The Whitsundays enjoys a unique laid back tropical atmosphere, but that is not to say the crew will be short of something to do during their stay.
The natural beauty of the Whitsunday hinterland is certainly worth exploring and perfect for those crew who have been at sea for a while and want their feet planted firmly on dry land.
Airlie Beach is a vibrant tourist town and as such has a host of leisure, shopping and dining options to keep everyone entertained.
Alternatively, why not head back out to the islands and reef but explore it in your own time and your own way? From jet boats to day sailing, dive trips or fishing charters – there is so much to explore out on the Whitsunday waters.
The beauty of the Whitsundays is you can do as much or as little as you want and you will always have a great time!
For more information on any of the crew activities suggested below, please do not hesitate to contact our Guest Services team.
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Health & Wellness
If you are looking for ways to maintain health and wellness whilst in the Whitsundays, Coral Sea Marina has its very own private guest and crew gym, located at The Lookout Lounge in the south marina. Crew are able to access between 6am - 9pm daily.
The weekly free Airlie Beach Park Run runs every Saturday from 7am and departs from the marina, at Meeting Point D, that is open to all visiting guests and crew.
Alternatively, if you want to push yourself in paradise, why not join a group functional fitness class at F45 in Airlie Beach (walking distance) or BASE51, located in neighbouring Cannonvale.
Vibe Yoga or Principle Movements have sessions available daily and take casual bookings.
Goodness Gracious the health food store, holds a wide range of health food and supplements and Boho Cafe located in the marina itself boasts a great range of smoothies, acai bowls and raw salads for breakfast and lunch daily.
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Beauty
If you need a beauty treatment, your hair cut or coloured or you just want a relaxing day at the spa, Airlie Beach has a range of options to choose from.
The day spa located at the Coral Sea Resort, Drift Boutique Spa, offers a range of treatments that can be viewed here.
Our alternative recommendations are Serenity Spa or Intuitive Massage for all your massage and beauty treatments. For hair cut and colours, we recommend Adam & Eve, easily accessible from the marina at Cannonvale Beach. For any barber shop requirements, specialising in men's cuts, shaving and beard trimming, Kazzas Barber Shop in Cannonvale is only a short drive away.
If you are looking for an all-day spa session and a taste of luxury, helicopter to qualia resort on Hamilton island and experience their 5* luxury day spa facility.
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Walking Tracks
If you are into fitness and hiking, there are some fantastic walking tracks in and around the Airlie Beach/ Whitsunday mainland.
The Honeyeater Track is a very popular track with locals, accessible via the top of Kara Crescent in Airlie Beach. A good level of fitness is required for this track, which takes around two hours round trip, but you will be rewarded with stunning views over Airlie Beach and out to the Whitsunday islands when you reach the top. Set off early and take plenty of water.
The Coral Beach walking track down at Shute Harbour is another great track, as well as the Mount Rooper track on the way to Shute Harbour. Further afield the Brandy Creek walking circuit is a great rainforest walk for all levels of fitness, accessible via the turn off on Brandy Creek Road. For all mainland hikes and trails, view the trails map HERE.
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Mountain Biking
As well as great walking tracks, the Whitsundays is scattered with some great options for mountain biking also. The Conway Circuit is a good place to start, again accessible via the Brandy Creek turn off and with over 27km of track which if you travel the entire distance will bring you out at the back of the township of Airlie Beach.
The Honeyeater Track accessible from Kara Crescent is also a favourite with local mountain bikers. The Bicentennial Boardwalk from Cannonvale to Airlie Beach is a great place for non-serious riders to start, a leisurely 3km round trip takes you along the waterfront through Coral Sea Marina to the neighbouring suburb of Cannonvale.
Alternatively, you can head to South Molle Island and experience the region's only island mountain biking tour.
There are two local businesses who offer guided tours or hire only options - Bike and Hike Whitsunday and Whitsunday Outdoor Adventure Hire.
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Explore National Parks
If you are looking for a real Aussie experience, hire a car and head up to Eungella National Park near Mackay. Here you can stay in cabins in the mountains and head out at sunrise to spot a platypus in the wild. At nearby Finch Hatton Gorge you can enjoy multiple walking tracks through the rainforest and visit the many waterfalls for a refreshing swim.
The Pinnacle Hotel pub is a must visit for the ultimate Aussie meat pie experience and on the way home stop in to Cape Hillsborough national park where you will be amazed at number of native wallabies gathering on the beach at sunset. Closer to port is Cedar Creek Falls, which after a rain event is simply stunning for a fresh water swim.
On the way back head to Conway Beach for a walk along the beach, fly a kite or grab a coffee at George’s Diner before heading home. Cars can be hired from Hertz in Airlie Beach.
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Wine & Dine
There is no shortage of places to eat in Airlie Beach.
One of our favourites has to be Coral Sea Pavilion, located on the waterfront at the Coral Sea Resort. With private beach, ocean views and a beautiful pool to enjoy, this is the perfect spot to soak up the Whitsundays sun or our incredible Whitsundays sunset.
Other favourites include La Tabella for Italian and Eastwoods for Asian. For a long lunch with a difference, drive out to Northerlies in Woodwark or Cape Gloucester Resort at Hideaway Bay, both offer a unique al fresco dining experience right on the beach.
For something casual and delicious try Garden Bar Bistro or Sorrento in the marina or, alternatively, for great live music and atmosphere, head to The Pub - Airlie Beach Hotel, on the esplanade. There are certainly other restaurants to try in Airlie Beach, but these are our pick of the best.
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Nightlife
Airlie Beach is a tourist town packed with restaurants and bars for the crew to enjoy whilst berthed at Coral Sea Marina.
The Coral Sea Pavilion, Sorrento Restaurant & Bar and Garden Bar Bistro within the marina precinct make the perfect spot for sunset drinks or a relaxing meal after a long day working on the boat.
For those looking to venture into Airlie Beach local favourites are bars such as Anchor Bar or The Pub, and there are a couple of night clubs located on the main street for those who want to continue the party.
A favourite with locals and tourists alike is Irish pub Paddy Shenanigans, whereas major sporting events will be shown at Magnums on the main street.
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Adventure Thrill Seekers
For those looking at adding some excitement to their life, check out Airlie Beach Skydive. Operating from Whitsunday Airport a jump with their experienced crew gives access to some of the best views in the Whitsundays. Whitsunday Jetski Tours, located in the south marina, have a range of day tour options to choose from. Alternatively hop on the ultimate jet boat adventure with Pioneer Jet.
For helicopter flights over Heart Reef, contact our Guest Services team and we can book you a private tour departing from our marina helipads, through our flight partner Helireef.
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Wildlife
If you want to experience Australian wildlife in it’s natural environment then book into the Proserpine Croc Safari. This day tour takes you out by boat along the Proserpine River, which has the highest population of salt water crocodiles per kilometre than any other waterway in Queensland. The experienced guides will then take you on a tour of the neighbouring wetlands showcasing a range of native plants, birds and animals. The day concludes with fresh damper bread and billy tea – a great Aussie experience.
If you want to get up close and interactive, then Bredls Wild Farm is a family run day tour operating in the Whitsunday hinterland of Bloomsbury. Here you will see huge salt water crocodiles up close, feed wallabies, hold snakes, lizards and if you are very lucky cuddle a koala.
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What's On
Airlie Beach Markets are held every Saturday morning on the foreshore in Airlie Beach and offer unique gifts options, fresh local produce, clothing and custom-made jewellery to name a few.
For those who like to start the day with exercise, Airlie Beach Park Run is held every Saturday morning departing from Meeting Point D (The Gardens, in the south marina), anyone is welcome to join.
Barefoot bowls is a real Aussie experience and is held every Friday night at the Airlie Beach Bowls Club in the Jubilee Pocket, grab a group of you and head down for some fun on the green.
For those not sick of the water, the Whitsunday Twilight Races are held every Wednesday at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, arrive at the club around 3pm and you will find yacht owners looking for casual crew.
Keep up to date with events occurring both within the marina precinct and the regional area by viewing our What's On calendar of events.
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Getting Around
There are so many ways to explore Airlie Beach and the surrounding areas.
Hollar yourself a Tuk Tuk with Just Tuk'n Around and enjoy a relaxing ride into town with scenic views. If you're feeling more energetic and adventurous, why not hire an electric bike or trike from Whitsunday Fun Hire and start exploring the 10km of coastline at an easy pace?
If you need to simply get from A to B, Airlie Beach's local taxi service is ready and available with 13CABS, or even hire yourself a car to get out and explore the Whitsunday coast, hinterland and National Parks with Hertz.
Don't feel like driving yourself? Want to organise a fun crew excursion for the day? Chat to the team at Coral Sea Marina and we can assist in finding you a private bus transfer for the day.
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Crew Excursions and Activities
What is your perfect day off in the Whitsundays?
- Spot the crocodiles in their natural habitat
- Laze on Australia's number 1 beach - Whitehaven Beach), with any of the day tours departing from Coral Sea Marina
- Hoist the sails and learn the ropes on board an incredible ex-racing maxi yacht
- Hire your own boat for the day and explore the islands at your own pace
- Take a swing at the Whitsunday Green Golf Course
- Hop in a car and get out to explore Hydeaway Bay
- Laze in a pool at an island resort
If you need more ideas and inspiration on what to do on your days off, get inspired with our recommended experiences...