Airlie Beach

Itchy Feet Team | Jun 04, 2009 | Comments 0

Airlie Beach (or “Airlie) is located about 1.5 hours north of Mackay. It is the step off point to the Whitsundays a group of tropical islands and the Great Barrier Reef. With around 25,000 residents it is developed to cater for almost every kind of tourist and backpacker. Abel point marina is where charter boats can be found. They will take travellers to the islands and the reef.

Airlie beach used to be a barebones backpacker paradise, but has now been discovered by locals and travellers alike. The increased interest in the area is understandable due to its picture postcard vistas, thus the comercialisation of the area has increased. This not a bad thing and Airlie is still worth stopping off at on your trip up or down the east coast.

Getting there and away

The closest airports to Airlie Beach is Proserpine which is about 30 minutes drive. The two main airlines flying to Proserpine are Virgin Blue and Jetstar. After arriving at the airport, luggage is driven around the side of the building be collected from a trailer.

To transfer from Proserpine ariport to Airlie Beach is fairly easy as local local bus companies run a service. Tickets for bus transfers can be bought at the airport.

Con-X-ion (www.con-x-ion.com) has transfers from Mackay airport and Mackay Bus terminal twice a day.

To Do and Entertainment

Airlie Beach is pretty, but unlike the images that the name conjours up it is not the best beach. If you are looking for a beach experience head over to one of the Whitsunday Islands, like Hamilton, Daydream or for the premier beach experience get to Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island.

Airlies main beach looks inviting but from Octobr to May is stinger season so it is advisable not to swim at the beach hear (go to the islands) but there is a lagoon which is just like the real thing. It patrolled during the day as well.

For the adventure seeking traveller Airlie Beach has Barrier Reef Bungee Jumping in Shute harbour, Tandem Skydive Airlie Beach which is an impressive way to see the area but is pretty expensive considering you only go up in the plane, Whitsunday Dreamer takes the laidback aproach to seeing the Whitsundays while Reef Jet gets you around quick, it also has diving and snorkeling.

The Barefoot Bushmans wildlife park has a range of wildlife on offer from Koalas, kangaroos and crocodiles. Busses leave Airlie Beach and drive the 8km to the park. If horse riding is your thing Brandy Creek Trails takes rides through the hills and tropical rainforest of the area.

After dark Magnums and Paddy Shenanigans provide entertainment for backpackers and travellers who wish to partake in a cool beverage or more.