Airlie Beach Tours & Whitsundays Adventures

Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands — 74 tropical islands surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Located on the coast of North Queensland between Mackay and Townsville, Airlie Beach is where every Whitsundays adventure begins.

The Whitsundays are home to some of the most photographed scenery in Australia. Whitehaven Beach, a 7-kilometre stretch of pure white silica sand, has been voted Australia's best beach multiple times. The famous Hill Inlet lookout provides that iconic swirling blue-and-white view you've seen all over Instagram. Heart Reef, a naturally heart-shaped coral formation, is best seen from a scenic helicopter flight — one of the most popular experiences in the region.

Sailing the Whitsundays is the quintessential East Coast experience. Dundee Adventure offers 2-day and 3-day sailing trips on a variety of boats — from racing maxis to comfortable catamarans. You'll sail through the islands, snorkel coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, visit Whitehaven Beach, and sleep under the stars on the boat. It's the experience that every backpacker talks about years later.

Airlie Beach itself is a lively town with a purpose-built lagoon (free to use!), buzzing restaurants, backpacker bars, and a Tuesday/Saturday market. It's a great place to spend a day or two before or after your sailing adventure.

The Whitsundays are accessible year-round, but June to September offers the most comfortable sailing conditions with warm days and calm waters. Humpback whale season (July–September) adds an extra dimension to your trip.