This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel.
Airlie Beach, the coastal town closest to the Whitsunday Islands, is a gorgeous small town. It's the perfect location for travel to the magnificent Whitsunday Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. While a bit on the touristy side, this can play to your advantage, with lots of places to book an excellent variety of day trips. The most popular trips are 2, or 3 days - up to a week - sailing around the Whitsundays. This is an experience not to be missed! The boats will visit excellent Great Barrier Reef sites, and let you snorkel around in much more private areas than Cairns. Boats will also likely visit Whitehaven Beach, which has been consistently voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Ask the reception at your Airlie Beach hostel for more information.
Airlie Beach Hostels are all located in the centre of town, next to all the restaurants and shops. There is no bus station, you will just be dropped off downtown. Most of the hostels in town are cheaply priced, have pools, and serve breakfast. If you are looking to sleep, avoid the party hostels. Many hostels also provide booking services, so that you can book your sailing trip, helicopter ride, scuba diving experience, etc. If you’re going on a multi-day sailing trip, most hostels will allow you to store your luggage and/ or park your car for free, or for a negligible price.
Airlie Beach is a worthwhile stop, on your way either to or from Cairns. It is a beautiful small town where you can spend a couple of days relaxing on the man-made beach, The Lagoon.
Written by local expertz for Airlie Beach
Shannon Neuber
