Local Attractions
How to get the most out of your break in Bowen
Bowen is located approximately one hour’s drive north of the Whitsundays and 200km north of Mackay and 210km south of Townsville. It offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, overcrowded shopping centers and the routine of life itself. Here are some of our suggestions of things to see and do during your stay in Bowen.
The local events calendar is a great way to see what’s happening in the region throughout the year. You may even wish to plan your holiday around a particular event.
Local Events
Bowen Lions Flea Markets – Hansen Park
7am – Noon every Sunday
Bowen River Rodeo & Campdraft
June Long Weekend
Don River Dash
2nd weekend September – donriverdash.com.au
Rock ‘N Reef Trail Run
End of June
Bowen Turf Club
bowenraces.com
Bowen Family Fishing Classic Weekend
September 3rd weekend
Bowen Show
bowenshow.com.au
Things to see & do in Bowen
Big Mango An Iconic Attraction
Take a selfie with the 10-metre high tropical fruit that is the namesake of the town for the ultimate souvenir, followed by a deliciously refreshing Bowen mango sorbet from the Visitor Centre.
Soak up the sunshine at Grays Bay
With its creamy sands and calm blue water, Grays is a scenic and safe swimming beach but the best time to visit is for one of its magnificent sunsets. It’s one of the few places on the East Coast where you can watch the sun set over the ocean. Keep walking towards the headland for the very best views.
Flagstaff Hill Lookout
Flagstaff Hill offers some of the best coastal views you will ever see with a 360 degree panorama of the whole Bowen region without having to walk up a hill. The lookout is an easy, short drive from the main business centre and has glorious views. During winter, this is an ideal land-based whale watching location.
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Horseshoe Bay Lookout
Take the short hike up to the Rotary Lookout for a stellar view of one of Bowen’s favourite beaches. Continuing along the Cape Edgecumbe Walking Trail provides access to stunning elevated views from the World War II Radar Station Lookout and Mother Beddock.
Explore Fringing Reef
Snorkelling in Bowen is as simple as bringing your own fins, snorkel and mask and walking straight off the beach. High tide times allow snorkellers to explore up into the rocks and swim among the fish life at Horseshoe an Murray Bays.
Fishing Paradise
Fishing is one of Bowen’s biggest attractions, with its numerous creek systems, coral studded islands, offshore reefs, and most importantly, abundant fish life.
The most popular fish species found in the Bowen waters are barramundi, bream, coral trout, flathead, mackerel, trevally and whiting.
Public boat ramps can be found at Bowen Boat Harbour, Grays Bay and Yasso Point.
Bowen Golf Course
The 9-hole, 18-tee seaside golf course was established in 1928 with the Clubhouse open Tuesday to Sunday for casual drinks or a buffet meal in the restaurant on a Friday evening. The Clubhouse deck offers a wonderful view of the coast. The club also sports a Pro Shop that stocks equipment for hire and is home to the sporting legend Pro Corrine Dibnah.
