Written by Sam O’Brien, Bowen Independent. (Updated)

Bowen 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1- Start the trip off right with a visit to Le Sorelle The Sisters Coffee House & Florist for breakfast or morning tea, and try out their delicious gourmet frappes! Afterwards, head to each of Bowen’s three hills to get an idea of how much Bowen has to offer and soak in the views. Mt Nutt and Flagstaff Hill both offer amazing views from fantastic lookouts, looking out over the Whitsunday Islands. Close out day 1 with a nice scenic walk around Mullers Lagoon feeding the ducks and turtles. The lagoon is home to hundreds of different types of birds and a good workout to walk a lap.

Day 2 - Is saved for exploring the area. Take in some of the local murals, drive by the local farms, the saltworks and the beaches. Pick up some of the local mangoes in the summer or tomatoes, capsicums or pumpkins in winter and enjoy them in a salad or with some fresh local seafood. While driving around, drop in to Jochheims Bakery on George Street to grab a pie for lunch. Take a long stroll along the waterfront on Santa Barbara Parade, enjoy some mango sorbet at the Information Centre or watch the kids play at the Bowen Water Park. For dinner, head over and see Bruce and the team at the Larrakin Hotel – Bowen for a great value meal.

Day 3 -  Is the day to jump in the car and check out the greater Bowen region. The Bowen River Hotel is a great feed and an awesome experience. A little bit further out is Collinsville where you can check out the Collinsville Pit Pony Experience and learn about the region’s coal mining history. Heading back into Bowen, check out the local museums to feed your history appetite. 

On Day 4, head to Bowen Golf Club to play either a 9-hole game or an 18-hole game, following it up with a few drinks at the club. For lunch or dinner, head to Queen’s Beach Hotel nearby with nightly specials starting at $15! Take a walk or play a game of beach cricket along Queen’s Beach for the evening, or enjoy a film at the Summer Garden Theatre for an old-fashioned movie experience. 

Day 5 - Today is the day to enjoy Bowen’s best beaches. Kick off the morning with a hike around Cape Edgecombe soaking in the views of Horseshoe Bay, Grays Bay, Murrays Bay, Rose Bay, and Queen’s Beach from the Horseshoe lookout, as well as Mother Beddock, and WWII Radar site. The 5km hike is daunting but suitable for people of any fitness level and a great way to start the day. Afterwards grab a bite to eat at the Horseshoe Bay Café before letting your food settle while reading a book under a tree. Afterward, have a play in the surf and enjoy a snorkel near the rocks. At night, head to Birds Fish Bar and enjoy a fish and chips dinner overlooking the harbour.

Enjoy the ‘Front Beach’ on Day 6. Take a walk along the jetty keeping an eye out for turtles and rays. The Catalina war memorial provides an insight into the town’s military history and the water park is a great way to cool off safe from the stingers all year round. For lunch, enjoy a BBQ on the beach at one of the many BBQ facilities and tables. If you haven’t already done so this week, take the opportunity to catch up on any activities you may have missed like visiting our museums or racecourse. Enjoy the sunset at the Marina. If you’re lucky there might even be the chance for a free sunset cruise early in the afternoon.

For Day 7, enjoy all the fishing or photography that Bowen has to offer. Alternatively, visit Gloucester Island, stopping at Montes Beach Bar & Restaurant for brunch. Indulge in the National Parks and walks on Gloucester Island, before heading down to Hideaway Bay.

If it’s a Sunday, visit the Lions Club Sunday Markets at Hansen Park, enjoying all the local produce and knick knacks. The beach is a great back drop for the markets and there is also a chance for Yoga in the Park. Enjoy the last afternoon of the week away with a Sunday afternoon at the Grandview Hotel. With the Beer Garden, Pokies and a great menu it is a fantastic way to close out the week.

All places of interest and restaurants listed on here are bookings essential. Opening times and pricing may vary as according to the individual businesses.