Nestled in the heart of Queensland's tropical coast, the Whitsunday Islands beckon with their pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters. This iconic Australian destination is renowned not only for its breathtaking beauty but also as a haven for adventure seekers.
From world-class snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef to exhilarating skydiving experiences above the tropical islands, The Whitsundays offer an unmatched playground for thrill-seekers craving outdoor excitement and natural wonders. Airlie Beach is arguably the best place to explore The Whitsundays from, so we've kept this in mind when curating our ulimate stay, play and eat guide. From sleeping on the Great Barrier Reef to overnight sailing yacht adventures, we've compiled the Urban List guide to The Whitsundays—adventure edition.
Stay
Casual Accommodation
Tasman Holiday Park
Image Credit: Tasman Holiday Park | Supplied
You need a great base to explore The Whitsundays from, but you also don’t want to break the budget. We get it. Enter: Tasman Holiday Park Airlie Beach. One of Airlie’s best accommodation options for your adventure base, this caravan park is much more than your average caravan park—not only are you surrounded by tropical rainforest but you can take your pick from a variety of accommodation options including luxury glamping tents, tropical villas, waterfront tiny homes, motel rooms, camping sites and caravan spots.
Oh, and some camping options are even dog-friendly. Our top pick, you ask? We love the open-plan glamping tents that sleep up to six people and have all the little luxuries you could want, from the Weber BBQ to air conditioning and a spacious deck.
Premium Accommodation
Water’s Edge Resort
Image Credit: Water's Edge | Booking.com
Stunning panoramic views of the Coral Sea, three infinity pools, an outdoor spa, and even friendly resident cockatoos. This is what awaits you at Airlie Beach’s Water’s Edge Resort.
Located just 100 metres from the heart of Airlie Beach, this iconic resort was refurbished in March 2024 and it’s one of our top picks for a Whitsundays getaway. The fully-contained apartments are spacious with private balconies and if location, location, location (and views) are what you’re all about then you can’t go past Water’s Edge.
Luxury Accommodation
Cruise Whitsundays ReefSleep And Reefsuites
Image Credit: Reefsuites | Cruise Whitsundays
If a once-in-a-lifetime experience is on the cards for your Whitsundays adventure, look no further. Did you know you can sleep overnight on the Great Barrier Reef? Reefworld by Cruise Whitsundays is nestled on the colourful Hardy Reef, 39 nautical miles from shore and here you can stay in Australia’s first underwater accommodation or sleep under the stars on a pontoon.
For a truly otherworldly experience, Reefsuites—which has the claim to fame as Australia’s first underwater hotel—is located four metres below the surface and we promise you’ve never seen hotel views like this. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls with guest-controlled lights allow you to see the reef in all its glory, both during the day and at nighttime, and the only problem you'll have here is not wanting to leave your plush room.
If sleeping above sea level is more your thing (we won’t judge), then ReefSleep is for you. Sleep under the stars in this luxe, swag-style accommodation, with only the seemingly endless views of the Great Barrier Reef surrounding you. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can truly immerse yourself in the reef after dark.
Image Credit: Reefsleep | Brooke Miles
With both two-day/one-night all-inclusive experiences, you’ll arrive at Reefworld via a scenic cruise through the Whitsundays, before diving into (literally) the Great Barrier Reef with snorkelling, scuba diving, semi-sub guided tours, underwater observatory tours and even guided snorkel safaris available. And if that wasn’t enough already, all of your meals and beverages are included—the menu is seriously impressive and stars local produce.
Play
Adventure Level: Dipping Your Toes In
Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef
Image Credit: Reefworld | Riptide Creative
If there’s one must-do Whitsundays adventure, it’s visiting the Great Barrier Reef. We don’t make the rules. You can experience the World Heritage-listed wonder at Reefworld, the multi-level reef facility moored on the spectacular Hardy Reef. As Reefworld is 39 nautical miles from shore, the marine life and colourful reef ecosystem are magical—unlike anything you’ll find closer to shore.
From $309 per person, you can spend up to four hours snorkelling and diving at Reefworld, with all gear and meals included. Make sure you don’t leave without visiting the underwater observatory and meeting the resident groper, George. More information here.
Adventure Level: Finding Your Groove
Matador Overnight Sailing
Image Credit: Matador Whitsundays | Supplied
Okay, so you’ve dipped your toe in adventure and you’re ready to level up your Whitsundays journey. For a truly unique experience, you can’t go past an overnight sail on Matador Whitsundays, an impressive 85-foot sailing yacht that was once the world’s largest ocean racing yacht.
The overnight sailing tour encompasses the Whitsunday Islands, the iconic Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef—but not as you know them. Experience a lesser-known side of the Whitsundays; you’ll snorkel on secret coral reefs, walk on Whitehaven Beach well before the tourist crowds get there and even park up overnight in secluded coves. Matador is Whitsundays adventure at its finest—find out more here.
Adventure Level: Thrill Seeker
Skydiving
Now that you’ve experienced the Whitsundays from below sea level, it’s time to view it from a whole new perspective. We couldn’t write about adventure in the Whitsundays without including the most adrenaline-spiking activity of them all: skydiving.
Perhaps one of the world’s most beautiful skydiving spots, you’ll be able to see the vast plethora of islands below, including Hayman and Hamilton Island, as you freefall from up to 15,000 feet above. Or you might have your eyes closed. Skydive Australia is our top pick for hurtling out of the sky—whether you’re a seasoned adrenaline junkie or a first-time thrill-seeker, the experienced team ensures an unforgettable dive, complete with convenient drop-off and pick-up from your accommodation. Find out more here.
Eat & Drink
Casual Spot
Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill
Image Credit: Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill | @bushandbay
Perched along the pristine shoreline of Airlie Beach, Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill offers a relaxed dining experience with panoramic views of the Coral Sea. Affectionately known as ‘Airlie’s favourite beach bar’ it seamlessly blends casual elegance with tropical charm, making it a local icon among locals and tourists alike. The menu is all about elevating pub classics with unique twists and there’s also plenty of kid-friendly options, so no one has to miss out. Oh, and they’ve even got a free courtesy bus if you have a few too many tipples.
Local Favourite
Fish D’vine
Fish D’vine might be the definition of an Airlie Beach institution, and the waterfront venue has garnered a loyal following since its opening in 2004. The extensive menu champions local produce; you can’t go past the seafood platter for two, a two-tiered tower brimming with freshly-caught hot and cold seafood, or the fresh local mud crab (we go for the chilli crab every time). Local tip: don’t leave without hitting the famous Fish D’vine Rum Bar.
Fancy Night Out
Sorrento Restaurant
Elevating the dining scene in Airlie Beach, Sorrento Restaurant & Bar has brought a taste of Italy to the Whitsundays and we’re not complaining. The Coral Sea views are certainly not to be scoffed at and the Mediterranean-inspired menu ranges from prawn gamberi with tiger prawns to wild mushroom and asparagus risotto. Snag a table on the deck at sunset and you’ll even be serenaded by local artists.
Main image credit: TEQ | Supplied