Airlie Beach Lagoon: Cost, opening hours & is it safe to swim?

The 4,300 square metre Airlie Beach Lagoon pool is patrolled by lifeguards and crocodile-free. It is safe to swim in the lagoon – and free to enter.

The Whitsunday Islands are home to some of the most marvellous beaches in Australia. They’re part of what makes a Whitsundays sailing cruise or Whitehaven Beach day tour such an inevitable highlight of a Queensland holiday.

Get the best Whitsundays cruise deals

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.

For the best prices, book Airlie Beach accommodation and tours in advance.

There are some pretty good beaches on the mainland in the Whitsundays region, too. Cape Hillsborough Beach, for example, is famous for its kangaroos.

Swimming at Airlie Beach and crocodiles in the Whitsundays

Many beaches in the Whitsunday region have one major problem, however – crocodiles. Saltwater crocodiles live in the tropical parts of Australia, and saltwater crocodiles kill people. Many mainland Whitsundays beaches are simply not safe for swimming – particularly those around the notorious Proserpine River in Proserpine.

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.

Can you swim at Airlie Beach?

It can be safe to swim in the ocean at Airlie Beach, but stingers and crocodiles make sure this cannot be 100% guaranteed.

This is where the Airlie Beach Lagoon pool in Airlie Beach comes in.

Why use the Airlie Beach Lagoon pool?

The Airlie Beach Lagoon is like Streets Beach in Brisbane, Yeppoon Lagoon in Yeppoon, Wave Lagoon in Darwin or the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon in Cairns. It is a big artificial pool, and safe swimming is the Airle Beach Lagoon’s reason for existing.

The Airlie Beach Lagoon was a big deal when it opened in 2001, but now it is part of the Queensland holiday town’s fabric.

Airlie Bay, with the Airlie Beach Lagoon on the right. Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.

Airlie Beach Lagoon for families

Right on Airlie Bay, the Airlie Beach Lagoon pool is designed to be somewhere a family can spend the day. There are toilet and barbecue facilities on site, and the lagoon is free to use.

There are also grassy knolls, landscaped gardens and a sandy beach area. The lagoon offers a children’s pool at one end, but a good chunk of the lagoon is shallow and paddler-friendly. The main pool has a maximum depth of two metres, meaning adults have enough room to swim, too.

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.

How big is the Airlie Beach Lagoon?

The size of the Airlie Beach Lagoon is impressive, covering an area of 4,300 square metres. It holds 4.5 million litres of fresh water. Built on a raised breakwater, the lagoon offers rather delightful views out towards the Whitsunday Islands.

The Airlie Beach Lagoon is patrolled by lifeguards, and is open for swimming between sunrise and sunset.

Airlie Beach accommodation options include the centrally-located Mantra Club Croc, the adults-only Airlie Beach Magnums and the Martinique Whitsunday Resort‘s spacious apartments.

Mackay to Airlie Beach drive

Airlie Beach is the main holiday hub of the Whitsundays region, but Mackay is the biggest city. The Mackay to Airlie Beach drive is 149km in distance, meaning a Mackay to Airlie Beach driving time of around one hour and 47 minutes.