Diving Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is located in Queensland, nestled on the coast next to the Whitsunday Islands. Daytrips to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays are readily available with Airlie Beach being the alternative to staying on the Islands. Some resorts on the Whitsundays are extremely exclusive and are priced accordingly.

In Airlie Beach, you will find a myriad of gift shops as well as pubs, bars and restaurants catering for your every need. This small town is close to the beach and has a relaxed tropical atmosphere popular with the backpacking fraternity. Most spend their time sailing or diving during the day and partying in the warm evenings. Most of the tours available are a combination of island visits and offer diving also. Some operators venture to the Outer Barrier Reef  with faster boats and stay at a pontoon for the day where snorkelling and diving are offered. night-dive trips

The Whitsunday Islands lie Northeast of Mackay. The crystal clear waters are always teeming with Mackerel, Queen Fish, Trevally and a whole host of other marine life. Hayman Island is one of the best-known resorts and regularly attracts an exclusive clientele.

Fringing coral cays surround many of the Whitsunday Islands and you can often see Dolphins and Whales playing in the shallow waters. Most of the Islands have National Park status, which helps to preserve the natural beauty of the environment. There is a 35,000 square kilometer park stretching from Sarina in the South to Cape Upstart in the North. Bare boat sailing (helming your own charter boat) and diving are both extremely popular Island activities. Be sure to visit if you are ever in tropical North Queensland.