A Jewel In The Whitsunday Crown
An idyllic tropical climate, pristine beaches and coral, beautiful bays and the home of Australia's most flavourful mangoes - Bowen is one of the undiscovered treats of Queensland - ideal for those seeking a laidback beach holiday.
Situated in the northern region of the Whitsundays on the shores of Edgecumbe Bay, Bowen is just 40 minutes drive north from Airlie Beach. This picturesque seaside town offers beachcombers a veritable paradise with eight award-winning, palm-fringed beaches to explore and keen anglers the choice of reef, beach and estuary fishing. With a daily average of eight hours of sunshine to enjoy, Bowen can also lay claim to having Australia's best climate.
Bowen is encircled by hills to the west and islands to the east. The rich fields that surround the town produce a bounty of salad vegetables and of course the famous Bowen mangoes. The town's heritage architecture and boughs of colourful bougainvillea make a welcoming introduction for those exploring the northern corners of the Whitsundays and visitors will find a mix of 'old meets new' with the traditional colonial pubs and the art deco facades of the town's streetscapes providing a taste of the past alongside the styles of today.
The azure waters of the Whitsundays lap the shores of Bowen's tropical beaches, recognized as some of Queensland's most pristine. The most popular are Horseshoe Bay, Greys Bay and Rose Bay, but visitors are well provided for at most of the beaches in the Bowen area with facilities including BBQ's, picnic tables, children's playgrounds and neatly maintained parkland areas - the ideal location for a family day out by the beach. With some of the best fringing reefs of the Queensland coast just a few metres offshore, it's not surprising that the area attracts snorkellers and divers keen to explore the coral gardens. Granite outcrops shelter the waters that are the habitat for a myriad of tropical fish that inhabit this corner of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. There are reefs waiting to be explored just off several of the beaches including Grays Bay and Rose Bay. Scuba discovery dives and guided snorkel tours are available for beginners with professional dive companies on the reefs at Horseshoe Bay and Murray Bay.
