Cannonvale Beach
A coastal gem featuring a scenic boardwalk, family-friendly reserve, and unique wildlife encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Access Pigeon Island
Cannonvale Beach
Best Time
Access Pigeon Island
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A coastal gem featuring a scenic boardwalk, family-friendly reserve, and unique wildlife encounters.
"The boardwalk is a highlight, connecting you to Airlie Beach with stunning views and amenities."
🚶♀️ Boardwalk Bliss
Enjoy the 5km shaded boardwalk connecting to Airlie Beach. Great for all ages!
🐢 Turtle Spotting Alert
Visit Pigeon Island at low tide for a chance to see turtles and dugongs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cannonvale Beach Boardwalk
Connects Cannonvale to Airlie Beach
A 5km shaded path perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling with ocean views.
Pigeon Island Access
Low tide walk from Cannonvale Beach
Accessible at low tide, this island is a prime spot for spotting turtles and dugongs.
Sunset Views
Along the beach headland
Walk around the headland for breathtaking sunset vistas over the harbor.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Boardwalk Life
Beach Realities & Reserve Rewards
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Boardwalk Bliss
Enjoy the 5km shaded boardwalk connecting to Airlie Beach. Great for all ages!
🐢 Turtle Spotting Alert
Visit Pigeon Island at low tide for a chance to see turtles and dugongs. 
🌅 Sunset Stroll
Walk the headland for stunning sunset views over the harbor.
🏖️ Beach vs. Reserve
The beach is rocky; the reserve offers better views and amenities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Boardwalk Bliss
Enjoy the 5km shaded boardwalk connecting to Airlie Beach. Great for all ages!
🐢 Turtle Spotting Alert
Visit Pigeon Island at low tide for a chance to see turtles and dugongs.
🌅 Sunset Stroll
Walk the headland for stunning sunset views over the harbor.
🏖️ Beach vs. Reserve
The beach is rocky; the reserve offers better views and amenities.
💧 Refreshment Stops
Find drinking fountains and cafes along the boardwalk for convenience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate Cannonvale Beach for its excellent boardwalk, family-friendly reserve with playgrounds and BBQs, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. While the beach itself is noted as rocky and reclaimed, the surrounding amenities and scenic views, especially at sunset, make it a worthwhile destination.
"Easy 5km walk from Cannonvale Beach to Airlie Marina and return. Wide boardwalk to accommodate walkers, joggers, scooters, bikes in both directions. Shady paths, play areas for kids, drinking fountains for humans and dogs, and a couple of cafes."
Simon
"Great little park suitable for bbq, picnic, or just relaxing, reading a book & and listening to the small waves break on the beach. Nice playpark for the little ones, amenities, benches, & tables clean & well maintained. Disability & off-street parking. Easy access to the beach. Photos of the view."
Tim Brown
"Actual beach itself is 1 star, it's been reclaimed from mangroves, so it's quite thin and rocky with rough sand.
However I'd recommend the reserve/view.
Plenty of bbq facilities, a small playground and outdoor fitness equipment with a nice view over the harbour.
You can walk around the head along the beach for a better view of the sunset."
J
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cannonvale Beach is easily accessible from Airlie Beach via a scenic 5km boardwalk, perfect for walking, cycling, or scootering. You can also drive and find parking nearby.
While specific bus routes might vary, the most popular way to reach Cannonvale Beach from Airlie Beach is via the dedicated boardwalk, which is a destination in itself.
Absolutely! The 5km boardwalk offers a beautiful and shaded walk, connecting the two areas seamlessly.
Yes, there is parking available near the beach and reserve area, making it convenient for those arriving by car.
The boardwalk is wide and well-maintained, making it ideal for cycling, scootering, and other wheeled activities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Cannonvale Beach and its surrounding reserve are public spaces and do not have an entry fee.
Cannonvale Beach and its reserve are accessible at all times, though amenities like cafes may have specific operating hours.
No booking is required to visit Cannonvale Beach. It's a public beach and reserve open to everyone.
Yes, there is a stinger swimming net at Cannonvale Beach, providing a safer swimming experience during stinger season.
Pigeon Island is accessible at low tide. Be mindful of the tide times to ensure you can reach it and return safely.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can walk, cycle, or jog the boardwalk, relax in the reserve, have a picnic, enjoy the playground, and swim (with a stinger net).
While the beach itself is rocky, it has a stinger net for safe swimming. The water is generally calm and inviting.
Yes, there are plenty of BBQ facilities available in the reserve area, perfect for a picnic.
Yes, there's a nice playground for children located in the reserve area.
You might spot turtles and dugongs, especially near Pigeon Island at low tide.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a popular cafe located just across the road from the beach, and others can be found along the boardwalk towards Airlie Beach.
Absolutely! The reserve area is equipped with picnic tables and BBQ facilities, making it ideal for a picnic.
While Cannonvale has dining options, Airlie Beach, a short boardwalk away, offers a wider selection of restaurants and eateries.
Information on specific restaurants like sushi places in Cannonvale is limited, but Airlie Beach is likely to have more diverse culinary options. (SEO Keyword: sushi cannonvale)
Expect casual cafe fare near the beach, with more varied dining options available in Airlie Beach.
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalk offers scenic ocean views, Pigeon Island at low tide is great for wildlife shots, and the headland provides stunning sunset backdrops.
While sunsets are more frequently mentioned, the eastern facing aspect might offer interesting morning light, especially with any coastal mist.
Late afternoon for sunset is highly recommended. Early mornings can also be beautiful, especially if there's fog or mist.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and guidelines before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for the boardwalk and coastal views. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting wildlife like turtles.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Active Travelers & Cyclists
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cannonvale to Airlie Beach Boardwalk
This boardwalk isn't just a mode of transport; it's an experience in itself. It offers continuous views of the Coral Sea and the Whitsunday Islands, providing a constant reminder of the stunning natural beauty of the region. The path is well-maintained and offers easy access to the beach and the adjacent reserve. It's a fantastic way to appreciate the coastal scenery at your own pace, whether you're heading to Airlie Beach for its amenities or simply enjoying a scenic walk.
Understanding Cannonvale Beach's Unique Shoreline
Instead, the reserve area adjacent to the beach is where much of the charm lies. This space is well-equipped with picnic tables, BBQ facilities, and a playground, making it a popular spot for families and groups. The views from the reserve over the harbor are lovely, and it's a great place to relax, read a book, or simply enjoy the coastal atmosphere. The headland also offers a pleasant walk for better views, particularly for catching the sunset.
Wildlife Encounters: Turtles and Dugongs
Visitors have reported numerous turtle sightings, with some trips spotting dozens in a short period. The mating season for turtles is a particularly active time. For the best chance of spotting these animals, visiting during low tide and keeping a keen eye on the water around Pigeon Island is recommended. This makes Cannonvale Beach a surprisingly rewarding spot for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit