Airlie Beach Lagoon - Guide for Tourists
The coastal town of Airlie Beach is one of the few gateways to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, drawing in hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. If you’re planning on staying or visiting Airlie Beach, the Airlie Beach Lagoon is a must-visit location, especially if you’re looking for a safe swimming spot.
The Airlie Beach Lagoon is a public hangout spot open to visitors and locals alike – featuring a 4,300 square metre swimming pool, barbeque facilities, and lots of shaded areas for picnics. The best part? It’s completely free!
What to Know About the Airlie Beach Lagoon
The Airlie Beach Lagoon is the hangout spot in Airlie Beach, located right next to the centre of town. The lagoon’s atmosphere is buzzing with excitement, filled with families enjoying their day, backpackers soaking in the sun, and locals mingling along the foreshore. With plenty of room to swim, paddle, BBQ, or sit and enjoy an expansive view of the Coral Sea, the Airlie Beach Lagoon is a destination in its own right.
The Airlie Beach Lagoon Pool
The lagoon is situated on a man-made breakwater and features a large pool area divided into two sections. One section is shallow enough for children and toddlers, with a maximum depth of 1.5 meters, while the other section has depths reaching up to 2 meters and includes marked swimming lanes.
The lagoon is a supersized version of what you’d expect from a hotel swimming pool, with fresh chlorinated water and lifeguards on duty. Swimming in the lagoon is safer compared to the ocean, especially during jellyfish season (October to May). The water isn’t heated, but that’s not a problem as the region’s year-round warm weather keeps it at a comfortable 24-30°C in summer and 20-24°C in winter.
Opening hours
As mentioned, access to the Airlie Beach Lagoon is free. Opening hours for the lagoon vary depending on the season: the lagoon is open from 5:30am to 9:00pm in summer (September to May), and 5:30am to 7:00pm during the winter (June to August). The entire lagoon is well-lit with floodlights for visitors planning to catch the sunset.
Are Dogs Allowed At Airlie Beach Lagoon?
Unfortunately, you’ll have to leave your furry friend behind if you visit Airlie Beach Lagoon. Instead, take your dog to Shingley Beach, which is dog-friendly and has an off-leash policy. Shingley Beach is only a 15-minute walk west of the town centre.
Facilities in the Airlie Beach Lagoon
The Airlie Beach Lagoon offers a wide range of facilities, including:
- A 2m deep pool section with dedicated swimming lanes and disabled access
- A children’s pool area with a depth of up to 1.5m
- Wading pool for toddlers
- Bathroom and changing room facilities with cold showers
- Children’s playground
- Gas BBQ areas with undercover shelter
- Grassy areas and landscaped gardens for picnics
- Pool lifeguards and first aid-trained staff
- 24-hour CCTV monitoring
The best way to enjoy the Airlie Beach Lagoon is to get there early in the morning to secure a BBQ area. These spots are free to use and get occupied soon after the lagoon opens. If you’re not planning to use the BBQ facilities, find a spot overlooking the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands.
Getting to Airlie Beach Lagoon
The Airlie Beach Lagoon is located just north of the centre of the town on Shute Harbour Road. If you need an easy-to-recognise landmark, it’s a 10-minute walk from the local Woolies supermarket.
Parking is available on either side of the lagoon, but these are paid parking areas. Don’t mind walking? There’s a free council parking area at the roundabout on Waterson Way, which is a 15-minute walk to the lagoon.
Things to Do Around Airlie Beach Lagoon
The lagoon is part of the Airlie Beach Foreshore area, which was recently redeveloped in 2019. Here you’ll find eateries, scenic walking tracks like the Bicentennial Walkway, market stalls, and tour bookings for adventures out in the Whitsunday Islands.
If you’re looking for the quintessential Whitsunday sailing adventure, we’re here to help you find the right tour with 19 vessels to choose from, each with a unique itinerary. Whether you’re looking to visit iconic destinations like Whitehaven Beach and the Hill Inlet Lookout on a Whitsundays sailing tour, snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, or take a private diving expedition, we’ll match you with the right tour for an unforgettable experience.
Then, once you’re back from the adventure, kick back on Airlie Beach Lagoon and reminisce about the memories you’ve made. All our tours depart from the Coral Sea Marina, a 15- 20 minute walk from the lagoon.
