Bowen - Qld < Aussie Caravanning Lifestyle

Bowen sits in the northern section of the Whitsundays and is halfway between North Queensland’s major cities, Mackay and Townsville. The day we drove in from staying overnight at Flaggy Rock Community Centre, we were greeted by a great comfort stop on the right and the Bowen Visitor Information Centre on the left where “The Big Mango” sits. Don’t miss the opportunity to stop at these centres as the locals who volunteer in the centres are a wealth of knowledge and are so proud to share information with you.

Accommodation in Bowen

While in Bowen we stayed at the Big 4 Coral Coast Beachfront Holiday Park (see video at the end of the page). The park gives you access to a great walking path along the foreshore to the beautiful Horseshoe Bay. If you are really feeling energetic you can also walk to Rose Bay renowned for it’s snorkelling.

Big 4 Coral Coast Holiday Park – Bowen Queensland

To get the best 360 degree view of Bowen and out to the top of the Whitsunday Islands take a short drive to Flagstaff Hill it is well worth the effort. Great photo opportunity.

Flagstaff Hill – Bowen Queensland

Bird’s Fish Bar

After visiting Flagstaff Hill we dropped into Bird’s Fish Bar and we both agree that we had the best crumbed Red Throat Emperor and chips so far. We returned a couple of days later and bought some delicious green prawns and fresh fillets of Coral Trout.

Bird’s Fish and Chips

History of Bowen

Bowen has a rich history and it is depicted by several murals through out the town. One place of interest is the Bowen Historical Museum. Lots of interesting memorabilia to see and some wonderful volunteers who love are more than happy to share the towns history. Be aware photos are not allowed inside the museum.

Another interesting fact about Bowen is that this is the place where part of Baz Luhrmann’s epic movie “Australia” was filmed in 2008. Bowen at the time was transformed for the movie to portray Darwin in WWII and the famous pub fight was staged here.

Shopping in Bowen

Not far from the caravan park is a shopping centre with quite a few different stores including a large Woolworths. Just bear in mind they are not open on a Sunday. But if you drive into town you will find an IGA that is open 7 days a week. Like usual we love to find a local butcher to restock our fridge with some quality local meat. Bowen Meat Supply (Butchery) was introduced to us just by asking some locals for a recommendation of a butcher. Gary and his partner were fantastic with their service. It was great to to have some of our meat vacuum packed, which is easier to travel with.

Bowen Meat Supply

Bowen Sunday Markets at Hansen Park are adjacent to BIG4 Bowen Coral Coast Beachfront Holiday Park, Queens Bay waterfront. We found a great stall called Limes & more. Natalie and one of her sons introduced us to the range of their value added ‘Limes & more’ products. Limes & More produce a great range of different products such as salts, sauces, relishes and lime cordials.

Thanks guys and we are so looking forward to enjoying your hot sweet chilli sauce during our travels.