A guide to the best Airlie Beach accommodation

Chloe Cann Chloe Cann
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Airlie Beach accommodation for every budget: from swish hotels and resorts to well-kept family-friendly camping grounds and caravan parks, these top five picks will cover most bases.

It may be a small coastal town, but this gateway to the Great Barrier Reef has a surprising array of accommodation to offer. Choose from these Airlie Beach hotels, resorts, and caravan parks, each with their own unique selling points.

Discovery Parks Airlie Beach

Just a few sleepy steps away from Conway National Park, one of the best things to do and explore in Airlie Beach, sits Discovery Parks Airlie Beach. Serving as an ultra-convenient launch pad for day trips out to The Whitsundays, including Hamilton Island, and the Great Barrier Reef, the Airlie Beach accommodation offers unpowered and powered camping sites, plus cabins and thatched-roof villas that sleep up to six. If a day of nothing’s on the agenda, check out the swimming pool, outdoor spa, waterpark and abundance of local wildlife, including kangaroos, who call this place home.

The waterpark at Discovery Parks Airlie Beach
The waterpark at Discovery Parks Airlie Beach is a hit with kids.

Pinnacles Resort

If the prospect of sweeping Airlie Beach views piques your interest then check into Pinnacles Resort. Located at the top of Golden Orchid Drive, it promises panoramic Coral Sea views, both from your apartment’s balcony and the scene-stealing rooftop infinity pool. The only catch is, it lies at the top of a sizable hill, so you’ll need to either be fit enough to face the walk back up, or thinking about hiring a car (or taking taxis). Choose from a one-, two- or three-bedroom apartment; each comes with either a balcony jacuzzi or an internal spa tub, as well a laundry and a fully equipped kitchen.

Pinnacles Resort Airlie Beach
Airlie or Amalfi?

Peninsula Airlie Beach

The upscale apartments at Peninsula Airlie Beach occupy a plum spot right on the Abell Point Marina, offering plenty of seclusion even though they’re just a short 15-minute walk from the thick of it all. Each of the spotless one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments features a sizable balcony with spectacular sea and marina views and lashings of natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows and doors. The property also has a small outdoor pool.

Peninsula Airlie Beach
Peninsula Airlie Beach occupies a plum spot right on the Abell Point Marina.

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Island Gateway Holiday Park

Just a 20-minute walk from town, Island Gateway is your best bet if you’re looking for a family-friendly holiday park that’s conveniently situated on the fringes of Airlie Beach. But the property has more to offer beyond location. Guests love the friendly staff, the coffee van that arrives on site first thing in the morning and the food trucks that appear by night, plus the plentiful resort amenities (from a resort pool to barbecue areas, laundry facilities, a children’s playground, and a kiosk/shop). There’s even a daily bird feeding session each afternoon, where you can get closer to the local rainbow lorikeets and whistling ducks.

 

And when it comes to lodgings, there’s plenty of choice too: dial up the privacy a notch with one of the park’s villas or cabins, book one of the modest motel rooms, pitch up with your own tent or RV, or mix it up a little with one of the site’s permanent canvas tents. The holiday park also has pet-friendly and pet-free areas too.

Island Gateway is your best bet for families.

Coral Sea Marina Resort

The jewel in the crown of this dreamy seafront resort is arguably its 25-metre outdoor pool, surrounded by sun loungers and parasols and framed by manicured lawns, and picture-postcard palm trees. There’s even an adult swing overlooking the water. Sink into one of the pool’s striped floaties and soak up the scenes.

The jewel in the 25-metre outdoor pool crown.

Throughout 2019 and 2020, the hotel underwent a series of renovations, giving it a more contemporary spin, and bright and breezy feel to the public spaces; a day spa was also added to the resort’s laundry list of facilities. All of Coral Sea Marina Resort’s rooms and suites have the same whitewashed interior and dashes of colour, and many feature ocean views. If a boutique-style room is at the top of your holiday agenda then book a king room with balcony, which is the room category to most recently undergo a fresh lick of paint and a more modern revamp. The property is right in the centre of the action too, just steps from the coastal town’s many bars and restaurants.

Coral Sea Marina Resort.
Prime real estate at Coral Sea Marina Resort.

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BIG4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort

Home to a twice weekly tots playgroup, a swimming pool, an inflatable ninja challenge course, a playground, and a jumping pillow, this BIG4 Airlie Beach park wins rave reviews from families with young kids. There’s a seasonal program of activities, such as campfire nights come winter, and live music come summer too.

BIG4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort outdoor movie cinema.

Sitting pretty on some three hectares of tropical rainforest within the Conway National Park, the eco resort’s grounds promise a leafy, relaxed getaway that’s still only a five-minute drive from town. The resort staff are known to keep the grounds and facilities spick and span, and are often singled out for their friendliness. And whatever your budget (and needs) there’s accommodation to suit: plump for a two-bedroom apartment, an eco lodge or a villa, all of which have air-con and kitchen facilities, or bring your own tent or campervan.

Find more great travel tips and itineraries in our Ultimate guide to Airlie Beach holidays.

 

 

 

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Chloe Cann
Chloe Cann is an award-winning freelance travel and food writer, born in England, based in Melbourne and Roman by adoption. Since honing her skills at City St George's, University of London with a master's degree in journalism, she's been writing almost exclusively about travel for more than a decade, and has worked in-house at newspapers and travel magazines in London, Phnom Penh, Sydney and Melbourne. Through a mixture of work and pleasure, she's been fortunate enough to visit 80 countries to date, though there are many more that she is itching to reach. While the strength of a region's food scene tends to dictate the location of her next trip, she can be equally swayed by the promise of interesting landscapes and offbeat experiences. And with a small person now in tow, travel looks a little different these days, but it remains at the front of her mind.
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the glamping tent at Tasman Holiday Park Airlie Beach
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How to spend three romantic days on Hamilton Island

(Image: Sharyn Cairns)

    Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
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    From barefoot beach walks to moonlit dinners, this three-day Hamilton Island itinerary will have lovebirds swooning.

    Few Aussie destinations do romance quite like Hamilton Island. Set in the dreamy Whitsunday Islands, this popular honeymoon destination combines luxury retreats, palm-fringed reefs and spectacular dining with the easy rhythm of tropical living. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary or spontaneous couples’ weekend, here’s how to spend a loved-up three days on Hamilton Island.

    Day 1

    Morning

    A serene ocean-view room overlooking endless blue horizons.
    Let picturesque ocean views welcome you the moment you check in. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Nothing kills the holiday buzz faster than waiting at the baggage carousel. Luckily, our arrival couldn’t have been smoother. Staying at the boutique, adults-only Beach Club Hotel means VIP transfers are included, so the moment we land, a staff member greets us and whisks our bags straight from the baggage claim to our room. We don’t have to lift a finger.

    Occupying a prime piece of real estate on Catseye Beach, Beach Club is a peaceful retreat just steps from sugar-white sand and a turquoise lagoon. Within 10 minutes of stepping off the plane, we’ve arrived and are switched into holiday mode.

    We check into our room, immediately delighted by the sight of several wallabies grazing in the garden just in front of our private terrace. Beyond, picturesque ocean vistas stretch across the horizon. The room’s mini bar is stocked with bespoke sweet treats; the bathroom with premium Aesop amenities that add to the luxury.

    After we’ve checked out the resort’s beachside infinity pool – plotting the lounge chairs we’ll no doubt return to later – we head out to explore the island. Families glide by on hire bikes and chirping rainbow lorikeets dot the foliage. We decide to hike up to Passage Peak – one of the most scenic walks on Hamilton Island – which takes about 40 minutes one way and boasts panoramic Whitsundays views that will stick with you for long after you leave.

    Afternoon

    A romantic beachside lunch as champagne is served.
    Recharge with a laid-back lunch at Beach Club Restaurant. (Image: Nikki To)

    After working up an appetite, Beach Club Restaurant is the perfect place to snap up a light lunch. Think barramundi, nourish bowls, Wagyu beef burgers, brown butter toasties and Queensland chilli prawns. For those who don’t want to move from their prime perch on the beach or by the pool, there’s also the option to order bites via QR code from the resort’s lounge chairs.

    After our fill, we plunge into the hotel’s incredible infinity pool, its surface blending near seamlessly into the blues of Catseye Beach. Quiet and tucked away from the island’s hum, it feels illegal to do anything but relax here.

    Evening

    A curated flatlay of dishes from Catseye Pool Club.
    Celebrate your first evening over beautifully plated coral trout. (Image: Nikki To)

    There’s truly nothing more satisfying than a little R&R (rest & robe) time in your hotel room after spending the day in the sun. Fresh from a shower, we watch the ripe tangerine sun slowly dip below the palm-framed horizon from our plush terrace daybed. Two wallabies are still grazing on the grass. It’s a magical setting; I find it hard to believe I am only a few hours away from home.

    Come dinnertime, we zip over to nearby Catseye Pool Club, which is a short buggy ride from the hotel or a five-minute walk. A chic new haunt from Sydney-based pair Josh and Julie Niland, the restaurant is all about reconnecting over flavour-rich share plates using high-quality Aussie ingredients.

    We sit in a corner overlooking Catseye Beach – arguably the best seat in the house – with mini table lamps casting a soft glow about the contemporary indoor-outdoor setting. What comes next is pure delight; grilled prawns served with tumeric and lemongrass marinade, macadamia satay sauce and a Thai-leaning sour green mango salad. Then, elegantly plated coral trout served with kasundi and zucchini. We savour it all slowly, the conversation flowing easily between bites and sips while the moonlight transforms the ocean into molten silver.

    Day 2

    Morning

    An 18-hole golf course set against sweeping ocean views.
    Tee off side by side against a backdrop of sweeping ocean views. (Image: Andrea Francolini)

    A la carte breakfast is complimentary for guests of Beach Club, and we take full advantage of the fact. Barista-quality coffee and pressed juice – today it’s carrot, melon, orange and pineapple – arrive alongside pastries baked fresh this morning. For the larger meal, I treat myself to the buttermilk pancakes with praline butter.

    If you prefer an active start to the morning rather than lying in, you’ll find plenty of options. Perhaps tee off at the 18-hole golf course, where the views are as much of a drawcard as the sport itself. Designed by five-time British Open winner Peter Thomson, the course is integrated into the ridged landscape of Dent Island.

    Afternoon

    Artfully paired wines and bites from the Talk & Taste experience.
    Uncover new favourite wines together. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

    For wine-curious couples, Beach Club’s new Talk & Taste experience is a must. Held several times a week for up to eight guests, it’s an intimate tasting of Aussie drops paired with curated bites – all guided by Bommie Assistant Manager and wine enthusiast Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher.

    We opt for the white wine and seafood option, enjoying pours from Eden Valley to Launceston while Courtenay shares her knowledge and passion for the intricacies of wine making.

    Later, we drive our golf buggy up to One Tree Hill. This is one of the most popular spots on the island for sunset, but we chose to come a little earlier so we have more space to ourselves. We enjoy afternoon wine and cheese, admiring the 360-degree views of the island and its impossibly blue waters.

    Evening

    The moody, atmospheric interiors of Bommie Deck.
    Dress up for a romantic evening at Bommie Restaurant. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Since we are, after all, on holiday, we continue the tipples at Bommie Deck. Suspended above Hamilton Island’s marina, this architectural monument is a fabulous place for a sunset spritz.

    Just a few steps inside is Bommie Restaurant, the contemporary Australian fine dining establishment headed by chef Ryan Locke. Of anywhere on the island, this is the place to frock up and celebrate a special occasion – especially if theatrical culinary experiences take your fancy. The tasting set menu is a whirlwind of native Australian flavours and creative plating – with highlights including the cured venison wrapped in wattle seed seasoning. For dessert, a clever take on white chocolate and lemonade ends the night on a high.

    Day 3

    Morning

    A couple gliding across calm waters on SUP boards together.
    Ease into the morning with a paddleboarding adventure. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

    Another low-key morning means another blissful breakfast at Beach Club. This time, it’s smashed avo toast topped with Persian fetta, dukkah and poached eggs – a deliciously fueling start to the day.

    The weather today is perfect for a paddle, so we walk straight from our room onto the sand of Catseye Beach to pick up some SUP boards. Guests of Beach Club receive complimentary non-motorised water sports equipment, spanning everything from mini catamarans to snorkel gear and kayaks. Finding our balance on the boards is a fun challenge at first, but before long, we’re gliding across the glassy water like naturals.

    Afternoon

    A helicopter soaring above the iconic Heart Reef.
    Add the ultimate highlight with a Heart Reef flight together. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    No couples’ retreat is complete without a touch of pampering. Located in the resort area, Spa Wumurdaylin offers everything from body wraps and facials to de-stress massages using natural Australian products. The Soul Temple treatment begins with a heavenly feeling sugar scrub, followed by a Vichy vertical shower and underwater massage. I leave in a daze.

    If you prefer adventure to relaxation, there is an abundance of day trips from Hamilton Island, from snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef to Whitsundays helicopter tours – all of which make for unforgettable experiences that will bring you and your partner closer.

    Evening

    A couple standing at qualia, gazing out over the endless ocean horizon.
    Close your journey over a beautiful dinner by the sea. (Image: Sharyn Cains)

    Enjoy an elevated evening at qualia’s tranquil Pebble Beach restaurant, where a private beach setting complements the thoughtful, seasonal menu. Or perhaps continue relaxing at Beach Club, feasting on roast lamb and seafood at the poolside restaurant or soaking in ocean views from your room with in-house room delivery. And don’t forget the champagne – a weekend of love, fun and restoration is worth toasting.

    Getting there

    Hamilton Island has its own airport called the Great Barrier Reef Airport, which makes it fuss-free to get to. Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar offer short, direct flights from most major Australian cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Cairns. This means you’ll spend less time travelling and more time enjoying each other’s company.

    Visit hamitlonisland.com.au for more couples’ retreat ideas.