If you’ve wrapped up your Whitsunday Islands tour and are craving more sandy shores, you’re in luck! Dive into this guide to uncover the top beaches between Airlie Beach and Bowen for an unforgettable coastal experience.
Airlie Beach
Boathaven Beach: Just a 5-minute walk from the town center,
Boathaven Beach features a large stinger net, making it ideal for safe swimming. Enjoy
breathtaking views and soft sand perfect for sunbathing and relaxation. During the hot summer
months, consider bringing an umbrella as shade options are limited. For pet owners, the beach
offers off-leash hours from 5:30 am to 8:30 am daily.
Cannonvale
Cannonvale Beach: Located at the end of the Bicentennial Walkway,
Cannonvale Beach offers natural beauty and family-friendly amenities. This small sandy stretch
boasts rock pools at one end and mangroves at the other, making it a diverse spot for
exploration. A centrally located stinger net ensures safe swimming during stinger season.
Families will appreciate the playground near the shore, as well as the scattered BBQs and
exercise machines along the beachfront. During low tide, visitors can venture to nearby Pigeon
Island for an added adventure. Be sure to check tide schedules to avoid being stranded and wear
sturdy shoes, as the rocks can be sharp! For pet owners, the eastern end of the beach allows
off-leash access during certain hours, except on peak times and school days.
Shute Harbour
Coral Beach: A short 15-minute drive from Airlie Beach leads to a
hidden gem known as Coral Beach. Accessible via a scenic walking track through lush rainforest,
stretching approximately 1 km, this secluded beach is composed of washed-up coral fragments. Due
to its secluded location, you’ll often find yourself with this beach to yourself. The track to
Coral Beach takes you for a wander through dense rainforest where you might spot native wildlife
and enjoy stunning views along the way. The beach itself is a tranquil haven where you can relax,
explore the shoreline, and admire the unique coral formations washed ashore. It's an ideal
spot for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone seeking a quiet spot away from the
touristy areas. Remember to bring essentials like water, sunscreen, and sturdy footwear for the
walk, and consider packing a picnic to fully enjoy a day at Coral Beach.
Hideaway Bay and Dingo Beach
Dingo Beach: Dingo Beach is a small township located approximately a
45-minute drive from Airlie Beach. The beach boasts a long stretch of soft white sand and calm
turquoise waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. BBQ facilities are available,
offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy a picnic with stunning ocean views. Additionally,
there is a year-round stinger net in place for safe swimming during stinger season. After a day
at the beach, the local Dingo Beach Pub, situated right on the beachfront, is a perfect spot for
a pub meal and a cold beer. It's an ideal place to relax and enjoy lunch or an afternoon
drink while overlooking the bay. For those looking to explore the waters around Dingo Beach, The
Great Dingo Beach Escape offers boat hire options for both novice boaters and those with a boat
license.
Hideaway Bay Beach: Just a short 10-minute drive from Dingo Beach
lies Hideaway Bay. This small township is located on a no-through road, which is a mixture of
gravel and tarmac. Along this road, you'll find multiple access points to secluded beaches,
often all to yourself. Hideaway Bay Beach itself offers pristine white sands and clear turquoise
waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and relaxing with a picnic. If you prefer not
to pack your own food, you can visit the nearby Cape Gloucester Resort for lunch or dinner while
enjoying the beautiful surroundings. If you have the time, stick around to watch the sun drop
down behind the ocean. It’s a sight not to be missed!
Bowen
Horseshoe Bay: Located an hour's drive from Airlie Beach, Bowen
boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Whitsundays region. Horseshoe Bay is a
highlight, featuring a pristine sandy beach bordered by large granite rocks, which not only add
to the scenic beauty but also create a sheltered environment perfect for swimming, snorkeling,
and sunbathing. One of the main draws of visiting Bowen for a beach day is the thriving fringing
reef located just off the mainland. This healthy reef provides ample opportunities for snorkelers
and divers to explore vibrant marine life and colorful coral formations. After enjoying Horseshoe
Bay, take a stroll along the foreshore walking path that connects Horseshoe Bay with other nearby
beaches and lookout points.
Murray Bay: A lesser-known beach in Bowen, Murray Bay, is just a
short drive from Horseshoe Bay. If you're looking for something more secluded, this is the
place to be. Offering similar attractions to Horseshoe Bay without the crowds, Murray Bay is the
perfect spot to unwind. Just like Horseshoe Bay, Murray Bay features a small sandy beach with a
thriving fringing reef just off the mainland. This secluded bay is ideal for those seeking
tranquility and a more intimate connection with nature. The clear waters and vibrant marine life
make it a great spot for snorkeling and swimming. Explore the rock pools, take in the serene
surroundings, and enjoy a peaceful day at one of Bowen's hidden gems, don’t forget to pack
some snacks and water as there are no shops at the beach.
