Review Of The Best Accommodation In Airlie Beach

By Nath J

This is the #1 Guide for the best Accommodation in Airlie Beach, and it’s written by a local who has been living in the region since 2001. This guide is based on my and my family’s experiences and knowledge from 20 years of working in the Whitsunday tourism industry.

Hi, my name is Nath J and let me introduce you to my town’s best accommodation.

1. Whitsunday Reflections 

Whitsunday Reflections Luxury Apartments are our number 1 choice for the best accommodation in Airlie Beach and for good reasons! The 28-unit complex is the highest accommodation provider in Airlie Beach, which means the views of the Whitsunday Islands and coral sea are unparalleled compared to everyone else.

Their 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments are self-catering with a full kitchen and high-end appliances for cooking. Each main bedroom has a stunning freestanding bath and king bed.

Paulette and Jeff, plus their family, run Whitsunday Reflections, and it shows across all facets of this well-maintained property that friendly service is guaranteed.

Best For – Couples, Families, Singles, Groups, Honeymoon, business trips.

Pros – Modern styling, Massive ocean views, Range of accommodation types, self-contained, relatively peaceful complex, genuine friendly owners
Cons – The hill is steep to walk up in the summer heat.

2. Coral Sea Resort Hotel

Coral Resort Hotel is our number 2 place to stay in Airlie Beach. This resort is located right on the waterfront and boasts different types of accommodation, plus an onsite restaurant and bar.

Their accommodation includes Penthouses, Apartments, Suites, Spa Deluxe Rooms, Ocean View Rooms and Garden View Rooms.

The resort facilities include a large swimming pool, 24 hour reception, restaurant and bar, plus a private jetty.

Couples, Singles, Groups, Honeymoons, and business trips.

Pros –  Ocean views, Range of accommodation types, on-site restaurant, 5 min walk to Airlie Beach and Lagoon
Cons – The restaurant and Bar can be noisy at times.

3. Big 4 Adventure Whitsundays Resort

Big 4 Whitsundays Resort is the ultimate best accommodation in Airlie Beach for families. Your kids will be playing all day with a massive swimming pool and a large waterpark.

Their accommodation includes cabins, caravans and tent sites. This is like no other park you have been to before and is very children orientated.

The facilities include Waterslide Park, Animal Park, Kids Craft Club, Mini Golf, Outdoor Cinema, Intuitive Massage, Powered Ensuite Site, Powered Slab Site, Powered Grass Site, Camp Kitchen and a range of different size cabins.

Best For – Families

Pros –  Waterpark and pool with plenty of kid’s activities
Cons – Suited for families, distance from Airlie Beach townships means using a car or bus.

4. Portside Whitsunday

Portside Whitsunday is located within 50 metres of the main street of Airlie Beach and has views over the Port of Airlie and the coral sea, the property is slightly elevated giving nice views.

The accommodation consists of studio rooms, plus 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, there is also a 4 bedroom Penthouse apartment available but book ahead as it’s popular.

Their facilities include a Tour desk, Free undercover parking, 12 metre heated wet-edge pool and Spa,
Common areas with undercover BBQ area.

Best For – Couples, Families and Business trips

Pros –  Very close to town but far enough away to not get the party noise at night.
Cons – located on a busy road there will be traffic noise outside, the decor is not as modern as I would like but very clean apartments.

The Best Accommodation In Airlie Beach Continued

5. Pinnacles Resort

Pinnacles Resort is the 2nd highest holiday apartment in Airlie Beach. With a total of 29 apartments, there is a choice of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units with sea view for most.

The facilities include a 20m Heated Infinity Pool, Undercover Parking, Wi-Fi, Gym, Tour Desk, a Type 2 Electric Car Charging Station.

Best For – Couples, Families and Business trips

Pros –  On the hill with great views of the Coral Sea and township, plus an infinity pool.
Cons – the hill is a very steep walk, and for me personally, the yellow-cream colouring outside and kitchen decor give an old vibe.

6. Airlie Guest House

Airlie guest house is the best accommodation in Airlie Beach for budget travellers by a long way! This huge house has seven rooms split between upstairs and downstairs, and there are two economy double rooms and five queen rooms.

The facilities include a large communal deck and a massive commercial-style kitchen with a stocked pantry, WIFI, and coin-operated laundry.

It’s rare for a share house to receive such high reviews. This is a testament to the house and owners Mick and Megan, who do an outstanding job making sure their guests are comfortable and enjoy the surroundings. Now you know one of the best-reviewed and cheapest places to stay, you should check out my How to get to Airlie Beach guide to find the different ways to get here.

Best For – Couples on a budget

Pros –  On the hill with great views of the Coral Sea and township, outstanding house owners, budget-friendly
Cons – you share the house with up to 6 other couples

7. Freedom Shores

Freedom Shores is a unique accommodation provider in Airlie Beach. Set in a valley close to Airlie Beach, they have Boat Bungalows (don’t worry, these are on land) plus resort suites.

The accommodation is part of Northlies restaurant and bar, a 15-minute drive from Airlie Beach. Their shuttle bus service runs multiple times daily to take you to town and back.

Facilities include an onsite restaurant and bar, a shared lounge/TV area and private bathrooms. There is a choice of room sizes and bungalows

Best For – Couples and Families

Pros –  Great sea views and quiet rural property,
Cons – boat bungalows are very close together and 15 minutes from town

8. Mirage Whitsundays

Mirage Whitsundays is located at the southern end of Coral Sea Marina, right on the waterfront of the Coral Sea. Most apartments will offer amazing views of the marina and Whitsunday Islands.

They have a selection of self-contained apartments, villas and penthouses that enjoy absolute water frontage. If you have money to spend, their penthouses have 180 deg interrupted sea and island views and are stunning apartments.

Their facilities include a Lagoon Pool, Horizon Pool, Restaurant, Gymnasium, Satori Day Spa, Tour Desk & Gift Shop.

Best For – Couples, Families, Honeymoons, Business

Pros –  New apartments with a modern feel, nice views and close to the marina, close to Cannonvale beach
Cons – 25-minute walk to Airlie Beach. Ground units are close to the busy bicentennial walkway. They have reviews where guests are not happy about the staff.

Activities For Your Airlie Beach Stay

That is the end of my review of the best accommodation in Airlie Beach, I hope you learnt and found the best accommodation to suit you for your next holiday. Below you will find a list of tours and attractions in the region for your stay.