The Top 10 Airlie Beach Day Trips

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If you are planning a trip to Airlie Beach and searching for the best Airlie Beach day trips then this post is for you!

Airlie Beach is a coastal resort town, known as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, Australia. There is plenty to do right here in town, and I suggest spending a few nights in Airlie Beach itself. It’s a charming town with amazing bars, restaurants, and local shops. 

There are many day trips from Airlie Beach, one of the most common being a visit to Whitehaven Beach (which is a must!). In this guide, we are going to break down the top 10 best day trips from Airlie Beach. And if you’re looking to get to Whitehaven Beach from Airlie Beach, make sure to check out this guide here! 

Looking for more Australia guides? 

• The Best Things to Do in Byron Bay, Australia
• All You Need to Know About Airlie Beach Lagoon
• The Ultimate Guide to Sailing the Whitsundays

Keep reading to discover the Top 10 Airlie Beach day trips. 

The Best Airlie Beach Day Trips

1. Explore the Great Barrier Reef

Did you know the Great Barrier Reef stretches for over 2,300 kilometers? Not only is Cairns a great place to experience the Great Barrier Reef, but the Whitsunday Islands near Airlie Beach is also a wonder place to see the iconic reef. 

There are all sorts of tour operators that take travelers out to snorkel or scuba the Great Barrier Reef for the day. If you aren’t heading up north to Cairns, this is something you should certainly do in Airlie Beach! 

2. Whitehaven Beach | Experience One of The World’s Best Beaches 

Whitehaven Beach is often ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. You can’t miss it when you visit Airlie Beach. Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsundays are a huge reason Airlie Beach is so famous. 

There are so many different ways to experience Whitehaven Beach. In this guide here I’ve shared a curated list of the best Whitehaven Beach tours from Airlie Beach including the cost, duration, what to expect, etc. You can’t miss out on Whitehaven Beach when you are in Airlie. 

3. Sail The Whitsunday Islands 

One of my favorite Airlie Beach day trips is to go on a sailing adventure through the Whitsunday Islands. There are plenty of different day tours you can book but most will include a few snorkel spots, a stop at Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, and lunch. 

If you want the chance to snorkel and visit Whitehaven Beach, I suggest booking a guided tour that will take you to some of the best spots around the islands. You’ll get to see a lot in just one day.  

4. Crocodile Safari

If you are looking for a unique Australian experience, consider a crocodile safari! On this Airlie Beach Day trip, you’ll have a local guide take you on a tour through the waters of the Proserpine River to experience crocodiles in their natural habitat. 

You will also explore the mangroves, and the Goorganga Plains, and spot all sorts of wildlife including birds, fish, and other reptiles. The experienced guides will teach you all there is to know about the animals and their habitats. 

The day trip includes a barbecue lunch and make sure to pack plenty of SPF and insect repellent!  

Book a crocodile safari tour from Airlie Beach here!

5. Cedar Creek Falls in Conway National Park

Cedar Creek Falls is a captivating waterfall located in Conway National Park just 30 minutes from Airlie Beach. For those looking for a nature escape, this is the perfect place. 

You can swim in refreshing natural pools below the falls and sunbathe on the surrounding rocks. To get here you can rent a car or join a guided tour that includes a stop here. There are designated parking areas in Conway National Park and some may require a small parking fee so make sure to have cash on hand. 

6. Airlie Beach to Daydream Island 

Daydream Island is one of the beautiful Whitsunday Islands located about a 30-minute ferry ride from Airlie Beach. To visit, you can purchase ferry tickets ahead of time online or once you arrive at the Cruise the Whitsundays ticket office in Airlie Beach. If you visit during the high season, you’ll want to book tickets and tours in advance. 

Once you’re on Daydream Island you can take in the captivating views, lush forests, pristine white sand beaches, and landmarks such as Lover’s Cove and Living Reef. There are plenty of walking trails on the island, beaches to relax on, and water activities such as snorkeling and stand-up paddle boarding. There are also several bars and restaurants on the island. 

7. Skydiving in Airlie Beach

For those looking for a thrill, consider booking a skydive in Airlie Beach. Skydiving in Airlie Beach offers the most amazing views of the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands. You can book your skydive with an Airlie Beach tour operator ahead of time online or in person at their tourist office. If you are visiting during peak season, you should book ahead of time online because spaces can fill up quickly.  

Book your Whitsunday skydive here!

8. Hideaway Bay

Hideaway Bay is an enchanting coastal town about 30 kilometers north of Airlie Beach. It’s a stunning hidden gem known for its white sand beaches with bright turquoise waters. Here you’ll find a relaxing atmosphere and a quiet beach. 

It’s primarily a residential area, not very well-known to tourists. If you are looking for some R&R time, you should check out Hideaway Bay. 

9. Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island is another gem in the Whitsundays. This is a stunning Whitsunday Island located about an hour’s ferry ride from Airlie Beach. Once you arrive, you can spend the day checking out hiking trails, visiting the local wildlife center, and partaking in the many watersports offered on the island. 

There are delicious restaurants on the island and many beaches to enjoy. A day at Hamilton Island is a wonderful day trip from Airlie Beach. 

10. Fishing Charter 

If you’d like to do some fishing in the Whitsundays, consider joining a fishing charter. Many day trips will take you out to try to catch some of the island’s abundant marine life. They provide all the fishing equipment along with snacks, water, and fresh sandwiches. 

FAQs About Airlie Beach 

How Many Days Should You Spend in Airlie Beach? 

I’d suggest a minimum of 4 days so that you can experience Airlie Beach itself along with the amazing Airlie Beach day trips. There is so much to see in this region of Australia so stay for at least 4 days. 

Why is Airlie Beach So Popular? 

Airlie Beach is considered the heart of the Whitsunday Islands. Arguably the most beautiful place on the East Coast of Australia. Visitors from all around the world visit Airlie Beach to experience sailing trips out to the islands. 

The town’s lively atmosphere, picturesque blue waters, and adventurous activities make Airlie Beach enjoyable for everyone. 

What Else Is There to Do in Airlie Beach? 

There are various beaches to visit, sailing tours to book, jet ski adventures, and a great shopping and restaurant scene. There are all sorts of amazing things to do in Airlie Beach. Keep an eye out for my blog post with all the best things to do in Airlie Beach. 

Where to Stay in Airlie Beach? 

Base Airlie Beach | This is a good budget option. It’s a pretty basic hostel, nothing special. But it’s affordable and within walking distance to just about everything. Check rates here. 

Coral Sea Resort | If you are looking for a nicer hotel, consider the Coal Sea Resort. This is a 4-star beachfront hotel with a pool, spacious rooms, and dining options. Check rates here.  

Pinnacles, Airlie Beach | This is a 5-star hotel with captivating views, spacious rooms, and a wonderful pool. If you are looking for luxury, check out this hotel. 

I hope you enjoyed this post all about the best Airlie Beach Day trips! If you have any questions about planning your trip to Australia, comment below or DM me on Instagram

Recommended Tours in Airlie Beach

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