Car Hire Airlie Beach - Mini guide to Airlie Beach

Lying between Cairns and Brisbane in the state of Queensland, the tiny town of Airlie Beach is the focal point of activity on the Whitsunday mainland. It is suspended on the edge of the Coral Sea and offers views across Pioneer Bay and the Whitsunday Passage. Airlie Beach is a small community with life revolving around the beach and the marina by day, and the bars and restaurants by night.

The main reason people come here is to hop aboard sailboat charters to the magnificent Whitsunday islands. Spending several days aboard former world-class yachts, crusiing these gorgeous tropical islands is an unforgettable treat and berths can be arranged in the town. However, it also has developed a reputation for partying.

There is a large artificial beachfront lagoon, with sandy beaches and landscaped parkland, providing good swimming. Set in four hectares of botanic gardens, the lagoon is the size of about six full-size Olympic swimming pools. There is also a children's pool, along with barbecues, picnic shelters, toilets and showers.

Although it is only comprised of a few blocks, the town provides a good selection of decent accommodation, a few charming restaurants and bars, shops, and facilities such as banks and a supermarket.

Mangrove Jack's Café Bar is a popular place for a night out on the town. It offers a casual and upbeat atmosphere.

Shute Harbour, 11kms from Airlie Beach, is one of Queensland's busiest ports. The Lions Lookout is a great place to enjoy a panoramic view of the area. North of the Whitsundays is Dunk Island and the rainforest settlement of Mission Beach. Townsville, a delightful port city, is at the start of the Great Green Way – a region of natural beauty on the way to Cairns. The Great Barrier Reef is a major attraction for anyone in the area.

The mostly two-lane Bruce Highway travels along the coast from Brisbane to Cairns. Queensland Rail's Traveltrain offers two long-distance trains along the Brisbane-Cairns route, passing through Airlie Beach. The nearest airports to Airlie Beach are at Townsville and Cairns.