The best places to camp in Airlie Beach

Craig Tansley Craig Tansley
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Sleep in camping sites set in hectares of tropical gardens within walking distance of town in caravan parks which offer the most cost-effective way to stay in Airlie Beach.

There’s no more affordable way to stay in Airlie Beach than camping under the stars in some of North Queensland’s best caravan parks, complete with water parks, swimming pools and loads of other family features. Here are the best Airlie Beach camping spots to stay at during your next visit.

NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park

At NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park you can pitch your tent amongst five hectares of tropical gardens and grass right beside Airlie Beach’s best-kept secret beach, Cannonvale Beach.

an aerial view of NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park
The resort-style park is situated near the beach.

There’s a resort-style pool, splash park, bike hire, BBQs and an onsite cafe, and you’re right next to the Bicentennial Walkway which takes you all the way to town along the Coral Sea.

an aerial view of the pool at NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park
Cool off at the pool surrounded by tropical gardens.

Purists might prefer unpowered campsites, but those looking for more convenience have the option of electricity.

a cabin at NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park
Stay in a cabin or boutique bungalow.

Address: 234 Shute Harbour Road, Cannonvale

Pet-friendly: Only permitted on selected sites. Contact the park directly.

Big 4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

There’s no better place for a family to pitch a tent than at Big 4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort. Stay in powered sites across 10 hectares of landscaped, tropical gardens of palms and flowering shrubs set against the backdrop of a national park above, but all on the edge of Airlie Beach.

an aerial view of Big 4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
The Big 4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort comes with a lagoon-style pool.

There are 13 water slides, a 32-metre lagoon-style pool, mini-golf, and two giant jumping pillows and you’ll also be able to access the only animal park in this part of Queensland (with plenty of goats and chickens for the kids).

waterslides at Big 4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
There are 13 waterslides at the resort.

Address: 25-29 Shute Harbour Road, Jubilee Pocket

Pet-friendly: No

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Big 4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort

You’re just a short walk from the main street of Airlie Beach, but you’ll camp on either powered or unpowered grass and slab camping sites cocooned within three hectares of green tropical rainforest, adjacent to national park.

two women sitting outside a cabin at Big 4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort
Retreat into a rustic cabin at Big 4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort.

While you’re close to all the amenities of town, you might struggle to leave your bushy oasis with its kids’ playground, inflatable ninja challenge, jumping pillow, go-kart track, solar heated swimming pool and movie nights held out under the stars.

a solar heated swimming pool at Big 4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort
Soak in a solar heated swimming pool.

Address: 2955 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach

Pet-friendly: Yes

Tasman Holiday Park Airlie Beach

You won’t believe how quickly you can get to the main street of Airlie Beach and the town’s stunning beaches and beachside parks from Tasman Holiday Airlie Beach.

an aerial view of Tasman Holiday Park Airlie Beach
Tasman Holiday Park Airlie Beach is a tropical oasis.

It’s just a quick walk to everything the town offers (though you won’t have to go further than a few metres for your morning coffee with a coffee van out front each morning).

the glamping tent at Tasman Holiday Park Airlie Beach
Sleep in a glamping tent at Tasman Holiday Park Airlie Beach.

Opt for a powered site or choose an ensuite site with its own private bathroom. There are BBQs, a kids’ playground, pedal karts and daily bird feeding.

the pool at Tasman Holiday Park Airlie Beach
Laze by the pool.

Address: 1 Jubilee Pocket Road, Airlie Beach

Pet-friendly: Yes

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Discovery Park Airlie Beach

Situated just below the lush, green national park on the edge of Airlie Beach (Conway National Park) you’ll feel like you’re camping in the middle of the wilderness at Discovery Park Airlie Beach.

the Bali villa at Discovery Park Airlie Beach
Be transported to Bali in one of the Discovery Park Airlie Beach villas.

Local wildlife like kangaroos, possums, wallabies, brush turkeys, goannas and rainbow lorikeets hang out amongst the tropical rainforest of the park.

a look inside one of the cabins at Discovery Park Airlie Beach
Each cabin is complete with modern comforts.

Spend time at the swimming pool looking up at the national park – there’s also a toddler pool, outdoor spa baths, kids’ playground and a water park.

the bedroom inside a cabin at Discovery Park Airlie Beach
Stay in a rustic but cosy cabin.

Address: 2634 Shute Harbour Road, Jubilee Pocket

Pet-friendly: No

Nomads Airlie Beach

This is camping for the young and young-at-heart right in the beating heart of Airlie Beach. At Nomads Airlie Beach there’s a great bar on-site and you’re only metres from the main street, but you’ll have some peace and privacy amongst five hectares of tropical gardens away from the dorm rooms. There are two resort-style pools and volleyball courts – so if you are looking for a bit of fun, there’s no better spot for a bargain-rate price anywhere in Airlie Beach.

Address: 336-354 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach

Pet-friendly: Yes

Now discover the 10 best restaurants in Airlie Beach.

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Craig Tansley
Craig Tansley has been a travel writer for over 20 years, winning numerous awards along the way. A long-time sucker for adventure, he loves to write about the experiences to be had on islands, on the sea, in forests or deserts; or anywhere in nature across Australia, and the world.
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Airlie Beach accommodation
Airlie Beach

A guide to the best Airlie Beach accommodation

Airlie Beach accommodation for every budget: from swish hotels and resorts to well-kept family-friendly camping grounds and caravan parks, these top five picks will cover most bases.

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Can’t handle the cold? Hamilton Island serves a slice of summer in winter

(Image: Hamilton Island)

    Eleanor Edström Eleanor Edström
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    When the winter chill settles in, an escape to Hamilton Island’s year-round tropical shores is the only acceptable coping mechanism.

    As a heliophile with the cold tolerance of a Mediterranean house cat, the arrival of winter tends to spark a particular panic. How will I survive? Must I really start layering? What do you mean, Aperol season is over? But there are far better ways to spend the cooler months than sulking in the depths of your doona.

    Enter, Hamilton Island. With its year-round sunshine and permanent on-holiday atmosphere, this Whitsundays favourite promises a veritable slice of summer in winter.

    Think salt-stiff hair and the smug pleasure of devouring seafood beside the water while friends back home are defogging their windscreens. Here’s why Hamilton Island should figure into your winter plans.

    1. Year-round summer weather

    A woman hiking along the Passage Peak trail on Hamilton Island.
    Hike under sunny winter skies on Hamilton Island. (Image: Andrew Caitens)

    In the crisper months, Hamilton Island offers perfectly mild, sunny weather (17-24°C) that lends itself to morning swims and afternoon spritzes. Better still, you can enjoy the island’s outdoor adventures – from hiking to mountain biking – without the humidity or rain you’ll often find in summertime. With direct flights from most major Australian cities offering ease of access, Hamilton Island is the ideal place to flee the cold.

    2. Getting active without the humidity

    A buggy parked overlooking Hamilton Island’s golf course, with sweeping views of the sea at Whitsundays in winter.
    Zip around Hamilton Island by buggy. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    Whether you’re hiking up to Passage Peak or exploring the island by buggy, tropical Queensland humidity is nobody’s friend. The one way to guarantee you will avoid the inevitable stickiness and fluffy hair? Visit during winter. There’s plenty to be enjoyed, from sunrise yoga at The Sundays (exclusive to guests of The Sundays) to playing golf on Dent Island.

    3. Hamilton Island Race Week

    Yachts racing across the sparkling Whitsundays during Hamilton Island Race Week.
    Feel the thrill of Hamilton Island Race Week. (Image: Salty Dingo)

    Taking place in August, Hamilton Island Race Week is a destination in its own right that attracts spectators and racers from around the globe. Boating enthusiasts and thrill-seeking holidaymakers flock to the island, which is palpably energetic as the first yachts set off for Dent Passage from Hamilton Island Yacht Club. The annual action-packed week, taking place from 15 to 22 August in 2026, offers an exciting calendar of on- and off-water events – spanning everything from celebrity chef dinners to golfing comps and wine tastings.

    4. Best time for snorkelling

    A woman snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
    Explore Hamilton Island’s winter waters. (Image: Andrew Caitens)

    While the crowds on Hamilton Island may disperse with the cooler weather, the marine life certainly doesn’t. Winter is widely considered one of the best times to snorkel and dive in the Whitsundays.

    It’s down to a number of reasons: excellent water visibility, higher chances of seeing whales as they migrate north and – best of all – no nasty stingers. This means no need to wear those notoriously unflattering full-body wetsuits visitors have to wear in warmer months. On top of all this, you’ll find calm seas ideal for sailing and Great Barrier Reef tours.

    5. Fewer crowds

    People kayaking.
    Experience a quieter Hamilton Island on a kayaking adventure. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    Winter is often the quietest time to visit Hamilton Island, with the peak season crowds thinned to a relaxed trickle. You can snorkel or dive straight off the reef-laced waters of Catseye Beach, then swap fins for a buggy and zip between One Tree Hill, the marina and sunset cocktails without the usual summer queues. Active days stretch from kayaking, sailing and jet skiing to hopping over to famous Whitehaven Beach to witness those breathtaking white swirls of silica sand. You won’t have to elbow your way to the front of the crowd to get a good snap.

    6. Delicious dining

    The interiors of Bommie Restaurant, featuring modern coastal design with warm lighting and elegant detailing.
    Treat yourself to Bommie Restaurant’s fine dining featuring fresh, seasonal Aussie produce. (Image: Nikki To)

    The food on Hamilton Island tastes just as good any time of year, and winter is still perfect weather for sundowners. Start with an iced tea Negroni at harbourside Bommie Deck, before transitioning to Bommie Restaurant for a fine-dining feast centering on seasonal Aussie ingredients. Or perhaps enjoy a more casual poolside evening at Sails Restaurant, where plates of chermoula chicken skewers, baked cauliflower steak and crispy sumac squid come served with ocean views. From family-friendly pub meals to elevated wine tastings, there’s something for everyone.

    5. Clear skies for idyllic views

    The golden hour across the Whitsundays in winter.
    End your day with golden Hamilton Island sunsets over the water. (Image: Hamilton Island)

    Never let a cloud rain on the parade of Hamilton Island’s spectacular scenery. Winter brings clearer skies and more stable weather to the Whitsundays, meaning your picture-perfect sunset at One Tree Hill is likely to remain that way. And after putting in the legwork to hike to a scenic lookout, the last thing you want is a vista hidden behind low cloud and haze.

    To learn more about travelling to the Whitsundays in winter, visit hamitlonisland.com.au.