Pricing And Reviews
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Budget-Friendly Studios with Stunning Marina Views
Sunlit Waters Studio Apartments - Studio Options
Classic Studio
Perfect for couples or solo travellers on a budget. These cosy studios have everything you need - queen bed, kitchenette with stovetop and fridge, air conditioning, and your own private balcony. Simple but spotlessly clean, with those gorgeous views over the marina that make Sunlit Waters Studio Apartments so special.
Sleeps: 2 guests
Classic Medium Studio
Slightly more spacious than the classic studio, giving you a bit more room to spread out. Queen bed, well-equipped kitchenette, and that all-important balcony where you'll probably end up having breakfast every morning while watching the boats in the marina. Great value for what you get at Sunlit Waters Studio Apartments.
Sleeps: 2 guests
Classic Large Studio
The biggest option, brilliant for small families or if you just want extra space. Queen bed plus a single, larger kitchenette, and a generous balcony with outdoor dining table. Some of these larger studios (like room 7) have particularly big balconies - perfect for enjoying those stunning Whitsunday sunsets with a drink in hand.
Sleeps: 3 guests
Property Information
Address:
20 Airlie Crescent
Airlie Beach, QLD 4802
Property Type:
3-Star Studio Apartments
Phone:
07 4946 6352
Total Studios:
7 Studios
Check-in: 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Check-out: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Distance to Key Locations
Airlie Beach Lagoon
400m (5-8 min walk)
Coral Sea Marina
1.3km (15 min walk)
Port of Airlie
1.6km (20 min walk)
About Sunlit Waters Studio Apartments
Sunlit Waters Studio Apartments is one of Airlie Beach's best-kept secrets for budget-conscious travellers who don't want to compromise on views or location. Perched on a hillside just minutes from town, these 7 studios punch well above their weight with spectacular panoramic views over the Coral Sea Marina and Pioneer Bay. What makes Sunlit Waters Studio Apartments special is the combination of affordable rates and those million-dollar sunset views.
The property is run by Peter (the owner) along with managers Chris and Fiona, and guests rave about their friendly, helpful approach. They're the kind of hosts who'll give you great local tips, help book your tours, and even pick you up from the bus station if you ask nicely. The studios themselves are older-style but meticulously maintained - spotlessly clean with everything you need including kitchenettes, air conditioning, and those fantastic private balconies. Sunlit Waters Studio Apartments offers brilliant value, especially for couples or solo travellers wanting to explore the Whitsundays without breaking the bank.
What Guests Are Saying
"Everything was phenomenal! The view is incredible, the people running the place are really lovely and the rooms were great. It's also just a five minute walk from town. The pool area and view from the balcony was unreal. The owner was there to greet us and he was so nice. I don't have anything bad to say about this place. We would love to book again anytime we're back this way."
Booking.com
"We stayed for two nights while roadtripping from Cairns. The staff were so friendly and attentive, always happy to have a chat and gave great tips about the best meal deals and places to go in town. We were amazed with the view from the room as well as how spacious the rooms were. Pool was beautiful with 180 degree views of the marina. Great location, very close to centre of town. Wouldn't stay anywhere else when we next come to Airlie!"
TripAdvisor
"My husband and I recently spent a very enjoyable 5 nights at Sunlit Waters! Location is great, apartment was well laid out, clean, quiet, good linens, wonderful pool overlooking the marina and had an on site self-serve washer and dryer. Peter was great to work with. If anyone can find a better value for money apartment in Airlie Beach I would be amazed. Short walk to the main strip, but far enough away so there is no intrusion from the noisy backpackers places."
Google Reviews
Heads up: It's on a steep hill like most hillside accommodation in Airlie. Walking down takes about 5 minutes, but coming back up is a bit of a climb in the heat. The views absolutely make it worthwhile though. Parking spaces are a bit tight if you have a large vehicle.
What's Included
Outdoor Pool
With stunning marina views
Super Fast WiFi
250+ Mbps speed
Free Parking
On-site parking
Kitchenette
Stovetop, microwave, fridge
Air Conditioning
In all studios
Laundry
Self-serve facilities
BBQ Facilities
Shared BBQ area
Tour Assistance
Help booking trips
The Location
Sunlit Waters Studio Apartments sits on Airlie Crescent, perched on a hillside with west-facing views that are absolutely magic at sunset. From the pool and your private balcony, you're looking directly over Abel Point Marina (also called Coral Sea Marina) and Pioneer Bay, with the Whitsunday Islands dotted across the horizon. The property gets its name from those gorgeous golden sunsets that light up the water - it really is something special.
What's Nearby
Airlie Beach Lagoon: Just 400 metres away (5-minute walk downhill), this free saltwater pool is patrolled daily and surrounded by parkland. Perfect for a morning swim or cooling off in the afternoon. Saturday mornings there's a brilliant market on the foreshore.
Main Street & Shops: About 5 minutes downhill gets you to the heart of Airlie Beach with supermarkets, tour booking offices, restaurants, and all the action. Close enough to walk but far enough up the hill to avoid the backpacker noise at night.
Coral Sea Marina: The view you'll be looking at! It's about 15 minutes walk and this is where most Whitsunday tours depart from. The marina village has some nice cafes and restaurants if you fancy eating waterside.
Bicentennial Walkway: Just a 6-minute stroll away, this scenic walking path hugs the coastline and is brilliant for morning or evening walks with stunning ocean views.
Why Guests Love Sunlit Waters Studio Apartments
- Those sunset views - watch the sky turn pink and orange over the marina every evening
- Exceptional value for money - you're getting views that would cost twice as much elsewhere
- Genuinely friendly hosts who actually care about making your stay great
- Clean, comfortable, no-fuss accommodation that does exactly what it says
- Close enough to walk to town but far enough away to be peaceful and quiet
- The pool with a view is perfect for cooling off while gazing at the boats below
Check-in, Parking & Policies
Check-in & Check-out Times
Check-in: 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Check-out: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
Let them know your arrival time in advance, especially if you're coming outside these hours. Peter or the team can arrange key collection for late arrivals.
Parking Information
Free on-site parking is included with your booking. The spaces are a bit snug, so if you've got a large 4WD or van, just be aware it might be a tight squeeze. Most regular cars fit fine though.
Important to Know
Sunlit Waters Studio Apartments doesn't accept bucks or hens parties - they keep it peaceful for couples and families. There's a $2,000 security deposit required on arrival (collected by credit card and refunded after checkout pending inspection). The hillside location means a short steep walk - fine going down, a workout coming back up!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sunlit Waters Studio Apartments good value for money?
Absolutely - it's one of the best value options in Airlie Beach. You get spectacular marina views, spotlessly clean studios, and excellent service at very reasonable rates.
Can I cook meals in the studios at Sunlit Waters Studio Apartments?
Yes, each studio has a kitchenette with stovetop, microwave, fridge, and cooking utensils. No oven, but you can easily prepare breakfast and simple meals to save money.
How far is Sunlit Waters Studio Apartments from the marina for tours?
Coral Sea Marina, where most tours depart, is about 1.3km away (15-minute walk). The hosts can help arrange tour bookings and transfers if needed.
Is Sunlit Waters Studio Apartments suitable for families?
Yes, the larger studios work well for small families with kids. Note that children under 10 must be supervised at the pool, and the hillside location might be challenging with prams.
Do I need a car to stay at Sunlit Waters Studio Apartments?
Not essential - you can walk to Airlie Beach Lagoon and town in 5 minutes. A car is convenient but the hosts can arrange bus pickups or transfers for tours.
Why Trust This Guide?
We're Airlie Beach locals who've called the Whitsundays home since 2001. Over more than two decades living and working in this stunning corner of tropical North Queensland, we've personally experienced the accommodation options, walked every street, and know which properties genuinely deliver on their promises.
Sunlit Waters Studio Apartments consistently impresses with its unbeatable combination of location, value, and genuine hospitality. Peter, Chris, and Fiona have built a loyal following of guests who return year after year because they know they'll get clean, comfortable accommodation with those spectacular views without paying premium prices. It's the kind of place locals actually recommend to visiting friends and family.
These recommendations are honest, unbiased, and based on genuine local knowledge to help make your Whitsunday holiday unforgettable.
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