellow local bars.
Don't miss the Airlie Beach Lagoon during your trip to Airlie Beach, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
Shopping in Airlie Beach is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Head to the town's main street for your typical souvenir shops and holiday stores.
After you've explored most of Airlie Beach, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- All-Inclusive Waterfall Explorer Day Trip from Airlie Beach ($107)
- Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Day Trip: Chill and Grill ($168)
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Airlie Beach, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Airlie Beach?
Two weeks is more than sufficient for a beach trip to Airlie Beach, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Explore the underwater world, lounge on the beach, take a hike, and admire the wonderful scenery on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Airlie Beach as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
Airlie Beach
How to spend 2 weeks in Airlie Beach
With 2 weeks in Airlie Beach, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the town has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time snorkeling or scuba diving, relaxing on the beach, and hiking. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this town looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- All-Inclusive Waterfall Explorer Day Trip from Airlie Beach ($107)
- Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Day Trip: Chill and Grill ($168)
More Info
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