Reliable Car Rental in Bowen

The Big Mango

Mangoes are a staple fruit of a classic Australian summer. And, what better way to show your love for them than by stopping at the Big Mango, a 10-metre-high mango that represents what Bowen is famously known for, the Kensington Pride mango. Take a photo with this Bowen icon and then pop over to the visitor's centre. Here you can pick up a visitor's guide to Bowen, but more importantly, you can also grab a delicious mango sorbet made with tasty blended mangoes.

Snorkelling in Bowen

You'll be pleased to know that Bowen is one of the few places along the Queensland coast where you can step into the water from the beach and be rewarded with gorgeous reefs and marine life just metres from the shore. Grab your flippers and snorkel and get into the water. Come at high tide to explore the rocks, swim with the beautiful fish, and explore life under the waves. If you're around at low tide, then you will be able to see an array of soft and hard corals as the water is low. If you forgot your gear, you can hire some at the Horseshoe Bay resort.

Cape Edgecumbe Walking Trail

If you're looking for a walking trail in the Bowen area, the Cape Edgecumbe Walking Trail is a great place to start. This walking track is 2.5 km and offers stunning views of the Bowen area. There are plenty of spots to see wildlife and gorgeous panoramic views of the water, including the Horseshoe Bay lookout, which offers picturesque views across the bay. This trail runs in a circuit starting at Horseshoe Bay, then walking across to Murray Bay and finishing up at the beautiful Rose Bay.

Explore the Whitsundays

Just an hour's drive from Bowen to Airlie Beach, and you can be on your way to visit the Whitsundays. From stunning white sand beaches to gorgeous clear blue waters, the Whitsundays are an opportunity for relaxation and adventure. Spend time laying out on the beach in the sun, snorkelling in the beautiful clear waters, swimming, paddleboard or kayaking. Take a tour via boat and island hop between nearby islands and explore the surrounding area. Put on your walking shoes and explore inland. There are national parks to wander through and breathtaking picturesque landscapes to see. There are delicious dining experiences, helicopter rides to take, reefs to explore, and so much fun and adventure to be had in the Whitsundays.

Bowen Markets

Sample some of the best and freshest local produce direct from the farmers at Bowen Markets. The Bowen Markets run every Sunday from 8 am -12 pm at Hansen Park. Here you can browse through the abundance of stalls to select from amazing fresh fruits and vegetables, including the iconic Kensington Pride mangoes, coffees, fishing gear, toys, clothes, plants, jewellery and more. There are over 50 stalls to look through and find something perfect for you. There is also live entertainment and delicious food stalls throughout the market, so you can pick up something tasty to eat after you work up an appetite walking around.

Head to the Beach

If you want a beach day, then you're spoilt for choice. Bowen is home to a wide range of gorgeous beaches that are each an ideal destination for a beach day. Pack your sunscreen, hat, favourite book, snorkel gear, and you won't want to forget your camera. The Foreshore or Front Beach is great for families, as there are plenty of spots to stretch out and picnic tables to enjoy your lunch. The Foreshore is also great for water sports like stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Next, Horseshoe Bay is a great place to spend the day. It has coral reefs perfect for snorkelling and is a great spot to explore underwater. Finally, Rose Bay has plenty of rock pools to explore during low tide and stunning views that reach out to Gloucester Island. Its calm waters make it an excellent spot for paddle boarding and kayaking.

Flagstaff Hill Lookout

The Flagstaff Hill Lookout offers gorgeous 360-degree panoramic views of Bowen and the surrounding areas. These coastal views from the lookout are unparalleled and definitely worth the visit. You can peer out across the waters from the Flagstaff Hill Lookout and see The Whitsunday Islands of Gloucester, Middle, Stone, Holbourne and North Head Island, featuring its old, historic lighthouse. The lookout is a quick drive from the main shops and, best of all. There is no walk up a hill, so it's a must-see on your next visit to Bowen.

Visit the Great Barrier Reef

While you're up in Queensland, tick off one of your bucket list items. The Great Barrier Reef is a breathtaking collection of underwater coral reefs thriving with schools of fish and marine life that live within them. The Great Barrier Reef is well worth a day trip. Boat across the turquoise blue waters and snorkel, swim and explore an underwater oasis like no other. It is the world's largest coral reef ecosystem and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Choose from one of the many tour companies that can get you out on the reef and take you to explore the best spots.

Bowen Golf Course

Dust off your golf clubs and head down to Bowen Golf Course for a wonderful day on the course. Known by locals as a hidden gem, the Bowen Golf Course is a picturesque course lined with tropical palm trees set against the backdrop of the ocean. This means that the course boasts fantastic ocean views and is a beauty to play on. Play 18 holes to experience the full course or get a taste across a quick 9 holes. The Bowen Golf Course is said to be challenging due to natural elements like the wind on the course, so bring your best game.

Taste Fresh Seafood

Looking forward to trying some fresh seafood? Pop down to the seafood outlets on Henry Darwen Drive to select from the fresh catch of the day. Here you'll find an array of seafood, including fresh prawns, fish, crab, and bugs. The outlets run just about daily, and you can pick up fresh seafood to cook up a fantastic feast at home.

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