EIGHT BEACHES WITHIN 10 MINUTES.

Bowen's claim to fame is its beautiful array of pristine beaches. Surrounded by beautiful coastline, each beach has its own charm and offers something special for every visitor. Whether you are looking for your own secluded sanctuary, a place for some safe family swimming or snorkelling our beautiful coral reefs, you can find it here!

FORESHORE / FRONT BEACH

Located at the end of the main street, the foreshore is a popular spot for locals and visitors to stop and relax at one of the many picnic tables along the shore. The Water Park and playground are a great hit with the kids, which makes the foreshore a favourite with families. The foreshore is also ideal for water sports, including paddle boarding, wakeboarding, tubing and water skiing. The nearby jetty is a wonderful vantage point to enjoy a walk and spot some amazing sea-life, including turtles and stingrays.

HORSESHOE BAY

Horseshoe Bay is probably Bowen’s most iconic beach – a favourite for locals and visitors alike. The Café is close to the beach making this spot a perfect location to start your day.

The beach is protected by two granite outcrops, which provide a haven for a wonderful range of fish and coral just a short swim from the beach. Horseshoe Bay is a top spot for divers and snorkellers. Be sure to explore Bywa, a 3.4m high underwater sculpture which forms part of the Whitsundays Ngaro Underwater Marine sculpture trail. 

ROSE BAY

Rose Bay is a beautiful little bay with an unbeatable aspect. It has views that reach across to the magnificent peaks of Gloucester Island.

With plenty of space, Rose Bay beach is a great place for the kids to explore the rock pools at low tide, while family and friends can relax and make use of the BBQs and picnic tables.

The northern end of the beach is an ideal launch point for kayakers and paddle boarders, whilst divers and snorkellers can enjoy the fringing reef that hugs the shoreline.

MURRAYS BAY

Murray Bay is positioned between Horseshoe Bay and Rose Bay. The bay is protected from most winds and is one of the more secluded bays and beaches in Bowen. It is popular with the many keen runners and walkers who enjoy the Cape Edgecumbe walk daily and is also another great launch zone for snorkellers and divers.

GRAYS BAY

Grays Bay is just so picturesque! The azure water, white sand and numerous boats that frequent the bay set a beautiful scene. This bay is a favourite for those who enjoy water sports. With a two-lane boat ramp, it’s easy to launch your boat or jet ski, and there is plenty of parking for trailers or for those with stand up paddle boards, canoes or kayaks. As the bay is sheltered, water-skiing, tubing and wakeboarding are perfect activities from this location.

As the day comes to a close, Grays Bay offers the perfect vantage point for a sunset over the water. Bring a chair or a blanket and toast the views with some bubbly and a seafood picnic.

Adjacent to Grays Bay is the Pocket beach where shaded picnic tables and free BBQs are located.

KINGS BEACH

With views over Gloucester, Middle and Stone Islands, Kings Beach is a beach of contrasts. Large granite boulders protect the mangroves of Magazine Creek, and offer a rare glimpse of a delicate eco-system. Beautiful and often deserted, this sweeping long stretch of sand is ideal for those who wish to relax and enjoy the quiet life, although you may see the occasional fishermen or kite-surfer doing exactly the same.

QUEENS BEACH

Queens Beach is a great beach to enjoy a leisurely stroll and at 5km, is the longest beach in Bowen. Free BBQs dot the beachfront and there is a large playground. A shared walkway and bicycle circuit make it a great spot for exercise. At the most northern end of Queens Beach lies the mouth of the Don River and with onshore winds and lagoons creating tide and sand movement, this location makes perfect conditions for Kite surfing.

CORAL BAY

Secluded and tucked away between Horseshoe Bay and Grays Bay, the shores of this hidden spot include Bowen's clothing-optional beach. There really is a beach for everyone in Bowen! Follow the bush track or ask a local for directions.