Airlie Creek Track: One of the best free things to do in Airlie Beach
The Airlie Creek Track is one of the best things to do in Airlie Beach for free. Look out for rock wallabies, fig trees and a small waterfall on this short Whitsunday region walk.
What is the Airlie Creek Track?
The Airlie Creek Track is a short walk in Airlie Beach, Queensland.
This Whitsundays region walking trail climbs a hill behind the holiday town of Airlie Beach.
Airlie Beach brings Whitsunday Islands sailing and snorkelling cruises, coral and marine life viewing from a glass-bottom boat and day cruises to the staggering white sands of Whitehaven Beach. To explore the full range of Airlie Beach tours and experiences, investigate here. For Airlie Beach accommodation bargains, look here.
However, in a place where many activities cost money, the Airlie Creek Track is one of the best things to do in Airlie Beach for free.
How long is the Airlie Creek Track?
The Airlie Creek Track is approximately 850 metres long. It should take most people less than an hour to get to the top and back.
This Airlie Beach walk starts off deceptively easy, but this is a grade one walk that turns into a grade four walk by the end.
9 memory-making Airlie Beach experiences to add to your visit
- Whitehaven Beach day cruise – with plenty of snorkelling thrown in.
- Glass bottom boat tour – see coral and marine life without getting wet.
- Heart Reef flight – see the islands and Great Barrier Reef from above before flying over Australia’s famous heart-shaped island.
- Proserpine River crocodile safari – see the big crocs from a boat.
- Whitsundays sunset cruise – with free snacks and sparkling wine.
- Sailing on the Camira – glide around the Whitsunday Islands under sail.
- Whizz around the islands on a guided jetski tour.
- Waterfall explorer day tour – with swimming in Hinterland rock pools.
- Enjoy high speed thrills on a jet boat ride.
What will I see on the Airlie Creek Track?
The Airlie Creek Track heads through forest, with the flora highlights being the enormous fig trees and the rare Whitsunday bottle tree.
There is a small waterfall with rock pools at the end of this Airlie Beach walk, and there are marvellous views out over the Whitsunday Islands and Coral Sea on the way back down.
You’re also likely to see plenty of geckos and native birds, while the endangered Proserpine rock wallaby is sometimes seen here as well.
Which Whitsundays cruise should I choose?
- For those with limited time: Whitehaven Beach half day tour.
- For the highlights reel: Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island day trip.
- To see the reef two ways: High speed Whitsundays cruise plus scenic reef flight combo.
- For romance, sparkling wine and sunset under sail: Multi-beach and reef Lady Enid cruise.
- To see several islands: Sailing and snorkelling adventure.
- For an overnight sailing adventure: Matador two day yacht cruise.
Where does the Airlie Creek track start?
The Airlie Creek Track starts on Waterson Way, next to the roundabout.
Other things to do in Airlie Beach include swimming in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, glass bottom boat cruises, half day Whitehaven Beach tours, sunset cruises and kayaking adventures.
Airlie Beach accommodation picks
Specialist Australian booking site Wotif offers Airlie Beach accommodation for from $114 a night. You can look through the best deals here.
However, some Airlie Beach accommodation options are worth highlighting:
- On a budget: Tasman Holiday Parks Airlie Beach.
- For families: Big4 Adventure Whitsundays Resort.
- For waterfront apartments: At Marina Shores.
- For pampering: Coral Sea Marina Resort.
- For great value: Colonial Palms Motor Inn.
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