Whitehaven Beach
White silica sand, the iconic Hill Inlet lookout, and crystal-clear water your camera roll definitely will not have enough space for.
Airlie Beach & The Whitsundays
Explore
Your gateway to 74 islands, the reef,
and finally doing nothing properly.
Top Tours & Adventures
These are the kind of experiences that make people accidentally extend their stay in Airlie by a week. Book through your local tour agency.
Great Barrier Reef
Explore the reef by scenic flight or snorkelling tour boat. Big “I cannot believe this is real” energy.
Overnight Sailboats
Spend 2-3 days sailing through the Whitsundays, sleeping in the middle of the ocean, visiting stunning islands, and making questionable dancefloor decisions with new friends.
Skydive
Jump out of a plane over the Whitsundays and see the islands from a completely unreal perspective. Mildly terrifying. Extremely worth it.
Stuff To Do In Town
Small town, big personality.
Airlie Beach has a way of making people feel at home very quickly, probably thanks to the tropical vibes, ocean views and the fact there’s always something going on.
The Musts
Airlie Beach Lagoon
Swim and sunbathe all year round with ocean views, backpackers everywhere, and plenty of space to chill or meet people.
5 minute walk from hostel
Boathaven Beach
A peaceful little beach perfect for a chill swim or doing absolutely nothing for a while.
7 minute walk from hostel
Bicentennial Walkway
A 4 km coastal walk along the gorgeous Airlie foreshore, perfect for sunsets, ocean views and romanticising your backpacker life a little bit.
10 minute walk from hostel
Airlie Beach Markets
Local produce, arts, jewellery, handmade goodies and random things you definitely do not need but will probably buy anyway.
Every Sunday 7am-1pm on the foreshore, sometimes also open when cruise ships arrive. 3 minute walk from hostel
Honeyeater Walking Track
A tropical hike with beautiful views and just enough suffering to feel accomplished afterwards.
About 3 hours total. Starts 10 minute walk from hostel
Sunset Cruise
Because sunsets hit differently from a boat.
Contact local tour companies
Water Sports
Jetski, kayaking, paddleboarding and other ways to accidentally get sunburnt.
Contact local tour companies
Dining & Nightlife
Dinner, Drinks, Then Actual Sleep
A bustling night life awaits, with wonderful restaurants, bars and nightclubs all located within just 400m of The Hostel. Backpacker specials and cheap eats feature regularly at Airlie eateries, making dining out delicious and affordable. Go party outside, then come back to our quiet hostel and actually get some well-deserved sleep.
Dining and nightlife options change often, so ask our team for current backpacker specials and local favourites when you arrive.
What's on this week
Weekly Events
Monday
- ●Live music at KC's
- ●Bingo at Boaty's from 7pm
Tuesday
- ●Live music at KC's
- ●Trivia at Boaty's from 7pm
Wednesday
- ●Live music at KC's
- ●Airlie's Got Talent Karaoke at Boaty's from 8pm
Thursday
- ●Live music at KC's
- ●Throwback Thursdays at Boaty's from 7pm
- ●Pool comp & Water pong comp
Friday
- ●Live music at KC's
- ●$1 Oysters at Northerlies Beach, Bar & Grill
- ●Live music at Magnums, The Airlie Beach Hotel, Paradiso & Boaty's
Saturday
- ●Live music at Magnums, KC's, The Airlie Beach Hotel, Paradiso & Boaty's
Sunday
- ●Live music at Magnums, KC's, The Airlie Beach Hotel & Boaty's
Stuff To Do Near Town
When you are ready to wander a little further, these day trips put waterfalls, quiet beaches, lookouts and properly Australian sunrise moments within reach.
Cedar Creek Falls
Freshwater swimming hole, waterfalls and a solid excuse to escape the heat for a day.
30 minute drive
Shute Harbour
Do the Mt Rooper walk, visit Coral Beach or simply enjoy the views.
10 minute drive or around 20 minutes by public bus
Cape Gloucester & Hydeaway Bay
Enjoy a beach day somewhere a little more remote, or grab sunset drinks at Cape Gloucester Resort, where you can also use the pool if you order food or drinks.
30-40 minutes by car
Cape Hillsborough
Perfect camping spot to wake up and watch kangaroos on the beach at sunrise. Very Australian.
1 hour 30 minutes by car
Bowen
Big Mango, Horseshoe Bay and Flagstaff Hill Lookout.
1 hour by car or 2 hours by train
Ready to explore?
Book Your Base Camp
Stay at The Hostel and wake up minutes from the Whitsundays’ best adventures.