Airlie Creek Track
A refreshing rainforest walk near Airlie Beach, featuring a seasonal waterfall, giant fig tree, and vibrant butterflies.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Waterfalls flow, fewer crowds
Airlie Creek Track
Best Time
Waterfalls flow, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A refreshing rainforest walk near Airlie Beach, featuring a seasonal waterfall, giant fig tree, and vibrant butterflies.
"A beautiful, easy walk with rewarding rainforest scenery and a chance to see butterflies."
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
While doable in thongs, covered shoes are recommended due to potential muddy sections and climbs. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. Some sections can be a bit of a workout. :water_wave:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Airlie Creek Waterfall
End of the track
A refreshing cascade and pool, best enjoyed during the wet season for a cooling dip.
Giant Fig Tree
Along the track
An ancient, impressive fig tree offering a glimpse into the rainforest's grandeur.
Ulysses Butterflies
Throughout the track
Keep an eye out for the stunning iridescent blue Ulysses butterflies fluttering through the greenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Waterfalls
Easy Access, Rewarding Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
While doable in thongs, covered shoes are recommended due to potential muddy sections and climbs. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. Some sections can be a bit of a workout. :water_wave:
🦋 Spot the Butterflies
Look for the vibrant blue Ulysses butterflies, a common sight along the track. :butterfly:
📸 Capture the Scenery
The track offers beautiful rainforest views and photo opportunities, especially of the fig tree. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
While doable in thongs, covered shoes are recommended due to potential muddy sections and climbs. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. Some sections can be a bit of a workout. :water_wave:
🦋 Spot the Butterflies
Look for the vibrant blue Ulysses butterflies, a common sight along the track. :butterfly:
📸 Capture the Scenery
The track offers beautiful rainforest views and photo opportunities, especially of the fig tree. :camerawithflash:
⏰ Allow 1-2 Hours
The 2km track takes about 30 minutes to reach the falls, but allow extra time for enjoying the scenery. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Airlie Creek Track to be a convenient and enjoyable nature walk close to Airlie Beach. While the waterfall's flow is seasonal, the lush rainforest, giant fig tree, and butterfly sightings are consistently praised. Some note the track can be muddy and has a few steeper sections, but overall it's considered an easy and rewarding experience.
"I went in the dry season so the upper creek section was dry but still a nice hike saw plenty of flaura and fauna even the Ulysses butterfly"
Luke Downey
"The periodic signs warn of gradient changes, so if you are only moderately fit you need to think about the last 500m or so, but the 'waterfall' was worth making it to, even without water.
Would be great if the relevant lanyard wearers updated signage to give an idea of plant species, etc, or just remove the rusty signposts.
Enjoyable walk with periods of heart pumping short climbs, an easy 5 minute stroll from the centre of Airlie Beach. Hat, drink, camera? Good to go."
Simon
"Very nice hike, easy and suitable to everyone. To enjoy the falls, you should avoid the dry season (April-October). Around 30 minutes to reach the falls (1h A/R)."
Sara Veronesi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Airlie Creek Track is conveniently located just behind the Airlie Beach town center, making it easily accessible on foot. It's a short, pleasant stroll from most accommodations in Airlie Beach.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the trailhead, you can usually find parking in the main Airlie Beach town area and walk a short distance to the track entrance.
As the track is so close to town, public transport isn't typically needed. If arriving in Airlie Beach by bus, you'll likely be within walking distance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Airlie Creek Track is a free public access walking track. There are no entry fees required to explore its trails.
The track is generally open from dawn till dusk, allowing visitors to enjoy it during daylight hours. It's a natural environment, so there are no set closing times, but it's best to visit when it's light.
The track is mostly easy, but there are some short, steeper sections, especially towards the waterfall. Moderately fit individuals should find it manageable, and there are rest points available.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can spot various flora and fauna, including the beautiful iridescent blue Ulysses butterflies, spiders, insects, and diverse plant species.
The waterfall is most impressive during the wet season (November to March). In the dry season, it may be a trickle or dry.
The track is about 2km round trip. It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the falls, but allow 1-2 hours to fully enjoy the walk and scenery.
There are no major facilities like restrooms or cafes directly on the track. It's a natural bushwalk, so come prepared with everything you need.
Yes, it's generally suitable for children, but keep an eye on them during steeper sections and near the creek. The natural environment offers a great learning experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The giant fig tree is a popular spot for photos, as is the waterfall area. The lush rainforest canopy and glimpses of butterflies also make for great shots. 
Morning light can be beautiful filtering through the rainforest canopy. However, the track is shaded for much of the day, making afternoon visits also pleasant for photography.
A standard smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the beauty of the track. If you have a DSLR, you can experiment with capturing the details of the flora and fauna.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Pack your own water and snacks to save further, and enjoy a rewarding hike that provides great photo opportunities and a dose of local flora and fauna. 🌿 Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Rainforest Ecosystem
One of the most enchanting aspects of this walk is the chance to spot the vibrant Ulysses butterfly. Its striking iridescent blue wings are a common sight flitting amongst the foliage. The track also features an impressive giant fig tree, a testament to the ancient nature of the rainforest.
While the track is known for its waterfall, its flow is highly dependent on rainfall. Visiting during the wet season (typically November to March) offers the best chance to see it in its full glory. Even in the dry season, the walk itself is a pleasant immersion in nature, showcasing the diverse plant life of the region.
The Waterfall and Its Seasons
In contrast, the dry season (April to October) can see the waterfall reduced to a mere trickle or completely dry. While this might be disappointing for those seeking a dramatic waterfall, the walk itself remains enjoyable. The surrounding rainforest still offers a lush experience, and the absence of flowing water can make certain sections of the track easier to navigate.
Even without a strong flow, the pool at the base of the falls can still be a pleasant spot to rest. Visitors are advised to check the local conditions or visit during the wetter months if seeing a flowing waterfall is a priority for their Airlie Beach day trip.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit