Airlie Beach Then & Now

Explore the region by stepping back in time and experiencing the local sites on this leisurely tour.See interesting displays and the region's historic sugar and cattle industries at the Proserpine Historical Museum and learn the history of this area, from its first inhabitants to the early Europeans and post war settlers.

Head to the Proserpine Historical Museum, located approximately 20 minutes inland from Airlie Beach and winner of several prestigious awards. Here you can relive the days when sugar was the area's lifeblood. You'll see exhibits highlighting the Whitsunday region's historic sugar and cattle industries, past wars and life in the area. You will also learn about the coffee industry which flourished in the late 1800's until it took a back seat to tea drinking. Now, coffee is back and is more popular than ever.

Continue to the beautifully located Northerlies Beach Bar & Grill to enjoy some beach views. The setting is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a morning tea with views across to Airlie and a peaceful feel. Enjoy a buffet of premium assorted cakes, local produce fruit platters and Australian Damper together with your juice, tea or coffee.

On you return to Airlie Beach, enjoy a brief city sightseeing drive passing through Cannonvale as well as the local shopping district of Airlie Beach. You will have the option to disembark at the local markets to pick up some homemade souvenirs and then make your own way back to the pier.