New Airlie Beach businesses: Bike shop, bars, restaurants, takeaway food, art gallery
While some of us have been away on summer holidays, Whitsunday locals have been hard at work getting new businesses off the ground. Here’s five new places to check out in 2022.
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While some of us have been away on summer holidays, Whitsunday locals have been hard at work getting a variety of new businesses off the ground. Here’s five new places to check out in 2022.
Ride Whitsunday
1678 Shute Harbour Rd, Cannon Valley
What is it? Whitsundays’ one-stop shop for everything bicycle, including mountain bikes, e-bikes, road and race bikes.
The renovated former florist at the rear of the Puma service station features a retail store stocked with leading brands such as Specialized, a workshop for maintenance and repairs, and soon e-bike hire. You can even sip on a freshly ground espresso coffee as you browse.
Who’s behind it? Lifelong Whitsunday locals and brothers Cole and Kerr Claxton describe the shop as their passion project – a vehicle to share their knowledge and love of bikes and all the best riding spots.
Launching in December 2021, the brothers – who also hold senior positions at tour companies Ocean Rafting and Ocean Safari – were not going to let the Covid-19 pandemic stop them giving it a red-hot go.
As Cole put it: “Fortune favours the brave.”
They have already received a great response from the local community – so much so they are working on re-establishing the Whitsunday Mountain Bike Club and using the shop as its hub.
“There’s definitely a big, excited community out there,” Cole said.
“One of our goals was just to provide that place to meet, get your bike worked on or buy some parts, and talk about riding.”
Ventura
Shop 15, Port Drive, Port of Airlie
What is it? A waterfront restaurant and bar showcasing modern Australian food with Latin American flavours – think tapas share plates, tacos, empanadas and top shelf tequila.
The venue itself is a former beer cafe overlooking the Port of Airlie, reimagined with modern rustic features such as exposed brick and raw timber.
Who’s behind it? A partnership of two long-time fixtures of the Airlie Beach hospitality scene with previous involvement in venues including Sorrento and The Deck.
Launching in December 2021, the pair said their aim was to add variety to local dining options – with the quieter, more laid back atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of town just as important as the fresh flavours on the menu.
“We just wanted to create a relaxed, comfortable space for everyone to enjoy themselves and not be overpowered by music and crowds,” they said.
“And we want to introduce people to the Paloma – Mexico’s most popular drink. It’s super refreshing.”
Alley Cat
1/265 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach
What is it? Taiwanese and Japanese-inspired takeaway meals, desserts and bubble teas.
This small shop with a big heart boasts an impressive wall mural designed by the head chef himself.
Who’s behind it? Husband and wife team Suna Ho and Njoe Huang both worked as chefs in Airlie Beach for eight years before deciding to take the plunge into their own business in December 2021.
The Alley Cat menu combines the couple’s Taiwanese heritage with Western food culture to provide tasty, nourishing meals and snacks such as gyoza, bao buns and crispy chicken.
Suna hoped the couple’s efforts – which even extended to hand making the tapioca balls for their bubble teas – would help cheer people up in the midst of the pandemic.
“A lot of people are feeling negative so we want to bring our passion and give them something to give them energy to look forward to the future,” she said.
“We’re not super fancy but we want it to feel like home, like family.”
Whisper
11 Altmann Ave, Cannonvale
What is it? A sleek multi-level bar and restaurant within Mirage Whitsundays resort, specialising in high-end functions and tasting events, and open to the public for breakfast and lunch on selected dates.
Who’s behind it? KC’s Bar and Grill owner Geoff Small took over the poolside venue in November 2021 and called in his friend and experienced hospitality manager and executive chef Leroy Brown to run the show.
The star of that show is a selection of more than 120 types of gin – one of the largest in Australia.
Book your own private event or keep an eye out for the next gin masterclass or degustation night.
“There’s nothing [in Airlie Beach] like what we’ve created here,” Mr Brown said.
Nunkeri Place
265 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach
What is it? AFirst Nations’ art and craft gallery with traditional handcrafted didgeridoos and artwork available to buy.
Who’s behind it? Peter Santo has spent more than 40 years working for the First Nations people and hopes his business is a step towards cultural recognition.
With multiple galleries in North Queensland, he aims to grow the business to provide employment opportunities for local First Nations’ people.
In the Airlie Beach gallery, which opened in November 2021, you will find work from artists all up the east coast of Australia, including Mr Santo’s own timber crafts, and pieces by Whitsundays artist Harry Bowen.
Mr Santo, whose grandfather had connections in Bowen, buys all his stock from the artists outright and as well as running the shop, has been helping First Nations people from across Queensland find work on the Whitsunday islands.
“I really believe in what we’re doing,” he said.
“It’s all about education, getting First Nations people back in tourism areas, showcasing our crafts, and promoting respect for our culture.”