I agree with you, Airlie Beach is stunning and despite it being a major tourist hub these days, it has retained its magic. I remember when I arrived at the town, that I was amazed by the turquoise waters and how close the Whitsunday Islands actually are. I took a guided day trip to Hill Inlet, snorkelling and White Haven Beach but the trip felt really short, would have loved to stay there longer. If I happen to be in that corner of the world again, I would probably look into privately staying on one of the islands.
Absolutely a stunning area. I looked into staying on one of the islands. It is very expensive. I opted for a stay off Cairns to Fitzroy island. It was a better price., although a bit rustic.
It’s really interesting to see how much Airlie Beach has changed over time, especially with the lagoon and all the new construction. I liked the contrast between staying in a cabin at a caravan park back then and a serviced apartment now—it shows how travel styles can shift too. Even with all the growth, it sounds like the town still has a relaxed charm.
I think it's really important to revisit destinations as you age, because your perspective changes and you see the world differently from one age to another - even if it's only a few years. The example of Airlie Beach also highlights how fast a destination can change and grow over the course of a few decades. Your description of Airlie Beach, as it has evolved and changed over the years mostly resulting from the landfall of numerous cyclones, highlight the resilience of these beach communities to keep fighting another day. Good travel guide/reflection!
How lovely that you were able to revisit a favourite place from your past. This looks like a wonderful beach to relax and unwind. Your itinerary is a great blend of exploration and respite. The coastline is absolutely stunning.
Yes, Lyn, it truly is an amazing part of the world. I look forward to visiting each time I go to Australia. Even if you snorkel on every trip, the underwater life never ceases to amaze.
So I'm not the only one who likes standing next to the waves with my eyes closed then?! I have visited some places again after a long time, and I'm always interested in how they have changed, so it's really good to see that you were able to do this. There are some places I'd love to visit again but might think twice again in case it doesn't live up to how I remembered. Sometimes it's better to let the memories be. Hill Inlet looks fab, what unique views you get from the air. I'd really like to get up to QLD and the barrier reef one day
Yes, re-visiting a place does warrant some caution occasionally. I, too, had some reservations about my recent trip to Australia. I planned on seeing a friend I had not seen in 39 years. The apprehension was real, but alas, it was mostly in my head. Sometimes our fear of change can affect how we perceive and respond to changes over the years. Having an open mind can certainly help.
Don't we all love the pull of nostalgia only to sigh thereafter with words "aaahhh the good old days" escaping from our lips? This is one of those and what a lovely beach to reconnect to. Airlie Beach with be there for everyone to look back and look forward to. Thanks for sharing this with us ;-) #flyingbaguette
I love how you were able to revisit Arlie after all that time. It must have been a wonderful reconnection with fun memories. Thanks for the detailed itinerary ideas!
Yes, lovely place. In fact, I am currently planning another visit in 2025. This time, my friends from Cairns will be driving down with me so it will a great time for sure!
How does this rank among beaches you've been to around the world and around Australia? Sounds a bit of a shame with all the modernisation and influx for too many tourists. What's your take on this?
As far as beaches go, I have not been to European beaches or American beaches other than Waikiki. The best beaches I have lay upon would have to be the Gold Coast beaches, Bondi, Whitehaven and Four Mile Beach in Eastern Australia. Airlie Beach is up there but since the waterfront changes it is in a different category. Cairns also has waterfront corrections and a lagoon. In other parts of the world, St. Thomas has great beaches and in Ontario, Canada, Sandbanks and Pinery beaches are top notch.
With the exception of Bondi, I have not really seen too many tourists.
I am more concerned about the number of boat/snorkeling trips that depart from places like Airlie Beach and Cairns. That's where overtourism will play a roll.
Honestly, I was less than impressed with Waikiki having just come from Gold Coast. The sand was quite granular with shell fragments whereas, the Gold Coast beaches were a very fine powdery sand.
I do have to keep in mind that sand is always moving and its consistency is dependent on the previous storms that have come and gone.
Oh no, you do want consistency in sand. I’m love with beaches in Greece and Fuerteventura. Not been to Hawaii nor Australia. I once went to a lovely beach in Cuba and the storm had brought large, heavy shells to the beach. Nothing I’ve ever seen around beaches in Europe. Maybe the ocean has that kind of power.
I agree with you, Airlie Beach is stunning and despite it being a major tourist hub these days, it has retained its magic. I remember when I arrived at the town, that I was amazed by the turquoise waters and how close the Whitsunday Islands actually are. I took a guided day trip to Hill Inlet, snorkelling and White Haven Beach but the trip felt really short, would have loved to stay there longer. If I happen to be in that corner of the world again, I would probably look into privately staying on one of the islands.
Carolin | <a href="https://solotravelstory.com/">Solo Travel Story</a>
Absolutely a stunning area. I looked into staying on one of the islands. It is very expensive. I opted for a stay off Cairns to Fitzroy island. It was a better price., although a bit rustic.
It’s really interesting to see how much Airlie Beach has changed over time, especially with the lagoon and all the new construction. I liked the contrast between staying in a cabin at a caravan park back then and a serviced apartment now—it shows how travel styles can shift too. Even with all the growth, it sounds like the town still has a relaxed charm.
Yes, it has retained its small town charm. It's one of my favorite places to go.
I think it's really important to revisit destinations as you age, because your perspective changes and you see the world differently from one age to another - even if it's only a few years. The example of Airlie Beach also highlights how fast a destination can change and grow over the course of a few decades. Your description of Airlie Beach, as it has evolved and changed over the years mostly resulting from the landfall of numerous cyclones, highlight the resilience of these beach communities to keep fighting another day. Good travel guide/reflection!
Thank you so much. I have now been there three times, and each time I discover something different.
How lovely that you were able to revisit a favourite place from your past. This looks like a wonderful beach to relax and unwind. Your itinerary is a great blend of exploration and respite. The coastline is absolutely stunning.
Yes, Lyn, it truly is an amazing part of the world. I look forward to visiting each time I go to Australia. Even if you snorkel on every trip, the underwater life never ceases to amaze.
So I'm not the only one who likes standing next to the waves with my eyes closed then?! I have visited some places again after a long time, and I'm always interested in how they have changed, so it's really good to see that you were able to do this. There are some places I'd love to visit again but might think twice again in case it doesn't live up to how I remembered. Sometimes it's better to let the memories be. Hill Inlet looks fab, what unique views you get from the air. I'd really like to get up to QLD and the barrier reef one day
Yes, re-visiting a place does warrant some caution occasionally. I, too, had some reservations about my recent trip to Australia. I planned on seeing a friend I had not seen in 39 years. The apprehension was real, but alas, it was mostly in my head. Sometimes our fear of change can affect how we perceive and respond to changes over the years. Having an open mind can certainly help.
Don't we all love the pull of nostalgia only to sigh thereafter with words "aaahhh the good old days" escaping from our lips? This is one of those and what a lovely beach to reconnect to. Airlie Beach with be there for everyone to look back and look forward to. Thanks for sharing this with us ;-) #flyingbaguette
Yes, it's one of my favorite places. Great weather (usually), beach vibe, plenty of great places to eat and who can resist all the water activities.
I love how you were able to revisit Arlie after all that time. It must have been a wonderful reconnection with fun memories. Thanks for the detailed itinerary ideas!
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
Yes, lovely place. In fact, I am currently planning another visit in 2025. This time, my friends from Cairns will be driving down with me so it will a great time for sure!
Off to enjoy reading this, as I always do!
What a beautiful place, Laura! No wonder you keep going back.
Yes, it is.
I'm staring to plan my trip for next year and it looks like my friends in Cairns are interested in driving down with me to make a weekend of it.
How does this rank among beaches you've been to around the world and around Australia? Sounds a bit of a shame with all the modernisation and influx for too many tourists. What's your take on this?
As far as beaches go, I have not been to European beaches or American beaches other than Waikiki. The best beaches I have lay upon would have to be the Gold Coast beaches, Bondi, Whitehaven and Four Mile Beach in Eastern Australia. Airlie Beach is up there but since the waterfront changes it is in a different category. Cairns also has waterfront corrections and a lagoon. In other parts of the world, St. Thomas has great beaches and in Ontario, Canada, Sandbanks and Pinery beaches are top notch.
With the exception of Bondi, I have not really seen too many tourists.
I am more concerned about the number of boat/snorkeling trips that depart from places like Airlie Beach and Cairns. That's where overtourism will play a roll.
Waikiki? How is that? I love a good beach!
Honestly, I was less than impressed with Waikiki having just come from Gold Coast. The sand was quite granular with shell fragments whereas, the Gold Coast beaches were a very fine powdery sand.
I do have to keep in mind that sand is always moving and its consistency is dependent on the previous storms that have come and gone.
Oh no, you do want consistency in sand. I’m love with beaches in Greece and Fuerteventura. Not been to Hawaii nor Australia. I once went to a lovely beach in Cuba and the storm had brought large, heavy shells to the beach. Nothing I’ve ever seen around beaches in Europe. Maybe the ocean has that kind of power.