A Brief History of Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach has always been a beautiful spot with azure waters and tropical flora. But its European history goes back to when Captain James Cook and his crew came across the islands on their navigation of the East Coast of what was to become known as Australia in 1770. Cook named the passage the “Whitsunday Passage” after the Easter tradition, of the Whit Sunday festival, which was occurring in England at that time. Later, the area grew after the arrival of timber getters and cane farmers. Evidence of the cane history can be seen if one drives the short 30 minutes from Cannonvale to Proserpine.
Island Lifestyle
The tourist industry started in 1933 when Paddy and Connie Murray converted their yacht “Daydream” into a resort on a small island they bought just outside the Shute Harbour inlet. In the 1950s, the Royal Hayman Island Hotel was developed, by Reg Ansett. ln the 1980s more up market resorts popped up, such as Hamilton and Long Island, which completed the refined image tropical island lifestyle image of the region. Most of the tourism at that time was through traffic to the departure point at Shute Harbour.
A backpackers hub
The Airlie beach township itself was a place for backpackers looking for work on the islands, it flourished with the building of the giant lagoon in 2001. The lagoon is a central hub and safe swimming area for people to avoid the risks of marine stingers during the summer.
Airlie Beach is the seaside resort town in the middle of the Whitsunday Islands in North Queensland. Known for its party atmosphere and exotic restaurants, Airlie Beach is also the gateway to the tropical Islands and coral reefs of the Whitsundays. The. Markets held every Saturday and during cruise ship visits display a range of unique and special art and crafts that are created by specialist artisans.
Artists and Artisans of Airlie Beach
When?
The Airlie Beach Markets are held every Saturday morning from 6.0 am to 12.0 midday. They are also held when cruise ships visit the town. For further information, contact the council or the Lions Club who operate the market.
Contact information
Whitsunday Lions Club
Alan or Sue
Phone: 0409 273 047
Where is it?
The Airlie Beach Markets are held on the sidewalk that runs along the beach at Airlie Beach. It starts near the Sailing Club at the southern end and runs towards the lagoon at the northern end.
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