Bicentennial Walkway
Airlie Beach, Queensland
Airlie Beach’s Bicentennial Walkway is a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) boardwalk and path running from the center of town to Cannonvale Beach. Whether you walk a portion, the whole thing, or even a return trip, it offers a great way to get some exercise and enjoy Airlie Beach’s coastal vibe.
The basics
In between Great Barrier Reef excursions, sailing to the Whitsunday Islands, and sundowners, make time for a short stroll or a longer walk along Airlie Beach’s Bicentennial Walkway. Along the way you’ll find cafés, restaurants, views of the islands, the Coral Sea Marina, and opportunities to spot wildlife, including sea turtles, cockatoos, and kookaburras.
Most travelers visit independently while staying in Airlie Beach. Guided sunset walking and Segway tours are also available, with some tours including dinner or drinks after.
Things to know before you go
- There are barbecues, seating areas, and restroom facilities at various points along the walkway.
- Some parts of the walkway may be slightly submerged by the sea at high tide, but most people will be able to comfortably wade through.
- The full walkway can be completed in around an hour if you’re walking briskly, or two hours at a more leisurely pace.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash.
- The route is mostly flat and very scenic.
How to get there
Bicentennial Walkway begins at the lagoon in central Airlie Beach and continues for 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) to Cannonvale Beach. It’s also suitable for bicycles, scooters, roller skates, strollers, and wheelchairs (in most places). If you’d like to complete the walk in one direction but not both, catch a bus back into town from Shute Harbour Road, which is a short walk from most of the walkway.
When to get there
The best times to walk along the Bicentennial Walkway are the cooler early mornings and evenings. Avoid walking the track in the heat of the midday sun. Most people prefer to visit Airlie Beach in the dry season, between May and October, when the climate is milder and less humid than in the wet season.
Hike the Airlie Creek Track
If you’re looking for a short but more challenging hike through nature near Airlie Beach, consider heading to the Airlie Creek Track. The short uphill track behind the town winds through lush forest, ending at natural rock pools. Look out for native birds and Proserpine rock wallabies, an endangered species. Allow about one hour.
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