With lush rainforests, rugged hills, a stunning coastline and charming towns, the Whitsunday coast and hinterland areas boast waterfalls, national parks, breathtaking scenery and a rich heritage.
Within short driving distance, you can explore the Conway National Park, Cape Hillsborough National Park and Eungella National Park. Each are brimming with native flora and fauna, as well as waterfalls, rivers, bush-walking tracks and stunning views.
You can also head a short 45-minute drive north to enjoy the quiet beaches of Hydeaway Bay and Dingo Beach. Here, you can enjoy the selection of beach resorts for lunch, dinner or a cocktail.
The townships of Bowen and Proserpine are also close by and are well worth an explore, if time permits. Quaint cafes, unique shops and a classic north Queensland friendly welcome is what can be expected.
Hire cars are available through various companies located on the main street of Airlie Beach.
Please call if you require any assistance in booking a vehicle to explore the hinterland.
Bowen
Bowen
A short 45-minute drive north of Airlie Beach a trip to Bowen provides a quintessential north Queensland experience.
Famed for its mango production and location for filming of the Nicole Kidman/ Hugh Jackman classic movie – Australia, Bowen offers some great leisure options for day visitors.
Try bird watching at Mullers Lagoon, or the water park on the esplanade for the kids. Explore the stunning vistas from Flagstaff Hill or explore Bowen's famous beaches at Horseshoe Bay or Rose Bay. Don't forget a lunch stop off at The Grand View Hotel - voted Queensland Hotel of the Year 2017.
For detailed information on what you can explore in Bowen, visit their tourism website.
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is a vibrant tourist town nestled in the heart of the Whitsundays. A short walk from Coral Sea Marina Resort, Airlie Beach is home to a range of dining and retail options. From high street stores to unique boutiques, plus a fully equipped supermarket, Airlie Beach caters to all visitor needs.
The Bicentennial Walkway traverses from neighbouring Cannonvale through Coral Sea Marina Resort and ends at the Airlie Beach Lagoon. This newly renovated swimming lagoon, is open 365 days of the year and is located on the absolute waterfront with stunning views back over the Coral Sea and the Whitsunday islands.
Every Saturday the Lions Markets take place in Airlie Beach on the Esplanade. These local markets always have a great vibe and plenty of interesting stalls to visit.
Whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner you will not be disappointed with the variety of food options in Airlie Beach. If it is night life you are looking for, Airlie Beach has this in spades! Bars, pubs and clubs scatter the main street and are all open until late. Airlie Beach is an official safe night precinct, so after 10pm photo ID is required to enter any licensed venue.
Hydeaway Bay
Hydeaway Bay
For an absolute waterfront Queensland experience, take a drive out to Hydeaway Bay. Here you will find both Montes Reef Resort and Cape Gloucester Eco Resort. Both resorts are located absolute beachfront and have good restaurants available for lunch and dinner daily. There is cabin style accommodation on site, or alternatively you can drop anchor in the bay and tender to the resorts.
The drive there will take you through sugar cane fields and weave through the Conway Ranges. Once you reach the coast it's hard to miss the unmistakable turquoise of the Whitsunday waters.
Be careful if driving back to Airlie Beach at sunset as the native rock wallabies line the road looking for food and adventure!
Cedar Creek Falls
Cedar Creek Falls
This naturally forming waterfall during the wet season or after any large rainfall event is a wonderful experience. Enjoy a leisurely drive out to Cedar Creek Falls through lush agriculture land until you reach the waterfalls.
The plunge pool is perfect for cooling off on a hot summer's day. Alternatively, climb to the top of the waterfall and explore beyond or simply relax under a shady tree. Cedar Creek Falls is a great spot to relax and experience the Whitsunday flora and fauna.
On the drive home, consider continuing on to Conway Beach and visit George’s Diner at the caravan park for a spot of lunch or light refreshment.
Cape Hillsborough National Park
Cape Hillsborough National Park
Famed for its expansive beach and wildlife, a visit to the Cape Hillsborough National Park needs to be timed with sunrise or sunset. The resident wallaby population are likely to meet daily on the beach and are a sight to behold. This is a must-see for who have not experienced these Australian icons in their natural habitat.
There are some great bush walks in this area. Trail the interesting mangrove boardwalk path which explains the native flora and fauna. Cape Hillsborough is also a short drive from Eungella National Park. It’s a great idea to include both as part of an extended day trip or overnight getaway.
Lake Proserpine
Lake Proserpine
Lake Proserpine or the Proserpine Dam provides the perfect freshwater environment for watersports or barramundi fishing. Its flat, calm water makes Lake Proserpine popular with locals and visitors for a variety of activities. The expansive lake is perfect for wake-boarding, jet skiing, fishing and wind surfing, plus overnight camping.
The ultimate freshwater fishing experience in Queensland is catching a barramundi, of which there are plenty in the dam to catch if you're lucky. Hire a trailer boat and fishing equipment from one of the local suppliers and try your hand at freshwater fishing at its best.
For information on mobile boat hire and fishing suppliers in the region, please speak with our marina team.
Eungella National Park
Eungella National Park
The beauty of Eungella is unrivalled in the Whitsunday hinterland.
At Broken River, you can spot platypuses in their natural habitat. Finch Hatton Gorge offers waterfalls and rainforest hikes. Or soak up the incredible views of Pioneer Valley from the top of the Eungella range. It’s well worth spending a day or two immersed in this lush rainforest setting.
Rainforest Scuba actually offer personalized platypus scuba diving tours to attempt to get up close and personal with these traditionally very shy creatures. For those diving enthusiasts, this would provide a unique and memory making experience.
Quaint cafes and gift shops scattered along the roadside and some excellent National Park walks for all levels of fitness, ensure that Eungella National Park offers something different to the islands and reef the Whitsundays are famous for.
Proserpine
Proserpine
Located 15 minutes from Airlie Beach, the township of Proserpine has a strong agricultural focus. This being said, there are some stunning boutiques in Proserpine, which for those who like shopping, simply must be explored – Colour Me Crazy and Cherry Baby Boutique are our recommendations.
The public swimming pool at Proserpine is receiving a multi-million dollar makeover and in 2018 launched a mega splash-park perfect for entertaining the kids. The Whitsunday Gold coffee plantation boasts a cafe, an indoor soft play area for the kids and a menagerie among the attractions, and is well worth a visit for morning tea. The Proserpine Museum is an interesting place to visit, showcasing the vast history of the region.
Located just outside Proserpine is the Whitsunday Crocodile Safari and popular day trip exploring the crocodile habitats of the Proserpine River. With freshly caught mud-crab, a tour of the adjacent wetlands and damper and billy-tea for morning tea, this tour is highly recommended. Similarly, just slightly further afield from Proserpine (at Bloomsbury), you can enjoy a day visiting Bredl's Wild Farm to encounter a range of Australian wildlife up close and personal - you might cuddle a koala, hold a snake and take the crocodile tour!