Airlie Beach may be quaint however its perfect location makes for a great spot to base yourself while in the Whitsundays. From here, you can explore the best of Australia’s untouched beauty through its hideaway beaches, gentle rainforests, and pearlescent sandy beaches. Here I count down the top 3 best day trips that cover all the major attractions that can’t be missed on your tropical getaway.
Whitehaven Beach
One of the most popular day trips out of Airlie Beach is to journey out to Whitehaven Beach. You can reach this stunning beach by a short 30-minute catamaran ride, a helicopter or even a yacht. The 7 kilometre stretch of pure white silica sand meets luminous turquoise waters that reflect a glistening emerald colour when the sun hits it, that it’s no wonder this beach is always on lists of ‘Best Beaches in the world’. From the beach, you have a range of activities you can choose from such as snorkelling, sailing and taking a hike to Tongue Point lookout for a gorgeous bird’s-eye view of Hill Inlet. You’ll find several options for tour companies that offer either half or full-day trips perfect for a family-friendly outing or if you’re looking for adventure. Check out the Sightseeing Tours Australia’s Whitsunday Tours!
Conway National Park
The Conway National Park is a tropic rainforest with panoramic views that overlook the Whitsunday region. A quick 15-minute drive from the heart of Airlie Beach will transport you to another world where wildlife and untouched wilderness awaits. Here in the 35-kilometer expanse that is the Conway National Park, you will find secluded beaches, hiking circuits, and hundreds of species of animals waiting to be discovered. The beauty of these hiking trails is that no matter at what level you consider yourself, the result of these walks are magnificent views from outlooks such as Mount Rooper. Nature lovers will marvel at the many activities that can be done throughout your time in the Park, with mountain bike trails, swimming and walks to outlooks to be explored. You could easily spend the day uncovering the beauty of the lush scenery, just be sure to bring your best walking shoes with you!
Great Barrier Reef
If you’re looking to tick off snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef on your travel bucket list, Airlie Beach is the perfect location to begin your trip at. The reason for this is that Airlie Beach is less crowded than the usual base for the Great Barrier Reef, which is Cairns, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t many options for a day trip out to the reef! In fact, you’ll be spoilt for choice with options to include a day trip to Hamilton Island to the mix. You have opportunities to snorkel amongst fringing coral reefs or take a seaplane for breathtaking views of the swirling green and blue crystal waters. There’s even plenty to do if you’re travelling with kids, such as a semi-submersible boat to spot all the colourful marine life under the sea, interactive pontoons and talks from marine experts. Check out Last Minute Day Tours’ Great Barrier Reef Tours!
