From Brisbane, we flew into Proserpine with Virgin Australia and used the transfer buses with Whitsunday Transit to Airlie Beach. Although Airlie Beach is a gateway and mostly used as a departure point for the Whitsundays,  the town centre with its abundance of restaurants catering to every budget, and boutique shops with stylish clothing and coastal inspired furnishings is definitely worth exploring.
 

Get your tan on at the Airlie Beach lagoon

 
A perpetual Airlie-plage overlooking the ocean, the Airlie Beach lagoon is a nice little spot to relax and cool down. Admission is free- you just need to get there early if you want prime real estate on the sand as it fills up quite quickly.
 
If you’re not into getting your tan on, there are shaded seating areas where you can enjoy your takeaway fish and chips or byo picnic with friends. Or, if you’re like me and you enjoy digging into good literature, sit under the shade of one of the palm trees and enjoy the sea breeze, the sound of the ocean, and the words on your page.
 

Eat some local grub

 
For a no frills, cheap and relaxed place to eat lunch, try the Whitsundays Seafood Bar, located roadside near the esplanade. We ordered some fresh prawns which were deliciously sweet, and some crunchy greek salad as a side.
 
The menu at Mamas Boys has your standard bar faire, however go there for the atmosphere and live music as it shares the outdoor seating area with Magnums Bar. Service was fast and the servings very generous so if you are wanting a hearty meal that is affordable, this is a good place to eat.
 
For something a little more fancy without breaking the budget, Fish D’Vine Fish Cafe & Rum Bar has an extensive seafood and rum menu all set within a funky tiki/Hawaiian setting. One couple from our group ordered the chilli crab which they were famous for while the rest of us feasted on fisherman’s baskets and drank rum concoctions to toast the end of our amazing trip away.

White cardboard lined with greaseproof paper & a plastic fork – the best way to enjoy takeaway seafood

Catch a band at a pub

 
Airlie Beach has quite a vibrant nightlife scene, so theres no shortage of bars to choose from along the main street. We hung out at the beer garden in Magnums Bar and watched a local band whilst downing a couple of beverages. Stick around and you might be lucky to catch their nightly activities/ games. Like cane toad racing (no thanks).
 

We stayed at:

 
Mantra Boathouse Apartments
33 Port Drive, Port of Airlie QLD 4802
www.mantra.com.au/boathouse

cost               190 AUD
breakfast      not included
wifi               not included
 
We spent our first night at the Mantra Boathouse Apartments which had a prime waterfront location, and conveniently located a short 5 minute walk to the town centre. We were a group of 4 couples so we hired 2 x 2 bedroom self catering apartments. The apartments were modern with homely touches and although the rooms had the same layout, the apartments had different colour palettes and furnishings, giving the rooms their own unique style. The facilities also included an outdoor swimming pool, spa and barbecue.
 

We liked:

The outdoor swimming pool, spa and barbecue area
The location – walking distance to the town centre
The balcony overlooking the marina
The self equipped kitchen – perfect for making your own breakfasts..and cocktails

 
Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat
438 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach QLD 4802
www.waterfrontwhitsunday.com.au
 
cost             580 AUD
breakfast    not included
wifi             not included
 
On our final night in Airlie Beach, we stayed in the penthouse suite of the Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat.  The apartment had a balcony with awesome water views, a jacuzzi, spacious living areas, and a fully equipped kitchen.
 

We liked:

The views
The awesome jacuzzi on the balcony
Privacy – we had all of the top floor so it felt quite secluded
Self equipped laundry – this was so handy after spending 3 days on a yacht with no washing facilities

The humble view from our balcony at the Mantra Boathouse Apartments

tips