The Best Airlie Beach Tours To Go On

There’s so much to do and see in and around Airlie Beach and the best way to see all the region has to offer is on tours which range from a one hour boat trip to full day waterfall tours…

Airlie Beach – located halfway between Brisbane and Cairns on Queensland’s picturesque northern coastline – is one of the most iconic tourist towns anywhere in Australia. It’s also the launching spot to the Whitsunday Islands – 74 islands that create one of Earth’s best marine playgrounds.

With so much to experience, the best way to ensure you don’t miss a thing on your holiday is by taking tours which showcase the magic of what’s up here. Here are the best ones to choose…

1. Take a very quiet turtle tour

Choose between a one-hour sightseeing tour – or a 90-minute sunset tour – in the region’s only electric boat. You’ll cruise in absolute silence with no fumes looking for endangered loggerhead and green sea turtles with Whisper Cruises .

guests aboard Whisper Cruises at sunset — Join a 90-minute sunset tour with Whisper Cruises.

With room for a maximum of eight passengers, you’ll have an intimate tour past the superyachts of the Coral Sea Marina into bays and around islands where turtles like to feed. You’ll be aboard a comfortable 22-foot Duffy electric boat (called Tallulah), enjoying the silence and the views as turtles bob up and down around you.

guests aboard Whisper Cruises, Airlie Beach — Keep your eyes peeled for turtles as you sit comfortably aboard the Tallulah.

2. Take a fast boat to paradise

Choose between two all-day tours aboard a thrilling semi-rigid inflatable boat that’ll take you out to the very best areas of the Whitsunday Islands with Ocean Rafting .

people aboard an inflatable boat with Ocean Rafting, Whitsunday Islands — Explore the Whitsunday Islands aboard a thrilling semi-rigid inflatable boat. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Both tours will get you to beautiful Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet where you’ll have lunch by the beach and get to spend hours on one of the world’s top-rated beaches.

an aerial view of Whitehaven Beach — Laze on the beautiful Whitehaven Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The boat is driven by 700 horsepower engines and is capable of up to 30 knots of speed, you’ll see a lot in a day, including having time to snorkel pristine reefs in hard-to-get-to bays on Hook Island and the Whitsunday Islands.

snorkelling at Whitsunday Islands with Ocean Rafting — Snorkel around the pristine reefs. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

3. Catch the fish of your life

There are over 1300 different species of fish within the waters off Airlie Beach and you have a chance to catch them with the best fishing charters in the region: Airlie Beach Fishing Charters .

a man holding a huge fish, Airlie Beach Fishing Charters — Cast a line with Airlie Beach Fishing Charters.

Book either a half or full-day charter and you’ll ride aboard their custom-built nine-metre aluminium plate boat powered by two 300-horsepower engines to where the fish are biting.

You’ll be mostly reef fishing and bottom bashing, looking for everything from giant trevally to sweet lip, coral trout and bigger species of fish too, like dogtooth and yellowfin tuna. Choose between private or shared charters.

4. Explore one of the world’s top marine sanctuaries

Cruise Whitsundays offer everything from island escape cruises aboard their motor catamaran to two Whitsundays icons in a day – Hamilton Island and Whitehaven Beach – to scenic cruises all around the islands where you don’t have to get off at all.

kids playing on the beach, Cruise Whitsundays — Take your kids on a beach holiday with Cruise Whitsundays. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Or you could take a day cruise aboard their 85-foot sailing catamaran, Camira, for a BBQ lunch on Whitehaven Beach and a guided hike to a lookout above where traditional owners, the Ngaro people, used to walk. The tour also includes snorkelling on the fringing reef.

5. Go chasing waterfalls

For a total change of pace – to extremely chilled out – take a tour to a waterfall 30 minutes beyond Airlie Beach with Falls To Paradise . Swim in the rockpools of Cedar Creek Falls and relax for a few hours amongst white cedars, Alexandra palms, wild orchids, butterflies and tropical bird species.

the Cedar Creek Falls during a tour with Falls to Paradise — Cool off at Cedar Creek Falls. (Image: Red Cat Adventures)

Then drive back to a huge isolated bay north of Airlie Beach to relax with drinks and a meal at the region’s best beach bar and restaurant, Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill .

Northies beach Bar & Grill — Relax with drinks and a meal at Northerlies Beach Bar and Grill. (Image: Red Cat Adventures)

There’s an open-plan restaurant and picnic tables under coconut trees (with hammocks attached) where you’ll have a great view of the northern Whitsunday Islands.

6. Snorkel and experience Whitehaven Beach

Take a trip to Whitehaven Beach on one of the fastest boats in the Whitsundays region with Thundercat Whitehaven Full Day Eco-Cruise (it also has the highest level of ECO certification in Australia).

the Thundercat Whitehaven Full Day Eco-Cruise passing by the Mantaray Bay, Whitsundays — Swim and snorkel with tropical fish and manta rays. (Image: Red Cat Adventures)

You’ll spend two hours on the beach famous for its silica-smooth white sands, and walk above the beach to see all seven kilometres of it spread out below at a look-out above Littoral Rainforest.

Red Cat Adventure, Airlie Beach — Marvel at the pure white sand of Whitehaven Beach. (Image: Red Cat Adventures)

Because the boat’s so fast, you’ll easily be able to access some of the region’s most pristine beaches and bays along the northern coast of Hook Island where there are underwater valleys and caves among colourful coral surrounded by hundreds of species of marine animals.

guests sharing food on the bow of the boat during the Thundercat Whitehaven Full Day Eco-Cruise — Hop aboard Thundercat Whitehaven Full Day Eco-Cruise. (Image: Red Cat Adventures)

Now check out the best things to do in Airlie Beach.

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach — Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter — Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa — Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter — Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter — Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.

The best tours in Airlie Beach for your next getaway