WORLD OCEANIA AUSTRALIA AIRLIE BEACH


Airlie Beach


Airlie Beach (or "Airlie) is a town in Queensland, Australia and is the closest port from which to access the Whitsunday islands on the Great Barrier Reef. With around 25,000 residents it is developed to cater for almost every kind of tourist and backpacker, and is the major hub for trips out to the Whitsunday islands. Abel point marina is the location for taking boats out to islands, and is a brisk fifteen minute walk from Shute Harbour Road, Airlie's High Street, around a recently renovated sea side board walk.

Understand


Airlie beach used to be a backpacker haven but has now been discovered by Australians and has consequently become more commercialised in recent years. Still plenty of good cheap accommodation and an excellent stop off on the East Coast of Australia.

Get in


Flying to Proserpine Airport, also known as Whitsunday Coast Airport, in Proserpine is the easiest way to reach Airlie. There is also a train station in Proserpine for those travelling up the East coast. The two main airlines flying to here are Virgin Blue and Jetstar. After arriving at the airport, luggage is driven around the side of the building be collected from a trailer.

Get around

A number of buses serve the airport terminal, and drive to Airlie beach or other locations but all but one must be prebooked, for instance with Cruise Whitsundays. The tickets cost a flat $15 per person one way and can be purchased in a queue at a clearly marked booth just inside the arrival gate. The bus driver mans the booth, and when everyone has got a ticket (about 30-40 minutes wait from arrival) the bus gets going. Another option is to take a taxi, for which there is also a booth inside the arrivals gate. However taxi rides seem to match the bus price, and cost $15 per person. Also, there may not be any taxis waiting. The ride to Airlie beach is smooth and takes about 40 minutes. The driver will ask where you are staying and take you to the door of the hostel or hotel in Airlie Beach.

Do

Despite its name, Airlie Beach is not the best place for the beach itself. The few near the Shute Harbour Rd are small and pretty, but the presence of jellyfish (the Irukandji are the most common form, but there are signs up detailing different species near the beaches) means people do not swim in the water. "Stinger season" lasts from around October to around May, which means a swim in the water requires a stinger suit - made from rash top type material. However more than making up for this, Airlie has a fantastic man made lagoon. This is around two hundred metres long and fifty wide, landscaped with a bridge and grass to lie on surrounding. It is watched by life guards during the day and security at night, and because it is open to swim in at all times the...



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Savannah Walkabout Australian Animals Eco Tour 8.5 hours

Savannah Walkabout Australian Animals Eco Tour

In small groups this naturalist guided eco-tour gives you quality time to learn about wildlife and enjoy the wide open spaces of Australia. Get close to kangaroos, koalas and abundant birdlife. The special Koala Research Project ensures that you often have multiple sightings of these delightful creatures in the wild. A delicious bush lunch is included.

Venture into 'real Australia' to see wild Kangaroos, Koalas and abundant birdlife. Learn about native animals and plants both in the famous open-range grasslands and around the billabongs of Serendip Sanctuary on the Western Plains and in the bushlands of a nearby National Park.

Walk amongst large free ranging "mobs" (groups) of wild kangaroos. Spot Emus, Wallabies, Cockatoos and other unique Australian wildlife.

Visit an open forest that is home to a large and healthy population of wild koalas. The Koala Research Project ensures that on most days you have multiple sightings of these delightful creatures.

Within easy reach from the center of the city of Melbourne, these environments provide the perfect introduction to Australia's unique wildlife and indigenous culture.

During your journey your guide will share with you the great significance of the Western Plains to Aboriginal people.

Click here for more information and Booking Details


Reefsleep from Hamilton Island 2 Days / 1 Night

Sunrise on Reefworld

Imagine experiencing all the splendor of the Great Barrier Reef at night. The brightness of the stars twinkling in the sky above, the moonlit crystal waters gently lapping against spectacular coral walls, and that unique feeling of peace and tranquillity one can only experience when secluded on this natural wonder that stretches some 2500 kilometers.

Encompassing two days and one night at Reefworld, Reefsleep accommodates a maximum of six guests only and allows you to enjoy the solitude and tranquillity of the Great Barrier Reef in a decidedly individual environment.

Enjoy the serenity of essentially being one of the only people snorkeling and scuba diving (two dives are included) the Great Barrier Reef, view the nocturnal activities of the many colorful reef fish and sensational coral formations after canapes and champagne on sunset, and enjoy alfresco dining surrounded only by reef systems and a blanket of stars above.

The only experience of its kind in Australia - what could be more perfect?

Click here for more information and Booking Details


Great Ocean Road Small Group Tour from Melbourne 13 hours

The fabulous formations of the 12 Apostles

Depart Melbourne and enjoy the scenic journey along the Great Ocean Road. A highlight in itself, as you absorb some truly amazing coastal scenery, with new views being revealed around every bend. At the township of Kennet River you make a brief side trip into the sweetly-scented eucalyptus forest to locate some of the local koalas in the native habitat. The koala population here is particularly strong and numerous sightings are guaranteed. After lunch you will proceed through the spectacular Otway Ranges, where you make a stop to enjoy a stroll in the cool temperate rain forest at Maits Rest.

Then it's onwards to the world famous Port Campbell National Park and its iconic array of rock formations. Be awestruck by the majestic monoliths of the Twelve Apostles. You have the opportunity to take to the air with an optional helicopter flight. (at your own expense).Just down the road is the heart of the Shipwreck Coast, the Loch Ard Gorge where 52 lives were lost and only 2 souls survived the wreck of the Loch Ard in 1878.

Your final sightseeing destination is the collapsed London Bridge, where two holiday makers were stranded when the first arch collapsed in 1990. A dinner stop is made on the journey back to Melbourne, before enjoying a stunning view of the illuminated city as you cross the Westgate Bridge again on the way home.

Highlights:

  • iPod audio language translator in Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Italian, French, German and Spanish
  • Personalized small group tours
  • Scenic helicopter option (additional charge)
  • The Twelve Apostles and other rock formations of the Port Campbell National Park
  • Visit Kennet River township to meet the local koalas.
  • Walking amongst ancient rainforest in the Great Otway National Park

Click here for more information and Booking Details






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