How To Get Around Airlie Beach
Getting Around Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is a compact coastal town where most attractions, restaurants and accommodation sit within easy walking distance of each other. The main street runs parallel to the foreshore, with the Airlie Beach Lagoon, shops and dining options all clustered together. Visitors can comfortably explore the town centre on foot without needing transport for day-to-day activities.
For trips beyond the main street, several transport options connect Airlie Beach with surrounding suburbs and attractions. Local buses run regular services to Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket and Shute Harbour. Taxis and rideshare services operate throughout the area. Electric scooters and bikes offer a fun way to explore the coastline. This guide covers every transport option available in Airlie Beach so you can choose what works best for your trip.
Walking in Airlie Beach
Walking is the most popular way to get around central Airlie Beach. The town centre is flat and pedestrian-friendly, with footpaths connecting all the main attractions. From the lagoon, you can walk to the Port of Airlie marina in about 5 minutes, reaching restaurants, tour departure points and ferry terminals without needing transport. Most accommodation in Airlie Beach sits within a 10 to 15 minute walk of the main street.
Bicentennial Walkway
The Bicentennial Walkway is a stunning 4 kilometre coastal path connecting Airlie Beach to Cannonvale. Built in 1988 as part of Australia's Bicentennial Celebrations, this scenic route hugs the foreshore with views across the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands the entire way. The pathway combines wooden boardwalks and sealed concrete sections, making it accessible for prams, wheelchairs and cyclists.
Starting at the Airlie Beach Lagoon, the walkway passes the Coral Sea Marina where you can stop for coffee or lunch at waterfront restaurants like Sorrento's. The route continues past Shingley Beach, known locally as Turtle Beach due to frequent sea turtle sightings, before finishing at Cannonvale Beach. Walking one way takes about 45 to 50 minutes at a leisurely pace. You can walk the 8 kilometre return journey or catch the bus back from Cannonvale.
Local Bus Services
Whitsunday Transit operates the local bus network connecting Proserpine, Cannonvale, Airlie Beach, Jubilee Pocket and Shute Harbour. Services run every 15 to 30 minutes along Shute Harbour Road throughout the day, 7 days a week. The modern, air-conditioned fleet includes low-floor buses with wheelchair accessibility on approximately 70% of vehicles.
Key bus stops in Airlie Beach include the Transit Terminal near the main street, Port of Airlie Maritime Terminal, Abell Point Ferry Terminal and Cannonvale Shopping Centre. Fares are payable to the driver in cash only. The bus service is particularly useful for reaching Shute Harbour for boat tours, getting to Cannonvale for shopping, or connecting with airport and rail transfers at Proserpine. Whitsunday Transit provides over 70 services per day across the region.
Taxis and Rideshare
13CABS operates taxi services throughout the Whitsunday region. Taxis can be booked by calling 131 008 or through the 13CABS app. A taxi rank is located in the centre of Airlie Beach near the main street, and a 24-hour service runs for late night pickups from bars and restaurants. Taxis are useful for airport transfers, reaching accommodation outside the town centre, or getting home after a night out.
Uber rideshare services also operate in Airlie Beach. The app works the same as in major cities, allowing you to request rides, track your driver and pay through your phone. Availability can vary depending on the time of day and how many drivers are working in the area. During busy periods like weekends and school holidays, both taxis and Uber can experience higher demand.
Electric Scooter Hire
Electric scooters offer a fun and eco-friendly way to explore Airlie Beach and the surrounding coastline. Travel Shack operates e-scooter rentals in Airlie Beach, providing an easy way to cover more ground than walking while enjoying the coastal breeze. Scooters are ideal for cruising along the Bicentennial Walkway to Cannonvale or exploring the foreshore at your own pace.
Riders must wear helmets and follow local road rules when using electric scooters. The flat terrain around Airlie Beach and the sealed pathways make scooter riding straightforward for most people. Rental periods and pricing vary, so check with Travel Shack for current availability and rates. E-scooters work well for short trips around town, reaching nearby beaches, or just enjoying a leisurely ride along the waterfront.
Bike Hire
Ride Whitsunday offers bicycle hire in Airlie Beach for visitors wanting to explore on two wheels. Cycling is a popular choice for covering the Bicentennial Walkway and reaching beaches and lookouts around the area. The flat coastal paths and quiet suburban streets make Airlie Beach well suited to cycling.
Bike hire gives you flexibility to stop wherever you like along the coastline, whether for photos, a swim at Cannonvale Beach, or coffee at a waterfront cafe. The pathway from Airlie Beach to Cannonvale is fully sealed and suitable for all bike types. Helmets are compulsory for cyclists in Queensland. Bikes are a good option for visitors staying several days who want an active way to get around without relying on buses or taxis.
Car Hire
Hiring a car makes sense if you plan to explore beyond Airlie Beach or prefer the flexibility of your own transport. Avis and Hertz both operate in Airlie Beach, with rental desks also available at Whitsunday Coast Airport in Proserpine. A car allows you to visit beaches like Hideaway Bay and Dingo Beach, explore the hinterland, or take day trips to Bowen and beyond.
Roads around Airlie Beach are well maintained with clear signage. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas and 40 km/h in school zones. Parking is available throughout town, including paid parking near the marina and free street parking in surrounding streets. A car is not essential for staying in central Airlie Beach, but becomes useful for reaching attractions further afield or if you are travelling with family and lots of luggage.
Getting to the Islands and Reef
Most Whitsunday tours include pickup from central Airlie Beach accommodation or depart from the Port of Airlie marina. Day tours to Whitehaven Beach, the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands all operate from the marina, which sits within easy walking distance of the town centre. You do not need a car or special transport to access these tours.
Ferries to Hamilton Island and Daydream Island depart from Port of Airlie, operated by Cruise Whitsundays. If your tour departs from Shute Harbour rather than Port of Airlie, the Whitsunday Transit bus connects both locations regularly. Tour operators will advise your departure point when you book, and most can arrange transfers if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a car in Airlie Beach?
Most visitors do not need a car in Airlie Beach. The town centre is compact and walkable, with the main street, lagoon, restaurants and tour departure points all within easy walking distance. Local buses connect to surrounding suburbs and Shute Harbour. A car is only useful if you plan to explore beaches and attractions further from town.
How do I get from Airlie Beach to Shute Harbour?
Whitsunday Transit buses run regularly between Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour, taking approximately 15 minutes. Services operate every 15 to 30 minutes throughout the day. You can also take a taxi, Uber, or drive yourself if you have a rental car. Some tour operators provide transfers to Shute Harbour as part of their package.
How long is the Bicentennial Walkway?
The Bicentennial Walkway is 4 kilometres one way, connecting Airlie Beach Lagoon to Cannonvale Beach. The full return walk is 8 kilometres. Walking one way takes approximately 45 to 50 minutes at a leisurely pace. The pathway is flat, sealed and suitable for walking, running, cycling and prams.
Is Uber available in Airlie Beach?
Yes, Uber operates in Airlie Beach. The app works the same as in major cities for requesting rides and paying. Availability can vary depending on how many drivers are in the area, particularly during quieter periods. Taxis through 13CABS are also available as an alternative.
Where can I hire an electric scooter in Airlie Beach?
Travel Shack offers electric scooter rentals in Airlie Beach. E-scooters are a popular way to explore the coastline and Bicentennial Walkway. Helmets must be worn and local road rules apply. Check with Travel Shack for current rental rates and availability.
How often do buses run in Airlie Beach?
Whitsunday Transit buses run every 15 to 30 minutes along the main route between Cannonvale, Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour. Services operate 7 days a week with over 70 services per day across the region. Fares are payable in cash to the driver.