As soon as you walk into Anchor Bar you are instantly struck by the most majestic sea views that open out before you like a picture-perfect postcard right before your eyes. Renowned for being the ‘retreat from the street’, Anchor Bar is tucked away, a few minutes’ walk up the hill from the main street of Airlie Beach, at the Terraces Resort.

Prior to becoming Anchor Bar, the venue was known as Terraces and very much a part of the resort complex. When Anchor Bar opened its doors, however, the it became famous in its own right, known as the ‘secret gem’ with the stunning views that you ‘simply must visit while you’re in town’.

The view is made even more spectacular by the scenic swimming-pool that sits at the centre. Guests who are dining at Anchor Bar are welcome to sign-in and will receive a fob key that allows them full use of the swimming-pool. This means that a lunch-time catch-up can easily lead into an afternoon session by the pool.

All seating at Anchor Bar is styled around the view and every table has stunning vistas out to the Coral Sea. In the winter months guests can watch whales as they breach in the bay, often with their calves in tow. Frequently, cruise ships can also been seen from this serene aspect atop the hill.

With a casual beach atmosphere and the feeling you are on a permanent holiday, Anchor Bar transports you to a time where your cares are distant memories and your pleasure receptors are on fire.

With a reputation for amazing food that is simple yet cooked to perfection and packed with flavour, it is easy to how Anchor Bar is booked out almost every night. From the beginning Anchor Bar’s owners Josh and Leah knew their point of difference would be consistently good food that kept people coming back whether it be a few times a week or a few times a year.

“You know the chicken wings are going to be the same whether you come back every few months or once a year,” explained Leah. “People love that, and we believe it’s a big draw card which keep the coming back.”

Another drawcard is the flexibility and diversity of food styles – whether you are having a romantic dinner for two, a lively group of friends, or even want to hire the venue out privately for a 100 people – Anchor Bar will do their best to accommodate.

Their popular food platters make it easy for people to share and enjoy a selection of almost every dish on the menu. And for larger parties, Anchor Bar offer a buffet-style setting where guests can serve themselves and enjoy a social, comfortable atmosphere.

The Chef’s Special Board is also a popular choice, offering additional menu options that have been lovingly created and are a little different. The Specials Board is where the in-house chefs are able to use their knowledge of cuisine to bring inspiration from seasons and local produce to the plate.

And of course, at the foundation of the menu is the incredible local meats and seafoods that are sourced from nearby quality suppliers.

“We love working with local suppliers and with Fishi and Master Butchers, we know the quality, and it’s a privilege to use their produce in our dishes.”

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Honey Eater Lookout

This trail begins on Kara Crescent, just a short walk from the Airlie Beach main street.

This steep and moderately challenging walk is 7.5 kilometres return and is classified as a difficult track. Some bushwalking experience or a medium level of fitness is recommended before taking on this walk. Also make sure to take water, the steep ascent can be quite the challenge, especially on the hot days.

Don’t be put off though, there are plenty of shaded areas on this hike which will keep you cool as you make your trip to the top. It is also a very picturesque walk through the rainforest with lots of native flora, fauna and wildlife.

At the end of this walk you are treated to an amazing view over the Whitsunday Islands, it is truly spectacular. Catch your breath and take in the stunning view, it is one of a kind.  

This walk takes approximately three hours to complete.

Conway Circuit (formally Whitsunday Great Walk)

A mammoth walk with an appropriate name, The Great Walk is almost 30 kilometres long!

It begins near Brandy Creek and ends in Airlie Beach. Due to the length, it is recommended to take three days on this walk, although it can be done in a day. But it is considered best to take your time, so you can fully absorb the beauty of the majestic tropical rainforest and relax by the many creeks, when else will you be able to do it. Campsites and water stations are located throughout this walk ensuring you can take your time with it and enjoy being in nature and leaving civilisation.

There is plenty of shade on this walk making it quite pleasant even during the hottest part of the day. As you leave the final campsite of this walk, you will reach the highest point, and you can catch glimpses of the view through the dense rainforest. After this you’ll start a long descent down into Airlie Beach, catching more glimpses of the blue waters and the marina.

Although the Conway Circuit is a long and challenging walk, fit adults and children can manage it by taking their time, and why wouldn’t you want to take your time?!

Airlie Creek Track

This is a walk for all. On this walk there are 4 grades of difficulty.

Grade 1 difficulty has less than a 5-degree slope along a gravel-lined pathway. As the track progresses, it eventually reaches a Grade 4 difficulty, with a maximum 20-degree slope. Choose how far you hike along the track, as there is a choice for every fitness level!

In the Summer months it’s recommended you take this hike in the early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the humid heat. And to see the fantastic rock pools on this walk, it’s best to complete this walk after some rain, but be careful, the rain will make the gravel pathway slippery. The walk is filled with other notable stops. Don’t forget to stop and take a picture with the giant, intertwined branches of the fig trees. Enjoy this short walk as it winds up the hill behind Airlie Beach. Keep a keen eye out for the rare and native fauna of the Whitsunday Region, and if you’re lucky you may even spot the endangered Proserpine Rock Wallaby and some native birds.

This walk takes approximately one hour to complete, and access is from Waterson Way, Airlie Beach.

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