Bowen is a town on the coast in Queensland. Situated right on the Great Barrier Reef, and surrounded by some of the best beaches in Queensland, Bowen is widely regarded as one of the best kept secrets of the region.

Get in

Bowen is about 2 hours drive from both Mackay and Townsville along the Bruce Highway (A1).

See

Because Bowen is situated on a peninsula, most of its tourism comes from the 8 beaches situated on its three sides of ocean. Horseshoe Bay and Queens Beach are among the best. Nearby within walking distance of Horseshoe Bay, there is a clothes-optional beach

For history buffs, the Bowen Historical Society's Museum showcases the town's legacy as one of the oldest towns in Queensland.

• The Big Mango

Eat

Bowen is famous for both its Roma tomatoes and mangoes.

Jochheim’s Bakery, graced by film greats such as Hugh Jackman during production of the 2008 Australia film, boasts incredible pies (including some named for the aforementioned actors).

Sleep

• 1 Harbour Lights Caravan Park, 40 Santa Barbara Parade, ☏ +61 7 4786 1565, 1300 559 124 (domestic). (updated Aug 2021)
• 2 Bowen Holiday Park, 18540 Bruce Highway, ☏ +61 7 4786 1366, info@bowenholidaypark.com.au. (updated Aug 2021)
• 3 Bowen Arrow Motel, 18512 Bruce Highway, ☏ +61 7 4786 2499, admin@bowenarrowmotel.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. (updated Aug 2021)
• 4 Bowen Palms Caravan Park, 18477 Bruce Highway, ☏ +61 7 4786 2994, info@bowenpalms.com.au. (updated Aug 2021)
• 5 Queens Beach Tourist Village, 160 Mount Nutt Road, ☏ +61 7 4785 1313, info@qbtvbowen.com.au. (updated Aug 2021)

Cope

Emergency

• 1 Police Station, 25 Powell Street, ☏ +61 7 4720 4555. M-F 8AM-4PM. 

Go next

Routes via Bowen

Townsville ← Ayr ←

N A1 S

→ Proserpine → Mackay