Cannonvale, Queensland: Things to do & accommodation prices

The best things to do in Cannonvale, Queensland, include swimming at the beach, the Bicentennial Walkway to Airlie Beach and drinking at Banjo’s.

Cannonvale, Queensland, is more or less a suburb of Airlie Beach these days. It’s slightly further west along the Shute Harbour Road to Prosperine and the Bruce Highway.

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 cheapest Cannonvale accommodation deals, book in advance.

Cannonvale is also quieter and less backpacker-heavy than Airlie Beach. But on the flipside, it doesn’t have as many bars and restaurants.

Being so close, most of the best things to do in Airlie Beach also apply to Cannonvale.

You can swim in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, take a Whitsundays kayaking tour and sail around the Whitsunday Islands using Cannonvale as a base.

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.

Half day Whitsundays kayaking tour from Airlie Beach — It’s perfectly possible to do a Whitsundays kayaking tour using Cannonvale as a base. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions

Things to do in Cannonvale, Queensland: Beach time

The main attraction in Cannonvale itself is the sheltered beach, which is a kid-friendly spot to hang out for the day. The beach looks out towards Pigeon Island, and has rock pools to explore at low tide.

Perhaps more importantly, there’s a decent-sized park behind the beach with a children’s playground. And, if you need snacks and drinks, the Fat Frog Beach Café should do the job admirably.

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.

Things to do in Cannonvale, Queensland: Bicentennial Walkway

If you’re feeling a little more energetic, there’s a walking trail stretching for just under 4km around the coastline.

This Cannondale to Airline Beach walk is sometimes called the Airlie Beach Boardwalk, others the Bicentennial Walkway.

It doesn’t really matter what you call it, though, as this coastal walk will take you into Airlie Beach with magical Coral Sea views at pretty much every turn. The Bicentennial Walkway tops the list of things to do in Cannonvale if you’re not a beach person.

Cannonvale accommodation prices

Cannonvale accommodation options include the Beach Court Holiday Villas, Mantra Club Croc Airlie Beach and the NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park. The latter offers the cheapest accommodation in Cannonvale, with studios costing from $99.

Banjo’s Bar and Restaurant is the main centre of action after dark.

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