Airlie Beach is looking good!

Situated on the tropical central Queensland coast, the town of Airlie Beach is a major stepping off point for the Whitsunday islands....and it's looking great thanks to a recently completed $22.5 million revamp of its main street.

The new-look downtown area ties in with the rest of the precinct including the Airlie Beach Lagoon (above) and pristine foreshore.

The main street now flows into the esplanade, linking it with the new Port of Airlie marina which is set to eventually become the main departure and arrival point for cruises,diving trips and charter yachts. A boardwalk meanders all the way from nearby Cannonvale past Abel Point Marina (which is also being refurbished at time of writing) into Airlie's central waterfront and the man-made lagoon.

On Saturday mornings Airlie Beach foreshore hosts a colourful market selling everything from fresh produce to fashion items and craftware.

Airlie Beach has for many years been a backpacker haven with a number of great eateries and hotels, apartments and other facilities, but now it's even better, offering something for every kind of tourist, especially those who enjoy water-based activities.

For more information on Airlie Beach and its surrounds check out the website:

www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au

Setting sail in The Whitsundays

I'm not the world's best yachtie - in fact my experience in sailing extends to participating in a media race some out of Manly Yacht Harbour, Brisbane some 10 years ago. However, I feel proud of steering a bareboat catamaran worth a cool half million dollars safely through Whitsunday waters out of Airlie Beach recently.

Our mission was to experience (and enjoy) an afternoon sail courtesy of local operator, Cumberland Charter Yachts. Onboard was a crew of equally inexperienced travelwriters and a local tourism officer, a skipper and a few bottles of champagne and some hearty snacks...perfect scenario for a memorable few hours.

The Whitsundays waters are generally quite calm, thanks to all the protection provided by its numerous islands. However, I'm not prone to seasickness, so that wasn't a concern.

Suffice to say it was a memorable afternoon sojourn with my sailing skills gaining a sizeable boost in a short time. I wasn't even too bad in turning the big steering wheel with my foot!

Cumberland Charter yachts has a large range of vessels for rent ranging from sailing yachts holding up to eight people; powered catamarans (up to 10 passengers) and sailing catamarans (up to 10 passengers). These can be hired and sailed by just about anyone, previous experience is not required as sufficient skills will be taught before you are let loose on the water. However, if you'd rather just relax on deck, you can rent a skipper as well, at additional cost.

With more than 40 potential overnight anchorages and moorings to choose from in the Whitsundays, this has the potential of providing an idyllic holiday. More than one wedding proposal has eventuated during these charters, I am told.

Cumberland Yacht Charters are based at Abel Point Marina, Airlie Beach.

For more details check them out on www.ccy.com.au