Beaches, Murals, Mangoes and so much more... Bowen Queensland with the kids!

The tropical town of Bowen in Queensland is situated at the top of the Whitsundays.  This mainland coastal town has a very rich and interesting history, established in 1861 it is the oldest town in North Queensland.  Bowen is very well known for its diverse industries including fishing and agriculture. Farmers grow a variety of fruit and vegetables throughout the year- they call Bowen the salad bowl of Australia for a reason.  Bowen is also famous for its beautiful fresh mangoes.. the Bowen Mango.

With eight beautiful palm fringed beaches to enjoy and explore, plus a multitude of outdoor sports, including fishing, standup paddle boarding, walking, cycling, golf and tennis plus a choice of family friendly accommodation and holiday parks Bowen is the perfect holiday choice.

Here's our list of top things to do whilst holidaying in Bowen Queensland...

Head to the beach - This region has magnificent weather year round, winter falls in June, July, August but with temperatures rarely dropping below 23 degrees its possible to swim all year.  With 8 beaches to choose from all facing different directions you can find a perfect beach any day.  Horseshoe Bay is spectacular and a favourite, it offers great snorkelling with coral to the left side.  It also has a fantastic cafe and bar right by the beach for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  There is also a swing for littlies on the beach and is the starting point for the Cape Edgecumbe trail.

Views for miles - head to one or all of the towns five lookouts and take in the views to the Whitsunday Islands or the surrounding farmlands and distant ranges.  Flagstaff Hill Lookout offers 360 views over Bowen and surrounds.  Taking the lookout walk from Horseshoe Bay will reward you with spectacular water views.

Go on a Mango hunt - Bowen is home to "The Big Mango" and "The Little Mango".  You might recall the famous Big Mango was stolen in a publicity stunt by Nando's in 2014.  It's now been returned home, so be sure to find them both and snap a pic of the kids in front of this "BIG" fruit.

Sailing – Yachting the Whitsundays is on many peoples wishlists! Why not head to the North Queensland Cruising Yacht Club on a Saturday when they offer free sailing.  As long as weather is good and no competitions are scheduled they will welcome you aboard to join the crew.

Snorkelling – Be amazed by the fish and coral as soon as you step into the water at all of Bowens beaches.  Snorkels and masks can be purchased or hired locally.

Murals tour – Artists have brought the buildings to life in Bowen.  Their fascinating murals tell stories of the townships early settlement.  Take a mural tour, jump on your bike, or walk the streets to see these spectacular works of art.  The visitors centres can provide you with maps and locations of the artworks.

Cape Edgecumbe trail – If you want the kids to have an early night this walking track will do the trick.  The walk goes from beach to beach and up along the rocky coastline, the higher sections overlook the clear waters and islands of the Whitsundays offering spectacular views.  Start at Horseshoe, Rose or Murray Bays.  Its quite challenging so be sure to be properly prepared.

Fishing – Throw a line off the jetty, beach or rocks and take dinner home.  Whilst waiting for the big fish to bite, look for whales, dolphins,  Mantaray or Dugongs.   These cheeky marine life have been spotted off the jetty and around the beaches.

Live fish tank display at Arabon Seafoods and Bowen Seafood co-op – Show the kids what fish you could have caught and buy fresh seafood while you are there.  The trawlers stop right out the front so you can't get fresher food and you can sit on the deck and watch the catch come in.

Take to the water - Kite Surfing, Stand up Paddle Boarding and kayaking are all available and a great way to spend an afternoon.  If your children are a little younger there is a great water playground on the foreshore near the jetty where they can play for hours.  Picnic facilities are available too!

Visit the Whitsunday islands - Day trips to Islands such as Hamilton, Daydream and Whitehaven Beach depart from the Ports of Airlie Beach daily.  Its an easy hours drive to reach the Cruise Whitsunday boats and once onboard you can sit back, relax and enjoy.

Lions Markets – Check out the local hand crafted art and clothing.   Food and live entertainment can be also be enjoyed.  The local market is at Hansen Park, every Sunday from 8am.

Mullers Lagoon – Right in the centre of town you'll discover this man made nature space.  You can feed the ducks and turtles before exploring the botanical gardens and wetlands habitat.  There is plenty of space for the kids to run and play or to set up a picnic.

Lighthouse Walk – From July to August on extremely low tides you can walk from Dalrymple Point to the Lighthouse located on a nearby island.  Kids will be fascinated by the large starfish they will see on the way.

Beachfront Golf – Hire a buggy with the kids and enjoy a relaxing game of golf on the beautiful course overlooking Queens Beach.

History museum – Found on Gordon St this is one of the best regional museums in the State.  Open from April to September.

Cinema – Visit Bowen's historic Summergarden Cinema and watch the latest release movies.  The movie "Australia" with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman was shot in Bowen.  You may recognise the cinema from the movie as well as many other local buildings and landmarks.

Playgrounds - Bowen has many great playgrounds including Front Beach.  A $12 million redevelopment has transformed this beach into a haven for the family with a skate park, playground and barbecue areas.  If you've got the family dog or horse with you then Kings Beach is the place to go.

Get snapping - Bowen is a photographers paradise.  With its range of lookouts and beaches you'll be sure to get some amazing sunrise or sunset shots.  Fill up the family album or show off on instagram with those palm tree, beach and sunset drinks pics.

Please note: Take precautions in stinger season by wearing a stinger suit or swim in the stinger nets at Queens Beach.  Stinger season runs from October to May generally but check with the visitors centre on arrival or be sure to read beach signage.

Bowen is easy to access via road located approx 1 hours drive north of Airlie Beach and 2 hours south of Townsville.  The nearest major airport is 45 minutes away at Proserpine and airlines such as Jetstar, Virgin and Tiger all fly regularly from southern capital cities.

Bowen is a relaxed, quiet coastal town.  Its an affordable destination to experience on its own or combine with a Whitsunday Islands or Airlie Beach holiday.

Contact the team at Tourism Bowen for more information or to book a Bowen family holiday speak to your BYOkids travel consultant on 1300 296 543



 

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