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!
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.
PALM VIEW DIVE
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MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES
BOWEN HISTORICAL MUSEUM22 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 MANGOThe 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 WEEKENDThe 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.
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 to choose your style of Bowen holiday accommodation.
HOTELS AND RESORTS
CORAL COVE APARTMENTS
28 Horseshoe Bay Road, Bowen
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.
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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.
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HORSESHOE BAY RESORT
1 Horseshoe Bay Road, Bowen
Phone (07) 4786 2564
www.horseshoebayresortbowen.com.au
Nestled in 5 acres of bush and beach!
Horseshoe Bay Resort and Caravan Park is a special little spot where the sun rises and sets over the water. Guests can choose from a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and requirements, for singles, couples and families, tourists or corporate. This is a great place for anyone interested in swimming, diving, snorkeling, fishing, walking, cycling, kayaking, rock climbing or just plain old-fashioned relaxing - do as much or as little as you like.
Horseshoe Bay is truly where the bush really does meet the beach. The resort is surrounded by four sandy beaches and the reef is just off shore making for some amazing snorkeling and diving - it has been said to be as good as the great barrier reef.
The lovely sandy beach is patrolled by the Queensland Surf Life Savers during the school holidays and on weekends in stinger season. There is also a handy boat ramp close by so that you can access the many great fishing spots that Bowen has to offer.
Phone (07) 4786 2564
www.horseshoebayresortbowen.com.au
Nestled in 5 acres of bush and beach!
Horseshoe Bay Resort and Caravan Park is a special little spot where the sun rises and sets over the water. Guests can choose from a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and requirements, for singles, couples and families, tourists or corporate. This is a great place for anyone interested in swimming, diving, snorkeling, fishing, walking, cycling, kayaking, rock climbing or just plain old-fashioned relaxing - do as much or as little as you like.
Horseshoe Bay is truly where the bush really does meet the beach. The resort is surrounded by four sandy beaches and the reef is just off shore making for some amazing snorkeling and diving - it has been said to be as good as the great barrier reef.
The lovely sandy beach is patrolled by the Queensland Surf Life Savers during the school holidays and on weekends in stinger season. There is also a handy boat ramp close by so that you can access the many great fishing spots that Bowen has to offer.
MOTELS
HOLIDAY APARTMENTS
BED AND BREAKFASTS
BOWEN B&B - GALLERY ON THE HILL
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BACKPACKERS HOSTELS
CARAVAN PARKS AND CAMPGROUNDS
BOWEN CARAVAN PARK
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CORAL COAST CARAVAN PARK
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