The Perfect 3 to 5 Day Airlie Beach Itinerary (What I Did & What I’d Add)

Last Updated on June 17, 2025 by Oliver

Airlie Beach is one of my favorite little beach towns in Australia. It’s chill, walkable, and has just enough going on to keep you entertained between Whitsundays adventures. Since it’s the main jumping-off point for island tours, sailing trips, and scenic flights, there’s a good chance it’s already on your East Coast itinerary.

But how much time do you actually need here?

I spent several days exploring both the town and the surrounding area, and honestly, Airlie deserves more than a quick overnight stay. Whether you’re here for a Whitsundays day trip or planning to set sail for a few nights, this Airlie Beach itinerary will help you make the most of your time!

The Best Airlie Beach Itinerary – My Experience

The first time I visited Airlie Beach, I was on a two-week road trip with my family from Sydney all the way up to Cairns. If you’ve done this route (or even glanced at a map), you know it’s a lot of ground to cover, so we were moving fast.

Before we’d even filled out the rest of our itinerary, we locked in a 2-day, 2-night Whitsundays sailing tour departing from Airlie. That was our non-negotiable. Once we started mapping everything else out, we realized we had a free morning before the boat and a full day after. And it actually worked out perfectly.

We got a little taste of the town, hiked to one of the best waterfalls in the area, and of course, checked off Whitehaven Beach. It was the right balance of chill time, adventure, and we left feeling like we could have stayed even longer.

3-Day Airlie Beach Itinerary 

This itinerary is based on our actual trip, with a few extra ideas added for flexibility at the end, depending on how many days you’ve got. 

Whether you’re here for 3, 4, or 5 days, this plan will help you see the best of Airlie Beach without feeling rushed, so let’s get into it! 

Day 1: Hikes, Chill Time & a Sunset on the Water

Most of the overnight Whitsundays sailing tours leave around 4 PM, so you’ve actually got a decent chunk of time to enjoy Airlie Beach before setting sail. That said, a lot of travelers skip the overnight option and just do a day trip to Whitehaven, so I’ve mapped this out as a full day in Airlie.

If you are heading out on a 2D/2N sailing tour (which I highly recommend), you can simply swap the sunset sail at the end of today’s itinerary for your overnight departure and follow the rest of the day as planned.

Morning: Honeyeater Lookout Hike

Kick things off with a bit of sweat and some serious views in Conway National Park. The trailhead for Honeyeater Lookout starts just behind Airlie’s main street and takes about 3 hours return.

The first half is pretty steep and definitely gets your heart rate going, but the incline doesn’t last forever. About halfway up, it eases into more rolling hills, and once you hit the top, you’re rewarded with an epic lookout over Airlie Beach, the Coral Sea Marina and the Whitsundays. Bring water, sunscreen, and maybe a snack to enjoy at the summit.

It’s best to hit this trail early before it gets too hot (or before your 4 PM boat check-in, if that’s your plan).

Afternoon: Cool Down + Lunch in Town

After that hike, you’ve earned some chill time. Head back into town and cool off with a dip in the Airlie Beach Lagoon; it’s free, there are shaded spots to lounge, and it’s right in the middle of everything.

Once you’ve rehydrated and recovered a little, grab lunch nearby. A few solid options:

• The Deck – breezy, laid-back, great for burgers or wraps
  
• Bohemian Raw – smoothies, fresh bowls, and very Instagrammable
  
• La Tabella – if you’re feeling fancier and want Italian + wine

Evening: Sunset Sail or Sailing Departure

Wrap up your first day on the water, because let’s be real, that’s what you came for.

If you’re not doing an overnight sailing trip, I highly recommend booking a sunset sail. You’ll cruise around Pioneer Bay, watch the sun dip below the horizon, and usually get a glass of bubbly (or two) while you’re at it. It’s super chill and such a good way to get a little taste of what’s to come out on the Whitsundays.

If you are jumping on a 2D/2N sailing adventure, this is the moment! Head to the marina for check-in, meet your crew, and get ready for two epic days on the water.

Day 2: Sailing The Whitsundays—Your Way

Whether you’re hopping on a day trip or sailing off into the sunset for a couple nights, Day 2 is all about the Whitsundays. This is why people come to Airlie Beach, and trust me, it lives up to the hype.

You’ve got two main options: a full-day tour (like Camira) or a 2D/2N sailing trip (which I did and loved). Here’s what you can expect from both:

Option 1: Full-Day Whitsundays Tour (Camira Catamaran)

If you’re just doing a day tour, The Camira tour is my top pick. It’s run by Cruise Whitsundays and hits all the highlights without rushing you through them.

Here’s the lowdown:

• What’s included: Whitehaven Beach stop (including Hill Inlet lookout), snorkeling, all-you-can-eat BBQ lunch, drinks (yes, alcoholic too), and that big purple catamaran with plenty of space to lounge.
  
• Vibe: Social, scenic, and suuuper easy going. Just bring a towel, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure.
  
• Duration: Around 9 AM to 5:30 PM (it’s a full day but you’ll still be back in time for dinner)
  
• Why I recommend it: It’s great value, super well-run, and you get a little bit of everything without needing to pack an overnight bag. And I love that it’s an actual catamaran rather than a speed boat, so you still get to hang out on the deck, maybe let up a few sails, and it’s a much smaller group. It just feels more special.

If you only have one full day in Airlie and want a taste of the Whitsundays, this is the one.

Book your spot on the Camira before it fills up! 

Option 2: 2D/2N Overnight Sailing Trip (What I Did!)

If you’ve got the time, I can’t recommend a 2-day, 2-night sailing trip enough. This is what I did, and it was hands-down one of the best parts of our whole East Coast Australia trip.

• What it’s like: You sleep onboard, spend your days snorkeling coral reefs, visiting quiet beaches, eating super solid meals (cooked onboard), and watching sunsets from the deck.
  
• Why it’s worth it: You get more time in the Whitsundays, avoid the day-trip crowds, and it’s honestly just such a fun experience, especially if you like the idea of disconnecting for a bit.
  
• What to bring: A small bag (most boats won’t let you bring hard suitcases), reef-safe sunscreen, towel, and maybe a motion sickness tablet just in case.
  

There are a bunch of different boats, some are more social/backpacker-y, some are more chill. I’d suggest booking this early because the good boats fill up fast.

This is the EXACT tour we booked, and it was AWESOME. Check out our full experience here! 

For a more backpacker vibe, Oliver did this tour 3 years ago solo and absolutely loved it! 

Day 3: Waterfalls, Walks & Wind-Downs

If you’re staying in Airlie for a few days, today’s the perfect time to explore the land-based side of this tropical little town. From swimming under waterfalls to sunset boardwalk strolls, there’s plenty to do beyond the beaches and boats.

If you’re just getting back from a 2D/2N sailing trip, you’ll skip the morning waterfalls and go straight into the afternoon part of the itinerary. Most of the boats arrive back to Airlie around 1:30 or 2! 

Morning: Waterfall Swim at Cedar Creek Falls

Start the morning with a coffee at one of Airlie Beach’s best Cafes. After a slow morning, make a quick road trip inland to Cedar Creek Falls, one of the easiest waterfalls to reach from Airlie. It’s about a 30 minute drive, and while it’s at its best after a bit of rain, it’s still a great spot year-round.

There’s a short trail that takes you straight to the falls, no major hike required, and a natural swimming hole at the base that’s perfect for a midday dip. The rocks are fun to climb around, and if you look closely, you might spot turtles chilling in the water. We stayed here for about 2 hours, just swimming and enjoying nature. 

Bring swimmers, water, and bug spray, and try to go early if it’s a weekend; this spot’s a local fave and can get a bit busy.

Afternoon: Explore Town + Lunch

By the time we got back from the falls, we were cooked, sun-drenched, a little sweaty, and very ready to do absolutely nothing. We grabbed a takeaway pizza from Beagles, picked up some drinks from the bottle shop, and posted up on our holiday home deck for the rest of the afternoon. Not many things can top poolside beers! 

If you’re feeling a little more energetic, this is a good time to wander around town, pop into a few shops, or pick up a last-minute souvenir. But hey, you’ve earned a lazy afternoon. Whether that’s a nap in the shade, a swim at your accommodation, or watching the palm trees sway while eating snacks—you do you.

Evening: Boardwalk Walk + Sunset Drinks

As the day starts to wind down, we headed out from our stay to take a slow stroll along the Bicentennial Boardwalk, which runs along the coast from the Lagoon out to Cannonvale. It’s flat, breezy, and super scenic, especially if you time it for golden hour. It was the perfect way to end the day! 

To finish off the day, we headed to Sorrento’s on the Marina for happy hour and live music! Honestly, the food scene in Airlie Beach isn’t the best, but we were able to find quite a few amazing restaurants while we were there! 

Got More Time? Here’s What to Do With 4–5 Days in Airlie Beach

If you’ve got more than three days in Airlie, there’s still plenty to see without rushing. Personally, I think 4 days is the perfect amount as you’ll get to do all of the above, along with the 2D/2N Whitsundays tour. 

If you were to follow our guide and what we did, your Airlie itinerary will look like this:

• Day 1: Hiking + Lagoon + Night 1 Whitsundays Tour
  
• Day 2 & 3: Whitsundays sailing adventure
  
• Day 4: Waterfalls + pizza + pool time
  
• Day 5: Pack up & Leave
  

If you’re building a longer stay, here are some extra ideas to pad out your trip:

Chill Day: Cannonvale + Northerlies

Spend a slower day exploring Cannonvale, the next beach town over (just a few minutes’ drive or a gorgeous walk via the boardwalk). It’s got more of a local vibe, less touristy, and a good spot to hang if you’ve already hit all the big Airlie highlights.

Start with brunch at Fat Frog Café (seafront views + solid food), then wander down to the beach or just hang out at the foreshore.

Later in the afternoon, catch the free Northerlies shuttle (runs from Airlie) out to Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill. It’s got bean bags on the sand, live music, great seafood, and possibly the best spot for sunset in the area. It’s kind of the perfect last-night kind of vibe.

Adrenaline Day: Skydive or Scenic Flight

If you’ve got adventure still in your bones and the budget allows, this is where you go big:

• Skydive Airlie Beach drops you over the Whitsunday Islands with the Coral Sea sparkling underneath. I could imagine this is one of the most epic places in the world to skydive.
  
• Scenic flights This was HIGH on our list of things to do, but unfortunately, the price was a little higher. But if you have it in your budget, this is definitely one of the most epic things to do in all of Australia. You’ll take a scenic flight over the great barrier reef and see the gorgeous white sand swirls of Whitehaven. Scenic flights also leave from Hamilton Island
  

Road Trips: Hydeaway Bay, Dingo Beach & Cape Gloucester

If you’ve got a car (or are up for renting one for the day), this trio of quiet coastal towns about an hour north of Airlie is the definition of a hidden gem day trip.

Start by heading to Hydeaway Bay, the beach is quiet, calm, and usually almost empty. Bring snacks, floaties, or just lay under a tree and do absolutely nothing.

From there, swing by Dingo Beach Hotel for lunch. It’s super casual, very local, and the kind of place where you’ll probably see a barefoot fisherman or two. The food’s surprisingly good, and the beers are cold.

FAQ: Airlie Beach Itinerary 3 Days

Is Airlie Beach worth visiting?

Totally. Even if you’re just passing through to get to the Whitsundays, it’s 100% worth sticking around. Good food, solid views, easy swims, and chill vibes all around.

Things to do in Airlie Beach

Hike Honeyeater. Swim at the lagoon. Waterfall dip at Cedar Creek. Grab a sunset cocktail. Do a boat tour. Visit Whitehaven Beach

Best time to visit Airlie Beach

The Best time to visit is from May to October. The weather is dry, sunny, and way less humid. Outside of stinger season too, so ocean swims are less complicated. If you’re going during school holidays I really recommed booking asap, the tourism is super busy at this time. 

How many days do I need in Airlie Beach?

At least 3 if you’re sailing. Add a day or two if you want to explore beyond the marina and actually relax.

Final Thoughts on the Best Airlie Beach Itinerary

The Whitsundays and Airlie Beach ended up being the absolute highlight of our trip. Between sailing through turquoise water, hiking to insane views, and lazy afternoons by the pool, it just hit that perfect balance of adventure and chill.

Whether you have 1 day or even a full week, I hope this guide helps you have the best time in Airlie Beach! 

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