Pricing And Reviews
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Budget-Friendly Motel Units Right on Airlie Beach Lagoon
Property Information
Address:
269 Shute Harbour Road
Airlie Beach, QLD 4802
Property Type:
3-Star Budget Motel
Phone:
+61 7 4946 6359
Total Rooms:
24 Studio Units
Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Distance to Key Locations
Airlie Beach Lagoon
Direct access (steps away)
Coral Sea Marina
650m (7 min walk)
Port of Airlie
1km (12 min walk)
About Whitsunday on The Beach
If you're after budget-friendly accommodation in the absolute heart of Airlie Beach, Whitsunday on The Beach ticks all the boxes. The location is honestly unbeatable - you've got a private gate at the back that opens directly onto Airlie Beach Lagoon, and the main street with all its restaurants, bars, and shops is right outside your front door.
The motel offers 24 self-contained studio units that are clean, comfortable, and practical. Each unit has a kitchenette with the basics you need, reverse cycle air conditioning, and your own balcony or patio. The furnishings are a bit dated - this isn't a luxury resort - but everything works well and it's kept tidy. What you're really paying for here is the incredible location and the fact you can walk to absolutely everything.
Being smack in the middle of town means Whitsunday on The Beach is perfect for people who want to be close to the action. The Coral Sea Marina where most Whitsunday tours depart is a 7-minute stroll, and you can reach dozens of cafes and restaurants in under 5 minutes on foot.
What Guests Are Saying
"Right in the middle of Airlie, perfect position, nightlife and dining on one side and lagoon and beach on the other. The location is great, swimming lagoon just out the back gate. Close to everything. The room was big and clean, the bed was amazing."
Booking.com
"One of our favourite stays in Australia. This could not be more centrally located. There's a private gate that opens up directly to the beautiful lagoon and the beach. So many tour bookings, cafes, bars, restaurants and convenience shops nearby. Manager is so friendly, it's family run, and he offered so many local tips."
Hotels.com
"Nice size room with a kitchenette, lovely double sliding doors to balcony with a view to the lagoon. Perfect locality in the heart of everything. Right next to the lagoon, cafes and beautiful sunrises. Will definitely book again."
TripAdvisor
Good to know: Being right in the centre of Airlie Beach means you're in the heart of the nightlife district. Some rooms can get noise from nearby bars and clubs, especially on weekends. If you're a light sleeper, pack earplugs - or embrace the party atmosphere!
What's Included
Outdoor Pool
Plus kids pool area
Free WiFi
Throughout property
Parking
Lagoon car park $10/day
Kitchenette
Microwave, fridge, kettle
Air Conditioning
Reverse cycle in all units
Laundry
Facilities available
Entertainment
Flat-screen TV
Tour Desk
Book reef trips easily
The Location
Located right on Shute Harbour Road, Whitsunday on The Beach sits in the beating heart of Airlie Beach. Step out your door and you're surrounded by cafes, restaurants, tour booking offices, and shops. Walk through the back gate and you're at the Airlie Beach Lagoon with its free swimming pool, parklands, and Saturday morning markets. This is as central as it gets.
What's Nearby
Airlie Beach Lagoon: Literally steps from your back door. This massive saltwater swimming lagoon is patrolled by lifeguards and surrounded by parklands with free BBQs. Open 6am-9pm daily, it's the perfect spot for a morning swim or sunset dip.
Main Street Dining: You're right in the middle of Airlie's restaurant strip. Everything from fish and chips to fancy dining is within a 2-minute walk. Check out our places to eat guide for local recommendations.
Coral Sea Marina: A 7-minute stroll takes you to where most Whitsunday tours depart. Book your reef trips, island tours, or sailing adventures from the many operators based here. The marina village also has great cafes and a beautiful boardwalk.
Woolworths Supermarket: About 5 minutes' walk. Perfect for stocking your kitchenette with breakfast supplies, snacks, or basics for a simple meal in your room.
Boathaven Beach: A 12-minute walk brings you to this quieter beach area, great for watching boats come and go or catching a beautiful Queensland sunset.
The Central Location Advantage
Staying at Whitsunday on The Beach means you can genuinely leave your car parked and walk everywhere. Tour pick-ups happen right outside, taxis are plentiful, and the bus depot is a 10-minute walk if you're arriving by Greyhound. The location score of 9.5 out of 10 on Booking.com isn't just marketing hype - guests consistently rave about being able to access everything on foot.
The trade-off is that you're right in the entertainment district, which means weekend nights can get lively. But if you're here to experience Airlie Beach properly - to be part of the action rather than watching from afar - this location is absolutely perfect.
Check-in, Parking & Policies
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Arriving after hours? Contact reception in advance to arrange after-hours check-in procedures.
Parking Information
Parking is available at the lagoon car park directly behind the property for $10 per day. This is actually very reasonable for central Airlie Beach where parking can be scarce. Airport shuttle buses also pick up and drop off at this car park.
Deposit & Policies
A damage deposit of $500 AUD is required on arrival by credit card. This is fully refundable at checkout subject to room inspection. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Children 18 and over are charged as adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Whitsunday on The Beach suitable for families?
Yes, families are welcome and there's a children's pool. However, the central nightlife location can be noisy on weekends.
How far is Whitsunday on The Beach from tour departure points?
Coral Sea Marina is 7 minutes' walk and Port of Airlie is 12 minutes' walk.
Do the rooms have full kitchens?
The units have kitchenettes with microwave, fridge, and kettle. There's no full stove or oven for cooking.
Can I book tours from the property?
Yes, there's an on-site tour desk where you can book reef trips, island tours, and arrange car or scooter hire.
Is there direct beach access?
Yes, there's a private gate at the back providing direct access to Airlie Beach Lagoon and surrounding parklands.
Why Trust This Guide?
Locals who've called the Whitsundays home since 2001 created this guide. Over more than two decades living and working in this stunning corner of tropical North Queensland, the area's accommodation options have been personally experienced, every street has been walked, and which properties genuinely deliver on their promises is known.
Whitsunday on The Beach has built a solid reputation for offering excellent value in an unbeatable location. The family-run property consistently earns praise for its friendly service and central position. While the facilities are basic and a bit dated, guests who prioritise location and affordability over luxury consistently give this motel top marks.
These recommendations are honest, unbiased, and based on genuine local knowledge to help make any Whitsunday holiday unforgettable.
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