Airlie Beach Lagoon — Attraction in Airlie Beach

Great central location, expansive lawns, well kept gardens, natural shade cover, shade sails, exceptionally clean toilets/ change rooms, bbq areas and playground. Sounds perfect right!? Unless like us you are visiting with children, when the entire experience was completely ruined by the over zealous, paranoid, passive aggressive Lifeguards! We visited early on a Sunday morning and had the children’s pool area basically to ourselves. In the water were my 2 children aged 3 and 10, both of which have attended swimming lessons since 6 months and are confident in the water. The 10 year old is a confident swimmer, however was happy to splash in the kiddy pool in a depth of 20-80cm with the 3yr old; Who as a precaution in conjunction with constant visual supervision from my Mother and myself sitting on the pool edge, also wore a flotation swim vest. We were constantly, intrusively watched by the lifeguards; Maintaining constant radio communication with each other on their overbearing micromanagement on pool safety. We overheard that at least we weren’t the only group being targeted as they were bitching about a bloke with his child ‘that guy is back from earlier with his Son, being smart now’. Along with observing a lady being told she could not drink her coffee in the knee depth water, after she was told to get in with her early primary age children. On 2 occasions we were told to be within arms reach, the second time the kids were actually told they would have to get out of the water unless an adult was swimming with them… at no time were the kids more than 15m away, I was not on my phone at all, I was moving between wading in the water and sitting on the pool edge with another adult also present for visual supervision. I totally agree with strict parental supervision in and around the water, which I was providing! The actions of the Lifeguards was passive aggressive, controlling, disrespectful, unprofessional and inappropriate for the situation. Totally...

Airlie Beach Lagoon is a popular man-made swimming facility located in the heart of Airlie Beach, Queensland. Spanning approximately 4,300 square meters, it offers a safe and picturesque environment for visitors to swim, sunbathe, and relax, all while enjoying views of the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands. 

Features and Amenities: • Swimming Areas: The lagoon caters to all ages with varying depths, including shallow sections for children and deeper areas up to 2 meters for adults. The water is a mix of saltwater and chlorine, ensuring cleanliness and safety.  • Facilities: Visitors can take advantage of free gas BBQs, shaded picnic spots, landscaped gardens, and grassy areas ideal for sunbathing. Additional amenities include bathrooms, changing rooms, cold water showers, and a children’s playground.  • Safety: The lagoon is patrolled by trained lifeguards during operating hours, providing a secure swimming environment. Outside of these hours, security measures are in place to ensure public safety. 

Operating Hours: • Summer (September to May): 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM daily. • Winter (June to August): 5:30 AM – 7:00 PM daily. 

Cost:

Access to the Airlie Beach Lagoon is free for all visitors, making it an attractive destination for both locals and tourists. 

Location:

Situated parallel to the main street of Airlie Beach, the lagoon’s central location makes it easily accessible and a convenient spot to unwind after exploring the town. 

Additional Information: • Heating: The lagoon is not heated; however, Airlie Beach’s warm climate ensures comfortable swimming conditions year-round.  • Pets: Pets are not permitted within the lagoon area. 

Whether you’re looking to cool off, have a family picnic, or simply relax by the water, Airlie Beach Lagoon offers a welcoming and scenic environment for...

I had not looked at the time in days because time no longer mattered. This lagoon facilitated my escape from the constraints of time. To sit, read, relax, swim, nap, and repeat without a care in the world. Of course, I had the luxury of life without a plan. The Airlie Beach Lagoon can trick you into believing that there is nothing beyond the moment, if only for a little while.

Ok, enough of that fluffy stuff. It's awesome because there are free gas grills to use, tables and benches, grass to lay on all around, and even an area with sand. Why is this lagoon needed?.....because many of the sea critters nearby are intent on killing the humans that step on their turk...ehem surf. The lagoon is really big so even on busy days it doesn't feel crowded. There is parking right by the lagoon, but it does cost money. You shouldn't be driving there for the day anyway because Airlie is worth spending many days at. Near the lagoon you will find showers, bathrooms, and ping-pong tables ,as well as easy access to the local shops. i found myself making good use of the local book store and their book swap program and I was reading like a book a day at the lagoon. There are spots at the lagoon that have great shade under trees, but much of the lagoon has sun-exposed...