The 6 Best Cafes in Airlie Beach: A Guide to the Best Coffee Spots in 2025

Airlie Beach is a tiny town mostly known as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, but when I first rolled in on Shute Harbour Road during my East Coast Australia trip, I instantly fell for its laid-back charm. I came over the hills, saw the port filled with giant boats and sparkling blue water, and thought “Okay, yeah… I could hang here for a while.” All I needed was a good coffee, and I’d be set.

Luckily, like pretty much every town in Australia, the coffee scene here is legit.

It can be a literal shack, and they’ll still serve you a killer flat white with some perfectly seasoned avo toast. Airlie Beach is no different. These 6 cafes in Airlie Beach are my absolute favorites, and some of them even come with ocean views that’ll make you want to stay all day. Let’s jump into the best places to sip a delicious coffee and enjoy a slow brekky.

Top 6 Cafes in Airlie Beach You Can’t Miss

Australia has kind of ruined me when it comes to coffee. A regular old filter coffee just doesn’t do it for me anymore, I need a proper espresso and some perfectly frothed milk to feel like a functioning human. If you’re the same, these Airlie Beach cafes will have you setting an early alarm without even hating it.

Some of these spots come with ocean views, others are more low-key and tucked away, but all of them serve up seriously good coffee and a great start to your day.

1. Sidewalk Cafe // Our Favorite Airlie Beach Cafe

Opening Hours: 6:30am–1:30pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

Sidewalk Cafe was easily my favorite cafes Airlie Beach has to offer. It’s right in the middle of town on the main street with tables and chairs spilling out onto the sidewalk. On a warm morning, before the sun really kicks in, it’s the perfect spot to sit, sip, and connect.

We came here as a group of six (my whole family) and were greeted with a warm smile and zero stress about seating a bigger group. The vibe was super welcoming and family-friendly, which made our memorable dining experience even better.

We basically ordered half the menu with the Big Brekky and the Eggs Benny being the clear standouts. Pretty sure it was the bacon that won my American family over, it was super crispy and full of flavor.

The coffee was so good. Velvety flat whites, mochas with just the right amount of sweetness, and a long black that was bold but not bitter. Basically, Sidewalk Cafe nailed it on all fronts for us. If you only have one day in Airlie Beach, make this your brekky stop! 

2. Boho Cafe or Bohemian Raw // Best Cafe for Vegetarians in Airlie Beach

Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 6.30am-2pm, Sat: 6.30am-1pm & Sun: 6.30am-12pm
Price: $
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

Boho Cafe seriously spoiled me. The location is perfect if you’re a beach lover. It’s right on the water, and I was basically being lulled into a zen state by the sound of ocean waves while eating one of the best smoothie bowls I’ve had in Australia. It was so lovely. 

I ordered the creamy açaí, and I swear, I’ve never had a bowl this loaded. It was stacked with strawberries, bananas, and blackberries, it was seriously fruit overload. Then they hit it with a big scoop of peanut butter and… yeah, I’m still thinking about it. I highly recommend it! 

If you aren’t feeling a smoothie, the cafe offers more filling options like avo toast with smoked salmon and some really good waffles.

I also had a fantastic coffee, it was smooth, balanced, and at that perfect just-hot-enough temperature. Sitting by the beautiful water with a flat white in hand, watching the catamarans drift in and out, this is what slow mornings in Airlie are made for.

3. Cafe One 3

Opening Hours: 6:30am–1pm Closed on Sundays
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

I stopped by Cafe One 3 around 11 am on a hot morning and skipped my usual flat white for something colder, the Iced Byron. It’s a double shot of Byron beans blended with ice, milk, and a drizzle of local honey. It was frothy, refreshing, and exactly what I needed.

They also claim to have the best banana bread, so obviously Oliver had to be the judge of that. And honestly, it was pretty freaking good. Definitely the best we had in Airlie Beach. Maybe not world’s best like they say, but hey, we’re not mad about it.

Their breakfast menu also includes açaí bowls and seasonal dishes. When we visited, they had chili scrambled eggs, and they were fluffy, flavorful, and had just the right amount of heat.

The atmosphere here is super laid-back with a cozy terrace area full of bean bags and friendly staff. They also have a store selling local goods, it’s one of those places you could easily end up spending your whole morning at.

4. Fruitz N Rootz // Best Airlie Beach Cafe if you want a Coffee in the Afternoon

Opening Hours: 6:30am–4pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

On the morning of our Whitsundays catamaran tour, we were in full chaos mode, running around town grabbing last-minute snacks and beer. While the boys hit the liquor store, I spotted a sign that said nitro coffee and immediately detoured.

Cold brew and nitro coffee aren’t super common in Australia (or at least not in Fremantle, where we lived), so I was hyped. It was perfect. It was ice cold, super smooth, just the right bite of bitterness, and I added a splash of milk to round it out. I was fully buzzin’ and ready to sail.

They also serve cold-pressed juices, smoothie bowls, and healthy wraps, which are perfect if you want something fresh and light before a boat day.

But the real highlight of Fruitz N Rootz is that they’re open till 4pm. Most cafes in Australia shut down way too early, so finding a spot with good coffee at 2pm is one of the best feelings! 

5. Rufus & Co. Cafe // Best Coffee in Airlie Beach

Opening Hours: 7am–1pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Location

Rufus & Co. is set right on the marina, with a slightly more polished vibe than your average beach cafe, but nothing too fancy. You can still stroll in with flip flops and shorts and feel totally at home.

Every time I’ve come here, the baristas have been amazing and on the ball with friendly service. The coffee is always spot on, especially the flat white, which is easily one of the best I’ve had in Airlie. We tried the house-made granola and the eggs benny, and both were great. The granola had a nice crunch and was full of flavor, and the eggs benny came with perfectly cooked eggs and really tasty hollandaise.

It’s usually not too crowded either, and the view over the water is a nice bonus if you’re looking for a slower start to the morning with some delicious food.

6. Wisdom Cafe

Opening Hours: 6am–2:30pm Closed on Wednesdays
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Location

Oliver and I have this oddly specific obsession with Reuben sandwiches. We never make them at home, but the second we see one on a cafe menu, it’s like—done, we’re going there. So, of course, when we spotted one at Wisdom Cafe, we were in.

From the outside, it’s a pretty no-frills spot, nothing flashy, but the sandwiches were seriously impressive. The Reuben was packed with flavor, and we also shared a salmon bagel that was super fresh. I ordered a latte and it came out perfectly balanced—not too milky, nice and creamy, and topped with a tiny bear in the latte art.

Honestly, it was such a solid, no-fuss brunch spot that totally delivered.

A Few More Cafes to Check Out

I didn’t get the chance to visit Fat Frog Beach Café or Corner Cafe this time around, but they kept popping up in local recs and traveler convos.

Fat Frog Beach Cafe is known for its beachside vibes and hearty brunches (and apparently some very photogenic smoothie bowls), while Corner Café seems to be a low-key local favorite for solid coffee and quick bites. If you make it to either, let me know how they stack up, I’m already planning my return trip.

FAQ Best Cafe Airlie Beach

Where is the best coffee Airlie Beach?

I’d say Sidewalk Cafe takes the crown, and Rufus & Co. have the best coffees in Airlie Beach!

What are the best Airlie Beach restaurants?

La Tabella and The Deck are two of the top picks around town. Great food, great vibes, and perfect spots for a sunset dinner.

When is the Airlie Beach Markets?

The Airlie Beach Markets happen every Saturday from 7am to 1pm along the foreshore. It’s a great spot for local produce, handmade goodies, and laid-back beachy energy.

What are the best beaches in Airlie Beach?

Airlie Beach itself has a chill lagoon and a small sandy stretch perfect for a quick dip or just lounging with a drink. But if you want the real beach vibes, Cannonvale Beach is just a short drive away, it has soft sand, calm waters, and is less crowded. For something more natural and quiet, check out Landon Bay or take a boat over to the stunning Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays, which is basically paradise on earth.

What’s the best Airlie Beach Bakery?

Honestly, there aren’t a ton of bakeries right in Airlie Beach. But if you’re craving something sweet, definitely check out The Sweet Spot or My Rainbow Bakery over in Cannonvale. Both have some tasty treats that’ll satisfy any sugar craving.

Our Final Thoughts on The Best Cafes in Airlie Beach Australia

After spending a few days making my way through Airlie Beach’s cafe scene, I can confidently say this town knows how to do a good brekky. Whether it’s a quick iced coffee before heading out on a boat or a long, lazy brunch with ocean views, these spots make every morning something to look forward to. 

If you’re heading this way, come hungry, and maybe give yourself an extra day or two to try them all. Trust me, it’s worth it.

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