Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, so water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing are popular. You can also hike to the Hill Inlet Lookout for stunning views of the Whitsunday Islands, or visit Cedar Creek Falls for a refreshing swim.

There are many great accommodations in Airlie Beach, but some popular options include the Coral Sea Resort, the Airlie Beach Hotel, and the Whitsunday Apartments. The Coral Sea Resort is a luxury option with stunning views of the Coral Sea, while the Airlie Beach Hotel is a more budget-friendly option in the heart of Airlie Beach. The Whitsunday Apartments offer self-contained apartments with ocean views.

Airlie Beach has a great food scene, with everything from seafood to Thai cuisine. Some popular options include Fish D'Vine, which is known for its fresh seafood and extensive wine list, and The Deck, which offers stunning views of the Coral Sea. Other great options include La Tabella Trattoria, which serves Italian cuisine, and Treehouse Cafe, which offers healthy options and great coffee.

Airlie Beach has a subtropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The summer months (December-February) are the wettest, with occasional tropical cyclones. The winter months (June-August) are cooler and drier, with average temperatures around 20C (68F).

The closest airport to Airlie Beach is the Whitsunday Coast Airport, which is serviced by domestic airlines. From there, you can take a shuttle bus or taxi to Airlie Beach. Alternatively, you can drive from Brisbane or Cairns, which takes around 10 hours.

Airlie Beach has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Some popular options include Mama Africa, which is known for its African-themed decor and live music, and Magnums, which has multiple bars and dance floors. Other great options include Paddy Shenanigans, which serves Irish pub food and drinks, and The Garden Bar, which has a relaxed atmosphere and great cocktails.

Airlie Beach has plenty of family-friendly activities to choose from. You can take a sailing trip to the Whitsunday Islands, visit the Conway National Park, or take a crocodile safari. Other great options include the Airlie Beach Lagoon, which is a man-made swimming area with lifeguards, and the Bicentennial Walkway, which offers stunning views of the Coral Sea.

The best time of year to visit Airlie Beach depends on what you want to do. If you're interested in water activities like snorkeling and sailing, the best time to visit is during the dry season (June-August). If you're interested in whale watching, the best time to visit is from July to September. If you're interested in seeing the coral spawning, the best time to visit is in November.

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, located off the coast of Australia. It is home to thousands of species of marine life, including sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles. It is a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Whitsunday Islands are a group of 74 islands located off the coast of Airlie Beach. They are known for their crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and coral reefs. You can take a sailing trip to the islands, or stay on one of the islands in a resort or self-contained apartment.