In the famous words of Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson ‘the best things in life are free’ – in this week’s blog will introduce to you the top 10 things to do in Airlie Beach which won’t cost you a cent and will showcase some of the region’s most incredible natural assets:
Bicentennial Walkway
Whether you set off on foot or with bikes, scooters, prams , the bicentennial walkway is a must do when in Airlie Beach. Either start from Cannonvale Beach and follow the waterfront boardwalk to the Airlie Beach Lagoon or start at the lagoon and work backwards. Either way you will pass through the Coral Sea Marina Resort complex about half way making it the perfect pit stop for a coffee or a spot of lunch at one of our cafes or restaurants
Airlie Beach Lagoon
visit early morning or late afternoon when the crowds have disappeared and enjoy a swim in Airlie Beach’s main attraction. Recently renovated the grassy areas are shaded and its location on the waterfront means you can catch a wonderful sea breeze even on the hottest of days.
Airlie Beach Markets
Whilst you might spend a dollar on fresh vegetables, bohemian clothing or quirky homewares at the markets, there is just as much pleasure in strolling around, soaking up the vibrant hustle and bustle or relaxing on the lawn listening to the live music. The Lions markets are hosted every Saturday morning on Airlie Beach foreshore.
Honeyeater Rainforest Hike
you will find the entrance to the walking track on Kara Crescent in Airlie Beach which provides access to the 8km round trip through rainforest. Enjoy a challenging hike until reaching the summit where you will be rewarded with the most incredible views of Pioneer Bay and the Whitsunday islands. Not for the faint hearted, take lots of water and set off early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day.
BBQ at Shingley Beach
Grab your bacon and eggs and head down to Shingley Beach and cook them up on the public BBQs. There’s a lovely shaded seating area under the trees, the views back over Coral Sea Marina Resort are stunning and if you are feeling adventurous you can hire a stand-up paddle board from the beach and explore the shoreline from an different perspective.
Lions Lookout, Shute Harbour
If you have access to a vehicle, take the scenic drive to Shute Harbour. This once busy transport hub, is a stunning natural harbour. Take the road to the left up the hill and park up at the Lions lookout. The views over the harbour and the Whitsunday islands are not to be missed and make the perfect photo opportunity.
For the kids
if you have kids, take a walk along the Airlie Beach foreshore and let them climb Airlie Beach’s famous fairy tree. Try out the skate park on the bicentennial walkway just along from the VMR. End up at the Logan’s Adventure Playground on Cannonvale Beach and let them wear off some energy with a few hours on the zip line!
Fishing of the VMR
there is a small boat launch jetty at the VMR which is popular with the locals for fishing, then also fish of the rock walls surrounding the VMR also. Bream, flathead, whiting are regular catches, the view is magic and the surroundings peaceful. Perfect to entertain the kids.
Boathaven Beach
Airlie Beach’s best beach is Boathaven Beach. This man-made beach is popular with locals and visitors. A stinger net is erected during the summer months and the beach sandy with little or no coral and rocks, which make it the perfect place to cool down if the ocean is your thing.
So, there it is, our top tips for saving your dollars and experiencing the best of the Whitsundays,
Happy exploring!