Airlie Beach is what many travelers would lovingly describe as a little slice of paradise on Australia's East Coast, and I absolutely agree. It serves not only as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands but also stands out as a beloved coastal town in Queensland.
With a great climate, sunshine all year round, palm trees everywhere, and a perfect swimming lagoon, Airlie Beach is a dream destination.
From my house on the Gold Coast, it's a solid 14-hour drive, but with daily direct flights from Brisbane (unfortunately not from the GC), you'll be there in 1.5 hours, perfect for a little vacation!
In this guide on where to stay in Airlie Beach, I'll share my favorite hotels and resorts that fit any budget, so you can plan your trip without any worries.
1. The best hotels to stay in Airlie Beach for a luxury trip
Airlie Beach offers some amazing luxury hotels that will make your stay incredible.
If you're not up for heading all the way to Hamilton Island or one of the expensive private islands in the Whitsundays, no worries! Opting for accommodation in Airlie Beach provides a fantastic alternative, still allowing you to experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands.
I've had the pleasure of staying in a few hotels around Airlie, and I'm excited to share my personal favorites with you.
Absolute Waterfront Resort: Coral Sea Marina Resort
This beautiful resort is right in the heart of Airlie Beach, and it's one of the best luxury options. Coral Sea Marina Resort has a private balcony for each room with breathtaking ocean views, perfect for watching the sunset or sunrise. The rooms at Coral Sea Marina Resort are spacious and beautifully decorated, plus you'll have access to a pool, spa, gym, and even a private beach.
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Best Resort Pool: Mantra Club Croc
Mantra Club Croc is honestly one of my favorite Airlie Beach hotels. It has a modern tropical vibe with comfortable and stylish rooms, some with private balconies overlooking the outdoor pool. The hotel also has a restaurant, bar, gym, and even an outdoor cinema. Plus, it's just a short walk from the main street of Airlie Beach.
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Best Hotel on the Esplanade: Airlie Beach Hotel
The Airlie Beach Hotel is an iconic landmark in the town and a popular choice for luxury travelers. Airlie Beach Hotel is definitely one of the best and prettiest private beaches in Airlie Beach. The rooms are spacious, and modern and have private balconies with ocean views. On top of that, the hotel can arrange various activities such as sailing trips and helicopter rides over the reef for you.
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Best Luxury Apartments: Club Wyndham Airlie Beach
If you're a fan of the Wyndham brand, then this resort is for you. Situated on the hill overlooking Airlie Beach, Club Wyndham Airlie Beach has spacious and modern luxury apartments with balconies offering stunning ocean views. The resort also has an infinity pool, gym, and offers various activities such as sunset cruises and jet skiing.
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2. The best hotels to stay in Airlie Beach on a mid-range budget
Not everyone can afford a luxury trip, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out on the beautiful experience of Airlie Beach.
I found some amazing mid-range hotels and resorts there that offer great value for money without compromising on comfort or quality.
Best Self-Contained Accommodation: Mango House Resort
Mango House Resort is my recommendation for anyone looking for a self-catering option in Airlie Beach. The resort offers fully furnished apartments with a kitchen, living area, and private balcony. It also has a pool and BBQ area for you to use, making it perfect, especially for families and larger groups.
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Best Mid-Range Overlooking Boathaven Bay: Colonial Palms Motor Inn
Just a little outside of the hustle and bustle, Colonial Palms Motor Inn offers a peaceful stay with cozy rooms and our warm, friendly service. This place is a bit quieter and perfect for couples who want to escape the busy center. Plus, the hotel has a nice in-house restaurant and an outdoor spa for you to enjoy.
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Best Unique Accommodation Away From the Crowds: Airlie Beach Eco Cabins
If you're looking for a unique experience, you'll love the Airlie Beach Eco Cabins. Nestled in the Australian bush, these cabins offer the perfect blend of eco-friendly accommodation and an unforgettable wildlife encounter. Imagine waking up to kangaroos and other wildlife right at your doorstep. It's an incredible experience that I absolutely recommend.
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3. The best hotels to stay in Airlie Beach on a smaller budget
Airlie Beach is my go-to destination for backpacking and budget travel. It's a hot spot that offers incredible value without sacrificing quality or comfort. Here are my top picks for the best value hotels in Airlie Beach.
Best Affordable Cabins: Bush Village Holiday Cabins
For a perfect and incredibly relaxing, budget-friendly option in Airlie Beach, I recommend the Bush Village Holiday Cabins. This amazing property consists of charming little cabins nestled within a cozy garden filled with tropical plants, hammocks, an outdoor swimming pool, and a BBQ area. Whether you're a couple, a family, or a group, these cabins are ideal for you.
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Best Value for Money: Reef Gateway Hotel
One of the best budget hotels with a fantastic location in Airlie Beach is the Reef Gateway Hotel. You'll have easy access to everything you need, including shops, restaurants, and, of course, the beautiful beach. The rooms are basic but comfortable and always clean. Plus, there's a restaurant on-site if you feel like dining out without breaking the bank.
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Best Airlie Hostel: Airlie Beach Magnums
Airlie Beach Magnums is a fantastic retreat for adults and backpackers. It's super affordable and tucked away in the jungle, giving it a unique charm. While it has a hostel vibe, it's not your typical hostel. The rooms are basic but clean, and the staff is always friendly and helpful. Plus, its central location makes it a breeze to explore the town on foot. Highly recommended for budget travelers!
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4. Most unique Airlie Beach accommodation: Sailing the Whitsunday Islands
When it comes to staying in Airlie Beach, you will love how close it is to Whitsunday Island and the Great Barrier Reef.
One of the best things you can do is actually not stay in Airlie! Instead, pack a small overnight bag and leave your big heavy luggage behind at your hotel, then hop on a boat and explore the stunning nearby islands on an overnight sailing trip. Trust me, staying on a boat is the way to go!
I highly recommend treating yourself to at least one night on a boat during your Airlie Beach trip. It's an experience I've talked about since I first did it in 2006!
Here are my top picks for a unique Airlie Beach experience:
2-Day Great Barrier Reef Pontoon
One of the most unique ways I experienced Airlie Beach was by staying overnight on a boat sailing around the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef itself.
This 2-day pontoon tour includes plenty of activities such as whale watching (in season), snorkeling, and swimming during the day. At night, I had the chance to enjoy a gourmet dinner, to then go to sleep on the open deck and gaze at the stars. It was truly an unforgettable experience that I highly recommend, especially for couples in search of a romantic getaway.
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2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise
This 2-night sailing boat tour takes you to the most stunning spots in the Whitsundays. You'll get to snorkel, explore the iconic and mesmerizing Whitehaven Beach, and spend the night under the stars on the boat. It's definitely a must-do for solo travelers or groups of friends seeking thrilling adventures.
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Book Your Trip To Australia
Book Your Flight
I recommend using Skyscanner as the easiest way to find and compare the best airfares to and within Australia.
Book Your Hotel
My top pick for finding the perfect accommodation is Booking.com, as they guarantee the best room rate available, plus you get free cancellation on most bookings.
Book Your Tours & Activities
I like finding and pre-booking tours with Get Your Guide and Viator. You will book with instant confirmation, great customer support, and free cancellation for many activities.
Access Money Overseas Without Hidden Fees
I highly recommend getting a Wise account to withdraw money in Australia, pay for meals on the Visa card, or shop in Australian Dollars. With Wise, you always pay the real exchange, so you never pay more than you need to.
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Travel with confidence, knowing that Hey Mondo, my preferred travel insurance provider, has your back. Don't let illness, accidents, theft, or cancellations ruin your trip. As a Breathing Travel reader, you also get 5% off any policy purchased!
Where to stay in Airlie Beach – Frequently Asked Questions
🤔 Is Airlie Beach worth going to?
Definitely! Airlie Beach is an absolute gem for anyone traveling along Australia's East Coast. You'll probably already have plans to visit the breathtaking Whitsunday Islands and the stunning Whitehaven Beach. So why not make a stop in Airlie Beach? It's the perfect addition to your itinerary. Furthermore, you can join some incredible boat tours, and snorkeling adventures, and enjoy the fantastic hotels and resorts here.
🏖️ What is there to do in Airlie Beach?
There's plenty to do in Airlie Beach! Of course, the main attraction is a trip to the Whitsunday Islands, which you can explore via boat tours or by renting a private boat from Coral Sea Marina. You can also go snorkeling or diving in the Great Barrier Reef, visit the iconic Whitehaven Beach, relax at the Airlie Beach Lagoon or nearby Boathaven Beach, and enjoy delicious food at the various restaurants and bars in town.
🌊 Can you swim in the ocean in Airlie Beach?
Yes, you can swim at some but not all beaches in Airlie Beach. Note that there are crocodiles in this part of Queensland, however, you usually find them in rivers and creeks nearby. It's crucial to pay attention to safety signs and follow any warnings from lifeguards. During certain times of the year, jellyfish and stingers can be present in the waters, so always check with locals before jumping in. However, Airlie Beach also has a fantastic man-made lagoon that is perfect for swimming and sunbathing all year round.
📅 What is the best time to visit Airlie Beach?
The best time to visit Airlie Beach is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. The weather is comfortably warm, with a lower likelihood of rain, and the jellyfish and stinger season has come to an end. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so expect crowds and higher prices. For a quieter and more budget-friendly trip, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of April-May or September-November.
Where to stay in Airlie Beach – Final Words
Airlie Beach is a fantastic spot on Australia's East Coast for a weekend trip or even a full-on family vacation.
Personally, I love it because you're right at the Great Barrier Reef and have full access to the Whitsunday Islands with all the amazing boat tours, but without paying the high prices of actually staying on one of the islands like Hamilton Island or the luxury Hayman Island.
It's the perfect destination for anyone looking to relax, have some fun adventures, and soak in the beautiful nature of Australia's East Coast. And with my guide, you now know the best hotels to stay in Airlie Beach, no matter what your budget is.
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