Bowen (1 hour 1 minute)
About one hour north of Airlie Beach along the Bruce Highway, you’ll find the township of Bowen. If you’ve ever heard of Bowen, there’s a good chance it’s because it’s the proud owner of one of Australia’s ‘Big Things’, the ‘Big Mango’. Built in 2002 and standing at 10m tall, this landmark located in front of the Tourist Information Centre is a popular photo opportunity for tourists passing through the town. For those wanting to add to their Instagram feed, a picnic stop at Horseshoe Bay Beach is an absolute must-do.
Pro-Tip: Experience some of Bowen’s most stunning views by undertaking the 2.6km walk from Hanson Park to Horseshoe Bay. The path is fully paved for complete access.
Heart Reef (1 hour return flight)
Possibly the most iconic image of the Great Barrier Reef is Heart Reef. This heart-shaped coral bommie located on Hardy Reef has become an international symbol of the Great Barrier Reef, and is best seen from the air to be fully appreciated. Scenic flights depart daily from Hamilton Island, Daydream Island and Airlie Beach, and often include incredible aerial views of the Whitsunday Coast.
Proserpine (23 minutes)
This quaint little rural township just 23 minutes inland from Airlie is definitely worth a look! This sugar cane town is affectionately termed the ‘sweetheart of the Whitsundays’, and there are some great little locations to explore. We highly recommend Cedar Creek Falls, which is the perfect location to spend an afternoon cooling off, and you’ll see them at their absolute best during the wet season (we highly suggest following the signage and swimming recommendations). Additionally, the Proserpine Museum is worth a visit, filled with unique displays relevant to the area including a gold mine display and gas experimental station. The collection is both educational and a good dose of small town sweetness that you won't find in the larger towns and cities.
Mackay (1 hour 49 minutes)
Mackay is best known as one of the most important sugarcane farming locations in Australia, however there is much more to this small city (pop. 131k) than meets the eye. If hiking is your cup of tea, pull on the boots and scramble up the peaks of Eungella National Park (800m above sea level), or if you enjoy exploring urban sprawl, check out the city where buildings date back to the 1920s and public artwork lines the streets. The Finch Hatton Gorge, home to a stunning gorge and picturesque waterfalls is also a must-do.
Pro-tip: 40 minutes north of Mackay you’ll find Cape Hillsborough, famous for stunning, rugged scenery and the kangaroos and wallabies that inhabit the beach, especially at sunrise. Put this on your bucket list as you’ll regret missing this!
Whitsunday Islands National Park (1 hour 5 minutes)
An absolute must do when exploring Airlie Beach and surrounds is the boat trip across to the Whitsunday Island National Park. It is here that you will be able to see the iconic tropical views of Whitehaven Beach- often voted as the top beach in Australia and ranking as one of the most famous beaches in the world. The sand is 98% pure white silica, giving it a bright, luminescent colour not seen anywhere else. The most famous views of the beach can be seen from the Hill Inlet Lookout, a 1.3km round trip, located at Tongue Point.
Daydream Island (35 minutes)
If you want an exclusive Island experience, Daydream Island ticks all the right boxes. With a cap on daily visitors, you’ll feel as though you have the entire pristine island to yourself! One of the most exciting features of Daydream Island if you choose to spend the night, is the ‘Living Reef’- the only living coral lagoon found at an Australian Resort, which wraps around the Island’s resort and includes an underwater observatory. Other features of the 1km long Island include an outdoor cinema, tennis courts, and three stunning beaches to explore. Fantastic for both a day trip or a couple of nights away.
