The lush setting was quite a contrast to some of the red dirt sites where we stayed in the Australian Outback. In the background are big, tree covered hills, part of the Conway National Park, which surrounds the area. You come upon views of the Coral Sea and islands around almost every corner. Wildlife is plentiful, especially birds, from lorikeets and cockatoos, to curlews and kookaburras, even the odd bush turkey. There are plenty of bushwalking trails in the National Park ranging in length and difficulty.



Shute Harbour is just that, a harbour for the island cruises, including a vehicle ferry. There is a secure multi-story car park to leave your car while you're away, or you can catch a bus from your park. There is, however, an excellent lookout, just above the harbour, and easily accessible by road. This is provided by the Lions, and has parking for big rigs, while you take your photos of the Whitsunday Passage.

Airlie Beach does not have much of a beach, as such. Visitors always ask, "where are the White Sandy Beaches?". Unfortunately, the answer is only on the Islands. The mainland beaches are all coarse yellow sand, or mud. Shingley Beach, doesn't have shingle either - more mud, or, to be kind, coarse grey sand. This is probably due to the well set out extensive marina in the bay there, no doubt a worthwhile alternative.

Another marina is being developed around the headland, and certainly it will look great when completed, but we felt sorry for the people in the resort hotels and apartments who had paid for their ocean view.

What Airlie does have, is a beautiful long lagoon. This extends along the ocean front, and has its own beach, shallows, and water up to two metres deep. It has stinger free water, (a hazard in the tropics) with permanent lifeguards, places to sunbathe, showers, shady areas and barbecues. And it is free. A boardwalk extends around the shoreline for most of Airlie, and provides places to stop and admire the views.

A typical resort village, Airlie caters for everyone from backpackers to the spare-no-expense holidaymaker. There are many restaurants with almost every kind of cuisine. Nine eating places in one short street and double that in the surrounding area. Shopping centres in the area have the usual big supermarkets and discount chain stores you will be familiar with, plus many of the specialty shops. There is a booming night life, hotels, bars and clubs provide everything you could wish for.

If you don't have your own get-around vehicle, you can rent anything from a car to a push-bike, including four wheel drives, scooters and mokes. We have our own transport, and found it essential for what we wanted to do.