Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

THE WHITSUNDAY COAST & ISLANDS 317
swimming pools, set in 4 hectares (10 acres) of botanic gardens, with a children’s
pool, plenty of shade, barbecues, picnic shelters, toilets and showers, and parking.
Perched on the edge of the Coral Sea, with views across Pioneer Bay and the
Whitsunday Passage, Airlie Beach has a village atmosphere where life revolves
around the beach and the marina by day, and the bars and restaurants by night.
The spit of land between Airlie Bay and Boathaven Bay is home to the Airlie
Beach Sailing Club. Shute Harbour, 11km (7 miles) from Airlie Beach, is one
of Queensland’s busiest ports, filled with yachts, cruisers, water taxis, ferries, and
fishermen. For a bird’s-eye view, head to the Lions Lookout.
WHERE TO STAY
Airlie Beach Hotel Extensively refurbished in mid-2000, the hotel is in the
middle of town, next to the beach. The original 20 motel units have been totally
refurbished, and 60 new beachfront units have been added, including 4 suites. The
new units all have private balconies and bathtubs. Suites have full kitchen facilities.
The original Mangrove Jack’s restaurant (see “Where to Dine” below) remains
intact, and is joined by a second bar and grill restaurant, Capers, which has tables
overlooking the beach and which turns into a late-night dance bar after 10pm.
The Esplanade and Coconut Grove, Airlie Beach, QLD 4802.& 1800/466 233 in Australia, or 07/4964 1999.
Fax 07/4964 1998. www.airliebeachhotel.com.au. 80 units (20 with shower only). A$98 (US$64) double for
motel units; A$149–A$213 (US$97–US$138) double for hotel rooms; A$169–A$238 (US$110–US$155) double
for suites. AE, DC, MC, V. Free secure undercover parking. Amenities: 2 restaurants; 2 bars; outdoor saltwater
pool; tour desk; coin-op laundry. In room: A/C, TV, dataport, coffeemaker, kitchen (suites only).
Boathaven Spa Resort Friendly hosts Jan and Peter Cox run this new resort
with well-appointed studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments (some with private
Jacuzzi), and three-bedroom penthouses. Boathaven is set among lovely gardens
only 300m (984 ft.) from town. All apartments have balconies with views
over Boathaven Bay and the Coral Sea. The decor is attractive, with big living
areas, kitchenettes, and en suite bathrooms for each bedroom. The “spa suites”
and penthouses include laundry facilities and a Jacuzzi on the balcony.
440 Shute Harbour Rd., Airlie Beach, QLD 4802. & 07/4948 4948. Fax 07/4948 4999. www.boathaven
resort.com. 27 units (all with shower; 12 with Jacuzzis). A$155–A$170 (US$101–US$111) double studio;
A$195–A$210 (US$127–US$137) double 1-bedroom apt; A$175–A$190 (US$114–US$124) double spa studio;
A$270–A$285 (US$176–US$185) 2-bedroom apt; A$395–A$410 (US$257–US$267) 2-bedroom penthouse
(sleeps 4); A$525–A$540 (US$341–US$351) 3-bedroom penthouse (sleeps 6). Extra adult A$25 (US$16), extra
child under 15 A$15 (US$9.75). Crib A$10 (US$6.50). Minimum stay of 3–5 nights apply over Christmas, New
Year, and Easter holiday periods. AE, DC, MC, V. Free parking (some undercover). Amenities: 2 large outdoor
pools; Jacuzzi; gymnasium; game room; tour desk; coin-op laundry. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, iron.
Whitsunday Wanderers Resort Set in 7 hectares (18 acres) of tropical gardens
on the main street of Airlie Beach, this resort fits right in with the laid-back
Airlie lifestyle. Accommodations are scattered around the grounds in blocks of
four to eight rooms with open-air parking. The decor is old-fashioned, but you
get plenty of space, a kitchenette, a decent-size bathroom, and a big balcony or
patio. Hair dryers are on loan at reception. This is a good choice for families as
there is plenty of room for the kids to run around, barbecues to cook on, an 18-
hole minigolf course, archery, table tennis, volleyball, half- and full-size tennis
courts, several pools, and a kids’ playground, among other activities. All are free,
and there’s also a free kids’ club during vacations.
Shute Harbour Rd.,Airlie Beach, QLD 4802.&1800/075 060 in Australia, or 07/4946 6446. Fax 07/4946 6761.
www.wanderers.com.au. 104 units (102 with shower only). A$98–A$138 (US$64–US$90) double; A$142–
A$149 (US$92–US$97) honeymoon suites (with spa bath). Free crib. Ask about packages, and packages that
include meals. AE, MC, V. Free parking. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; 3 outdoor pools and children’s pool;