Hi Everyone,
Do you think Airlie Beach has a nice beach?
Despite the word ‘beach’ being in our local town’s name, many people have expressed their disappointment with the lack of ‘beach’ in Airlie Beach.
I remember when I first arrived as a 23-year-old backpacker almost 20 years ago on the Greyhound bus from Fraser Island.
After a long, sleepless night crammed into the single bus seat with nothing to view but black sky and the occasional servo, I was mesmerised by a sunrise that sprinkled over the new and exciting landscape that lay before us.
By the time we came into a very un-built-up Cannonvale I was alert and excited about arriving in Airlie and, as we rounded the hill I was captivated by the breathtaking view and turquoise ocean.
“This is a place I could live!” I remember thinking.
I hopped off the bus and decided to walk through the town to explore.
I passed a few party revellers left over from the night before and went to Airlie Point where I stared out to sea for some time.
I have to admit, that at no point did I wonder where the beach was.
It was the natural beauty that I fell in love with.
Flash forward 20 years and the modern world has changed our town, but it feels like our little lonely beach has been left behind.
The Foreshore has pert green grass, manicured garden beds and precise pavements.
The beach’s naturally rugged beauty acts as a stark contrast to this picture perfect scene.
Like a rundown house in a street of pristine new builds – does our local beach need a reno?
If so, what does this look like?
Our story on page 4 explores this, and we would love to hear your feedback too – do we leave it natural or enhance its beauty?
Simply scan this QR code to be part of the poll or jump on Facebook if you would like to share your comment.
Rach
Quote of the Week: “If you’re pretty, you’re pretty; but the only way to be beautiful is to be loving. Otherwise, it’s just ‘congratulations about your face” (John Mayer)
