Things to Do in Airlie Beach

Enjoy the best of the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef in one day with the Fly Raft package.

Purely Whitehaven Day Tour - Experience an adventure with an advanced eco-certified full-day scenic cruise through the Whitsunday Islands stopping at the famous Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout

Get excited to discover Bowen-Top of the Whitsundays. This lesser-known coastal gem is bursting with beauty, beaches, history, flora, and surprises. Be enraptured on a fascinating day of pure discovery as we uncover Bowen’s breathtaking beaches, lookouts, landscapes, geological marvels and rich stories past. Wander where the crowds don’t go and soak in the diversity of panoramic coastal views, see where ‘Australia’ was filmed, get your photo at The Big Mango, visit the Catalina display and relax with a mouthwatering lunch dockside. Touring in Bowen since 2022, your experienced expert local guide uncovers the magic of Bowen and listen to remarkable stories about local indigenous, shipwrecks, explorers and space rockets. Award wining Driftwood Tours has a reputation for providing exceptional service and high quality tours with locations, extensive knowledge and guest service. The Bowen Discovery tour is a unique experience so make the most of it with Driftwood.

Take to the skies and enjoy great views of the Whitsundays

Explore paradise by sea & air in the Whitsunday Islands. We'll fly a plane and then go snorkeling in the turquoise water of this stunning archipelago.

Experience the thrill of skydiving over Whitsunday Islands. Dive into an unforgettable tropical adventure today.

Sail to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach. Upgrade with a lunch option, chillout on deck or join in pulling up the sails, visit the Hill Inlet Lookout, and snorkel on the fringing Great Barrier Reef.

Looking for an epic day on the water? Jump aboard British Defender for a high-energy sailing adventure to Whitehaven Beach—one of the most stunning spots in the Whitsundays. Swim, snorkel vibrant reefs, soak up the sun, and meet new mates along the way. With a fun crew and plenty of action, it’s the perfect mix of adventure and chill vibes.

Take a boat tour of the Whitsundays that includes snorkelling and beach time

Explore one of Australia's hidden corners of paradise: enjoy sailing to the Whitsunday Islands, snorkel and relax on their beautiful beaches!

Dive into an unforgettable adventure as you skydive over the Whitsundays. Soak in the tropical beauty of Airlie Beach from a thrilling new perspective.

Admire the best views of the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef from above on a panoramic flight. Enjoy a transfer from Airlie Beach and soar over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and Heart Reef.

A must-do when visiting Airlie Beach, this experience takes you beyond the usual and into the hidden coastal gems most visitors never see. Escape the crowds and discover a side of the Whitsundays that’s untouched, unspoiled and pure paradise. Wander secluded beaches, take in sweeping ocean views, and explore landscapes shaped over millions of years—all at a relaxed, unhurried pace. With the perfect mix of light adventure and pure relaxation, you’ll have time to dip your toes in calm turquoise waters, breathe in the fresh coastal air and unwind at laid-back beachfront spots. It’s personal, it’s scenic, and it’s the kind of day you’ll be talking about long after your holiday ends. 5 beaches, 2 resorts Led by Cherene you local highly experienced friendly guide. Winner GOLD 2025 Best Land Based Tour in Whitsundays Winner GOLD 2023 Whitsunday Tourism Awards -Best New Tour Business.

Rafting, relaxing, snorkelling and bushwalking, all in one day!

Paradise beaches, breathtaking marine life, and turquoise waters are the highlights of this excursion to Whitsunday Island. We'll also get to snorkel!

Enjoy a 60-minute scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef and take in stunning aerial views of the Whitsundays!

Experience the most exhilarating feeling of freefall and marvel at stunning views of Airlie Beach, the Whitsundays, and the surrounding reefs from above on a tandem skydiving adventure.

Join us for a dual nature tour filled with cascading beauty and lush rainforest landscape. Tours are led by an accredited Eco Nature guide who is passionate about the Whitsundays and dedicated to sharing their knowledge with you. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, wanting to see more of Airlie or simply seeking a laid-back escape. Insightful commentary on the nature and history providing a deeper understanding of the region's unique flora, fauna, and cultural heritage. **waterfalls may not always be flowing. **easy/moderate fitness

Swim in the ocean and discover marine life

Explore the Whitsundays in an original way with this plane ride from Airlie Beach. You'll get bird's eye views of paradise beaches and the Great Barrier Reef!

Book today to enjoy the best of the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef in one day with a Whitsunday scenic flight and Ocean Rafting adventure!

Take the stress out of travel with a convenient one-way transfer from Whitsunday Coast Airport to your accommodation in Airlie Beach or vice versa. Sit back and relax in an air-conditioned minibus.

Bowen's beaches are the real deal — clear, calm, and genuinely stunning. Think postcard-perfect bays where the water is so blue you'll want to swim before breakfast. This is one of Australia's most beautiful coastal drives, and most people have no idea it exists. Your guide knows every hidden corner of this stretch of coast. Small groups of 10 mean you get the real story — not a scripted spiel, but the kind of local knowledge that makes a place come alive. Along the way, expect a few surprises. Fresh local prawns, champagne, and cheese at one of the most beautiful bays on the Queensland coast — because some moments deserve a little something special. Bowen also has a history that genuinely catches people off guard. It's older than Brisbane, starred in Baz Luhrmann's Australia, and its past is woven into every stop. Fully eco-certified. 100% recommendation rate on Viator. A small group, a brilliant guide, and a coastline that delivers every single time.

Hike to the Hill Inlet Lookout and snorkel the fringing reef

If you are a fan of the adventurous side of life, and an addict to adrenaline, don't miss this skydive over Airlie Beach!

Book this Southern Lights tour for the perfect Whitehaven Beach experience, with about two hours of relaxation time south of Whitehaven.

Enjoy a scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven, Hill Inlets swirling sands, and Great Barrier Reef including Heart Reef with live commentary from your guide.

The unique part of my sunset trip is we actually sail it’s a genuine sailing experience with only 8 guests. Other sunset trips can have up to 30 passengers on board and only put up a small forward sail we off a proper hands on sailing experience Ranked number 2 out of 134 things to do in the Whitsundays on Trip Advisor.

Snorkel the reef and tour in a semi-submarine

On our Whitsunday Islands & Hook Island Day Trip, we'll ride a speedboat and admire the incredible scenery. We'll also go snorkeling in two fantastic spots.

Book this Northern Exposure tour including Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, two snorkeling reefs, and guided Whitsunday Island National Parks walks.

Witness magnificent water quality and diverse and colorful marine life at the Great Barrier Reef. Travel to the pontoon on a premium vessel and enjoy a variety of activities.

Move away from the tourist hot spots and discover something spectacular in the Whitsundays with our customisable experiences. Explore the unique world beneath the waves and snorkel some of the most abundant coral reefs, stop-over at the many beaches and bays, enjoy the various island trails or soak up the sun while lazing on the soft white sands - the possibilities are endless. Check out our website for inspiration to create your ideal private charter or chat to our team today!

Hike the hills and browse the boutiques along the main street

Spend an unforgettable day sailing around the mesmerisingly beautiful Whitsundays on a private boat charter from Airlie Beach.

Swim in rock pools underneath stunning waterfalls at Cedar Creek Falls and enjoy a cocktail and lunch with a view at Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill.

Discover the Whitsunday Islands on a day trip from the Whitsunday area. Enjoy a picnic on Whitehaven Beach, panoramic views from Hill Inlet Lookout, & snorkel the fringing reefs of Great Barrier Reef.

Please Note: Weight Limits Apply* Dreamed of visiting Whitehaven Beach, or the gorgeous Heart Reef? Then look no further! This two & a half hour** helicopter tour takes you to Whitehaven Beach, where you'll enjoy a one & a half hour stay, complete with nibblies and ice cold beverages. First we head out to the beautiful Whitsunday Island, where we'll land on the world famous Whitehaven Beach for a one and a half hour stop**. Enjoy complimentary snacks and a drink before some free time to explore the beach. We then take off past the beautiful Hill Inlet, heading for the world famous Great Barrier Reef. Where we visit some the renowned Heart Reef. As we head back home, we'll fly past Hayman Island, Hook Island and finish up with some more views of the Molle Island Group, with Whitsunday Island and Long Island in the distance. *This tour has a maximum passenger weight limit of 130kg/286lb per seat, and total combined passenger weight of 230kg/507lb. **Times are approximate

Hike to the Hill Inlet Lookout and relax on the beach

On this tour of Airlie Beach, we'll explore the natural landscapes surrounding the city, enjoy a lunch, and admire the sunset over the sea.

Book an all-inclusive cruise to some of the Whitsunday Islands' secret spots. Explore Langford Island and snorkel at the best fringing reef the region has to offer.

Two tickets, one boat: snorkellers and beachgoers visit the 7km-long Whitehaven Beach and South Lookout. Unlimited boat-to-beach transfers, a Whitsundays first. Buffet lunch Included. Family Friendly

Experience one of Australia’s most iconic wildlife moments on this small-group eco tour from Airlie Beach to Cape Hillsborough National Park. Before most people are awake, you’ll be standing on the sand watching wild kangaroos and wallabies move along the shoreline as the sun comes up over the Coral Sea. No fences, no crowds, no feeding shows. Just a quiet beach, soft morning light, and animals going about their dawn routine while you watch from a few metres away. We handle the 3 am start and the 1.5‑hour drive each way, so you don’t have to. Travel in a modern air‑conditioned vehicle with an eco‑certified local guide, arrive at the right time for sunrise, and warm up with coffee and an Aussie drover’s breakfast before heading back to Airlie Beach. With small groups, comfortable transport, and one of the most photographed wildlife experiences in the country, this morning is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who wants to see the “real Australia” beyond the islands.

Swim and hike along the 7 km stretch of silica sand

With our travel insurance, you can travel with peace of mind and focus solely on unwinding and enjoying your holiday. Don't let anything spoil your trip!

Book a hands-on sailing experience of the Whitsundays. Avatar's overnight sailing adventure lets you snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and sail a real race boat.

Take a boat ride to the best snorkeling locations in the Whitsunday Islands. Travel on the area's fastest catamaran on a climate action leading tour.

Private 2 hour sunset sail around Airlie Beach Bay for a more exclusive experience. The perfect setting to celebrate a special event with the most amazing views of the Whitsunday Islands and the twinkling lights of Airlie Beach. Delicious antipasto platters included and guests can BYO any drinks of choice- this is a full vessel private hire only for 2- 25 guests. A confirmation needs to be accepted to be sure of availability for any private charters.

Snorkel in secluded bays and see tropical fish

See Local Coral Reefs and Marine Life on our 70min Glass Bottom Boat Tour of Airlie Beach and The Whitsundays!