Soak up the laid-back, tropical atmosphere of the coastal village of Airlie Beach. This vibrant town is filled with palm-fringed beaches, waterfront parks and alfresco dining restaurants. Walk down Shute Harbour Road, the main street and back bone of Airlie Beach that is lined with outdoor restaurants, cafes and bars. Airlie Beach is also the gateway to the Whitsundays, the 74 pristine islands in the north of Queensland's Great Barrier Reef where you can visit luxurious resorts and sip cocktails by the pool, bask in the sun or relax in a spa.