Welcome to Bowen!

First stop – get the best advice: follow the signs to the Award Winning Big Mango Visitor Information Centre (Bruce Hwy South) or the information booth at the 'Front Beach' on Santa Barbara Parade! Pick up your visitor guide and get the best advice.

Did you pack your: Camera? Picnic set? Swimmers? Hat, sunnies & sunscreen? Walking shoes? Binoculars? Let's go!

• Follow the signs to Flagstaff Hill (via Herbert St – Santa Barbara Pde – Peter Wyche Dr.). NOT RECOMMENDED FOR TOWING VANS.
This elevated viewpoint offers spectacular views of the township of Bowen, farmland and surrounding coast & northern Whitsunday islands. During winter months keep an eye out as Humpback & Minke whales make their way along the east coast.

• Return downhill and along Peter Wyche Dr; taking a left at the roundabout onto Henry Darwen Memorial Dr.
Bowen has a long seafood industry history – grab a traveller's pack of fresh local seafood from seafood co-ops at the Bowen Marina. While you're there enquire about checking out the live tank displays for a peak at what's been caught in season.

• Continue back along Santa Barbara Pde and find a handy park from our ample free parking along our front beach area.
Cool shady trees, picnic facilities and the free Front Beach waterpark & playgrounds are just the spot for a stretch and play, especially for travelling families. A leisurely stroll along the front beach path will bring you to the Visitor Information booth – grab a mango sorbet to refresh and take a walk along the 700m long jetty for a chance at spotting green turtles, thousands of soldier crabs on the low tide sand and other amazing sea life. Return to shore and past the information booth to find the Catalina display to discover Bowen's involvement with the 'flying boats'.

• Drive along Herbert St. – main business centre – continue to Soldier's Rd, Horseshoe Bay Rd (following signs to Beach Resorts).
Bowen has many beaches to choose from – you're spoilt for choice! From Horseshoe Bay Rd. access the parklands to Queens Beach and 'the Pocket'; Follow signs to Rose Bay to discover this hidden beachside suburb; then continue right to the end of Horseshoe Bay Rd. to Horseshoe Bay itself. Here you will find arguably the best swimming beach in Bowen – the sheltered sandy bay is also home to easily accessed fringing reef! Snorkeling gear can be hired from Horseshoe Bay Resort and there is a great beachside café for morning tea.
Feeling adventurous? Explore the coastline and bush with the Cape Edgecumbe Walking Trail – trailhead begins at Horseshoe Bay car park.

NEED LUNCH OR A SNACK? Make sure you stop for a break – try one of the local café's, restaurant or takeaways, or make use of the many free picnic areas!

• Return via Horseshoe Bay – The Soldiers Road to take a right at Tollington Rd. Continue onto Golf Links Rd.
Whether you're a keen golfer or just a lover of amazing beaches Queens Beach is the spot for you. Queens Beach stretches along the front of the picturesque 9-hole golf course – casual visitors welcome. At the end of Golf Links Rd. take a right then left along Queens Beach Esplanade. Drive, or walk along the esplanade walking path or beach, the approximately 1.5km to the Don river mouth. Pelicans and other marine birdlife are common here, and on windy days kite surfers make the most of the coast!

One street back from the esplanade on Muroona St you can escape the heat and visit the historic Summergarden Theatre – catch a movie with all the latest cinema screenings.
• Return via Golf Links Rd. – Tollington Rd. to Soldiers Rd. turning right at the roundabout. Continue to Mullers Lagoon on left hand side.
With Bowen being in the cross region between tropical and savannah landscapes numerous species of birds are native to the area – discover over 170 species at Mullers Lagoon. Beautiful gardens, trails and bird hides, public toilets and picnic facilites. A great spot for a picnic or for keen twitchers. It's also an excellent view of our Bowen Watertank Murals - perched high above the town, the tanks sport fantastic artwork featuring our natural, community & historical Icons.

• Return to main business centre along Herbert St.
Explore Bowen's long history as told through the famous murals – armed with your copy of the Bowen & Collinsville Tourist Guide or our app either walk or drive to view the many murals that adorn local businesses throughout town. Top it off with a visit to the Bowen Historical Museum on Gordon St. which has preserved much of Bowen's pioneer & industrial history.

Time to go home or stay the night? See the team at Bowen Tourism & Business for souvenirs, travel advice and accommodation options.