11 Amazing Holiday Homes Airlie Beach Has: Where We Stayed + What We Loved

Last Updated on June 14, 2025 by Oliver

Airlie Beach was hands down one of our fave stops on our East Coast trip. It’s the jump-off point for the Great Barrier Reef, which means the town is always buzzing with reef tours, fishing charters, and that classic Aussie beach town energy we’re all low-key obsessed with.

When it comes to places to stay, Airlie doesn’t play. Whether you’re visiting with the whole family and need a holiday park with all the bells and whistles, or you’re chasing something a bit more romantic for you and your boo, there’s something here with your name on it.

This list covers some of our absolute favorite holiday homes Airlie Beach has to offer plus a few we’re seriously manifesting for our next visit. Let’s dive into the dream stays.

Best Holiday Homes Airlie Beach – My Experience

Staying in Airlie Beach is a total no-brainer if you’re planning to visit the Whitsunday Islands. During our two-week road trip along the East Coast, we spent a couple of nights here both before and after our sailing trip, and it was such a good call.

The town itself is pretty small, with a bit of a backpacker energy thanks to all the working holiday folks either chasing boat gigs or living the van life. But don’t let that fool you, there are so many amazing vacation rentals to stay that still give you that chill beach town feel without having to bunk in a hostel dorm.

We stayed at the Whitsundays Reflections before heading out on the boat, and it was perfect for our big group! It’s up on a hill, so we were able to see all of the town and the ocean, but when we got back from our sailing trip, we wanted a different side of Airlie Beach.

So we switched things up and booked Airlie Beach Eco Cabins, and I can’t hype it up enough. It’s tucked into the rainforest more than most stays in Airlie, and after two nights at sea, it felt like this peaceful little hideaway. 

It honestly gave us the best of both worlds, staying at these two different places. We got a little bit of beach town life on Shute Harbour Road and then got to escape to the calm and quiet of the rainforest; it was the perfect combo after salty hair and sleeping on a boat.

Where to Stay in Airlie Beach for your Holidays in Whitsundays

In this guide, I’ve rounded up a little bit of everything, holiday parks that are perfect for families, a stay that’s literally shaped like a boat, and a few apartment-style beach houses that are ideal if you’re traveling with friends or family. 

So let’s get into it—here are the best Airlie Beach holiday homes for your next escape.

1. Mirage Whitsundays // Best Airlie Beach Luxury Holiday Homes

This one’s for when you’re feeling a little fancy. Mirage Whitsundays is all about spacious, modern apartments with huge windows, water views, and absolutely zero backpacker vibes.

The apartments are massive, and some even have their own private pool. Everything is super clean and luxe without being over the top. The tropical gardens, palm trees, and ocean views make it feel like a proper resort escape, right here in Airlie.

It’s a little tucked away from the center of town, but still walkable if you don’t mind a bit of a stroll, or just grab a quick ride. Definitely one of those spots that feels like a treat.

Book: Mirage Whitsundays

2. Peninsula Airlie Beach

If you’re after a vacation rental that’s a little boujee but still super chill, Peninsula Airlie Beach is such a good pick. It’s right on the marina, so you’ve got water views from your balcony and can literally watch boats drift by while you eat brekkie. 

The apartments are a great size with full kitchen, laundry, and huge living areas. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with friends or fam and want space to spread out. 

We didn’t get a chance to stay here (yet), but it’s 100% on the dream list. Everyone raves about how clean it is, and the owners are apparently super lovely. There’s a pool, BBQ area, and free parking, and you’re still just a quick drive or walk into town.

Book: Peninsula Airlie Beach

3. Whitsundays Reflections // Where We Stayed in Airlie Beach

If you’re traveling with a group, Reflections is such a good holiday rental. These are big, modern apartments up on the hillside with sweeping views over the town and the ocean. 

The vibe is very relaxed and private, but you’re still close enough to walk into town (but keep in mind, it’s a bit of a hill). Inside, you’ve got full kitchens, laundry, big bathrooms, and plenty of room to lounge, basically everything you need to feel at home for a few days.

Since there were six of us, this was the perfect stay. They have 3 bedroom apartments, meaning no one has to take the couch or bunk beds. Each couple got their own room, and it was perfect! We enjoyed cooking together and having dinner overlooking the water straight from our patio!

Book: Whitsundays Reflections

4. Freedom Shores Resort // One of the Best Luxury Holiday Homes Airlie Beach

This one’s definitely one of the most unique stays in Airlie Beach. The rooms are built to look like little boat cabins, and the decks overlooking the blue ocean is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine! 

Tucked right by the water with a private beach, this place feels like your own secret coastal hideaway. The design is super thoughtful, everything feels boutique-y and special, not cookie cutter at all. There’s also an on-site restaurant and bar, so you don’t even have to leave if you’re in full chill mode.

It’s a bit outside of town, but it’s the perfect spot if you’re planning a couples trip or just want something a little different and memorable.

Book: Freedom Shores Resort 

5. The Boathouse Apartments // Best Holiday Apartments in Airlie Beach

As an American, this place gave me major Florida vibes, in the best way. Palm trees outside the balcony, those chill beachy colours, and that classic marina-side setup.

The apartments are super spacious with two or three bedrooms, so it’s perfect if you’re coming with a group or the fam and everyone want their own space. You’ve got a full kitchen, laundry, and a big living area that opens right out to the balcony. 

There’s a pool and hot tub downstairs surrounded by palms, and a tennis court if you’re feeling sporty (lol, I wasn’t). You’re also right by the Port of Airlie, so it’s a super easy walk to grab coffee, hop on a ferry, or head out to dinner without needing to drive anywhere

Book: The Boathouse Apartments

6. Pina Mimosa

If you want to feel like you’ve just moved to Airlie Beach and have no plans of leaving anytime soon, this is the spot. Pina Mimosa has that relaxed, homey feel with seriously beautiful views.

The apartment is super comfortable and has some really fun little touches, like palm tree wallpaper and cute coastal décor. It’s the kind of place where you can start your morning with a coffee out on the deck, or just stay curled up on the couch in the AC and enjoy the same view without moving a muscle.

It’s also in a great location, just a short walk or drive into town, so you’re close to all the restaurants and shops, but still tucked away enough to feel peaceful.

Book: Pina Mimosa

7. Airlie Beach Eco Cabins // Our Favorite Accommodation Airlie Beach

​​We actually stayed here and I’m fully obsessed. It’s tucked into the rainforest just outside of town, and honestly, it felt like a little hidden sanctuary. The cabins are surrounded by so much greenery, birds everywhere, and wallabies hopping right outside your door! How fun!!

The house rentals themselves are super cozy, eco-conscious, and really thoughtfully designed. There’s no TV, but you won’t miss it. We spent our evenings by the fire pit, listening to the sounds of the bush and just fully winding down after days on the water.

It’s adults only, so the vibe is super peaceful, and while it’s a bit of a drive into town, the calm and nature make it 100% worth it. It’s the kind of place that makes you actually feel like you’re on holiday.

Book: Airlie Beach Eco Cabins

8. Club Wyndham Airlie Beach

If you’re after a comfy stay with a bit of that resort feel, Club Wyndham is a great pick. The apartments are super roomy with full kitchens, air conditioning, laundry, and big balconies that look right out over the water. It’s up on a hill, so you get amazing views, but fair warning, that hill is no joke. Luckily, they run a free shuttle into town, so you don’t have to hike it every time.

There’s also an infinity pool (the sunrises here are next level!), a hot tub, and even an on-site restaurant if you don’t feel like cooking. It’s a nice mix of chill and convenient, especially if you’ve got a group or just want a bit more space to spread out.

Book: Club Wyndham Airlie Beach

9. Whitsundays BNB Retreat // Best Resort in Airlie Beach

If you’re after something a little more homey and easy on the budget, this jungle-style stay is just the thing. Tucked away in the trees, it’s peaceful, quiet, and gives you that back-to-nature feel without actually having to rough it.

The rooms are simple but super clean, with a shared kitchen and outdoor spaces that make it feel like a mini retreat. There’s even a bushwalk trail that starts right on the property, so if you’re into slow mornings and birdsong, you’ll love it here.

It’s a bit outside of town, so you’ll probably want a car, but the trade-off is the total calm you get in return. Ideal if you’re not into big resorts and want something a little more casual. 

Book: Whitsundays BNB Retreat

10. Sunlit Waters Studio Apartment // Best Budget Stay in Airlie Beach

If you’re after a peaceful stay with an incredible view (without blowing the budget), Sunlit Waters is a gem. These studios are perched up on a hill, so you get that unreal panoramic look over the marina, especially at sunset!

The rooms are simple but super clean and well-kept, and each one has its own little patio or balcony to soak in the view. There’s also a pool and BBQ area, so it’s got that relaxed, low-key feel that makes you want to stay a bit longer than planned.

It’s just a short walk to the main street, but far enough away that it stays quiet at night. Perfect for solo travelers or couples who want a cozy home base with views for days.

Book: Sunlit Waters Studio Apartment

11. BIG 4 Airlie Beach Adventure Whitsunday Resort // Best Stay in Airlie Beach for Families

This is hands-down one of the best holiday parks in Australia. BIG4 is always a solid choice when you’re traveling with kids, and the Whitsunday Resort version absolutely delivers.

We’re talking a massive swimming pool, a splash park with tipping buckets and mini slides, tennis courts, mini golf, and even push carts for cruising around. And don’t worry, they didn’t forget about the grown-ups, there are poolside massages. You know I’d be first in line for that.

The cabins are spacious and super clean, with bunk beds for the kiddos (or grown-up siblings who still bicker like kids) and full kitchens for cooking at home. Some of the larger setups can fit up to 9 guests, which is seriously impressive. It’s also pet friendly if you’re traveling with your furry friend. You can also book all your reef tours and day trips straight from the front desk. Easy.

Book: BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

FAQ: Airlie Beach Holiday Houses

Most budget friendly Airlie Beach holiday rentals?

Sunlit Waters Studio Apartments and Whitsundays BNB Retreat are both great budget-friendly picks. They’ve got that cozy, laid-back vibe without the hefty price tag.

Best luxury holiday rentals Airlie Beach has?

Mirage Whitsundays is definitely up there. The apartments are massive, super luxe, and some even come with a private pool. It’s giving resort energy without being over the top. It has an average rating of 9.1 and everyone is always raving about it. 

Should I stay on Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach to visit the Whitsundays?

Airlie Beach is the better base if you want more flexibility and a bigger range of places to stay and eat. Hamilton Island is great if you’re all-in on the resort experience, but it’s more limited (and usually pricier).

Best holiday homes Airlie Beach with pool?

Reflections, Mirage Whitsundays, and Club Wyndham all have beautiful pools with killer views. Big4 is another solid pick if you’re traveling with kids and want more of a fun holiday park vibe.

What’s the best things to do in Airlie Beach?

Sailing the Whitsundays is the obvious must-do, but don’t skip the Airlie Beach Lagoon, catching sunset from Honeyeater Lookout, or grabbing brekkie at one of the cute cafés in town. And if you’ve got time—book a scenic flight over Heart Reef. It’s unreal.

Final Thoughts on the Best Holiday Homes in Airlie Beach

Whether you’re traveling with your crew, planning a romantic escape, or just want to feel like a local for a few days, Airlie Beach has so many great holiday rentals to stay. From lush jungle cabins to oceanview apartments and holiday parks with all the extras, there’s something here for every vibe and budget. 

We loved mixing up our accommodation during our trip, and we can’t wait to head back and try some of the other stays! I seriously have my eyes on the boat-shaped stays at Freedom Shores!

Check Out My Other East Coast Australia Guides

East Coast Australia Itinerary: My Ultimate 2 Week Itinerary on Australias East Coast

Cafes in Airlie Beach: My Top 6 Cafes in Airlie Beach

Best Time To Visit Whitsundays Islands: Month to Month Guide for the Whitsundays

Sailing the Whitsundays: My Sailing the Whitsundays Guide 2025

Airlie Beach Restaurants: My Top 8 Restaurants in Airlie Beach

Couples Getaway NSW: My Favorite Romantic Weekend Destinations

How to Get to Whitehaven Beach: My Full Guide on How to get to Whitehaven Beach Australia

Whitehaven Beach Day Trips: My Top 5 Whitehaven Beach Day Trips

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