Peace. Serenity. A Longstanding Legacy

A lot has changed in Airlie Beach over the last 50 years, but among the few things that have remained is the much-loved oasis that is Airlie Apartments.

Perched above—though not far from—all the action of Airlie Beach village, these long-standing, self catering holiday apartments have stood the test of time thanks to their picturesque setting and spacious, trusty accommodation—without the sacrifice of convenience.

Built in 1974 by Herb and Mae Secombe, the property was the first of its kind—true holiday apartments in what was then a sleepy coastal village. The Secombes lived on-site, shaping the poolside block into a welcoming retreat for visitors long before Airlie Beach became the bustling tourism hub that it is today.

Over time, the site grew. In 2000, eight more two-bedroom units were added on Begley Street, and by 2007, the property was strata titled and passed into new hands—those of the current manager, Cathy Davis, who’s been running the business ever since. She’d spent years working in similar setups and had fallen for Airlie’s charm after sailing through the Whitsundays with friends. The opportunity to take on Airlie Apartments felt like a natural fit.

“The opportunity to meet many wonderful guests (is my favourite part),” she says. Cathy enjoys learning about their lives and the wide variety of jobs they do, whether they’re visiting from overseas, interstate, or locally. This flow of visitors has become the very essence of Airlie Beach today.

Though each apartment is individually owned, the peaceful and honest soul of the property pervades each unit. Each renovated at the discretion of its owner, many have been lovingly updated with fresh kitchens, repainted walls, and modern, tasteful decor—crafted to feel like your home away from home. “We have 15 owners at the property and they are all fabulous,” says Cathy, noting that some were once guests of Airlie Apartments themselves.

But aside from the homely accommodation and freshly revamped on-site pool, guests often note their love for the tranquility, the breathtaking view of the Coral Sea Marina, and the five-minute walk down to the village.

Forever enshrined in the history of the Airlie Beach Holiday scene, Airlie Apartments continues to serve as a tranquil haven for the ever-abundant stream of sunshine-seeking adventurers.

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