Airlie Beach is known as a party destination, with lots of bars, clubs and nightlife. I spent three nights there and did I take advantage once? I did not. I had a cold and felt under the weather and sorry for myself, so had lots of early nights and lie-ins. Airlie Beach is also a jump-off point for visiting the Whitsunday Islands, and I was planning to take a two or three day sailing trip around, possibly with some diving, but in the end the last thing I wanted to do was feel rough on a boat. If I had longer in Australia, I'd stick around until I felt better, but I've got to keep moving to make it down to Sydney in time for my flight. So I did a day trip to Whitehaven Beach and did one dive in Mantaray Bay, and had a great time and met some good people. Wish I could have spent longer out there but I need to get better as am getting bored with having a stuffed head and sounding like Barry White. I keep telling myself that whatever I miss on this trip, I'll be back one day and make up.