BOWEN

The holiday town of Bowen sits on a small peninsula, with ocean on three sides. This gives eight award-winning beaches surrounding the town, namely Kings Beach, Queens Beach, Horseshoe Bay, Murrays Bay, Greys Bay, Rose Bay, Front Beach, and the *unofficial* clothing-optional Coral Bay. Bowen boasts itself as the 'Climate Capital of Australia', and we reckon they're not far from the truth!

FOR ALL THE BEST LOCAL ATTRACTIONS, ACCOMMODATION AND DINING OPTIONS IN THIS REGION, USE THE LINKS ABOVE OR SCROLL DOWN.

Located in the northern region of the Whitsundays, Bowen is just 40 minutes drive north from Airlie Beach. Yet this typical North Queensland town remains one of the region's undiscovered gems. The picturesque seaside town offers beachcombers a veritable paradise with eight award-winning, palm-fringed beaches to explore. Keen anglers have the choice of reef, beach and estuary fishing. Snorkellers and scuba divers will revel in the variety of soft and hard corals - and tropical fish - that can be seen straight off the beach. With a daily average of eight hours of sunshine to enjoy, Bowen can also lay claim to having Australia's best climate.

Bowen is Tropical North Queensland's oldest town, founded on the same day that the American Civil War began, 12 April 1861, by explorer George Dalrymple. He named it after Sir George Bowen, the State's first governor. The town has retained much of its old world charm, and visitors to modern day Bowen could easily feel themselves transported to the 1940's or 1950's.

The rich farmlands that surround Bowen produce a massive harvest of tomatoes, melons, salad vegetables and of course the famous Bowen mangoes. Every year, from May to November, the local population swells with an influx of fruit pickers, eager to spend a working holiday in this pleasant seaside location.

Bowen was also chosen to be the setting for the $100 million 20th Century Fox production, 'Australia' in 2007. A-list Hollywood stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, along with the extensive cast and crew, caused quite a stir in the usually sedate town. The film, set in Darwin in the 1930s, revolves around the relationship between a respectable English aristocrat (Kidman) and a rough-and-ready cattle drover (Jackman). The drama ensues when the two are caught in World War II bombing raids.

ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO - BOWEN

Bowen is located very close to the Whitsundays, and therefore, many of the Bowen attractions and things to do are related to these beautiful islands of North Queensland. However, Bowen offers other attractions, such as beautiful and pristine beaches.

BOWEN TRIKE TOURS 65 Reynolds Street, Bowen Phone (07) 4786 4812 / Fax (07) 4786 4812

PALM VIEW DIVE Horseshoe Bay Road, Bowen Phone (07) 4785 1415 Bowen has some of the best fringing coral literally metres off our beaches, and nearby bays and islands also offering some spectacular reef to explore. The outer Great Barrier Reef lies about 40 kilometres off the coast.

MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES

BOWEN HISTORICAL MUSEUM
22 Gordon Street, Bowen, Phone (07) 4786 2035
Open Monday to Friday from 10:30am to 4:00pm; Sunday from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Phone to confirm opening times.
Bowen Historical Museum, regarded as one of the best historical museums of North Queensland, offers a wide display of artifacts that date back to the early days of the town. From CATALINA FLYING BOATS to the amazing story of JAMES MORRIL, Bowen Historical Museum is a must stop for those interested in the fascinating history of the town.


HISTORICAL MURALS
Although not really a museum, the 24 historical murals will give you an insight into the diverse history of Bowen, from the town's early settlement to the present day. Located scattered all over Bowen, the murals can be visited on a guided tour each Wednesday morning. Join the member of the Mural Society, who will be waiting at the Municipal library between 10:00am and 10:30am, for a very comprehensive one and a half hour tour.

NATURAL SITES

Bowen is surrounded by fantastic pristine beaches and secluded bays. Everybody will find one to suit their taste, whether you are looking for a small cosy beach or a clothes-optional one. Have a look at the descriptions below and find yours.

KING'S BEACH
Kings Beach is located east of Bowen and, although beautiful, usually is deserted. The beach offers views over Gloucester, Stone and Middle Islands in contrast to the granite boulders that lie on the northern section of the beach. King's Beach is good for many different activities, such as fishing, windsurfing, kite boarding, birdwatching and walking among others.

QUEEN'S BEACH
As well as King's Beach, Queen's Beach is a long white sandy beach. So long that from one end of the beach the other end is over the horizon. Queen's beach lies north of Bowen and makes a popular swimming spot for locals and visitors alike. Queen's Beach features stinger nets, so don't worry about them and enjoy yourself. There are barbecues dotted along the beachfront.

HORSESHOE BAY
With a very tropical atmosphere, Horseshoe Bay is small and cosy. Its white sand and crystal clear water makes Horseshoe Bays the best known beach in the area. Just offshore the bay, there is a spectacular coral reef, providing fantastic scuba diving. Horseshoe Bay has a paved parking area and a licensed restaurant. Fishermen and birdwatchers will be absorbed by the abundance of wildlife, including turtles that use this beach for nesting.

MURRAY'S BEACH
Even more tropical than Horseshoe Bay thanks to the coconut trees, Murray's Beach is secluded and wind-protected. The beach provides excellent snorkelling and diving as well as fantastic fishing.

FRONT BEACH
Front Beach is popular among visitors, who can relax while having a picnic, and windsurfers.

GRAY'S BEACH
Gray's Beach will leave an huge impression on you. Its azure water, white sand and colourful catamarans makes of Gray's Beach one of the most picturesque bays in Queensland. Good for snorkelling, fishing and varied water sports, with free barbecues and a playground for kids.

ROSE BAY
Rose Bay is perfect for families, who can make use of the free barbecues, picnic tables and playground. Featuring magnificent views over the Whitsunday islands of Gloucester and Middle Island, the Bay is a favourite among divers and fishermen alike.

CORAL BAY
Coral Bay is the only clothes-optional beach in Bowen. Make it to this bay if you want to contemplate a stunning sunset, with or without clothes.

MULLER'S LAGOON
One of Bowen's most beautiful spots, Muller's Lagoon is located in the centre of the town, offering visitors and locals almost 24 hectares of parkland, that has been converted into a superb wetlands habitat and botanical gardens. The park also features free barbecues, shady areas and picnic tables to make sure you have a fantastic day out with your family or friends. And if you are into birdwatching, don't miss your opportunity to see the wide variety of birds, around 170 different species, that inhabit this area.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

THE BIG MANGO
The Big Mango, the biggest one in the world, reflects the juicy fruit which has grown in the area since the late 1880's. Located righ in front of the Bowen Visitor Centre, four kilometres south of Bowen, the Big Mango, which stands upside down compared to the way it hangs from the tree, it is only one of the big things Australia is home to.

For more information about where some of the big things are located in North Queensland, please visit our BIG THINGS page.

SUMMERGARDEN THEATRE
The Summergarden Theatre is a gem of Bowen's heritage, built in 1948 and styled on the the classic movie houses of southern California at that time.

EVENTS

BOWEN FISHING CLASSIC & WET WEEKEND
The Bowen fishing Classic and Wet Weekend has gained the status of one of Australia's largest family fishing competitions. Keen fishermen will be coming from all over the country to try their luck at catching another 52 kilos Spanish mackerel. And all the people who come with them will have plenty of activities, displays and fun with some great prizes to be won as well.

BOWEN CORAL COAST FESTIVAL
A large number of visitors are attracted every year by the Coral Coast Charity Festival that the Bowens Lions Club organizes. All the benefits from this festival, around $30 000, are directed to the Bowen Shire and its residents.

BOWEN RIVER RODEO
If you want to experience a real bush rodeo, the Bowen River Rodeo is the one for you. Celebrated over the Queen's Birthday long weekend, the rodeo attracts people from anywhere in Australia. Apart from the rodeo, it involves camp drafting, bush dances and races.

For more information about these and other festivals around North Queensland, please visit our TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND EVENTS CALENDAR.

ACCOMMODATION - BOWEN

Bowen accommodation covers the entire spectrum, from modern beachside resorts to family friendly holiday apartments. You will find traditional pub style accommodation as well as budget motel rooms and backpackers hostels. There are also campgrounds and caravan parks, some with onsite vans and ensuite cabins or units. Scroll down or use the buttons on the right to choose your style of Bowen holiday accommodation.

HOTELS AND RESORTS

ROSE BAY RESORT
2 Pandanus Street, Rose Bay, Bowen (MAP)
Phone (07) 4786 9000 / Fax (07) 4786 5740

www.rosebayresort.com.au

Absolutely beachfront, absolutely stunning...

Nestled on a secluded beach away from the rest of the world, Rose Bay Resort accommodation offers the perfect get-away to relax and enjoy peace and tranquillity. Situated on absolute beachfront on award winning Rose Bay Bowen, with unsurpassed sea and island views over sparkling turquoise waters, you will be totally mesmerized by the proximity of the ocean.

Rose Bay Resort offers two bedroom penthouses, two bedroom and one bedroom apartments and one bedroom studios. Rooms are air-conditioned, fitted with ceiling fans and have private balconies. Apartments are fully self-contained and serviced weekly. Lift access provided to all levels. The resort also features a pool and barbecue area, complemented by parkland electric barbecues, children's play equipment and picnic tables on the foreshore.
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CORAL COVE APARTMENTS
Horseshoe Bay Road, Bowen (MAP)
Phone (07) 4791 2000 / Fax (07) 4791 2099
Tollfree 1300 722 181

www.coralcoveapartments.com.au

Discover... luxury@bowen!

These luxury apartments, situated on the very edge of the sparkling Coral Sea, offer superb views from every apartment and the ground floor international restaurant. Spacious, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments are superbly appointed and fully air conditioned, with quality furnishings, European appliances, and large balconies with outdoor setting.

Two lifts service all floors from the secure basement parking. An undercover residents' lounge overlooks the complex's pool and spa. Snorkel the fringing coral reefs from your doorstep, walk the nearby trails which overlook the many bays and the Coral Sea or relax in the complex's resort style pool or spa. Seclusion and romance, rest and relaxation or a luxury getaway are all on offer in this magnificent setting with surrounding pristine bays and azure waters.

WHITSUNDAY SANDS RESORT
Horseshoe Bay Road, Bowen (MAP)
Phone (07) 4786 3333

www.whitsundaysandsresort.com

Overlooking Horseshoe Bay or Gray's Bay!

Whitsunday Sands Resort offers deluxe and standard fully self contained apartments and motel style units accommodation set amongst acres of beautiful landscaped gardens at very reasonable rates.

The resort is surrounded by five secluded beaches, ideal for just lazing about in the hot sun, snorkelling, swimming, fishing and boating. The property itself offers fantastic facilities.

Whitsunday Sands Resort is located on a peninsula, providing direct access to beautiful Horseshoe Bay on the eastern side, and four secluded beaches on the western side. It is like an island on the main land.

MOTELS

OCEAN VIEW MOTEL
18317 Bruce Highway, Bowen
Five minutes south of the Bowen turnoff.
Phone (07) 4786 1377 / Fax (07) 4786 3818

www.bowenoceanviewmotel.com.au

Your choice of quality accommodation in Bowen.

Ocean View Motel is quality and affordable Bowen accommodation, ideally located close to pristine beaches and overlooking Port Denison, Stone and Gloucester Islands.

Set on a spacious 9 acres, the motel rooms have queen sized beds, air conditioning, fans and free cable TV. Breakfast and dinner are served to the units or terrace where you can enjoy your meal and the magnificent views over Bowen and the Top of the Whitsundays. The Motel also features a swimming pool and BBQ area for you to enjoy with friends.

Take a leisurely five minute drive in to town, or explore Bowen's unspoilt, natural pristine Australian coastline. Try snorkelling off the beaches and enjoy reef views. Ocean View Motel is your ideal choice in quality accommodation while exploring the many attractions of Bowen.

BLUEWATER HARBOUR MOTEL 1 Powell Street, Bowen Phone (07) 4786 6289 The Bluewater Harbour Motel is ideally located adjacent to Bowen's CBD opposite parklands and only 500 metres to the Bowen Marina and Front Beach. BOWEN ARROW MOTEL Bruce Highway, Bowen Phone (07) 4786 2499 / Fax (07) 4786 2048 The rooms have been refurbished and decorated in recent time. Each room has comfortable queen size beds with sparkling new linen, tea and coffee making facilities, fans and air conditioning, television, small refrigerator and dining table. CASTLE MOTOR LODGE 6 Don Street, Bowen Phone (07) 4786 1322 The Castle Motor Lodge offers 32 fully air-conditioned ground floor rooms with under-cover parking, the rooms have differing configurations, both standard & executive styles, offering single, twin, double, or family occupancy. Swimming pool¸ spa¸ cable T.V. & a fully licensed restaurant

PEARLY SHELL MOTEL 2 Don Street, Bowen Phone (07) 4786 1788 The Pearly 12 units are modern, clean and tidy. Nine units have queen size beds and all units have air conditioning, fans, television, coffee tea facilities and an ensuite. There are also four family units that can each accommodate up to four persons. QUEENS BEACH MOTOR HOTEL 101 Golf Links Road, Queens Beach, Bowen Phone (07) 4785 1555 / Fax (07) 4785 1502 Queens Beach Motor Hotel offers a variety of hotel rooms catering for singles, couples and families, overlooking the beautiful Queens Beach.

HOLIDAY APARTMENTS

SKY VIEW UNITS
47 Horseshoe Bay Road, Bowen (MAP)
Phone (07) 4786 2232 / Fax (07) 4786 3107

www.skyviewunits.com.au

Overnight stays welcome, reasonable motel rates!

Sky View Units is your home away from home; your answer to clean, comfortable and spacious accommodation without the associated cost. Sky View takes it's name from the large 25 metre x 13 metre rooftop sundeck offering panoramic views across the bays and scenic country side. With a three and a half star rating, Sky View Units are located on Horseshoe Bay Road, across the road from Case Park, with views of Queens Bay through beautiful parkland. You'll love the relaxed atmosphere, the pool and surrounding barbecue and entertaining area.

Sky View Units offer fully self contained one and two bedroom holiday apartments, fully air-conditioned and fully equipped kitchen with large fridge. Horseshoe Bay and Rose Bay are within walking distance along the beachfront on a picturesque walking track. FREE WIRELESS INTERNET!

BEACHSIDE HOLIDAY UNITS 38 Horseshoe Bay Road, Bowen Phone (07) 4786 2561 Absolute beachfront units located in a tropical garden setting. The complex has nine self-contained studio and one or two bedroom units. OCEAN BREEZE UNITS 5 Marshall Street, Queens Beach, Bowen Phone / Fax (07) 4875 1115 Ocean Breeze Units offer comfortable air conditioned units in tranquil groups, landscaped with magnificent palm trees. Five ground floor, two bedroom with queen size beds, self contained units accommodating up to six persons. (Available in 3 configurations).

PORT DENISON SERVICED UNITS Murray Bay, Bowen Phone (07) 4786 6822 / Fax (07) 4786 6833 Port Denison Serviced Units offer comfortable village style accommodation with Habour views and close proximity to the heart of Bowen. PALM VIEW HOLIDAY APARTMENTS Horseshoe Bay Road, Bowen Phone (07) 4785 1415 As a guest at Palm View you will enjoy your 'home away from home'. Relax by the sparkling pool or visit one of the beautiful beaches (some of the best North Queensland has to offer). Make use of the fully-equipped covered barbecue area which even includes the kitchen sink.

BED AND BREAKFASTS

BOGIE RIVER BUSH HOUSE PO Box 409, Bowen Phone (07) 4785 3407 / Fax (07) 4785 3312 The Bogie River Bush House offers a truly unique Australian experience for travellers of all ages seeking a taste of genuine Australian country surroundings and hospitality. No traffic noise or high-rises, just totally unspoiled, natural, stress free Australian bush.

BACKPACKERS HOSTELS

BARNACLES BACKPACKERS
18 Gordon Street, Bowen (MAP)
Phone (07) 4786 4400 / Fax (07) 4786 4890
www.barnaclesbackpackers.com

A clean friendly hostel where finding you work is their priority.

Barnacles provides varied forms of accommodation from double rooms and 4 bed dorms down to large dorms. There are full kitchen and laundry facilities and the hostel is central to shops, PO, supermarket and pubs. It is a short walk to the newly developed front beach area.

BOWEN BACKPACKERS
Beach End of Herbert Street, Bowen (MAP)
Phone (07) 4786 3433 / Fax (07)4786 1073
www.bowenbackpackers.net

Work Work Work! Come work in paradise!

Bowen Backpackers is the best working hostel in town!!! It has an excellent reputation with the local farmers which enables them to provide good, reliable work and information.
4 Share Fan Dorm $145 per week.
4 Share A/C Dorm $155 per week.
Seasonal work and transport are available between April and December.

GRANDVIEW HOTEL 5 Herbert Street, Bowen Phone (07) 4786 4022 / Fax (07) 4786 3773 Located in the colonial style 100 year old magnificent Grandview Hotel, this backpackers accommodation is just 100 metres from the Beach, Shops, and Olympic Pool.

REEFERS BY THE BEACH Corener of Soldiers & Horseshoe Bay Roads, Bowen Phone (07) 4786 4199 / Fax (07) 4786 4570 Reefers is a resort style backpackers hostel in Bowen. Reefers by the Beach features self contained units set in tropical gardens with all the facilities including internet, pool, spa and a stack more...

CARAVAN PARKS AND CAMPGROUNDS

BOWEN VILLAGE CARAVAN PARK 18540 Bruce Highway, Bowen Phone (07) 4786 1366 / Fax (07) 4786 3258 Spacious ensuite, powered and unpowered sites set amongst tropical palms, with easy access to Bowen, beaches and the Whitsundays. The Park is eco friendly and is the right place to stay in Bowen. HARBOUR LIGHTS CARAVAN PARK 40 Santa Barbara Parade, Bowen Phone (07) 4786 1565 / Fax (07) 4786 1770 With a large saltwater pool, barbecue in pool area, three amenity blocks and extra facilities, Harbour Lights is the place to be. This caravan park has plenty of shady trees, 100 powered sites and drive thru sites.

CORAL COAST CARAVAN PARK Corner Soldiers & Horseshoe Bay Roads, Bowen Phone (07) 4785 1262 / Fax (07) 4785 1428 Ten luxury villa's facing the beachfront along Queens Bay. These 4.5 Star luxury villas can sleep up to 5 people and have all amenities, microwaves, spa, air-conditioned. 63 powered sites for caravans, campervans and tents as well as 11 shaded and undercover on-site vans. HORSESHOE BAY RESORT Horseshoe Bay Road, Bowen Phone (07) 4786 2564 / Fax (07) 4786 3460 Horseshoe Bay Resort offers a variety of accommodation to cater for most budgets. The resort features a large swimming pool area, spa and sauna, games room for the whole family, barbeque area and full licensed café.

DINING - BOWEN

CASTLE MOTOR LODGE 6 Don Street, Bowen Phone (07) 4786 1322 From mouth watering steaks to succulent fresh local seafood¸ Castle Motor Lodge caters for all. The Restaurant is fully licensed and is a great place to have that romantic dinner or throw a party. BOWEN GOLF CLUB Golf Links Road, Bowen Phone (07) 4785 1206 QUEENS BEACH MOTOR HOTEL 101 Golf Links Road, Queens Beach, Bowen Phone (07) 4785 1555 / Fax (07) 4785 1502 Queens Beach Motor Hotel is home to three bars and a restaurant. Each bar provides a different atmosphere and numerous facilities, catering for relaxed beach goers, pool enthusiasts, gamers, and small, intimate gatherings.

DENISON HOTEL 55 Powell Street, Bowen Phone (07) 4786 1533 / Fax (07) 4786 1668 BOWEN MEMORIAL CLUB 69 Herbert Street, Bowen Phone (07) 4786 1450 / Fax (07) 4786 1550 FELLOWS FISH SHOP 19 Gregory Street, Bowen Phone (07) 4786 2462 JOCHHEIM'S PIE SHOP 49 Gregory Street, Bowen Phone (07) 4786 2462 TROPICAL PIZZA 57 Powell Street, Bowen Phone (07) 4786 3935

GETTING TO BOWEN

The East Coast road offers beautiful scenery and, along the way, there are many interesting spots worth visiting. Tours and scheduled bus services do not always stop along the way, that's why we recommend you drive your own vehicle and travel at you own pace. And then you can stop whenever and wherever you want. You won't regret it. If you don't have your own car with you during your vacation, you can always rent one.

For the freedom and flexibility to explore Far North Queensland at your own pace, please visit our CAR HIRE page. Simply fill out our obligation free enquiry form, and we will get back to you - usually the next working day - with the best deal on a a rental car, four wheel drive or campervan to suit your needs.

Greyhound Buses stop at Ayr, Home Hill and Bowen on their route from Cairns to Brisbane. These buses also stop at Mission Beach, Townsville and Airlie Beach among other North Queensland's towns along the way. A Greyhound 'bus pass' will give you the flexibilty to stop off at interesting destinations along the way.

Premier / Pioneer Motor Service also run a bus service from Brisbane to Cairns and viceversa. The buses stop at Proserpine, Airlie Beach, Bowen, Home Hill, Ayr, Townsville, Ingham, Cardwell, Tully, Mission Beach, Innisfail and Gordonvale.

The Tilt Train stops at the cities of Ayr, Home Hill and Bowen on its way to Brisbane from Cairns. The train leaves Cairns at 8:15am every Sunday and Wednesday, and stops at Bootooloo Siding, 3 kilometres south of the centre, not at the Bowen Train Station, at 5:08pm.
The Queenslander and the Sunlander travel from Cairns to Brisbane and return. Althought none of them stops at any of the city on the Burdekin area, they do stop at Cairns and Townsville. It is then easy to travel to Bowen from any of these destinations.

There is a local bus company, Bowen Bus Service, that runs buses to Queens Beach, Horseshoe Bay and Rose Bay, from Monday to Friday and Saturday morning. The buses depart from near the post office. For more information, please call (07) 4786 4414.

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