Bowen
Gia & Juru Country

Bowen is the northern jewel in The Whitsundays crown, located on the shores of Edgecumbe Bay, 45 minutes north of Airlie Beach. This picturesque seaside town is a relaxed beachcomber's paradise with award-winning, palm-fringed beaches, beautiful bays, and a warm tropical climate.

Moments To Discover

About Bowen

Bowen is a great destination with a wide range of accommodations, from budget to luxury beachfront apartments. The Bowen Visitor Information Centre is easy to find by looking for the Big Mango on the Bruce Highway. Visit to buy souvenirs, try the famous local mango sorbet, and get great accommodation and activity suggestions.

Boasting eight beautiful beaches, explore Horseshoe and Rose Bay beaches or head to Kings Beach for breathtaking views. Queens Beach is the longest, spanning 5km.

Nature lovers will enjoy walking tracks and lookouts such as Hanson Park, Horseshoe Bay, and Cape Edgecumbe Walking Trail, with stunning views and the chance to see native wildlife.

Remember to visit Flagstaff Hill, the best lookout spot in the area. It has a lookout tower, binoculars, and one of the most spectacular views in The Whitsundays.

Key Features

Family Friendly
Food & Drink
Attractions
Pet Friendly
Hiking Trails
Accessible

Stay

Bowen boasts a broad array of accommodation to suit every traveller, from stylish hotels on the water's edge, self-contained motels, and absolute beachfront holiday parks with cabin, camping and caravan facilities.

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Storytowns Self-Driving Podcast

The Storytowns podcasts are here to teach you about the rich history and the many things to do in The Whitsundays. Jump into the immersive Bowen podcast now!

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Experiences

Walk off the beach and head underwater to explore the living reef. High tide times allow snorkellers to explore up into the rocks and swim among the bountiful fish life at Horseshoe and Murray Bays. Spend hours enjoying the beach and exploring the famed granite outcrops of Rose Bay or make your way to Kings Beach to experience views over Gloucester, Middle and Stone Islands. Check out Queens Beach for a leisure stroll, at 5km it is the longest beach in Bowen.

Be sure to check out the inter-tidal underwater sculpture ‘Bywa’ located at Horseshoe Bay. Installed as part of the Whitsunday Reef Recovery and Public Art Project, Bywa was created by artist Brian Robinson and tells the story of reef, creation and marine life.

Head towards Airlie Beach and enjoy a range of water-based activities! From snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef to fishing around the Whitsunday Islands or lounging on Whitehaven Beach. Whether you choose between a day trip or a multiple-night sailing adventure, or an action-packed thrill ride versus a tranquil experience, The Whitsundays is world-famous for its clear aqua waters and iconic landscapes.

One of the best ways to explore Bowen’s attractions and coastal scenery is via the many beautiful walking tracks and lookouts, be sure to take a stroll down the Bowen Jetty, you may just spot a turtle. Or try your hand at a round of golf at the Bowen Golf Club.

Looking for a waterpark? Head down to the Bowen Foreshore and let the kids burn off some energy!

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History & Heritage

Bowen has a long, colourful history, holding the title of North Queensland’s oldest town. Officially declared a town in 1861, the region’s history predates that by many years.

Bowen Historical Museum is rated as one of the best museums in Queensland. Memorabilia and rare artefacts, including shipwreck relics, paint quite a story of the adventures of the town and its people.

Follow the famous mural trail through this historic Queensland town, and visit the various locations used in the blockbuster Baz Luhrmann film Australia.

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Make the most of your trip

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