The Best Airlie Beach Tours To Go On

There’s so much to do and see in and around Airlie Beach and the best way to see all the region has to offer is on tours which range from a one hour boat trip to full day waterfall tours…

Airlie Beach – located halfway between Brisbane and Cairns on Queensland’s picturesque northern coastline – is one of the most iconic tourist towns anywhere in Australia. It’s also the launching spot to the Whitsunday Islands – 74 islands that create one of Earth’s best marine playgrounds.

With so much to experience, the best way to ensure you don’t miss a thing on your holiday is by taking tours which showcase the magic of what’s up here. Here are the best ones to choose…

1. Take a very quiet turtle tour

Choose between a one-hour sightseeing tour – or a 90-minute sunset tour – in the region’s only electric boat. You’ll cruise in absolute silence with no fumes looking for endangered loggerhead and green sea turtles with Whisper Cruises .

guests aboard Whisper Cruises at sunset — Join a 90-minute sunset tour with Whisper Cruises.

With room for a maximum of eight passengers, you’ll have an intimate tour past the superyachts of the Coral Sea Marina into bays and around islands where turtles like to feed. You’ll be aboard a comfortable 22-foot Duffy electric boat (called Tallulah), enjoying the silence and the views as turtles bob up and down around you.

guests aboard Whisper Cruises, Airlie Beach — Keep your eyes peeled for turtles as you sit comfortably aboard the Tallulah.

2. Take a fast boat to paradise

Choose between two all-day tours aboard a thrilling semi-rigid inflatable boat that’ll take you out to the very best areas of the Whitsunday Islands with Ocean Rafting .

people aboard an inflatable boat with Ocean Rafting, Whitsunday Islands — Explore the Whitsunday Islands aboard a thrilling semi-rigid inflatable boat. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Both tours will get you to beautiful Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet where you’ll have lunch by the beach and get to spend hours on one of the world’s top-rated beaches.

an aerial view of Whitehaven Beach — Laze on the beautiful Whitehaven Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The boat is driven by 700 horsepower engines and is capable of up to 30 knots of speed, you’ll see a lot in a day, including having time to snorkel pristine reefs in hard-to-get-to bays on Hook Island and the Whitsunday Islands.

snorkelling at Whitsunday Islands with Ocean Rafting — Snorkel around the pristine reefs. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

3. Catch the fish of your life

There are over 1300 different species of fish within the waters off Airlie Beach and you have a chance to catch them with the best fishing charters in the region: Airlie Beach Fishing Charters .

a man holding a huge fish, Airlie Beach Fishing Charters — Cast a line with Airlie Beach Fishing Charters.

Book either a half or full-day charter and you’ll ride aboard their custom-built nine-metre aluminium plate boat powered by two 300-horsepower engines to where the fish are biting.

You’ll be mostly reef fishing and bottom bashing, looking for everything from giant trevally to sweet lip, coral trout and bigger species of fish too, like dogtooth and yellowfin tuna. Choose between private or shared charters.

4. Explore one of the world’s top marine sanctuaries

Cruise Whitsundays offer everything from island escape cruises aboard their motor catamaran to two Whitsundays icons in a day – Hamilton Island and Whitehaven Beach – to scenic cruises all around the islands where you don’t have to get off at all.

kids playing on the beach, Cruise Whitsundays — Take your kids on a beach holiday with Cruise Whitsundays. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Or you could take a day cruise aboard their 85-foot sailing catamaran, Camira, for a BBQ lunch on Whitehaven Beach and a guided hike to a lookout above where traditional owners, the Ngaro people, used to walk. The tour also includes snorkelling on the fringing reef.

5. Go chasing waterfalls

For a total change of pace – to extremely chilled out – take a tour to a waterfall 30 minutes beyond Airlie Beach with Falls To Paradise . Swim in the rockpools of Cedar Creek Falls and relax for a few hours amongst white cedars, Alexandra palms, wild orchids, butterflies and tropical bird species.

the Cedar Creek Falls during a tour with Falls to Paradise — Cool off at Cedar Creek Falls. (Image: Red Cat Adventures)

Then drive back to a huge isolated bay north of Airlie Beach to relax with drinks and a meal at the region’s best beach bar and restaurant, Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill .

Northies beach Bar & Grill — Relax with drinks and a meal at Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill. (Image: Red Cat Adventures)

There’s an open-plan restaurant and picnic tables under coconut trees (with hammocks attached) where you’ll have a great view of the northern Whitsunday Islands.

6. Snorkel and experience Whitehaven Beach

Take a trip to Whitehaven Beach on one of the fastest boats in the Whitsundays region with Thundercat Whitehaven Full Day Eco-Cruise (it also has the highest level of ECO certification in Australia).

the Thundercat Whitehaven Full Day Eco-Cruise passing by the Mantaray Bay, Whitsundays — Swim and snorkel with tropical fish and manta rays. (Image: Red Cat Adventures)

You’ll spend two hours on the beach famous for its silica-smooth white sands, and walk above the beach to see all seven kilometres of it spread out below at a look-out above Littoral Rainforest.

Red Cat Adventure, Airlie Beach — Marvel at the pure white sand of Whitehaven Beach. (Image: Red Cat Adventures)

Because the boat’s so fast, you’ll easily be able to access some of the region’s most pristine beaches and bays along the northern coast of Hook Island where there are underwater valleys and caves among colourful coral surrounded by hundreds of species of marine animals.

guests sharing food on the bow of the boat during the Thundercat Whitehaven Full Day Eco-Cruise — Hop aboard Thundercat Whitehaven Full Day Eco-Cruise. (Image: Red Cat Adventures)

Now check out the best things to do in Airlie Beach.

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

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The best tours in Airlie Beach for your next getaway