Have you got a trip planned to Airlie Beach and now you’re looking for the best family accommodation Airlie Beach has? Then you’ve come to the right place because in this article I’m going to share with you some great options for family friendly Airlie Beach accommodation.

In terms of Airlie Beach family accommodation, it can be expensive for families, but it doesn’t have to cost an arm and leg. I’ve done tons of research for our own recent trip and there is some good cheap accommodation, Airlie Beach provides – you just have to know where.

If you don’t have the time or energy to search for the best budget Airlie accommodation, then you will love this guide. I’ve already done all the research for you and found the perfect places to stay in Airlie Beach for your family trip. I’ve made sure all the places recommended in this guide are in a good location, not too expensive and have great family friendly amenities.

This guide covers all sorts of accommodation options such as some of the popular budget Airlie Beach family resorts, spacious Airlie Beach apartments and a few motels and hotel options too. So, let’s get started and find you some of the excellent family friendly accommodation Airlie Beach has.

This post may contain compensated links.  Please refer to my disclaimer here for more information.

 

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Family Hotels in Airlie Beach Map

Below is a map where you can see where some of the best family resorts Airlie Beach offers families on a budget.  Zoom in and out for a closer view.

 

A Quick Overview of The Family Accommodation Airlie Beach

Below is a super quick overview of all the holiday accommodation Airlie Beach offers that is reviewed in this guide. You can use this overview to quickly determine if these Airlie Beach places to stay are right for you and your family. For a more comprehensive review keep reading below.

Hotel	Room Amenities	Hotel Amenities	Near	Price Guide	Book Now
Whitehaven Beachfront Units	• Studio • Kitchenette • Laundry • 1 Double, 1 Single & 1 Sofa Bed	• Beachfront	• On the Esplanade • 230m to Lagoon • 900m to Boathaven Beach • 190m to Supermarket	$$	Book Now
Whitsunday on the Beach	• Studio • Kitchenette • 1 Double & 2 Singles	• Pool • Laundry	• On the Esplanade • 140m to Lagoon • 1.1km to Boathaven Beach • 400m to Supermarket	$$	Book Now
Colonial Court	• Studio • Kitchenette • Laundry • 1 Double & 2 Singles	• Beachfront	• On the Esplanade • 300m to Lagoon • 1.3km to Boathaven Beach • 550m to Supermarket	$$	Book Now
Airlie Beach Apartments	• 2 Bedrooms • Kitchenette • 1 Double, 2 Singles & 1 Sofa Bed	• Pool	• Just off the Esplanade • 450m to Lagoon • 1km to Boathaven Beach • 60m to Supermarket	$$	Book Now
Airlie Seaview Apartments	• 2 Bedrooms • Kitchenette • 1 Double, 2 Singles & 1 Sofa Bed	• Pool	• On the Esplanade • 500m to Lagoon • 800m to Boathaven Beach • 290m to Supermarket	$$$	Book Now
Airlie Apartments	• 2 Bedroom • 1 Double & 2 Singles • Kitchen	• Pool	• 500m off the Esplanade • 700m to Lagoon • 1.6km to Boathaven Beach • 950m to Supermarket	$$	Book Now
Coral Sea Vista Apartments	• 1 Bedroom • Kitchenette • 2 Doubles	• Pool	• 500m off the Esplanade • 550m to Port of Airlie where the boats leave • 1.2km to Lagoon • 1.4km to Boathaven Beach • 1km to Supermarket	$	Book Now
Island Gateway Holiday Park	• Cabin • 2 Bunks & 1 Double • Kitchenette	• Pool • Tennis Court • Mini Golf • Restaurant	• 2kms from the Esplanade • 300m from bus stop	$	Book Now
Discovery Parks	• Cabin • 2 Bunks, 1 Double & 2 Sofa Beds	• Pool • Waterpark • Playground • Games Room • Bouncing Pillow	• 3kms from the Esplanade • 500m from bus stop	$$	Book Now
Whitsunday Waterfront Apartments	• 2 Bedrooms • Kitchen • 1 Double & 2 Singles	• Pool • Beachfront	• In Cannonvale – 2.6 km from the Esplanade. • 1.3km from supermarket • 600m from bus stop	$$	Book Now
Big 4 Adventure	• Studio • 1 Double, 1 Bunk & 1 Single • Kitchenette	• Pool • 13 Waterslides • Tennis • Mini Golf • Pedal Carts • Cinema	• In Cannonvale – 2.6 km from the Esplanade. • 900m from supermarket • 80m from bus stop	$$	Book Now
Seabreeze Tourist Park	• Cabin • 2 Bunks & 1 Double • Kitchenette	• Pool • Laundry	• In Cannonvale – 2 km from the Esplanade. • 850m from supermarket • 220m from bus stop	$	Book Now

Where to Stay in Airlie Beach 

When it comes to choosing the best place to stay in Airlie Beach, its best to have a brief understanding of the area.

The heart of Airlie Beach is the small area that sits just behind the Airlie Beach Lagoon and Fairy Tree Park. Along this strip, you will find lots of places to stay, eat and shop. It has a bit of a reputation for being a backpacker paradise, but it is a super convenient area for families, given the proximity to the lagoon. If you won’t have a car with you during your trip – this is the ideal place to stay.

There are a few accommodation options, just outside the main strip. These options tend to offer a little better value for money as well as being more spacious with some suites and 1 and 2 bedroom options available, many with sea views. You will need to walk a little bit further for the lagoon and other facilities, but these places are still a great option.

Another popular option for families is the resort parks, which can be found in Cannonvale and Jubilee Pocket. These two suburbs are either side of Airlie Beach and really are only 2-3 kms from the heart of all the action. The resort parks are fantastic for families offering a range of great facilities such as pools, waterslides, playgrounds etc. These parks have a variety of accommodation options, including self-contained cabins and even campgrounds.

In this guide, I have provided a range of accommodation options from all of the above areas. 

The Best Airlie Beach Family Accommodation 

Below I have reviewed 12 great low cost family friendly options for the best accommodation Airlie Beach has to offer. 

Whitehaven Beachfront Holiday Units 

If your family feels like the best place to stay in Airlie Beach is as close to the actual beach as possible, the Whitehaven Beachfront Holiday Units are among the closest you’ll get.

Whitehaven Beachfront apartments can fit a family of four, sleeping in one double bed, one single bed and one sofa bed. The units include air conditioning, a well stocked kitchenette with a microwave, hob and large fridge/freezer. Most of the units even have a small balcony area with views of the beach. There is also free wifi, laundry facilities and free parking on site.

The Whitehaven units are in a prime location, not just overlooking the beach but also really close to some great amenities. The supermarket is less than 200m away so those cooking for themselves can easily pick up supplies. If you prefer eating out there are plenty of restaurants and cafes along the esplanade. Plus it’s easy to take the kids for a swim at the lagoon at just 230m away or the well-known Boathaven Beach is just a 10 minute (900m) walk away.

Those looking for self-contained Airlie Beach holiday apartments will find everything they need, right on the beach, at the Whitehaven Beachfront holiday units.

Why We Love it? 

The proximity to the beach is unbeatable; with most apartments having ocean views from the balcony. 

What’s Not to Love? 

The studios are a little cramped, but with the great views it’s a small price to pay and chances are you will spend most of your trip outdoors anyway. 

Summary 

When it comes to where to stay in Airlie Beach, right on the beach is a pretty good location. These beachfront self-contained studio units have everything a family needs to enjoy a great break in Airlie Beach. 

Click here for more information, the latest prices and availability.

Whitsunday on the Beach

Whitsunday on the Beach is perfect for families searching for cheap hotels. Airlie Beach doesn’t have to be an expensive holiday with these self-contained apartments.

These units are self-contained, studio style and sleep families of four in one double bed and two single beds. All the units have a balcony or patio and a kitchenette, for those who like the flexibility to prepare meals and snacks in their room. All of the rooms also feature air conditioning throughout, free wifi and free onsite parking.

Cheap places to stay in Airlie Beach don’t come much more family friendly than this with the Lagoon right on your doorstep, which is a perfect spot for the kids to swim. The units are on the Esplanade, while parklands and the beach are within close proximity. The supermarket is just 400m away or, and there is plenty of dining options along the esplanade.

Families looking for a cheap Airlie Beach Motel style accommodation with parking right outside and great facilities close by should seriously consider Whitsunday on the Beach.

Why We Love it? 

The proximity to the lagoon and parklands make this a great hotel for young families. 

What’s Not to Love? 

The kitchenette is basic, with just a microwave and no hob, but there are plenty of places to eat out nearby and free BBQs at the parkland so it’s not really an issue. 

Summary 

In terms of cheap family accommodation Airlie Beach has to offer, Whitsunday on the Beach is a great one to consider.  With self-contained accommodation and great proximity to the lagoon, its perfect for families.  

Click here for more information, the latest prices and availability.

Colonial Court Beachfront Motel

Colonial Court proves that an Airlie Beach hotel doesn’t have to cost the earth. With its low price and great location, it’s a good choice for families looking to save a little on accommodation so they can splurge on some excursions.

These studio apartments sleep a family of four in two single beds and one double bed, or larger families could opt for a two-bedroom apartment with two double beds and bunk beds. All the studios have a kitchenette, which has a large fridge/freezer and a full oven, rather than just a hob like in most budget accommodation, making them perfect for families serious about cooking for themselves. All rooms also have their own balcony, air conditioning, free wifi and free onsite parking.

Although the studios are well equipped for cooking, they are also in a great location with some excellent dining options within a few minutes walk. The lagoon is just a few hundred meters away, which is the perfect place for the kids to have a swim. Abel Point, where a lot of excursions leave from, is just 1km (12-minute walk) away so if you plan on sailing or diving it’s a convenient spot to stay.

Why We Love it? 

The kitchenette is much better than in most budget accommodation and actually having a full oven makes cooking for yourself a much easier prospect. 

What’s Not to Love? 

The bathrooms are a little on the small side, but it’s not like you have to stay in there for long! 

Summary 

Colonial Court is yet another great family option which offers self-contained accommodation in a great location.  With Colonial Court offering good cheap family accommodation, Airlie Beach can still be a budget-friendly option for a family holiday. 

Click here for more information, the latest prices and availability.

Airlie Beach Apartments

For anyone looking for affordable accommodation, Airlie Beach Apartments offers surprisingly spacious accommodation at an excellent price.

Family accommodation here comes as a two-bedroom apartment that can sleep up to five people in a double bed, two single beds and a sofa bed. Having separate bedrooms and the extra space makes these apartments great for bigger families on a budget.

Apartments feature a kitchen with great facilities including a full oven and stovetop, microwave and large fridge freezer as well as everything you might need to cook for yourself during your stay. All apartments also feature air conditioning, free parking and free wifi.

Although not right on the beach, these apartments are still in a great location with Airlie Beach Lagoon just 450m away, but there is also a saltwater pool onsite if you don’t feel like a walk. The esplanade is just 400m away, where there are some great options for dining out or the supermarket is just across the road. Boathaven Beach is just a short 1km stroll along the esplanade and a great chance to take some beautiful photographs.

Why We Love it? 

The spacious apartments are excellent value for money with plenty of room for larger families and a small price tag to boot. 

What’s Not to Love? 

The kitchen, although well stocked, is a little on the small side and bench space is limited, but food prep could easily be done at the dining table as there is plenty of space. 

Summary

When looking for Airlie accommodation, cheap options can be hard to come by, but these budget friendly apartments are amazing value for money. They have everything families need during their holiday and plenty of space so you won’t feel like you’re living in each others’ pockets. 

Click here for more information, the latest prices and availability.

Airlie Seaview Apartments

Airlie Seaview Apartments are another great option for larger families or for those who need a little more space during their holiday.

These two-bedroom apartments have a maximum occupancy of six, making them great for large groups and sleeping arrangements come in one double bed, two single beds and a double sofa bed. Every apartment features air conditioning and ceiling fans as well as televisions and DVD players.

The apartments come with laundry facilities and a large balcony with a dining table and chairs. The kitchen is really well stocked and includes an oven, stovetop, fridge/freezer and even a dishwasher! There is also a swimming pool and BBQ area and free onsite parking.

Airlie Seaview Apartments are in a good location, just 500m from the Airlie Beach Lagoon and Boathaven Beach is only a 600m (7 minute) stroll away. There are also plenty of dining options and shops within a few minutes walking distance. If you are visiting on the weekend, the Whitsunday Saturday markets are less than a 2 minute walk away.

Why We Love it? 

Having a maximum occupancy of 6 guests make these apartments a real option for larger families looking to all stay together in one apartment. 

What’s Not to Love? 

These apartments are not right on the beach, like some other options, but at just one street back, it’s not exactly far to walk. 

Summary 

Airlie Seaview Apartments offer large families spacious self-contained accommodation which out blowing the budget.  The location is also convenient to all the local amenities and attractions. 

Click here for more information, the latest prices and availability.

Airlie Apartments

Airlie beach holiday houses can be really expensive, but Airlie Apartments offer a really affordable alternative with heaps of space for anyone looking for a real home away from home.

These holiday apartments offer two or three-bedroom apartments for a family of up to five, sleeping in two queen beds and a single bed. The apartments are light and really spacious with large, open plan living, dining and kitchen areas. The kitchens are a good size and fully stocked with everything you will need to cook during your stay. Apartments also feature air conditioning throughout as well as ceiling fans.

The complex itself also has a great outdoor swimming pool, a children’s pool and a BBQ area for those days you don’t feel like venturing too far. There is also a small book and kids toys room if you’re struggling to find things to entertain the little ones. Guests also have access to shared laundry facilities and free onsite parking.

Coral Sea Marina is just a few hundred meters away and many excursions and day trips leave from there, so it’s really convenient if you plan on doing a lot of tours during your break. The lagoon is about 600m and a 10 minute walk and there are plenty of dining options and shops along the esplanade just 400m away.

Why We Love it? 

The pool is great for kids and has fantastic views out to sea and the mountains beyond. 

What’s Not to Love? 

Not quite as conveniently located for access to the Airlie Beach Lagoon but with a great swimming pool onsite it’s not that much of an issue. 

Summary 

Airlie Apartments offer families two and three-bedroom apartments at a great budget rate.  These apartments are right near the Marina for easy access to excursions and tours and the onsite pool and BBQ facilities make it the perfect spot for a family getaway. 

Click here for more information, the latest prices and availability.

Coral Sea Vista Apartments

The Coral Sea Vista Apartments offer modern holiday suites for families who just want the cheapest possible self-contained accommodation in Airlie Beach.

These holiday suites can sleep families of four, with one double bed in the living area and one double bed in a separate bedroom. All the apartments have a living area with flat screen television, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a private balcony and a basic kitchenette which is small but would be enough to prepare simple meals. The complex also has onsite parking and an outdoor pool.

Dining options and supermarkets are a little further away than with some of the other options but there are a few choices within walking distance along the esplanade (400m away). The apartments are also just around the corner from the port of Airlie where some of the popular day tours and ferries leave.

Why We Love it? 

Rock bottom prices make these apartments pretty hard to beat for those on a strict budget. 

What’s Not to Love? 

The kitchenette is tiny so it might be a little difficult to prepare full meals, but if you plan on spending most of your time out, that shouldn’t be much of an issue. 

Summary 

Seriously cheap self-contained apartments that give families on a budget the chance to save some serious dollars on accommodation that can go towards excursions around the gorgeous Whitsunday region. 

Click here for more information, the latest prices and availability.

Island Gateway Holiday Park

If you think Airlie Beach resorts have to cost a fortune, think again! Island Gateway is a holiday park that offers some great resort style facilities on a budget.

There are plenty of room options at Island Gateway, but the most budget friendly choice for families is a quadruple motel room, which fits up to four guests in 1 double bed and 1 set of bunk beds. These rooms are compact but well stocked, with a private bathroom, small kitchenette area and separate couches for relaxing. Rooms also feature flat screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning.

The park itself is perfect for families with plenty of activities on offer such as an outdoor pool, children’s paddle pool, playgrounds, half-size tennis court, mini-golf and free daily feeding of the rainbow lorikeets. There are also plenty of BBQ areas around the park for guests to use and you can even hire bicycles and buggys onsite. Guests will also have access to shared laundry facilities and there is an onsite coffee house offering snacks and drinks.

The park is situated a little away from the main strip (about 1.8km from the esplanade) but if you are hiring a car it’s only a 3 minute drive or there is a bus stop less than 300m away. If you need to grab some quick supplies, there is a small IGA convenience store within walking distance too (500m).

Why We Love it? 

There are some great facilities onsite for kids to enjoy and without an inflated price tag to match. 

What’s Not to Love? 

The location isn’t the most convenient for those without a car, but if you want a park that is great for the kids this is probably the closest, you’ll get to the main area of town. 

Summary 

The Island Gateway Holiday Park offers cheap and cheerful accommodation, that is an excellent choice for families with young children or anyone who has a vehicle to get around. There are plenty of awesome facilities here to keep kids occupied. 

Click here for more information, the latest prices and availability.

Discovery Parks 

Discovery Parks offer family size cabin accommodation that can fit large groups in beautiful parkland style surroundings with great mountain views.  We recently spent 5 wonderful nights here and just loved our stay – click here to read our full review.

A standard studio cabin at Discovery Parks can fit a maximum of six guests in a double bed, sofa bed and one set of bunk beds, although with 6 guests it would be a bit of a squeeze. Even though rooms are compact, the space is utilised really well, and each studio has a surprisingly well-stocked kitchenette, private bathroom with shower and small dining table. All the cabins also feature air conditioning, flat screen TVs and free Wi-Fi.

The park itself has some great facilities for young kids with a splash park, large outdoor pool complete with waterslide, smaller kiddie pool, jumping pillow and playparks. There is also a hot tub at the main pool for adults to enjoy, plenty of BBQ areas for outdoor cooking and a mini-mart on-site for all the essentials.

Discovery Parks is situated outside of the main area of Airlie Beach and would suit a family who has their own transport during their stay. There is a bus stop just outside the park though which will take you straight to the marinas for any planned excursions and there is so much onsite at the park that it would be easy to entertain the kids there all day. 

Why We Love it? 

The swimming pool is large and the accompanying splash park and waterslide are great for kids who love the water. 

What’s Not to Love? 

The cabins are on the smaller side, but they’re set out really well and the use of space is excellent.  Otherwise, splash out and get one of the spacious 2 bedroom cabins which are like a mini home!

Summary 

Discovery Parks provide great Airlie Beach resort accommodation with heaps of fun things to keep the kids entertained.  Here you’ll find everything you’ll need to have a great family holiday without the need even to leave the site some days. 

Click here for more information, the latest prices and availability.

Whitsunday Waterfront Apartments 

Whitsunday Apartments, Airlie Beach offers families the chance to stay in a quiet beachfront location just a short drive from the main Airlie Beach.

Families can stay in two-bedroom apartments, which sleep up to four guests in one double bed and two single beds. Apartments feature an open plan dining and lounge area with a fully stocked kitchenette that is big enough to prepare your own meals. Accommodation here also has free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, flat screen televisions and a private balcony.

Guests can also enjoy the use of the outdoor swimming pool with ocean views as well as a BBQ area and free parking on site.

These apartments are in Cannonvale, which is about 2.6km from the centre of Airlie Beach. It’s a perfect spot to stay if you have a vehicle and need somewhere a little quieter, but there is also a bus stop 600m away for those without a car. There is also a shopping centre with a large supermarket and plenty of dining options just 1.3km away. 

Why We Love it? 

The beachfront location and ocean views from the outdoor pool make this a great location with some lovely scenery. 

What’s Not to Love? 

Being in Cannonvale, just outside of Airlie Beach and with no shops right next door may be an issue for some particularly if you don’t have your own transport. 

Summary 

The Whitsunday Waterfront Apartments are in a great location right on the beach with a swimming pool onsite and a shopping centre close by. This place is excellent for families who want to visit the area but escape the busier centre of Airlie Beach. 

Click here for more information, the latest prices and availability.

Big 4 Airlie Beach

Officially called the Big4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, but also referred to as Big 4 Airlie Beach, Big 4 Whitsundays or Big 4 Cannonvale, is a super fun place for families to stay that is jam-packed with things to entertain the kids.  This would have to be one of the most popular places in all of Airlie Beach in terms of family friendly accommodation.

At this Airlie Beach caravan park, the most budget friendly option for families is a Deluxe studio.  The studios can fit up to 4 guests, sleeping in one double bed, one set of bunk beds and one single bed. Cabins have a private bathroom with shower, small kitchenette, flat screen televisions, air conditioning and a balcony/patio area.

The park itself has a huge amount of activities for kids to explore, including a large outdoor pool that is heated in the winter. At the Big 4 Airlie Beach water park there are a total of 13 waterslides, some for older kids and a few suited to younger toddlers, spread across the various pools and splash park areas. There are also jumping pillows and playgrounds dotted around the park as well as an outdoor cinema, mini-golf, tennis courts and you can even hire pedal carts. There is a mini-mart onsite and massages around the pool for parents as well.

The park is in Cannonvale and about 2.6km from the heart of Airlie Beach so it is just a short drive if you decide to book excursions or ferry trips to the surrounding islands. There is everything you could need on-site, but if you do need to venture out to stock up on supplies, the shopping centre is just 800m away. The bus stop is less than 100 metres away and goes directly to Airlie Beach.

Why We Love it? 

Easily the best family accommodation to keep the kids entertained in the area, the number of things for the kids to do is almost unbelievable!  This is a great place also if you’re planning on camping in Airlie Beach. 

What’s Not to Love? 

Being slightly out of Airlie Beach itself may not suit some people, particularly if you don’t have your own transport, but it’s so easy to get there that it’s not too much of an inconvenience. 

Summary 

Amazing and fun accommodation for kids of all ages, you will never be stuck for something to do at Big 4 Airlie Beach and the accommodation is comfortable and affordable as well. Be warned – you may struggle to get the kids to leave! 

Click here for more information, the latest prices and availability.

Seabreeze Tourist Park

Seabreeze Tourist Park has some great budget options for families that is a tiny bit closer to Airlie than some of the other holiday parks in these reviews.

Family accommodation at the park is in the form of budget cabins that can sleep up to four people in one double bed and one set of single bunk beds. The cabins are small but functional and have a small outdoor patio/seating area, private bathroom and a kitchenette with stovetop, microwave and fridge/freezer. All the cabins have air conditioning and flat screen televisions.

The park offers guests the use of shared laundry facilities and there is an onsite mini-market to get any last-minute essentials. There are BBQs and seating areas around the park so you can enjoy a bite to eat while the kids play. The outdoor pool will be a firm favourite with kids of all ages thanks to its shallow end that gets gradually deeper so kids can easily walk in themselves or play in the shallows.

The centre of Airlie Beach is just 2km, 5 minute drive, away or if you don’t feel like venturing that far the Whitsunday shopping centre is right next door to the park with a supermarket and dining options. There is also a bus stop just 220m from the entrance, so this is still a viable option for families without the use of a vehicle.

Why We Love it? 

The walk in style swimming pool is a great size and perfect for younger kids who just want to splash around and play in the shallows. 

What’s Not to Love? 

Cabins are on the smaller side, but this is budget accommodation and if you want low price you will need to make a small compromise somewhere. 

Summary 

Seabreeze Tourist Park is a budget friendly cabin style accommodation that offers real convenience for families.   The centre of Airlie Beach is just a few minutes’ drive away, or there is a shopping centre right next door, making it a reasonably convenient location too. 

Click here for more information, the latest prices and availability.

 

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