Brisbane to Airlie Beach road trip: Distance, drive time & stops
Brisbane to Airlie Beach drive: The final leg
From Mackay to Airlie Beach it’s 151km. However, there are a couple of little side trips you may wish to build in. First is a visit to Eungella National Park, renowned for platypus-spotting at Broken River. You can hike to the waterfalls and swimming holes of Finch Hatton Gorge on the way.
Otherwise, Mount Martin National Park and Bluff Hill National Park are options for nature-lovers, but the kangaroos on the beach in Cape Hillsborough National Park are likely to hold the most appeal. Stay at the Cape Hillsborough caravan park if so.
Proserpine is the biggest town on this part of the drive. You can do a crocodile-spotting cruise on the Proserpine River nearby, but for most it’s where you turn off to Airlie Beach. The road runs through quieter Cannonvale on the way in.
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.
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.
Things to do in Airlie Beach include swimming in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, Whitsundays kayaking tours, helicopter flights, glass bottom boat cruises and day trips to Hamilton Island. There are also several day trips from Airlie Beach to the other Whitsunday Islands.
9 brilliant Brisbane experiences to book in advance
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tickets (or entry plus river cruise combo) – hold a koala and see lots of adorable native wildlife.
- Brisbane River cruise – see the key sights and learn about the city on the way.
- Story Bridge Adventure Climb – walk along the top of Brisbane’s famous bridge, with 360 degree views.
- Combine the Southbank Parklands, City Botanic Gardens and Kangaroo Point Cliffs on a fun Segway tour.
- Helicopter flight – see the city from a bird’s eye view.
- Kayaking tour – choose the night tour to see the city light up, the day tour to enjoy the sunshine.
- XXXX brewery tour – see how Australia’s most famous beer is made.
- Guided wine flight tasting – get an Aussie wine introductory course.
- See Brisbane’s spooky side on a city centre ghost tour.