With your Thrifty rental car, exploring this golden pocket of sunshine and sand is an adventure ready for you to embark on. The beautiful Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays is the traditional lands of the Ngaro people, and in just one day you can discover the postcard-perfect environments that have been thriving for thousands of years. To save some dollars while discovering all the best of what Airlie Beach has to offer, follow this easy guide. You know what they say: the best things in life are free! 

Explore the Ocean Atop the Surface 

One of the must-try activities you have to embark on while you’re visiting Airlie Beach is exploring the waterways. What better way to get among the ocean waves and sea life that lives just below the surface than on a stand up paddle board or kayak! Whitsunday’s Stand Up Paddle Board and Kayak is your go-to place to rent your choice of ocean floatation. Whether it’s a stand up paddle board or kayak, choose whatever floats your boat. If you’re wanting to save extra dollars on this activity, opt for the affordable option of the stand up paddleboard. You’ll also get the choice of exploring the waters of either Shingley Beach or Lagoon Beach—both only a couple of minutes’ drive out of the centre of Airlie Beach. This is a great adventure to begin your day and get the muscles warmed up for the rest of your travels. 

Discover Life Below the Ocean’s Surface 

If you’re feeling peckish in between activities, stop off at the affordable Cafe One 3 in the heart of Airlie Beach’s town. Fuel up with a delicious coffee and acai bowl, and then you’ll be ready to get on your way. You can even take your brunch away with you and enjoy it atop the fine sands of the beach location that is the next hotspot on the day’s agenda. That spectacular beach in mention will be the awe-inspiring Coral Bay, just under a half an hour drive from Airlie Beach’s town. You can explore this slice of paradise without any extra frills, discovering the coastal forest that lines the beach and the sea life that lives in the ocean. If you want to up the thrill a little and you don’t mind spending a few extra dollars, consider hiring a snorkel from the local Airlie Beach’s Woah Adventure Shop. After you’re snorkelled-out, pay a visit to the stunning Airlie Beach Lagoon, back in the centre of town. This lagoon has become a pristine ocean swimming pool equipped with BBQ facilities and even a playground for little ones. The grassy spots are perfect for laying out in the sun and taking a breather in between activities. 

Indulge In A Delicious Dinner with a View 

For the final part of your day trip, cap it all off with a mouth-watering dinner alongside a stunning view. For a region that is brimming with beautiful spots along the coast, there’s nothing quite like Cannonvale Beach. This beach makes for a brilliant spot to watch the sunset from as the golden rays shine down over the coastline and across the shimmering surface of the ocean. Before you head there, stop by Whitsunday Seafood Bar and pick up a serving of the beach dinner classic: fish'n'chips. Get your meal to go, head down the foreshore of Cannonvale Beach and tuck into this iconic meal as you let the twilight and the setting sun wash over you. Once you’re fed and satisfied, cruise along the coastal walking track that winds its way around the beach, serving up a jaw-dropping view of the forest as it intertwines with the stretches of soft sand. This is an activity that isn’t just spectacular to look at, but also is an active way to appreciate the beauty of this slice of paradise without having to spend a cent. With a picture that paints a thousand gorgeous words, this is truly a type of happiness that money doesn’t need to buy. 

What better way to make the most of an affordable day trip to Airlie Beach than behind the wheel of your Thrifty rental car? With all these adventures at your disposal, it’s easy to explore this wonderful region on a budget.