airlie beach & whitsundays area information guide
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
JUST BRILLIANT
GUIDES
Welcome
AIRLIE BEACHTO
& The Whitsundays
Welcome
AIRLIE BEACH
FOr more informaTion, please visit www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au Or #lovewhiTsundays.
Airlie Beach is a vibrant gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, and provides the perfect getaway into the world of tropical wonders.Airlie Beach was originally named ‘Airlie’ in 1935 by Proserpine’s Chairman, Robert Shepherd. Scottish in decent, it’s believed Shepherd chose the title based on a parish in Scotland of the same name.
Airlie Beach is the vibrant beating heart of the Whitsundays. By day, it’s the gateway to idyllic islands and reefs, and by night it offers a stunning array of dining and entertainment options.
For this reason, Airlie Beach is the perfect base from which to launch your holiday activities. Whether you’re interested in sailing, fishing, snorkelling, touring, diving or walking in the hinterlands, the alluring surrounds of the Whitsundays has something for you.
The Whitsundays is home to 74 islands, four of which are inhabited by resorts. Some of the more famous islands are Daydream, Hamilton, Hayman and Long, but there are dozens of deserted islands that you can explore. Many of the islands have their own speciality. Some are known for great snorkelling, boating and fishing, while others are famous for their wildlife and forests.
The Great Barrier Reef is renowned for its spectacular coral and marine life. Make sure you book a tour to see it for yourself. Whatever your tastes you will not be disappointed by what Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays have to offer.
TO
& The Whitsundays
Please dO nOT remOVe maP From rOom
AAIRLIE BEACH
CHESAPEAKE
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Sports Centre
National ParkOffice
Port of AirlieMarina
PostOffice
PostOffice
WhitsundaySailing Club
CoachTransit Centre
Abell PointMarina
Sports Centre
National Park
Abell PointMarina
Office
Port of AirlieMarina
PostOffice
PostOffice
WhitsundaySailing Club
CoachTransit Centre
Barrier ReefInstitute of TAFE
Barrier ReefInstitute of TAFE
CannonvalePrimarySchool
CannonvalePrimarySchool
Airlie Beach
Mandalay
Cannonvale
Jubilee Pocket
ConwayStatePark
ConwayStatePark
ConwayNational
Park
HeadlandPark
WhitsundaySports ParkForeshore
Reserve
BicentennialPark
ConwayNational
Park
AirlieBay
BoathavenBay
Campbell
Airlie
Turtle
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Creek
Creek
BoathavenBeach
ShingleyBeach
CannonvaleBeach
AirlieLagoon
Pioneer Bay
CannonvaleShopping Centre
Airlie BeachShops
Jubilee CentralShopping Centre
ConwayCircuit
ConwayCircuit
Airlie CreekTrack
Airlie BeachDaydream Island
Ferry
HoneyeaterWalk
To Shute Harbour
To Proserpine
N0
Scale
400 m
Image by AdventureMumma and Tourism & Events Queensland
Abell PointMARINA
Abell Point Marina showcases a bevy of great services and events. It’s also the quintessential launching point to the stunning Whitsundays. The region is renowned for its beauty and marine life, and what better way to explore this than on calm, turquoise waters.
Abell Point Marina delivers style and comfort to visitors seeking an adventure in the beautiful Whitsundays. Why not hire a yacht from one of the charter specialists to kick off a relaxing and fun-filled holiday?
This stunning marina offers 2500m2 of quality commercial premises, which complete the welcoming village feel here. Relax and grab a bite at one of the sumptuous eateries: Sorrento Restaurant, Barcelona
Tapas and Bar, Bohemian Raw Cafe or the Kiosk Cafe. Whatever cuisine or setting takes your fancy.
You can do a spot of shopping at the fashion boutique on the marina. The marina also offers a great range of marine-related services for keen boaties.
Abell Point Marina is located along Shingley Drive and there’s always plenty happening on and around the area throughout the year.
For more information on Abell Point Marina or a list of current events and happenings, please visit abellpointmarina.com.au.
Oh well, down the hatch. Get a taste of the new Abell Point Marina. There’s a whole new wave of dining to enjoy at Abell Point Marina – from a famous marina seafood platter and Barcelona Tapas Bar’s tasty morsels, to Bohemian Raw’s breakfast smoothies and Sorrento’s sunset wine and cheese. So no matter whether you’re looking for a lazy breakfast, a romantic dinner or even special event catering at the new Lure function centre, you’ll find something special at Abell Point Marina.
Find out more at abellpointmarina.com.au
Abell Point Marina - Expect the ‘blue carpet’ treatment.
We invite you to Lure your guests. lurewhitsundays.com
Be allured by a unique waterfront event.
Something very special is luring people who appreciate the finer points in a function venue.
Lure at Abell Point Marina, setting a stunning new standard of excellence for wedding receptions, conferences and events in the Whitsundays. There is no place in Australia like the Whitsundays. Lure is the jewel of the crown awaiting a warm and welcoming arrival for you and your guests.
Picturesque waterfront views overlooking the Whitsunday Islands encompasses turquoise sea vistas by day, sunset hues of pink and orange culminating in the twinkle of yachts water reflection in the evenings. Fine dining and delicate canapés, attention to detail, exquisite decor and generous food and beverage packages guarantees the ultimate experience for your guests.
Weddings. Conferences. Events.
Oh well, down the hatch. Get a taste of the new Abell Point Marina. There’s a whole new wave of dining to enjoy at Abell Point Marina – from a famous marina seafood platter and Barcelona Tapas Bar’s tasty morsels, to Bohemian Raw’s breakfast smoothies and Sorrento’s sunset wine and cheese. So no matter whether you’re looking for a lazy breakfast, a romantic dinner or even special event catering at the new Lure function centre, you’ll find something special at Abell Point Marina.
Find out more at abellpointmarina.com.au
Abell Point Marina - Expect the ‘blue carpet’ treatment.
We invite you to Lure your guests. lurewhitsundays.com
Be allured by a unique waterfront event.
Something very special is luring people who appreciate the finer points in a function venue.
Lure at Abell Point Marina, setting a stunning new standard of excellence for wedding receptions, conferences and events in the Whitsundays. There is no place in Australia like the Whitsundays. Lure is the jewel of the crown awaiting a warm and welcoming arrival for you and your guests.
Picturesque waterfront views overlooking the Whitsunday Islands encompasses turquoise sea vistas by day, sunset hues of pink and orange culminating in the twinkle of yachts water reflection in the evenings. Fine dining and delicate canapés, attention to detail, exquisite decor and generous food and beverage packages guarantees the ultimate experience for your guests.
Weddings. Conferences. Events.
WHI
TSUNDAYTOURISM
WINNERA W A R D S
2014
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
WHI
TSUNDAYTOURISM
WINNERA W A R D S
2015
ADVENTURETOURISM
WHI
TSUNDAYTOURISM
WINNERA W A R D S
2015
TOUR/TRANSPORT OPERATOR
Discover the best of the Whitsundays with a range of adventure activity packages to suit everyone. Our combos suit all ages, all holiday
itineraries and are designed for all levels of adventure
Sail around the 74 Whitsunday Islands.
Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef.
Let your feet sink into the white silica sand of Whitehaven Beach.
Relax by the Airlie Beach Lagoon.
Camp out in a swag under millions of stars at the Great Barrier Reef with Reefsleep.
Learn to scuba dive at some of the best reefs in the world, including the Stepping Stones and the Cathedral.
Snorkel among some 1,500 species of fish and 400 types of coral.
Fly over Heart Reef for a bird’s-eye view of this amazing icon.
Hike to the lookout at Hill Inlet for stunning views of Whitsunday Island.
Catch a seaplane or helicopter to a private beach for
a picnic to remember.
Go whale watching or crocodile spotting.
Enjoy great food and wine on the Airlie Beach Esplanade.
Hike through lush rainforest on the Whitsundays
Great Walk.
Take an exhilirating ride ocean rafting across to the
islands or snorkelling reefs.
Picnic at Cedar Creek Falls.
Stroll over to the Saturday morning markets on the
Airlie Beach foreshore.
Explore the nearby townships of Bowen, Dingo
Beach and Hydeaway Bay.
Things
SEE & DOTO
Airlie Beach provides access to some of the most breathtaking beaches, reefs, and sailing and fishing experiences in Australia. The possibilities are just endless.Experience the majestic expanse of the Whitsundays from a bird’s-eye view. Travel in the luxury of a seaplane and arrive at the iconic Great Barrier Reef in under 30 minutes. A scenic flight allows you to enjoy the Whitsundays in all its glory, which includes seeing the Whitsunday Islands National Park and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park from an aerial perspective.
There’s also a number of sailing options available. Travel on luxury cruises or be the skipper of your own sailing adventure bareboating. There’s also the option to charter a luxury catamaran or take a ride in a tall ship.
The pristine waters of the Whitsundays are home to a number of prize fish, so if you’re a fisherman there are fishing charters available in Airlie Beach for both the serious or leisure fisherman. And if fishing isn’t your style, there’s always ocean rafting, jet skiing, snorkelling or sea kayaking. For more information on water activities, visit www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au or #gobareboating #lovewhitsundays.
ADVENTURE
The Whitsundays is home to a majestic underwater world. The spectacular outer coral reefs can be enjoyed by novice and experienced divers and snorkellers, alike. The geography of the Whitsunday Islands also means that you can find plenty of protected areas of fringing reefs around the islands to enjoy snorkelling in any weather.
To experience the wondrous marine life and coral reefs in the Whitsundays, new divers can learn to dive with a qualified instructor in many scenarios: at a dive school in Airlie Beach, on a sailing trip, on an overnight boat or at a Great Barrier Reef diving pontoon.
Charter boats depart daily for the islands and the Great Barrier Reef, and offer diverse opportunities to scuba dive and snorkel in this underwater oasis.
On the Great Barrier Reef there are two permanently moored pontoons with boat cruises departing daily that offer snorkelling and scuba diving packages allowing you soak up this aquatic playground.
For more information on diving and snorkelling, please visit www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au.
SnorkellingDIVINGand
The Whitsundays is Australia’s aquatic playground. With 74 tropical islands dotted throughout the sparkling Coral Sea, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, there are endless places to explore on the water.
AN AQUATIC PLAYGROUND The Whitsunday Coast and most of the island resorts have watersports teams to take you jetskiing, kayaking, sailing on small hobie cats, snorkelling, wake boarding and much more.
For a full day out on the water, there are two permanently moored pontoons at the Great Barrier Reef, with high speed power launches to take you there for a memorable day of swimming, waterslides and snorkelling. Bareboats allow you to chart your own course of discovery and fully crewed boats allow you to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery. You can take a scenic cruise through the islands and visit some of the resorts and enjoy swimming in the resort pools or snorkelling on the reefs.
For those on the water in the Whitsundays during winter and early spring (July – September), be sure to look out for humpback whales as they migrate from the Antarctic.
WHITEHAVEN BEACHWhitehaven Beach was voted number one in TripAdvisor’s ‘2016 Traveller’s Choice’ for the Top 25 Beaches in Australia. This idyllic beach is the perfect place to soak up the sun, swim, and kick back and relax. There is a range of one day trips to Whitehaven Beach which also include snorkelling at fringing coral reefs.
SAILING WONDERLANDSailing through the famous 74 islands of the Whitsundays gives you a new perspective on a spectacular area. The Whitsundays offers some of the world’s best sailing and cruising holidays for two simple reasons – the islands provide protection from the elements and each offers a unique beauty to experience the true serenity that only a sailing holiday can bring.
The calm, protected waters of the Coral Sea make for beautiful sailing from novices to professionals, and the beauty of the region is even more apparent as you
cruise by, wind in your hair and sun on your skin. Visit secluded bays and inlets to experience the beauty of nature with hardly another soul in sight.
The beaches range from white and sandy to pebbles of coral, washed up from fringing reef just off the beach. Enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets over uninhabited islands, or call into a resort for a day’s pampering and dining, if that takes your fancy. There is an endless range of water based activities to enjoy in the Whitsundays.
LEARN TO SAILIf the sailing bug bites you, as it does many a visitor to the Whitsundays, there are sailing schools available on the Whitsunday Coast and Hamilton Island. For more information on sailing schools, please visit www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au.
FISHINGThe region is teeming with a huge variety of pelagic and reef fish. Nearly all of the Whitsunday Islands are accessible by boat. Some are national parks and have affordable beach campsites (some with toilets, tables and other facilities) which puts you right in the action for spectacular tropical sports fishing without returning to the mainland. Hundreds of options, millions of fish, it just depends on the suitability of your boat and your sense of adventure!
If you’re new to fishing or just need to know where the hot spots are, there are many fishing charters and guides available locally for island and Great Barrier Reef tours. Shore based fishing is available from the many marina and rockwalls located around the town, including a purpose-built fishing pontoon at Shute Harbour.
If estuary fishing is your thing, then launch at the Proserpine River ramp off Conway Road and watch saltwater crocodiles while fishing – just be careful to stay in the boat! So whether it’s fly fishing on the flats off Hill Inlet, bait fishing from a rockwall or popper casting around the islands, the Whitsundays can really be described as a fisherman’s paradise.
Adventure
THE WATERon
FOr informaTion On being sun smart Or to download the sunsmarT aPp, please visit www.sunsmarT.com.au.
Health, Beauty
SHOPPINGand
Holidays are all about getting back to YOU. Here you’ll find the time and space to relax, unwind and recharge. Book in for some serious pampering at a day or resort spa on the Whitsunday Coast or Islands. Airlie Day Spa and Hair Studio is an award winning day spa boasting a range of treatments as well as a hair studio. Don’t pass up this opportunity to be pampered!
Airlie Beach Main Street and Port of Airlie offer a diverse range of retail shops showcasing both local and imported wares. If you have a penchant for market shopping, then the Airlie Beach market held every Saturday from 8am to noon is well worth checking out. You’ll find market stalls dotted along the Esplanade on the Airlie Beach foreshore selling
an array of locally grown and hand-crafted goods. Airlie Beach also has two shopping centres – the Whitsunday Shopping Centre and Centro Shopping Centre - for chainstore shopping.
The art deco architecture, preserved from a bygone era, provides Proserpine with an ornate charm. Shopping in the township will unearth some beautiful sourvenirs, fashion and jewellery, and practical items for every type of visitor.
For more information on shopping in the region, please visit www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au or #lovewhitsundays.
• ExtensiveWineList
• Cocktails
• FineItalianCoffee
• SundayLong ItalianLunch
• GrassFedonlyBeef
• HomemadePastas
• TraditionalPizzas
• FreshLocalSeafood
6 THE ESPLANADE, AIRLIE BEACH
R E S E RVAT I O N S : 4 9 4 8 1 8 8 8OPEN FOR ALL DAY DINING 7 DAYS | 7:30AM - 9:30PM
B E A C H F R O N T D I N I N G
Indulge your taste buds. Head to The Esplanade, Shute Harbour Road and Port of Airlie to indulge your taste buds and enjoy a culinary experience that is uniquely Airlie Beach.
DINING OUT Barcelona Tapas Bar & Cafe Abell Point Marina • Ph: 4946 4277
Capers on The Esplanade The Esplanade • Ph: 4964 1777
Denmans Beer Cafe Shop G15, 33 Port Drive, Port of Airlie • Ph: 4948 1333
Fat Frog Beach Cafe 44 Coral Esplanade • Ph: 0417 979 960
La Tabella Trattoria 6 The Esplanade • Ph: 4948 1888
Mangrove Jacks Shute Harbour Road • Ph: 4964 1888
Sorrento Restaurant & Bar Shop 22, Shingley Drive • Ph: 4946 7454
The Coffee Club Airlie Beach Shop F9, The Boathouse • Ph: 4948 2501
Tides Restaurant Mt Whitsunday Drive • Ph: 4962 5106
FoodDINING OUT
&
FOr more informaTion, please visit www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au Or #lovewhiTsundays.
JANUARY◆ Australia Day celebrations
FEBRUARY◆ Valentine’s Day
◆ Whitsundays Wedding & Honeymoon Expo, Airlie Beach
MARCH◆ Outrigger Whitsunday Grand Prix Regatta, Airlie
Beach
◆ Barra Bash
APRIL◆ Rock N Revs, Bowen PCYC
◆ ANZAC Day
MAY◆ Hamilton Hilly Half Marathon, Hamilton Island
◆ Whitsunday SUP Challenge, Whitsundays
◆ Book Bonanza Proserpine Historical Museum, Proserpine
JUNE◆ Bowen River Rodeo & Campdraft, Collinsville
◆ Bowen Races, Bowen
EventsCALENDARof
◆ Great Whitehaven Beach Run, Whitehaven Beach
◆ Proserpine Show, Proserpine
◆ Bowen Show, Bowen
JULY◆ Bowen Races, Bowen
◆ Airlie Beach Running Festival, Airlie Beach
◆ Art Whitsunday Exhibition, Airlie Beach
◆ Christmas in July, various venues
AUGUST◆ Bowen Bolt Cup, Bowen
◆ Whitsunday Reef Festival, Airlie Beach
◆ Airlie Beach Race Week
◆ Audi Hamilton Island Race Week
◆ Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club ‘Vice Commodore’ Rendezvous
◆ Airlie Beach Triathlon, Airlie Beach
SEPTEMBER◆ Whitsunday Writers Festival, Airlie Beach
◆ Bowen Family Fishing Classic, Bowen
◆ Run Conway Circuit, Airlie Beach
OCTOBER◆ Bowen Triathlon, Bowen
◆ The Dirty Molle Island Escape, South Molle Island
NOVEMBER◆ Airlie Beach Music Festival, Airlie Beach
◆ Hamilton Island Triathlon, Whitehaven
◆ Dent Dash, Hamilton Island
DECEMBER◆ Santa’s Workshop, Airlie Beach
EssentialSERVICES
Police
Police Link 13 14 44
Water Police 4967 7222
Hospitals
Bowen Hospital 4786 8222
Proserpine Hospital 4813 9400
Mackay Hospital 4885 6000
Medical Centres
The Doctors, Airlie Beach 4948 0900
Whitsunday Doctors, Proserpine 4945 1766
Cannonvale Medical Centre 4948 0041
Bowen Medical Centre 4786 1711
Dentists
Airlie Beach Dental 4946 4199
Pharmacies
Airlie Beach Day & Night Chemist 4946 7000
Amcal Pharmacy, Centro 4948 3288
ChemCoast Pharmacy 4946 6156
Airlie Beach Pharmacy 4945 9222
Banks & ATMs
Most major banks are located along Shute Harbour
Road in Airlie Beach and at major shopping centres.
Cyclone Advice Service 1300 659 212
Transport
Taxi 13 10 08
Whitsunday Transit
Airport transfers & public transport 4946 1800
For ferry info, visit www.cruisewhitsundays.com
Driving Safety
RACQ Breakdown Service 13 11 11
24-hour Road Conditions 13 19 40
Tourist Information Centres
Whitsunday Region Information Centre
Bruce Highway, Proserpine 4945 3967
Bowen Visitor Information Centre
Bruce Highway, Mt Gordon, Bowen 4786 4222
Whether you decide to go on a short, full-day, overnight or extended walk, Conway Circuit offers an idyllic experience to suit your needs and interests. Enjoy a different facet of the Whitsunday experience and escape to the tropical refuge of the Conway Range. Conway Circuit takes you on a 30 kilometre journey through Conway State Forest, starting at Brandy Creek and finishing at Airlie Beach.
Highlights of Conway Circuit include wandering through majestic tropical rainforest, relaxing by seasonal creeks, and looking upon coastal townships to the Whitsunday Islands and beyond. Be sure to check out Cedar Creek Falls, which is a seasonal waterfall and popular destination for visitors to the region.
Keep your senses keen to watch out for the blue flash of a Ulysses butterfly, smell lemon myrtle flowers blossoming in summer and listen for the distinctive call of the wompoo fruit-dove. With tracks of varying distances and difficulty, anyone can explore the Conway Range. The entire walk is a three-day escape, but you can choose shorter walks that are linked to the main track. There are two short walks that can be accessed from Brandy Creek.
For long distance walkers, camping grounds are located along Conway Circuit. The two main camps, Repulse Creek and Bloodwood, have access to toilets and drinking water facilities. It is essential to book campsites in advance and obtain a camping permit from the Department of Environment and Resource Management before you begin. Many other walks in length and endurance can be found on the islands and on the Whitsundays Coast with detailed maps and camping permits to assist your journey.
To locate the Conway State Forest, and to access Conway Circuit from Airlie Beach, travel 10 kilometres south west down Shute Harbour Road and then turn off at the Brandy Creek Road. For more information on Conway Circuit, contact the Department of National Parks, Recreational Sport and Racing on 13 74 68.
ConwayCIRCUIT
The information contained in this publication is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, John Batman Group disclaims any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising material appearing in this publication is supplied by the operator or service provider and John Batman Group is not responsible for the accuracy of advertising content.
This guest services room publication is compiled and produced by John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, publishers of specialist room directories and magazines. John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, and Just Brilliant Guides are trademarks of Binders Compendiums Menu Covers Pty Ltd. © Copyright all rights reserved. JBG–Q John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket.
PO Box 726, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia 3134.Tel: (03) 9879 8588 Fax: (03) 9879 8688Email: [email protected]: www.johnbatman.com.au
Compiled with the assistance of Tourism Whitsundays.
Images courtesy of Tourism & Events Queensland.
Managing DirectorJarrod La Canna
Advertising SalesAnnika Turpie
Graphic DesignCarolyn Tellus
Design Assistance Kelly Irish Leeanne Lisle
Studio EditorKarla Dondio
Operations ManagerEleanor White
Accounts & AdministrationRebecca Zalavary
DistributionMichael McDonaldDeborah Harris
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