Planning a Whitsundays family holiday and musing over what to do in Airlie Beach and its surrounds? Fret not. We’ve got all grounds covered in this action-packed guide.

Made up of 74 jaw-dropping islands enveloped by vibrant reefs and home to secluded islands, Whitsundays is paradise on Earth. Well, as close as it can get, really. I mean, if there was a picture next to the term ‘paradise’ in an English dictionary, you’d find an image of the Whitsundays.

Situated in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef on the central east coast of Queensland, the region is home to dreamy tropical islands, spectacular waterfalls, scenic lakes, lush rainforests, historic country towns, and some of the best beaches in the world.

Hanging for a reason to escape the icy grips of Melbourne’s bone-chilling winter, we found ourselves absolutely thrilled to be invited by Tourism Whitsundays to fly to the warm comforts of the equator to showcase all of the family-friendly attractions and activities that this splendid region has to offer. Mind you, we were there for 9 days, and yet, it felt like we barely grazed the surface.

So, to all the tropical warmth addicts, without further ado, here’s the ultimate guide to what to do in Airlie Beach on your Whitsundays family holiday.

Getting around in Whitsundays. Car. Van. Motorhome. Whatever your whip choice, chances are, you’ll need one to get around and explore quaint little towns, hidden waterfalls and local beaches. Taxis fares can add up painfully fast and public transportation can be hard to come by outside of the main towns.

Need to rent a car? Find the lowest rates and get rolling as soon as you arrive.

Considered one of the main Airlie Beach attractions, the Lagoon is situated in the centre of town and features a sheltered toddler wading pool, shallow pool for children, and a large swimming space up to 2 metres deep. You’ll find toilets and showers on site, plus, BBQ facilities, life guards on patrol and a bed of sand next to the water to give you all the beach vibes.

Best of all? Wait for it.. It’s completely free!

Admire the Sunset over Coral Sea Marina

Your list of Whitsundays activities won’t be complete without witnessing a magnificent sunset over the Coral Sea Marina. Pull out a picnic rug and kick back on Shingley Beach with some snacks or pit-stop at the viewing point on Shute Harbour Road to capture the beauty from a higher vantage point.

Sail the Islands & Reefs

Sail into the horizon on what kids deem a ‘pirate ship’, otherwise known as Derwent Hunter, for an unforgettable day that will have you swaying from side-to-side hoisting up sails, snorkelling next to Green Sea Turtles (yup – just likes the ones from Finding Nemo), snapping underwater pics of giant purple-lipped clams, and exploring secluded beaches accessible only via small boats.

The perfect day tour to complete your Whitsundays family holiday, trips on the Derwent Hunter are suitable for kids of all ages and include kids’ buoyancy jackets, snorkelling suits and equipment. The super friendly crew ‘recruited’ our two ruff tug boys as eco pirates and (somehow) ended up earning certificates signed by none other than El Capitan himself. Although our two boys aged 2 and 4 were a little too young to snorkel, they still managed to admire the reefs from the comforts of the inflatable boat wielding a bathiscope.

Get your Seafood Fix at the Northerlies

If, by some miracle, you possess the self-control to resist a fresh seafood platter stacked with prawns, oysters,  and Moreton Bay bugs – I salute you. But, if you have little control when it comes to matters of food (kinda like me), then a trip Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill to get your fill of seafood, succulent steak and juicy burgers, is a must.

However, the experience doesn’t end after dessert. Go for a wander around the premises and explore the enormous property and splendid views overlooking Pioneer Bay.

We stayed inside a self-contained 2-bedroom waterfront apartment that came with a large fully equipped kitchen, free WiFi, a flatscreen TV, laundry facilities, ceiling fans in each room, and air conditioning units that would probably come handy in summer. The resort also offers studios, 1 and 3-bedroom apartments, making it a perfect getaway spot for any type of traveller.

All amenities and rooms aside, the real winner was the incredible sunset we got to witness from our balcony on the daily. If there was an ideal way to start or end a day, it would be on that balcony.

New to Airbnb? Get $40 travel credit when you book your first stay!

Mantra Club Croc

Sweep up your worries and let them drift away at Mantra Club Croc, a dreamy resort shrouded in tropical ambience loved by family and couple travellers alike. Bask in the rainforest-like surroundings and enjoy a dip in the lagoon-style pool, roam the landscaped gardens, grab a bite to eat at the bistro, or go for a quick sesh at the gym. This place has it all.

Conveniently located opposite the Coral Esplanade, the resort is an easy 5-minute walk from Whitsunday Shopping Centre and a 3-minute drive to the centre of Airlie Beach. Cannonvale Beach is a short stroll away with a number of BBQ facilities dotted along the foreshore making the area an absolute haven for families.

Things to do in Bowen QLD

This sleepy little town is one of Whitsunday’s best kept secrets and an easy Airlie Beach day trip that doesn’t involve cruising or sailing. Home to award-winning beaches, spectacular inner reefs and stunning rural landscapes, Bowen is a side trip that you cannot forgo on your itinerary.

Big Mango

Bowen is famous for being the birthplace of the Kensington Pride Mango, hence, the Big Mango structure you’ll undoubtedly stumble upon at the Visitor Centre on your drive in. It’s probably deemed a crime to leave the town without indulging in the town’s famous Mango Sorbet and snapping, at least, one cheesy selfie with this monumental mango tribute.

Brekky at Le Sorelle Sisters Coffee House

Brunch and coffee fiends, rejoice. Le Sorelle Sisters Coffee House in town serves up a heavenly breakfast and lunch menu that will probably leave you in a food coma (the good kind).  The café features a tranquil al fresco dining area with a playground and open lawn space for kids to run wild, making it ideal for families. On top of that, they offer a yummy selection of pint-sized meals for little foodies.

Flagstaff Hill Lookout

Soak in a 360-degree perspective of the entire Bowen region at Flagstaff Hill Lookout. You won’t even have to break out in sweat walking or hiking up to this scenic viewpoint. Simply roll up in your wheels and prepare to be blown away by jaw-dropping views of Bowen’s gorgeous beaches, rolling hills and the Whitsundays hinterlands.

Bowen Jetty

We legit did not know this until we got here – Bowen doubled as the Darwin waterfront in Baz Luhrmann’s 2008 blockbuster flick, Australia. Incredible, right? Pop by the Visitor Centre and discover just how much the foreshore and jetty were transformed to look like the red, dusty desert landscape you see in the movie. Don;t forget to keep an eye out on the water as you stroll down the Bowen Jetty – it’s a popular spot to catch green sea turtles, sting rays, squid and on very rare occasions, dugong.

Discover Bowen’s Vibrant Murals

Swing into town for a visual history lesson of Bowen’s culture and heritage depicted on the walls of buildings throughout town. Here’s a challenge – try and find all of the 28 colourful murals scattered in the area. Another stand-out mural you won’t miss is Bowen’s iconic water tank that sit atop a hill overlooking the entire area. Drive up to get a closer look and bask in the views of the region from the hilltop.

Explore Bowen by Foot

Walk, run, hike or mosey along one of Bowen’s many scenic coastal or inland tracks that will inevitably lead you to some kind of majestic view. The town simply doesn’t disappoint in that department. Leap across boulders and rocks along the coastlines or wind through shady parklands and long stretches of beach – the diverse landscapes of the region will be etched into your memories for years to come.

Beach Hop ’til you Drop

One of the best things to do in Bowen is to see as many beaches as time allows. From Queens Beach to Rose Bay, there’s something for every type of beach reveller. 

Horseshoe Bay is not-to-be-missed, frequently topping the list of best beaches in the world. Super soft sand, crystal clear turquoise water and stunning coral reefs make this a top spot for all kinds of water-based activities.

Where to Stay in Bowen: Whitsunday Sands Resort

Ever dreamed about having the beach as your backyard? This is where you can live the dream. Nestled between two award-winning beaches – Horseshoe Bay and Greys Bay – Whitsunday Sands Resort is set on a panoramic peninsula, that provides you easy access to either one. The toughest choice you’ll have to make during your stay is to pick which one to stroll down to. It’s a hard knock life, really.

As if having direct access to the beach isn’t enough, the resort also features a swimming and wading pool for young children, BBQ and picnic spaces, as well as beautifully landscaped gardens for kids to explore.

Choose between hotel-style rooms if you’re here for a short sojourn, or self-contained apartment units for lengthier getaways – there’s a room for every type of traveller. We stayed inside an Ocean Twin Room that included a queen and two single beds for kids – the perfect space for a one night escape to explore the town and its amazing beaches.

Have a BBQ at Cannonvale Beach

Experiencing a sunset at Cannonvale Beach in true Aussie BBQ style is not a want – it’s a necessity. Pack some sausages and burgers, shotgun one of the numerous undercover picnic tables, and get ya grill on while baring witness to one of the most breathtaking sunsets over Pigeon Island and Pioneer Bay. Let the kids cavort at waterfront playground or take a dip in the calm waters.

Where to Stay in Cannonvale: BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

This place is certified bonkers. In the best of ways. In fact, we enjoyed our stay so much that I was prepared to put in an offer for the giant 3-bedroom condo located directly opposite the epic waterslide park upon check-out.

In all seriousness, if you’re visiting Whitsundays with kids, there’s no doubt in my mind that they’ll have an absolute ball at the multi-award winning BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort. I mean, kids aside, Andy and I – fully grown adults – did not want to leave this place. If my Mum had been with us on holiday, I’m pretty certain I would’ve thrown a tantrum if she proposed the idea of leaving.

Van lifers and campers will find powered 120 sites set amidst tropical greenery to park or set up camp at, with communal kitchens, bathrooms and showers at your disposal.

Let’s get to the bit that you’re really here for, shall we? Kids will lose their minds over the incredible waterslide park, lagoon-style swimming pool, tennis court, mini golf course, outdoor cinema, jumping pillows, playground, kids’ club, and animal park. There’s never a dull moment. Nope. Not a single one.