View from Flagstaff Hill

Bowen Qld 4805 (Pop 9 500)
Pic: by Michael Henderson

Bowen is an attractive Whitsundays tropical coastal town 1 140 km n-w of Brisbane. It is surrounded by a number of beautiful beaches and bays and is Northern Qld’s oldest town. Original inhabitants were the Girudala Aborigines and European settlement began in 1861. Bowen's hinterland consists of rugged ranges, rich grazing lands and fruit and vegetable growing areas. Other industries include nearby coal mining, beef cattle, a salt works and commercial fishing. Tourism is growing particularly in light of Bowen's proximity to the Whitsunday Islands. Multicultural Festival (July), Coral Coast Festival (Oct), Food & Wine Festival (Nov).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Bowen Historical Museum, Gordon St excellent and fascinating local collection of historic displays, collections and artifacts relating to the area’s Aboriginal, geological and industrial history together with shipwreck relics and a restored cottage. Bowen Murals depict the local district's history with one commissioned every 2nd year and all are within walking distance of the town’s centre.

Nearby:
Bowen's Beaches & Bays are a highlight of the area for many varied watersports and walking trails. They are Horseshoe Bay, Rose Bay, MurrayBay, Queens, Kings, Grays and Main beaches and Dalrymple Point. Abbot Point (19 km north) Australia’s northern most coal shipping port.

Accommodation:
Bowen has about a dozen hotels & motels, numerous holiday apartments and 9 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: next to the Big Mango, Bruce Hwy, Mount Gordon. Tel (07) 4786 4222.