Whitsundays and Airlie Beach
Whitsundays and Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach
The coastal village of Airlie Beach is the mainland centre for the Whitsunday Islands. With the Conway Range National Park as a backdrop and the waters of the Whitsundays at its front door, Airlie Beach is a holiday haven in itself. In the lush valleys of the Conway Ranges, waterfalls and streams flow through some of the world's oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest. Many of the areas of the state forest are restricted but there are 11km of walking tracks and daily 4WD tours which take visitors into the heart of the forest to marvel at massive strangler figs, stand of red and white cedars and the exotic wild orchids which hang in clusters from ancient trees. This is also home of the famous brilliant blue Ulysses butterfly.
Just before the range drops off to the coastal plains it offers a special gift - Cedar Creek Falls. Set in a natural rock amphitheatre, the falls drop to create a cool, crystal clear, natural swimming hole. The rocky nature of the easily accessible falls has attracted the practitioners of the stimulating sport, abseiling. Trained instructors lead the way for both practised enthusiasts and raw beginners. This is a back-to-nature experience with a difference and is enjoyed for a full day with breaks for morning tea and a bush lunch. This is not the only activity in the region. Bungy jumpers have their own spot and for flying af a different kind you can take an introductory flight in an ultralight. For flying without an aircraft, tandem skydiving is also a popular and exciting Whitsunday activity.
There is a wildlife park on the road between Proserpine and Airlie Beach. There are also fine beaches around Airlie. Funnel Bay, about 4km from the village, is particularly beautiful. Further north is secluded Earlando and Dingo Beaches, favourites with the locals and good for fishing and beachcombing. South of Airlie, Shute Harbour has its own special identity. This is a major port and you are guaranteed to get a good feed of fresh fish, harbourside. Further south of Shute Harbour is the 5-star Laguna Quays Resort which attracts golfers to its championship Turtle Point Golf Course. But most of all, Airlie Beach and the neighbouring villages of Cannonvale and Shute Harbour, offer a wide range of world class accommodation for people from all walks of life and with varied budgets.
There are council and private caravan parks with powered and unpowered sites and a 50 metre swimming pool, 9-hole golf course in Cannonvale and 18-hole course in Proserpine. Backpackers are well catered for with a YHA Hostel and Backpacking accommodation in several locations. Accommodation with a difference is the environmental sanctuary park where guests can stay in ensuite units or on-site vans in shaded camp sites. There are holiday units, exclusive lodges and several resorts ranging from modest, family style accommodation through to luxury five-star service. All the associated services, shopping, car hire, medical, dental, even bingo games and a bridge club are to be found. Airlie is a village which offers hospitality local style to all those who head for the wonderful Whitsundays.
