02 August 2022
It was time to play tourist for the day and visit Airlie Beach. We have driven past so many times since we’d been back, we thought a visit would be nice. We tossed up staying a couple of nights but decided a day trip was enough.
Airlie is a popular tourist spot and during every past visit in recent years has been flooded with backpackers. COVID has diminished those numbers so Airlie was a little different this time. Certainly less busy, but that made it better for us. Being too cheap to spring for a day trip to one of the islands, we had a very relaxed day by the lagoon, walking the main strip and checking a few of the sights. It was very pleasant soaking in the sun while the kids swam in the water.
Things had changed a lot since our last visit. Parts were still pretty (Shute Harbour), things were still a bit grimy in places, but it was nice for a day. A day is all we needed. We are pretty spoiled for choice with beaches in Queensland and Airlie Beach is nice, but not on the “must return” list.
