Bowen is situated in the northern section of the Whitsunday Region, a 45 minute drive from Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Resort Island terminals.
Flight access is via the major airports of Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine) and Hamilton Island, or Mackay and Townsville Airports, which are a 2-hour drive from Bowen in either direction. Queensland Rail's "Spirit of Queensland" provides regular connections in and out of Bowen. Coach services connect daily and provide north and southbound services.
Bowen is one of Queensland's best-kept secrets... but the word is getting out!
Road
Bowen, with it's beautiful beaches and fringing reef are an easy 5 minute detour from Queensland's East Coast drive route, the Bruce Highway. Situated at the Top of the Whitsundays, halfway between the major North Queensland regional centres of Townsville, Bowen is an ideal stopover for travelers. Daytrips from Airlie Beach are a scenic 45-minute drive.
Caravanners and RV travelers appreciate the easy accessibility and ample free day parking in the business centre and at many beaches. Pull up, put the kettle on and enjoy the beauty of the region or pick up supplies for the journey.
Road Travel Times:
Brisbane to Bowen – 1138km, 13hrs (Bruce Highway)
Cairns to Bowen – 549km, 6.5hrs (Bruce Highway)
NT Border to Bowen – 1249km, 13.5hrs (Flinders Highway, Bruce Highway)
Townsville to Bowen – 203km, 2.5hrs
Mackay to Bowen – 191km, 2 hrs
Whether your visit is for a day or overnight, free parking and easy access to the Bowen Visitor Information Centre is a must for the obligatory 'Big Thing' Selfie with the Big Mango. Find us 5km south of town, on the western side of the Bruce Hwy at Mt Gordon.
Air
The Whitsunday Coast Airport is the gateway to the Whitsunday region, with Jetstar, Virgin, Qantas and Bonza providing direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane & Melbourne and regional locations. Located an hour south of Bowen near Proserpine, connecting transfers are available and hire car desks operate from the terminal.* For more information visit the Whitsunday Coast Airport website here.
Whitsunday Coast Airport Transfers:
Bowen Travel: (07) 4786 1611
Jim Cummins Bus Charters: 0423 877 992
Further flight options to the region are available with Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Qantas to Hamilton Island, Mackay, and Townsville.
Bus/Coach
Greyhound Coaches and Premier Coach Service have up to five services daily into Bowen, connecting with services throughout Australia. *
Daily Bus Services
From Bowen Travel, 40 Williams St
Greyhound:
Northbound - 10.55am
Southbound - 3.45pm
Premier:
Northbound – 1.30pm
Southbound - 8.00pm
Rail
Queensland Rail's "Spirit of Queensland" service departs Brisbane and Cairns for Bowen several times weekly. *
Northbound:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday - 7.09am
Southbound:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday - 5.20pm
Courtesy pickup via taxi is provided to meet each train. This service provides transport to the taxi office in Williams Street, in the main business centre of Bowen. Contact Queensland Rail prior to travel to arrange for this transfer service.
Contact the friendly Bowen Visitor Info Centre team for full journey planning assistance.