One year ago, Cyclone Debbie unleashed her full category four storm cell on Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays. With winds in excess of 195 kilometres per hour, she hit the islands and mainland with all the force of the strongest cyclone to hit Queensland since 2011. It flattened Daydream Island and made the luxurious resort on Hamilton Island look like a bomb had gone off in the middle of the ocean. Seas normally turquoise had turned dark brown, and waves of up to 11 metres smashed into the Great Barrier Reef. On land, Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour were not spared. Significant damage cost the owners and the economy tens of millions of dollars.
Beautiful blue hues as far at the eye can see at Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill, Airlie Beach. Image © Kerri McConnel
Fast forward to today, and it’s incredible to see how this small community continues to pull together to make the Whitsundays sing once more. Tourists are returning in their droves, many oblivious to the devastation experienced here not so long ago. Instead, the Whitsundays is being viewed once again as it always has been; a destination I can only describe as heaven on earth. This travel guide features places to stay, where to eat and what to do in Airlie Beach while visiting the Whitsundays.
The Whitsundays and Airlie Beach
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The Whitsundays are a group of islands that form part of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s seven natural wonders. Getting to the Whitsundays is easy by air and an area accessible by many other forms of transport.
The diving in the Whitsundays rivals the best in the world, with people from all over making specific trips to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays to explore it for themselves. Of the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays, only seven are developed. The remainder make amazing stops for those who choose to sail in this area. With pristine blue water, white sand beaches and amazing weather, the Whitsundays is a dream location for a short trip or a longer stay.
Airlie Beach is the closest mainland town for access to the main resort islands of the Whitsundays. Quite often, it is used as a base for spending time in the Whitsundays.
The generously sized living area at the Airlie Beach Mantra, complete with private balcony and view over the Airlie Marina. Image © Kerri McConnel
Where to Stay in Airlie Beach
Mantra Boathouse Apartments | Check Prices
There’s a lot to love about these apartments but perhaps the best of all is its location right on the Port of Airlie Marina. My tip would be to secure an apartment with a private balcony that overlooks the magnificent array of boats moored in the protective waters of the harbour.
The Mantra offers spacious, self-contained apartments with two and three bedrooms. They are priced affordably and are great if you are sharing your time away with friends or have a family. A short walk away from the centre of Airlie Beach, they are well positioned away from the noise of the main eating and nightlife area.
If you plan on staying close to the apartment there are a variety of retail shops, cafes and coffee shops on the ground level.
The main bedroom with private balcony at the Mantra Boathouse Apartments, Airlie Beach. Image © Kerri McConnel
Whilst it is easy to self-cater, especially with the close proximity of nearby supermarkets, there are also some other catering options. As we had an early start the morning after we stayed here, going to breakfast at a cafe was not an option. Thankfully, Airlie Beach has some great catering companies that are ready to help out. Peach and Pear Catering offer healthy food options for breakfast and dinner, and have some amazing platters and hampers that are just perfect for a day trip around the area, or for taking out on a boat.
Enjoying a delicious breakfast overlooking the Airlie Marina thanks to Peach and Pear Catering. Image © Kerri McConnel
Mantra Boathouse Apartments also encourages activities through their swimming pool and tennis court. Alternatively, there are also plenty of outdoor spots to just relax and take in the North Queensland sun.
The beautiful full-size kitchen at the Mantra Boathouse Apartments makes this the ideal accommodation for families. Image © Kerri McConnel
Freedom Shores
A ten minute drive from Airlie Beach, Freedom Shores offers guests a chance to get away from the tourist hub, whilst still being reasonably close. The accommodation offers 10 rooms shaped like the front of a boat, with views out over the water and surrounding gardens. Three one-bedroom apartments will also offer a fabulous ocean view, being built higher up on the hill. For a little more luxury, a two bedroom beach house with kitchen, pool and spa facilities will also be on offer.
Freedom Shores offers unique accommodation in Airlie Beach. Image © Kerri McConnel
Perhaps the biggest advantage is its tranquil location, right on the ocean, with a beautiful beachscape. The Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill, a short two-minute walk from the apartments, offers an easy place to eat.
Freedom Shores boat-style boutique accommodation on the water at Airlie Beach. Image © Kerri McConnel
Where to Eat in Airlie Beach
Once a town where cafes and fast food were the mainstay, Airlie Beach is really starting to grow up where the food scene is concerned. I was very happy to be able to road test these impressive Airlie Beach restaurants.
Fresh and trendy, Hemingways Restaurant is a must-try restaurant in Airlie Beach. Image © Kerri McConnel
Hemingway’s Restaurant
“Live the full life of the mind, exhilarated by new ideas, intoxicated by the romance of the unusual” – Ernest Hemingway
With a large image of the famous writer, and this quote in the entrance way, I couldn’t help but think that Ernest himself, a lover of a good drink, would approve of this place. Tables, softly lit with candles, glowed against the golden light that was shining over the Abell Point Marina. The sun was going to bed, but for us, it was a chance to dine on food from a restaurant recently awarded a Chef’s Hat by the Australian Good Food Guide.