Things to do in and around Airlie Beach
Summer is here - the floods have gone ..... Day time temperatures are in the early 30's with almost guarenteed sunshine, Airlie Beach is the perfect place for getting a deep tan by the lagoon while deciding which cocktail you are going to order.
As the sun sets over the water (yeah - we face north here and have fantastic sunsets) you can plan to hitch a ride on a sailing boat and explore the islands, beaches and dive and snorkel sites.
The
Whitsunday island chain is made up of submerged rainforest mountains in the warm, clear seas within the Great Barrier reef.
Captain
Cook set the trend for
sailing
in these beautiful, protected waters and today you can see for yourself what
the "Grotty yachties" find so fascinating.
Overnight
sailing is the main draw here - the trips are run by companies ranging
from highly professional ex racers and round the world veterans to enthusiastic
hobbyists or money grabbing con-artists - so choose wisely.
Prices range from $209 upwards for 1, 2 & 3 night trips. Booking the day
before at a
standby rate can save you a packet, you get exactly the same as people who have paid full price.
Adrenaline junkies can add kite-boarding or SCUBA diving to their sailing charter
- snorkeling is free as are meteor showers and whale watching.
To check out what else is on offer for free click
free stuff
Day
Trips
More
sailing,
e.g. Maxi Ragamuffin and Illusions do trips to the best snorkeling spots and/or
Whitehaven Beach. The best motorised boats use the same spots, but get there
quicker. Our favourites are Ocean Rafting and Mantaray.
Island Ferries operate from Shute Harbour ($4 Bus ride) Included with some tickets
when you buy from
Airlie
Waterfront Travel.
- Fantasea Ferries run services to Daydream, Long & Hamilton Islands
and also sell tickets that include Whitehaven Beach. Unfortunately they
do not run a service just to Whitehaven Beach or anything to suit island
camping.
- Cruise Whitsundays run services to South Molle Island.
GBR - Three companies run trips, snorkeling and diving on the Great Barrier
Reef. It's just over 2 hours away and MUCH cheaper than the same trip in overcrowded
Cairns.
At Night
Quite rightly Airlie Beach has a reputation as a drinking town. Add the vast
number of hospitality staff to the legions of backpackers and you can see why
every night is someone's Saturday night in Airlie Beach. Airlie doesn't have
a quiet night, so don't think you can come here on a Monday and get away with
it!
To check listings for all the best venues & restaurants, click
bars,
clubs & restaurants
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