Airlie Beach is a beautiful, small town in Queensland, Australia's Whitsunday Region. It is a popular tourist destination because it is one of several departure points in going to the Great Barrier Reef. However, depending in oceanic conditions, it usually takes two to three hours just to get to the reef from Shute Harbor.

Airlie Beach enjoys a tropical lifestyle and climate. Its population was estimated then at 2,751 but is now estimated at around 25,000. Every year, during Pentecost Sunday or Whit Sunday, Airlie Beach residents celebrate "The Blessing of the Fleet". Father Keith Felgate started this blessing ceremony.

As a tourist destination, the local council of the beach built small to medium sized lagoons by the foreshore for swimming. This is because the beach gets inhabited by a type of jellyfish called marine stingers, especially during the months of November to May. The lagoon resembles the one in Caims.

The region is regarded as a backpacker's haven. If you want to take a boat to the islands, go to Abel Point Marina. It's only a 15 minute walk away from Airlie's High Street - Shute Harbor Road.

Airlie Beach Activities
Contrary to its name, Airlie Beach is not a conducive place to enjoy the beach. From October to May, it's restricted to swim here. If you really want to swim, you'll be required to wear a stinger suit or one made from a rash top kind of material. As an alternative there's a manmade lagoon you can swim in. It is about 200 meters long and about 50 meters wide. It is landscaped with grass and a bridge. Life guards watch swimmer throughout the day and there's ample security every night. Every Saturday, they have a market by the waterfront where you can buy souvenirs and locally produced foods.

You can also get daytrips or a cruise to Whitsunday Islands. Meals are also included in most sailing trips.

Airlie also has various restaurants that offer budget to expensive cuisines. There are also many take away eateries that provide special catering even to the backpacker market. Other favorable places known for their good food include Deja vu at Water's Edge Resort and Arlie Beach Hotel's Capers. Along Airlie's main street, Armada, you'll find many city style cocktail bars and restaurants. Budget wise, head to Magnums or Morroco's Beaches for great pub-style meals.

Airlie Beach Hotels
Beaches Backpackers - This is located in the midst of the town, offering lots of dorm beds. This place is connected to one of the town's liveliest bar. Their normal dorm can sleep 8 with its own toilet and a shower, TV and fridge. Their rooms are fairly clean. The nightly cost is $24. There is a $10 doorkey deposit. Every Friday and Saturday, there is live music with singing teen songs catering to the young Irish and British visitors. They also give discounts to Nomads Mad card holders.

Backpackers by the Bay - This lodging facility received the Whitsunday Tourism Award last 2004. They have a nice kitchen, bar and a small pool. They also have tables and sofas on their relaxing terrace overlooking the harbor. Their staff are known fir their friendly and helpful services.

Each dorm can sleep 4. These are kept artistically decorated and clean. The nightly cost is $26 but they offer discounts for YHA card holders.

A bus stop is just outside. It is only a 5 minute walk from the main road. Its address is 12 Hermitage Drive Airlie Beach Queensland, Australia.

Magnum's Hostel - This is situated by the main road. It is connected to a bar, food court and bar. There are also slot machines here and rock or alternative live music is played in the bar.