Top 15 Things To Do In Bowen For Free
Home to the legendary big mango, charming wide streets, fresh local seafood, and the unspoilt bays of the northern Whitsundays, Bowen is the ideal tropical escape for anybody looking to unwind and relax by the sea!
Bowen is largely undiscovered by travellers to the world-renowned Whitsundays region, encapsulating the laid-back, authentic lifestyle of Northern Queensland. Just 40 minutes from the lively coastal hub of Airlie Beach, Bowen cannot be missed on your next adventure to the Whitsundays. Throw in a line and grab a cold one, as our team of locals recommend to you the Top 15 Things To Do in Bowen for Free!
Top 15 Things To Do In Bowen For Free
Whether you're visiting Bowen on a day trip from Airlie Beach, or you have your own car and you're looking to explore more of regional Queensland, add these free things to do in Bowen to your bucket list!
1. Take a photo with the Big Mango
Standing 10 metres high, 4 kilometres south of Bowen on the A1 Bruce Highway is the legendary Big Mango. No trip to Bowen is complete without a photo of you standing happily next to the enormous Big Mango, which represents Bowen’s thriving mango industry!
We recommend you pull over on your way to the seaside shores of Bowen, after heading north on the Bruce Highway from Airlie Beach.
2. Swim in the serene waters of Horseshoe Bay
After cruising through the charming streets of Bowen you’ll soon arrive at the picturesque Horseshoe Bay, Bowen’s crown jewel! A secluded bay framed by granite rock formations and home to fringing reefs Horseshoe Bay is the perfect place to put on your swimsuit and take a dip. Explore the rocky outcrops of the bay’s headlands by foot or snorkel along the edge of the bay to see a variety of corals and marine life.
Keep an eye out for one of the unique underwater sculptures of the Whitsundays, Bywa! Bywa, a traditional word of the Kala Lagaw Ya from the Western Islands in the Torres Strait, translates to ‘waterspout’ in English. Created by Brian Robinson, Bywa tells the story of waterspouts that carry marine animals into the heavens for the spirits and ancestors to feed on.
3. Take in Horseshoe Bay from Rotary Lookout
Talk a short, uphill 10-minute walk to Rotary Lookout from Horseshoe Bay to take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Whitsunday Islands in the distance, and Horseshoe Bay from above. The hike up the stairs through native vegetation is all worth it for the photo opportunity at the top!
Continue following the 4.7 kilometre Cape Edgecumbe trail along the Whitsunday coastline, through native vegetation to reach the secluded shores of Murray and Rose Bay.
4. Spot the 27 murals around Bowen
Learn about Bowen’s vibrant history as the oldest town in Northern Queensland by visiting the 27 murals scattered across the township! Proudly titled by locals as the mural capital of Australia, the first of Bowen’s murals was painted on the wall of the Bowen Library in 1988. Diverse stories from early colonial settlement to the development of the Whitsundays tourism industry are brought to life throughout Bowen’s charming streets.
In between grabbing a morning coffee or fish and chips for lunch, be sure to see how many murals you can visit in Bowen!
5. Visit Flagstaff Hill Cultural Centre
Just a short drive up Flagstaff Hill and you will be treated to Bowen’s best lookout, which boasts a 360-degree view of the iconic Whitsunday Islands, Coral Sea and surrounding Bowen Hinterland. Learn about the significant importance of Flagstaff Hill to the traditional owners, the Juru people, along the walking trail. This is one of the best things to do in Bowen for those interested in learning about the indigenous culture of the area.
6. Enjoy a sunset at Grays Bay
Any sunset in the Whitsundays after a day of relaxation is sure to have you smiling, however, sunsets at Grays Bay are truly unique! Home to one of the only destinations on the East Coast where you can watch the sunset over the ocean, Grays Bay is a must-do on your trip to Bowen!
Enjoy the sunset whilst cooking up a feast from the free barbecues or bring along a stand-up paddleboard or kayak to take in the view from the sea!
7. Visit Murray Bay and walk to the World War Two radar site
Follow the Cape Edgecumbe walking trail to the secluded sandy shores of Murray Bay, whilst hiking past large granite boulders that lead into the tropical turquoise waters of the Whitsundays. A sought-out spot amongst photographers and divers, Murray Bay is a private slice of bliss in Bowen!
Stop along the way at the remnants of the World War Two Radar Station located above Murray Bay. The unit was disbanded in 1946, after being used for air defence during World War Two.
8. Check out Rose Bay and Mother Beddock
Hike around the awe-inspiring bays of Bowen’s Whitsunday coastline on the 4.7-kilometre scenic Mother Beddock Loop. Watch the turquoise ripples of the Whitsundays wash into the rocky granite outcrops as you make your way to Rose Bay, hiking through Horseshoe Bay and Murray Bay on your way.
The trail is generally flat with a few short steeper sections, however, we do recommend you take a water bottle and snacks! For travellers who love nature and hiking, this is one of the best things to do in Bowen for free.
9. Sunday Markets at Queens Beach
Start your Sunday with ease by strolling under shady trees and listening to live music at Bowen’s weekly Sunday Market on Queens Beach. Be sure to chat amongst the locals, whilst ordering your coffee or smoothie!
With fresh locally grown produce, various artisan stalls and an array of tasty street eats, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
10. Throw in a line near turtle rock at Queens Beach
Queens Beach, a fishing line, and an esky full of beverages is an ideal way to spend an afternoon in Bowen. Stroll and beach comb along the five-kilometre stretch of the bay's white sandy shoreline and make sure to utilise the free barbecues and playgrounds at Queens Beach.
Whether you finish the afternoon with a catch or not, you’re sure to watch an impressive sunset as the day ends. The only way to experience Bowen like a true local!
11. Picnic at Sunset Point on Queens Esplanade
If you’re spending an early morning or afternoon strolling through the hub of Bowen, be sure to visit Sunset Point on Queens Esplanade. Situated at the point of Queen’s Beach's long stretch of sandy shores, Sunset Point is the perfect excuse to pack a picnic lunch and throw out a blanket as the sun sets!
12. Splash underneath the giant bucket at Bowen Waterpark
Image: Whitsunday Regional Council
Fun for both the kids and adults, Bowen’s free waterpark is a perfect excuse to cool down underneath a huge waterfall created from the tilting water bucket! Your kids are sure to enjoy the numerous slides and fountains throughout the park, which is fully fenced.
Set up for lunch in the barbeque area along Santa Barbara Parade, enjoy some peaceful downtime, and let the giant bucket at Bowen Waterpark entertain the whole family!
13. Visit Bowen Museum
Described by visitors and locals as one of the best regional museums in Queensland, Bowen’s vibrant town history is displayed to the public at Bowen Museum. Look through hundreds of historical items from Bowen’s pioneer period!
Be sure to check out the restored slab cottage, originally built in 1872, that is open adjacent to the museum!
14. Stroll around the botanical gardens at Mullers Lagoon
Located in the centre of Bowens charming township, Muller Lagoon Park is home to a variety of native and exotic North Queensland vegetation. With a coffee in hand, take the morning to stroll around the calm lagoon park before heading out for a day of adventure!
Or choose to enjoy the onsite barbeques, playground, and picnic area with friends and family one afternoon!
15. Visit Bowen’s Foreshore, where Australia the movie was filmed
Image: Tourism Bowen
No trip to Bowen is truly complete without a visit to the Foreshore, the primary filming location for the famous film Australia in 2008! Look out across the horizon like you’re Nicole Kidman or Hugh Jackman and snap a photo at the dedicated Australia pavilion to show everyone back home.
Additionally, along Bowen’s Foreshore is the Catalina Interpretation Centre, where you can learn all about the historic World War Two Catalina Flying Boats!
