Airlie Beach

Bordering the Whitsunday Passage where famed British explorer James Cook sailed in 1770, today this thriving resort town is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday isles. A relaxed, tropical vibe fills its palm-fringed lagoon, beachfront parks, and assorted shops, restaurants and cafés. Situated nearby is Conway National Park, home to a lush, tropical rainforest and pristine waterfalls.