Bowen Australia

Bowen Australia has heaps more than the Big Mango!
You don't hear much about this town, but drive in and have a look around and you'll be taken by surprise.
It is very laid back, has no crowds, yet the scenery is fantastic. There are plenty of nice beaches, parklands and walking/jogging tracks.


Pub by ibsut via Flickr.com

Museum, Murals and Other Things to See
Bowen is known as the first town that was built this far up in in north Queensland, and the local museum in Gordon Street has great displays on its pioneer history, including an old cottage with historical items and furniture. Another museum - the Coral Sea Museum displays the town's involvement in the Second World War.

A lot of the town's pioneer history is also displayed in the 26 murals that are scattered  around in the town's streets - most are in an easy walking distance from each other in the blocks around Herbert and Gregory Streets. There is also an Arts Centre with local art, sculpture and pottery at Queens Beach.


The Australia Movie sign by Allan Henderson via Flickr.com

The Australia Movie
Since 2007 when Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman visited to film the movie "Australia", the town is also known as Bowenwood.


One of the town's many murals by PaulSh via Flickr.com

Although only the beginning and the end of the movie were filmed here, Bowen is very proud of the fact and you can read all about how it was done at the tourist information centre at Front Beach.


Beaches, Parks and Walking Tracks in Bowen Australia
But there are more than the touristic things. The town's beaches are fantastic, there are some very scenic coastal views and sunsets, and there are plenty of parks and great walking tracks. The beaches include Queens, Kings and Front Beach, Rose Bay, Murray Bay, Coral, Grays and Horseshoe Bay. There are some great lookouts at Grays Bay, Horseshoe Bay, Mt Nutt, Reservoir Hill and Flagstaff Hill. There are walks along Kings, Queen and Front Beaches; from Hansen Park to Queens Bay; and the best and a bit more challenging - the Cape Edgecumbe Walking Trail - from Rose Bay to Horseshoe Bay past Mother Beddock lookout. And Mullers Lagoon is in a central park great for birdwatching.


Coastal views by jwbenwell via Flickr.com

Other Things to See and Do
There are seven pubs and an RSL Club, cafes, restaurants and counter food outlets, all serving lunch/dinner. There is the Summergarden Theatre, Community and Sunday Markets, rodeo grounds and races held at the Turf Club. There are fishing competitions, Family Expo and the annual Agricultural Show.

Bowen is surrounded by a lot of fruit and vegetable farms and is very popular with seasonal fruit pickers between April and November. It is not a surprise then that Bowen's 'Big Thing' is the Big Mango.


Big Mango. by tm-tm via Flickr.com

Accommodation in Bowen Australia
Places to stay include Beachside Holiday Units, Bluewater Harbour Motel, Coral Cove Apartments, Harbour Lights Caravan Park, Port Denison Motor Inn, Rose Bay Resort and The Pearly Shell Motel.



Inland from the town are Collinsville and the historical Bowen River Hotel. Below is a map of Bowen Australia. You can double-click anywhere on the map to zoom it in and see the places closer. Drag the map to move around, and if you want to see the satellite image with Google Earth, click on "Sat" in the top right hand corner.


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