Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, a colourful, cosmopolitan and inviting holiday town lying on the shores of a palm fringed beach and overlooking the calm waters of Pioneer Bay dotted with yachts. Airlie is part of a picturesque peninsula that reaches out to the Whitsunday Passage and provides the ideal mainland base for holiday fun and adventure in the Whitsundays.

As you drive into Airlie Beach through the neighbouring community of Cannonvale the road climbs above Abel Point Marina, providing expansive views of the indented coastline, the aquamarine sea and the shapes of distant islands on the horizon. You can't avoid the holiday feeling that scene evokes, nor the relaxed tropical ambience as you wander around the village streets and down to the vast lagoon. Set in landscaped parkland overlooking the bay, Council's Award Winning Airlie Beach Lagoon provides stinger free swimming with lifeguard attendants and a children's pool.

Airlie Beach offers visitors a broad array of accommodation from stylish resort hotels on the water's edge and apartments on the hillside overlooking the panorama of beach, bay and islands, to bed and breakfast options, motels, camping and caravan parks as well as a host of backpacker accommodation. Airlie provides many of the essential services for travellers in the region and the town's shopping areas are open seven days a week. Every Saturday the foreshore parkland turns into a bustling market with stalls selling fresh fruit and veggies, local arts and crafts and all manner of goods under the shade of coconut palms.

The mainland's dining and entertainment options centre around Airlie Beach, ranging from silver service resort dining to al fresco cafes and cheap eats, while Airlie's clubs and bars provide plenty of entertainment well into the night.


Airlie Beach Lagoon
The Airlie Beach Lagoon is 4,300sqm and 4.5 million litres of fresh, self chlorinated water, located parallel to the Main Street, on the foreshore of Airlie Beach. It is built on a raised breakwater, giving an excellent view out to the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands.

For more information, click here.

Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, a colourful, cosmopolitan and inviting holiday town lying on the shores of a palm fringed beach and overlooking the calm waters of Pioneer Bay dotted with yachts. Airlie is part of a picturesque peninsula that reaches out to the Whitsunday Passage and provides the ideal mainland base for holiday fun and adventure in the Whitsundays.

As you drive into Airlie Beach through the neighbouring community of Cannonvale the road climbs above Abel Point Marina, providing expansive views of the indented coastline, the aquamarine sea and the shapes of distant islands on the horizon. You can't avoid the holiday feeling that scene evokes, nor the relaxed tropical ambience as you wander around the village streets and down to the vast lagoon. Set in landscaped parkland overlooking the bay, Council's Award Winning Airlie Beach Lagoon provides stinger free swimming with lifeguard attendants and a children's pool.

Airlie Beach offers visitors a broad array of accommodation from stylish resort hotels on the water's edge and apartments on the hillside overlooking the panorama of beach, bay and islands, to bed and breakfast options, motels, camping and caravan parks as well as a host of backpacker accommodation. Airlie provides many of the essential services for travellers in the region and the town's shopping areas are open seven days a week. Every Saturday the foreshore parkland turns into a bustling market with stalls selling fresh fruit and veggies, local arts and crafts and all manner of goods under the shade of coconut palms.

The mainland's dining and entertainment options centre around Airlie Beach, ranging from silver service resort dining to al fresco cafes and cheap eats, while Airlie's clubs and bars provide plenty of entertainment well into the night.


Airlie Beach Lagoon
The Airlie Beach Lagoon is 4,300sqm and 4.5 million litres of fresh, self chlorinated water, located parallel to the Main Street, on the foreshore of Airlie Beach. It is built on a raised breakwater, giving an excellent view out to the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands.

For more information, click here.

The Great Barrier Reef — one of the world's seven natural wonders - spans over 2,300 kilometres, tracing much of the Queensland coast. It comprises more than 2,900 individual reefs plus 600 continental islands and 300 coral cays and covers an area of over 348,000 square kilometres. The mosaic of reefs, cays and islands form a marine kingdom of awesome beauty and the Whitsundays offers a myriad of ways to experience this natural wonder.

The Whitsundays lies at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and as if to prove the point is Heart Reef - a perfect heart shaped reef amid a coral lagoon. The coral platforms, turquoise lagoons and rich blue channels of the Whitsundays' reefs lie in easy range of the islands and mainland. These are some of the most pristine areas of the entire Great Barrier Reef and they are home to over 400 varieties of coral and 1,500 species of tropical fish and marine creatures.

With names like Hook, Line, Sinker and Bait the reefs are ideal places to go fishing for new experiences but these waters and their creatures are protected by the Marine National Park. (Ensure you check with the Department of Fisheries for protected areas, and areas you can fish in). While you can't bring home all the myriad coloured fish that inhabit the reefs you can catch them on film and the Whitsundays offers a host of ways to see and enjoy the reef.

Reef Cruises
Extend your reef experiences with a variety of cruises from tallships and sailing yachts to the 'Reef Odyssey' luxury mini cruise ship with staterooms and the new 'Ammari' cruise ship — each allows you to spend more time to explore the islands and Outer Barrier Reef. With options from a few days to a week you can see the highlights of Whitehaven Beach and head out to navigate the amazing Reef River — the channel dividing the main reefs — and snorkel and dive at your leisure. From youthful adventure to the creature comforts of a luxury cruiser there is a boat and a cruise for you.

Reefsleep
With a cast of thousands of stars your night on the reef is always going to be a special experience. Fantasea's Reefworld provides comfortable accommodation for a handful of guests seeking something truly different. An al fresco tropical dinner accompanied by a galaxy of stars that you'll never see in the city make this a night to remember. And morning brings all the more time to explore the reef and make more discoveries snorkelling and diving.

Daytrips
Day cruises of varying sizes provide the chance to experience Queensland's underwater treasure trove. Fantasea is the largest of the Whitsunday operators and its vessels depart from Shute Harbour, collecting guests from Daydream, South Molle, Long, Lindeman and Hamilton Islands enroute to Hardy Reef where Fantasea's Reefworld pontoon is permanently moored. From the pontoon visitors can step below the water's surface into the Underwater Observatory - a 50 seat viewing chamber that provides a window into the world of the reef.
Cruise Whitsundays also operates day cruises to the reef. Their 37-metre wave piercer 'Seaflight' departs daily from Abel Point Marina at Airlie Beach, Daydream Island, South Molle Island and Hayman Island (by arrangement). 'Seaflight' embarks for their spacious and innovative new pontoon at Knuckle Reef Lagoon, acclaimed as the region's most spectacular Great Barrier Reef site. Here visitors can dive, snorkel or view the reef from Queensland's largest and most spectacular underwater observatory. There is also a unique giant waterslide, snorkelling Reef Safari's and regular 'Subsea Adventure' and glass bottom boat excursions. Cruise Whitsundays also operates day cruises to South Molle and Daydream Islands, as well as a high-speed sailing adventure to Whitehaven Beach aboard 'Camira', one of the world's fastest sailing catamarans.

The Great Barrier Reef — one of the world's seven natural wonders - spans over 2,300 kilometres, tracing much of the Queensland coast. It comprises more than 2,900 individual reefs plus 600 continental islands and 300 coral cays and covers an area of over 348,000 square kilometres. The mosaic of reefs, cays and islands form a marine kingdom of awesome beauty and the Whitsundays offers a myriad of ways to experience this natural wonder.

The Whitsundays lies at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and as if to prove the point is Heart Reef - a perfect heart shaped reef amid a coral lagoon. The coral platforms, turquoise lagoons and rich blue channels of the Whitsundays' reefs lie in easy range of the islands and mainland. These are some of the most pristine areas of the entire Great Barrier Reef and they are home to over 400 varieties of coral and 1,500 species of tropical fish and marine creatures.

With names like Hook, Line, Sinker and Bait the reefs are ideal places to go fishing for new experiences but these waters and their creatures are protected by the Marine National Park. (Ensure you check with the Department of Fisheries for protected areas, and areas you can fish in). While you can't bring home all the myriad coloured fish that inhabit the reefs you can catch them on film and the Whitsundays offers a host of ways to see and enjoy the reef.

Reef Cruises
Extend your reef experiences with a variety of cruises from tallships and sailing yachts to the 'Reef Odyssey' luxury mini cruise ship with staterooms and the new 'Ammari' cruise ship — each allows you to spend more time to explore the islands and Outer Barrier Reef. With options from a few days to a week you can see the highlights of Whitehaven Beach and head out to navigate the amazing Reef River — the channel dividing the main reefs — and snorkel and dive at your leisure. From youthful adventure to the creature comforts of a luxury cruiser there is a boat and a cruise for you.

Reefsleep
With a cast of thousands of stars your night on the reef is always going to be a special experience. Fantasea's Reefworld provides comfortable accommodation for a handful of guests seeking something truly different. An al fresco tropical dinner accompanied by a galaxy of stars that you'll never see in the city make this a night to remember. And morning brings all the more time to explore the reef and make more discoveries snorkelling and diving.

Daytrips
Day cruises of varying sizes provide the chance to experience Queensland's underwater treasure trove. Fantasea is the largest of the Whitsunday operators and its vessels depart from Shute Harbour, collecting guests from Daydream, South Molle, Long, Lindeman and Hamilton Islands enroute to Hardy Reef where Fantasea's Reefworld pontoon is permanently moored. From the pontoon visitors can step below the water's surface into the Underwater Observatory - a 50 seat viewing chamber that provides a window into the world of the reef.
Cruise Whitsundays also operates day cruises to the reef. Their 37-metre wave piercer 'Seaflight' departs daily from Abel Point Marina at Airlie Beach, Daydream Island, South Molle Island and Hayman Island (by arrangement). 'Seaflight' embarks for their spacious and innovative new pontoon at Knuckle Reef Lagoon, acclaimed as the region's most spectacular Great Barrier Reef site. Here visitors can dive, snorkel or view the reef from Queensland's largest and most spectacular underwater observatory. There is also a unique giant waterslide, snorkelling Reef Safari's and regular 'Subsea Adventure' and glass bottom boat excursions. Cruise Whitsundays also operates day cruises to South Molle and Daydream Islands, as well as a high-speed sailing adventure to Whitehaven Beach aboard 'Camira', one of the world's fastest sailing catamarans.

Proserpine embraces the rural mainland districts and national parks, the holiday coast and the islands of the Whitsunday passage. Proserpine lies amid a sea of lush green canefields, fulfilling its mythological association to fertility. The region's first European explorer, George Dalrymple had been so impressed by the richness of the area that he named the valley after 'Persephone' — Greek goddess of fertility — or 'Proserpina', as she was later known to the Romans.

Proserpine is an anchor for the Whitsundays region providing some key infrastructure including the rail station, the mainland airport for scheduled jet services, a high school, the hospital and other vital services. It lies around 26kms inland from Airlie Beach on the Bruce Highway and has grown from its 19th century foundations on the success of the sugar and cattle industries. The town has an operating sugar mill and during the winter months of harvest the evening skies are often lit up with the spectacle of massive cane fires set before the harvest — a highlight for visitors to the region.

Explore the streets and discover the variety of country shops and the life of one of Queensland's rural towns with its friendly people and welcoming pubs, where you can cool off with a cold beer and fill up with a typical country-sized Australian Counter Lunch.

Proserpine offers a change in scenery and pace with a chance to taste a little of regional Australia and adds some variety to your Whitsunday holiday.

Museum
The town's historical museum provides a comprehensive record of the social and economic history of the region but Proserpine's history is also told in the town's streetscapes of fine examples of art deco buildings that have survived intact from the 1920's and '30's era. For further information visit the Proserpine Historical Museum from the Queensland Holidays website

Entertainment Centre
The Entertainment Centre is a focus for the community and is the venue for regular cinema screenings.

Peter Faust Dam
Tucked away upstream from the town is Proserpine Lake, or as it's better known, Peter Faust Dam. It's an ideal spot for sailing and watersports and an even better location for freshwater fishing with the prospect of landing a prize barramundi — the prince of freshwater catches. For more information visit the Peter Faust Dam website or contact the Information Centre.

Eco Tour
If you think the fish have a big bite, then prepare yourself for some of the wildlife to be seen on the local eco tour of the Proserpine River with Whitsunday Crocodile Safari. You can get just about as close as you'd ever want to be to some of our largest predators in their native habitat.

Proserpine embraces the rural mainland districts and national parks, the holiday coast and the islands of the Whitsunday passage. Proserpine lies amid a sea of lush green canefields, fulfilling its mythological association to fertility. The region's first European explorer, George Dalrymple had been so impressed by the richness of the area that he named the valley after 'Persephone' — Greek goddess of fertility — or 'Proserpina', as she was later known to the Romans.

Proserpine is an anchor for the Whitsundays region providing some key infrastructure including the rail station, the mainland airport for scheduled jet services, a high school, the hospital and other vital services. It lies around 26kms inland from Airlie Beach on the Bruce Highway and has grown from its 19th century foundations on the success of the sugar and cattle industries. The town has an operating sugar mill and during the winter months of harvest the evening skies are often lit up with the spectacle of massive cane fires set before the harvest — a highlight for visitors to the region.

Explore the streets and discover the variety of country shops and the life of one of Queensland's rural towns with its friendly people and welcoming pubs, where you can cool off with a cold beer and fill up with a typical country-sized Australian Counter Lunch.

Proserpine offers a change in scenery and pace with a chance to taste a little of regional Australia and adds some variety to your Whitsunday holiday.

Museum
The town's historical museum provides a comprehensive record of the social and economic history of the region but Proserpine's history is also told in the town's streetscapes of fine examples of art deco buildings that have survived intact from the 1920's and '30's era. For further information visit the Proserpine Historical Museum from the Queensland Holidays website

Entertainment Centre
The Entertainment Centre is a focus for the community and is the venue for regular cinema screenings.

Peter Faust Dam
Tucked away upstream from the town is Proserpine Lake, or as it's better known, Peter Faust Dam. It's an ideal spot for sailing and watersports and an even better location for freshwater fishing with the prospect of landing a prize barramundi — the prince of freshwater catches. For more information visit the Peter Faust Dam website or contact the Information Centre.

Eco Tour
If you think the fish have a big bite, then prepare yourself for some of the wildlife to be seen on the local eco tour of the Proserpine River with Whitsunday Crocodile Safari. You can get just about as close as you'd ever want to be to some of our largest predators in their native habitat.

As you drive over the hill from Cannonvale to Airlie Beach, you will be greeted by a vista that rivals many. On your left your eyes are dazzled by the view of the azure sea of Pioneer Bay dappled with islands to the horizon and Abel Point marina where you will see the most varied array of marine vessels from the weekend fishing boat to the most luxurious yacht. At the bottom of the hill is the turn off to Shingley Beach, turn off to your left and left again at Shingley Beach Drive.

This will lead you to a lovely area overlooking the marina where soft grassy slopes lead down to the beach. The local Outrigging group launch from here, this is a popular sport in the Whitsundays. A very romantic place for wedding ceremonies with the hypnotic view over the water and the sound of the gentle lapping of the waves upon the shore. Behind you, tucked into the hill is resort accomodation, so you can have this view every day should you choose. The amenities block is well appointed and recently refurbished as part of the Council’s refurbishment plan of public amenities. This is the place to go to if you yearn for a quiet moment or a little privacy.

As you drive over the hill from Cannonvale to Airlie Beach, you will be greeted by a vista that rivals many. On your left your eyes are dazzled by the view of the azure sea of Pioneer Bay dappled with islands to the horizon and Abel Point marina where you will see the most varied array of marine vessels from the weekend fishing boat to the most luxurious yacht. At the bottom of the hill is the turn off to Shingley Beach, turn off to your left and left again at Shingley Beach Drive.

This will lead you to a lovely area overlooking the marina where soft grassy slopes lead down to the beach. The local Outrigging group launch from here, this is a popular sport in the Whitsundays. A very romantic place for wedding ceremonies with the hypnotic view over the water and the sound of the gentle lapping of the waves upon the shore. Behind you, tucked into the hill is resort accomodation, so you can have this view every day should you choose. The amenities block is well appointed and recently refurbished as part of the Council’s refurbishment plan of public amenities. This is the place to go to if you yearn for a quiet moment or a little privacy.

Bring out the Robinson Crusoe in you - whether you're seeking the simple pleasures of an island hideaway or the last word in creature comforts, the Whitsundays has an island holiday just right for you. There are 74 islands sprinkled across the sapphire blue seas of the Whitsunday Group - most are uninhabited, pristine national parks — a handful have resorts ranging from budget options up to the ultimate in five star luxury.


Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is an entire holiday destination. The largest of the island resorts, it has one of the major airports for the Whitsundays and its busy and colourful harbour makes Hamilton the starting point for reef and sailing adventures as well as connections to the other islands and the mainland.

Hamilton Island is ideal for holiday-makers offering a wide choice of accommodation with hotel, apartment and villa options right up to the exclusive five star Beach Club's stylish suites and infinity pool where the horizon melts into views of the Coral Sea. Hamilton Island village offers a good choice of shopping, dining and entertainment plus a vast array of activities from watersports to day trip cruises and aviation adventures. One of the most popular day trips is to the Great Barrier Reef. The island's proximity to some of the finest parts of the reef allows more time for snorkelling and less time travelling.

Hayman Island
Hayman has long been acclaimed internationally for its luxurious surroundings and outstanding cuisine. The resort's stylish suites and guestrooms edge up to the distinctive lagoon pool and overlook a scene of tropical perfection with neatly manicured gardens, breezy palms and a long stretch of white sandy beach. Hayman is ideal for all visitors, from romantic couples to families seeking an upmarket resort.

Daydream Island
This is the closest of the resorts to the mainland and while small, the island includes an exceptionally wide range of activities for guests. Guestrooms are spacious with cool tropical decor and most have balconies. Try the watersports or indulge in Daydream's outstanding rejuvenation spa offering a very comprehensive range of health and beauty treatments. Watch movies al fresco on the beach, play mini golf or relax in the vast swimming pools.

South Molle Island
South Molle is a firm favourite with guests who come for the relaxing South Seas atmosphere and the palm-fringed beach with its sheltered waters. Various levels of accommodation offer a choice from Beachfront Units to budget family options and a separate area with backpacker accommodation. A host of resort activities including golf and watersports make South Molle an excellent choice for couples or families. The island offers over 400 hectares of national park to explore with beaches, bays and great views from Mt Jeffreys.

Brampton Island
At the southern end of the Whitsundays, Brampton Island is almost entirely national park. The hilly island offers some great walks and a total of seven beaches to explore. The island's resort is located on a palm fringed beach and sandy point overlooking a calm bay that includes a coral reef and snorkelling trail. Kangaroos share the 6 hole golf course. Enjoy the host of activities and watersports available. You can even walk across to a nearby island at low tide.

Lindeman Island
The international Club Med resort occupies just a corner of the island's 690 hectares that is mostly national park. The all—inclusive Club Med concept provides the ideal way for couples and families to enjoy the wide range of watersports and activities on offer. Golf and tennis are some of the land-based sports or go exploring the island's bushwalks for wonderful hilltop views.

Long Island
Long Island offers resorts located on separate parts of the island.

Long Island Resort — Surrounded by rainforest and nestled into a sheltered bay, Club Crocodile's Long Island Resort in the Whitsunday’s has all the magic that the holiday maker could ever want. It epitomizes family fun and entertainment. Catering for all ages and budgets Long Island Resort ensures there is fun for everyone! When peace and quiet is what Mum and Dad desire our experienced Kids Club staff are at hand to entertain with plenty of great activities for the children.

Paradise Bay Eco Escape - Step from your helicopter straight onto the sands of Paradise Bay, a delightful, holiday experience shared by you and just a few fellow kindred spirits. The ultimate luxury – peace, quiet, getting close to nature, seeing the stars in the sky, exploring private islands, deserted beaches, coral gardens. Paradise Bay Eco Escape prides itself in being boldly green, whilst maintaining absolute comfort for even the most discerning traveller.

Bring out the Robinson Crusoe in you - whether you're seeking the simple pleasures of an island hideaway or the last word in creature comforts, the Whitsundays has an island holiday just right for you. There are 74 islands sprinkled across the sapphire blue seas of the Whitsunday Group - most are uninhabited, pristine national parks — a handful have resorts ranging from budget options up to the ultimate in five star luxury.


Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is an entire holiday destination. The largest of the island resorts, it has one of the major airports for the Whitsundays and its busy and colourful harbour makes Hamilton the starting point for reef and sailing adventures as well as connections to the other islands and the mainland.

Hamilton Island is ideal for holiday-makers offering a wide choice of accommodation with hotel, apartment and villa options right up to the exclusive five star Beach Club's stylish suites and infinity pool where the horizon melts into views of the Coral Sea. Hamilton Island village offers a good choice of shopping, dining and entertainment plus a vast array of activities from watersports to day trip cruises and aviation adventures. One of the most popular day trips is to the Great Barrier Reef. The island's proximity to some of the finest parts of the reef allows more time for snorkelling and less time travelling.

Hayman Island
Hayman has long been acclaimed internationally for its luxurious surroundings and outstanding cuisine. The resort's stylish suites and guestrooms edge up to the distinctive lagoon pool and overlook a scene of tropical perfection with neatly manicured gardens, breezy palms and a long stretch of white sandy beach. Hayman is ideal for all visitors, from romantic couples to families seeking an upmarket resort.

Daydream Island
This is the closest of the resorts to the mainland and while small, the island includes an exceptionally wide range of activities for guests. Guestrooms are spacious with cool tropical decor and most have balconies. Try the watersports or indulge in Daydream's outstanding rejuvenation spa offering a very comprehensive range of health and beauty treatments. Watch movies al fresco on the beach, play mini golf or relax in the vast swimming pools.

South Molle Island
South Molle is a firm favourite with guests who come for the relaxing South Seas atmosphere and the palm-fringed beach with its sheltered waters. Various levels of accommodation offer a choice from Beachfront Units to budget family options and a separate area with backpacker accommodation. A host of resort activities including golf and watersports make South Molle an excellent choice for couples or families. The island offers over 400 hectares of national park to explore with beaches, bays and great views from Mt Jeffreys.

Brampton Island
At the southern end of the Whitsundays, Brampton Island is almost entirely national park. The hilly island offers some great walks and a total of seven beaches to explore. The island's resort is located on a palm fringed beach and sandy point overlooking a calm bay that includes a coral reef and snorkelling trail. Kangaroos share the 6 hole golf course. Enjoy the host of activities and watersports available. You can even walk across to a nearby island at low tide.

Lindeman Island
The international Club Med resort occupies just a corner of the island's 690 hectares that is mostly national park. The all—inclusive Club Med concept provides the ideal way for couples and families to enjoy the wide range of watersports and activities on offer. Golf and tennis are some of the land-based sports or go exploring the island's bushwalks for wonderful hilltop views.

Long Island
Long Island offers resorts located on separate parts of the island.

Long Island Resort — Surrounded by rainforest and nestled into a sheltered bay, Club Crocodile's Long Island Resort in the Whitsunday’s has all the magic that the holiday maker could ever want. It epitomizes family fun and entertainment. Catering for all ages and budgets Long Island Resort ensures there is fun for everyone! When peace and quiet is what Mum and Dad desire our experienced Kids Club staff are at hand to entertain with plenty of great activities for the children.

Paradise Bay Eco Escape - Step from your helicopter straight onto the sands of Paradise Bay, a delightful, holiday experience shared by you and just a few fellow kindred spirits. The ultimate luxury – peace, quiet, getting close to nature, seeing the stars in the sky, exploring private islands, deserted beaches, coral gardens. Paradise Bay Eco Escape prides itself in being boldly green, whilst maintaining absolute comfort for even the most discerning traveller.