- Duration
- about 5 km on foot, 2 to 3 hours with stops (≈ 3 h 38 min: moving and stop time only)
- Who it suits
- Everyone
- Transport
- walk
- Start
- Port of Airlie
- Finish
- Cannonvale Beach
- Pace
- relaxed pace
- Best time
- early morning or towards sunset; the foreshore has little shade at midday
- Budget per adult
- freePrices as of: October 2026
Getting there
From Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine), the Whitsunday Transit shuttle takes about 40 minutes and meets every Jetstar and Virgin flight. Book ahead online or on 07 4946 1800. The same company runs the local buses around town.
Stops in order
The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.
1. Port of Airlie~15 min at the stop
The town's eastern marina: Cruise Whitsundays ferries and day cruises leave from here for the islands and the reef.
Tip: Pop into the terminal and check tomorrow's ferry time so you are not rushing in the morning.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 14 min · 1 km
2. Whitsunday Sailing Club~20 min at the stop
The yacht club on the point at the eastern end of the foreshore. The bar and bistro are open to everyone seven days a week, with views over the bay to the islands.
Tip: If you arrive late in the day, stay for sunset: this is one of the best decks in town.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 7 min · 0.5 km
3. Airlie Beach Lagoon~45 min at the stop
A free, lifeguarded saltwater-style lagoon by the sea, with no stingers. This is where locals swim during stinger season.
Worth knowing: From October to May, swimming in the sea without a stinger suit is not advised, so the lagoon became the town's real beach.
Tip: Lifeguards start at 5:30am. The evening closing time changes with the season, so check the Whitsunday council site.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 7 min · 0.5 km
4. Coral Sea Resort and the new boardwalk~15 min at the stop
The Bicentennial boardwalk between Coral Sea Resort and the marina was rebuilt in 2026. The path runs right over the water.
Tip: Coral Sea Pavilion, by the resort pool, is open to everyone for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 5 min · 0.35 km
5. Coral Sea Marina~30 min at the stop
A 520-berth marina with a village of cafes. Many sailing boats, Red Cat catamarans and Helireef helicopters leave from here.
Tip: Le Kiosk at the north end of the marina does breakfast and lunch; bring your own cup for 10% off coffee.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 30 min · 2.3 km
6. Cannonvale Beach~30 min at the stop
The end of the Bicentennial Walkway: a long, quiet beach with a playground and lawns.
Tip: Ride a local Whitsunday Transit bus back to town along Shute Harbour Road.
Open on the map ↗
Before you go
- Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
- Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
- On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.