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Whitsundays

Make Airlie Beach your base.

How to do Queensland’s dreamiest islands without breaking the budget

Let Airlie Beach be the launchpad for your affordable island-hopping escape. Here’s where to eat, stay and play without spending a fortune.

  • Riley Wilson
Hill Inlet is the true highlight of Whitsunday Island.

Does Australia’s ‘mind-blowingly beautiful’ beach live up to the hype?

Blue water fizzes onto white sand so soft it feels like icing sugar, but the real appeal of Whitehaven Beach isn’t the beach at all.

  • Brian Johnston
Airlie Beach has transformed over the past few years and is more popular than ever.

Airlie Beach, Whitsundays: How COVID transformed this former backpacker party town for the better

"COVID might be the best thing that ever happened to Airlie Beach," says one local.

  • Craig Platt
tra2-deals Infinity pool Hayman Island

Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort: Iconic Queensland resort is still at the top of its game

A lot's changed in the three years since the unveiling of Hayman's $135 million makeover following a devastating Category 4 cyclone.

  • Sheriden Rhodes
Beachfront swimming pool Supplied PR image for Traveller. Check for re-use. Airlie Beach One and Only guide. Image from Tourism and Events Queensland traxx-oneandonly-airliebeach

Nine must-do highlights of Airlie Beach, Queensland

Many towns like to describe themselves as "the gateway to" a place more spectacular, but Airlie Beach really is the gateway to the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Craig Platt
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Reeflseep - a once in a lifetime chance to sleep on the Great Barrier Reef.

Reefworld, Airlie Beach Queensland: A unique place where you can sleep on the Great Barrier Reef

This is genuinely one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.

  • Kylie McLaughlin
The best views of Airlie Beach from the balcony.

Accommodation review: Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach, Queensland

This newly renovated hotel has spacious rooms, an inviting pool, great atmosphere, plus unparalleled views of the Whitsunday coast.

  • Kylie McLaughlin
Camp Island is off Guthalungra, halfway between Airlie Beach and Townsville.

Camp Island, Whitsundays: Your own private island for $225 a night (a person)

Sleeping eight guests only, the Whitsundays' newest private island resort is open for business.

  • Belinda Jackson
Hard to beat: Whitehaven Beach, Queensland.

Tripadvisor names world's best beaches 2021: Queensland's Whitehaven Beach tops list

Tripadvisor has announced the winners of its annual Travellers' Choice Best of the Best Awards for Beaches 2021.

Sanctuary Cove Resort's glitz and glamour has been superseded by a vibe more akin to a country hideaway.

52 Weekends Away: Queensland's best weekend getaways for 2020

Whether you're looking for eco-friendly adventure, an island getaway or rock-star indulgence, paradise awaits in the Sunshine State.

Original URL: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/traveller/topic/whitsundays-l1t