Hands up who has those golden memories of the family holiday on the beach – endless days of warm summer sun, splashing in the waves and making new friends in the campground? Bowen, at the Top of the Whitsundays, provides the perfect spot for the next generation looking to recapture those halcyon days with their own children.
But, there's a catch: although Mum and Dad are just happy to sit and 'chill' away from the hassle of modern life, we all know that your dream family getaway can dissolve quickly into the repeated mantra of 'what's there to do?!'.

#visitbowen with your dog!

These days the most loved member of the family is often the furry four-legged buddy sitting at your feet (or in your lap) So it's no wonder that more and more 'Rover' is going roving with the family on holidays!

1. Flagstaff Hill

Pick your sunset buddy because this is one wow of a sunset spot! Elevated 360-degree views stretch from the top of Flagstaff Hill, encompassing the wetlands, expanse of windswept King's Beach, offshore islands and rich farming lands inland of Bowen. Just perfect for relaxed romance – grab that takeaway and front row seats for a view made for love. As the sun settles over distant Roma Peak and the Clarke range watch the golden light settle upon Port Denison and Bowen Marina. As the stars start their dance across the sky turn around to catch gorgeous pastel hues as night descends over the Whitsunday waters and Gloucester Island. BLISS.

Visitors to Bowen can step back in time and discover the past by visiting the Catalina tribute erected on the original concrete hardstand base on Santa Barbara Pde. During the battle of the Coral Sea, construction of a slipway was commenced on the Bowen foreshore to maintain the Catalina Flying Boats and from 1942 this was the site of the various RAAF operational and maintenance units. Local buildings were commandeered to house the influx of servicemen & ground crews.