day trips from bowen

Top things to do in Bowen Queensland (Ultimate guide)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: October 9, 2022

Are you planning a visit to Bowen? In this article discover the best beaches, attractions, places to stay and where to eat in this lovely coastal Queensland town.

If you are a grey nomad or taking a road trip around Northern Queensland then a stop in Bowen for a few days or more should be on your itinerary!

The great towns along the coastline of Queensland are fantastic places to stop off and relax for a few days (or longer) and although Bowen may be slightly in the shadow of its southern neighbour and gateway to the Whitsundays – Airlie Beach – I would recommend planning to enjoy some time in Bowen if you can.

Bowen holds the title of North Queensland’s oldest town and was officially declared a town in 1861.

If you are unsure of what there is to do and see when you visit then check out my 5 things to do in Bowen QLD!

Take a selfie with the Big Mango

• Visit Bowen's fabulous beaches

Enjoy some snorkelling, diving or fishing

Check out the wall murals around town, take in the views from the flagstaff hill lookout.

• Eat the world's tastiest fish and chips

Enjoy stunning sunsets

Rose bay resort, coral cove apartments, horseshoe bay resort (budget option), my personal airbnb recommendation in bowen, bowen museum.

• The set of the film 'Australia'

Whitsunday day trips from Bowen

Further information for visiting queensland and beyond, best things to do in bowen.

Bowen is famous for its mangoes and so what better way to show this than to stop off for a selfie at the big mango by the Bruce Highway on your way into town!

The big mango is also next to the Bowen Visitor Information Centre so stop off, take a photo and check out what the area has to offer! There is also a smaller mango in Bowen itself.

Visit Bowen’s fabulous beaches

Beautiful bays and magnificent palm fringed beaches surround Bowen. With so many beaches to choose from – 7 in total – you will be spoilt for choice!

We stayed in Rose Bay which is a beautiful area but we did venture out to check out the other beaches. Unfortunately the weather was not on our side and it was a very windy weekend when we were in Bowen. It was still hot though and there were plenty of people enjoying the sand and sea.

Rose Bay itself is a lovely little bay with great views across to Gloucester Island. There are also plenty of rock pools for the kids to explore too at low tide!

The most popular beach in the area is Horseshoe Bay which has been rated in the top 11 of Australia’s beaches . As the Tourism Bowen website states “the beach is protected by two granite outcrops, which provide a haven for a wonderful range of fish and coral just a short swim from the beach.” This is a popular spot for snorkelers and divers.

Murray’s Bay can be found between Horseshoe Bay and Rose Bay and is popular with runners and walkers.

If water sports is your things then head to Gray’s Bay where there is a two-lane boat ramp perfect for the jet skiers amongst you!

Foreshore is a favourite with families and is found at the end of the main street in Bowen. Stand at the jetty and try to spot some of the amazing sea life that frequent the waters off Bowen.

Queen’s Beach is the longest beach in Bowen at 5 kms long. Enjoy a stroll or bring some food and enjoy a BBQ!

With great views, King’s Beach offers peace and quiet for those who seek a tranquil few hours relaxing on the sand.

Whichever of the many beaches appeals to you it is worth remembering that with an average sea temperature in the summer of 28 degrees and even 22 degrees in winter you are sure to enjoy a beautiful day on the coast whenever you visit Bowen!

Read more – Visiting Cape Hillsborough ( & how to see kangaroos on the beach at dawn)

The waters off the coast of Bowen host millions of beautiful fish. Hard and soft coral can be found just meters from shore and keen snorkelers can feast their eyes on the underwater beauty.

If scuba diving is your thing the most popular areas are at Rose, Murray and Horseshoe Bays where the water is only 6/7 meters deep. Fishing is also popular in Bowen with plenty of places to reel in that catch of the day!

Read more – 25 beautiful beaches to visit in Australia

I love street art and the murals in Bowen are interesting as they reflect the history of the town from its early settlement to the present day.

We managed to take pictures of a few of them. There are 27 in total were painted in 1988. They can be found in the town centre in Bowen.

It did pique my interest to find out more about the history of the town but unfortunately, the Bowen historical museum is closed at a weekend.

For spectacular views over Bowen and the Coral Sea drive up to the top of Flagstaff Hill.

The 360-degree views of the Bowen region offer wonderful coastal views of the town and Whitsunday Islands of Gloucester, Holbourne, Middle, Stone and North Head Island.

During the months of May to November keep a lookout for humpback whales on their annual migration to and from the warmer waters of Northern Queensland.

Eat the world’s tastiest fish and chips

I kid you not I have never tasted fish like it – it was absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend a visit to Bird’s Fish Bar if you are in Bowen!

The restaurant/shop is on the harbour and the fish was so fresh it literally melted in my mouth. This alone is one of my reasons to visit Bowen again. Although they don’t have a website page you can check them out on Facebook . They can be found at Henry Darwen Memorial Drive in Bowen.

As well as the amazing fish and chips we had a lovely brunch at Le Sorelle -The Sisters Coffee House – do yourself a favour and pop in there when you are feeling peckish!

Grab your camera and enjoy some of the best sunsets Australia has to offer. These photographs were taken from the Whitsunday Sands Resort overlooking Queens Bay and Beach. The resort is also a short walk to Horseshoe Bay Beach so an ideal location for any trip to Bowen.

Click here to find out more about the resort including availability and price.

Recommended places to stay in Bowen

If you are looking for somewhere to stay in Bowen then I highly recommend Rose Bay Resort . Rooms are literally meters away from the beach.

These fully equipped apartments are comfortable and we thoroughly enjoyed our short break there. There is a pool on site, parking is in a designated parking bay and free wi-fi throughout your stay.

We found the one bedroomed apartment perfect for our needs and we will definitely planning to stay there again soon!

Sit, relax and enjoy the view – it is truly jaw dropping.

If a relaxing stay on a beautiful beach with stunning views is for you book your stay at Rose Bay Resort below!

Another fabulous choice of accommodation in Bowen are the Coral Cove Apartments. If you want amazing views, a fabulous beach front location and a luxurious apartment this is the place for you!

All apartments are fully equipped and have free WiFi, air conditioning, and access to a garden and outdoor swimming pool. 

For a more budget friendly option check out the Horseshoe Bay Resort. This is a great option if you are travelling with kids (or grandkids) and want a beach location.

On our last visit to Bowen in September 2020 we stayed at a fabulous Airbnb in the town. The location was excellent and we had a private room in a lovely house hosted by Ruth and her husband.

The room is furnished with everything you need plus access to a private bathroom and a refreshing swimming pool (needed in the heat)

Breakfast offered lots of choice and we enjoyed chatting to Ruth and Bob over a cuppa.

Ruth is a superhost and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Highly recommended and a popular stay in Bowen.

Click for availability at this lovely Bowen Airbnb.

Tips if you are staying in Bowen

Stinger season is from October to May and therefore stinger suits are advised if you are planning to go into the water.

The 2 main stingers that can be found in these waters are the irukandji and the box jellyfish. Make sure to read the signs at the beaches and follow their instructions.

If you want to go to the museum as we did take note that it is not open at a weekend. As we were only staying in Bowen for the weekend that was slightly disappointing as it has an excellent reputation.

The set of the film ‘Australia’

The 2007 film Australia starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman  was shot in Bowen. There there are a lot of pictures and information about it at Front Beach if you are a fan.

You can also also find the smaller mango I mentioned at the beginning of the article here.

Day trips to the Whitsundays are possible from Airlie Beach which is only an hour south of Bowen.

I would highly recommend a visit to Airlie and booking a trip to Whitehaven Beach if you have the opportunity! And of you really want to splash out why not consider a helicopter tour?

These are my recommended tours:

Whitsunday Helicopter Tour: Flight + Whitehaven Landing

Take to the skies and fly over the Whitsunday Islands in the Coral Sea on a helicopter tour from Airlie Beach. Get aerial views of Hamilton Island, Hill Inlet and more. Then, enjoy the remaining tour on Whitehaven Beach, to top up your tan.

From Airlie Beach: Whitsunday & Whitehaven 6-Hour Cruise

Choose a morning or afternoon departure for this 6-hour Whitsunday Islands cruise. Glide through some of the Whitsundays remote areas, beautiful bays and peaceful islands. Spend 1.5 to 2 hours at the dazzling southern end of Whitehaven Beach

And last but not least don’t forget to relax!

I have lots of posts all about visiting Australia and a number of these are focused on the beautiful state of Queensland.

With an enviable climate, wonderful wildlife, stunning beaches if Queensland is your destination these posts will help you get the best of your visit!

• My post all about the top things to do in Queensland gives an idea of some of the amazing places to visit in the state.
• Other areas to visit near Bowen include Mackay and you will find the best things to do in Mackay in this post. Eungella National Park – is a must-visit too – click here if you want to find out how to see platypus in the wild at Broken River in the park!
• Click here if you are interested in learning more about the 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Australia.
• Discover 10 things to do and see in beautiful Port Douglas
• Check out the Visit Bowen website for more information about visiting the area!

Top 8 road trips from Bowen

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The Best Bowen Island Day Trip from Vancouver

Bowen Island is a charming, luscious island located near the Lower Mainland in British Columbia. It’s the perfect day trip from Vancouver or a great way to spend the weekend in nature.

The island is known for hiking, kayaking, cider houses and distilleries and the main things to do are all walkable! This means you don’t have to rent a car to explore the island.

Bowen Island is only a 20-minute ferry ride from Vancouver, and the ferry takes you through part of the beautiful Howe Sound!

In this travel guide, we’ll show you how to get there and any activities to book in advance. We’ll also include some options for places to stay!

On this Bowen Island day trip, you will truly get the chance to relax with a variety of activities and amazing places to eat. Let’s create your Bowen Island itinerary!

This post may contain affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links, at no additional cost to you .

1 Day Itinerary for a Bowen Island Day Trip

Table of Contents (Skip to a section!)

Ideally, it’s best to arrive in the morning to make the most of your Bowen Island day trip. Check BC Ferries in advance, so that you can plan your day!

Once you arrive on Bowen Island you will be dropped off in the heart of Snug Cove on the east side of the island.

Snug Cove is a very welcoming village with a handful of shops, restaurants and cafes. If you take a right from the ferry terminal, you will find one of Snug Cove’s popular ice cream parlous featuring Earnest Ice cream.

Branch on Bowen is hard to miss and is worth checking out at some point on your Bowen Island itinerary, especially on a sunny day!

Breakfast & Snug Cove Town

If you haven’t had breakfast at this point, this is the perfect opportunity to hunt for a cafe on your Bowen Island day trip.

The Snug Cafe is one of your best choices for breakfast and it’s only a 2-minute walk from the ferry terminal!

Follow the road up the hill and you will come across many unique shops and restaurants. This also leads you to the picturesque marina area to the side.

Extra tip – (If you’re visiting on a Saturday there is a local farmers market from 10 am -12 pm )

Looking for inspiration in Vancouver? Here’s our Top 25 Best Things to do in Vancouver, Canada !

Artisanal Square

Make your way to Artisanal Square is up a steep hill and is walkable, there is a walking trail on the left side through the trees that takes you straight to the square or you can simply follow the road.

Artisinal Square is home to Artisan Eats Café & Fine Foods, Cocoa West Chocolatier and a few unique shops.

The chocolate shop is a highlight of the island with handmade chocolates and the views from Artisan Eats Café are incredible! They have an outdoor patio if you want to stop for a drink or a snack.

Artisan Suites is a lovely 4-star hotel with a garden and a terrace if you’re looking for a place to stay on Bowen Island – Find it on Booking.com here !

Explore Killarney Lake

Killarney Lake is located in Crippen Regional Park and around a 30-minute walk from Snug Cove. The Killarney Lake Loop Trail will take around 2 hours, but it’s a beautiful walk through the trees!

When we walked past the Fish Ladder, we saw a mink! It quickly hurried off, but it was amazing to experience the nature here on Bowen Island.

The lake also has small pebble beaches with picnic tables nearby. It’s one of the best spots to relax on a Bowen Island day trip from Vancouver without a strenuous hike!

This will be the perfect way to spend your afternoon before heading back to the Snug Cove area.

Tip – In the Fall you can sometimes see the salmon run at the fish ladder during the Killarney Lake Loop Trail.

Kayaking in Bowen Island

If you still have energy left, it’s now time for kayaking! An alternative option is to hike the Dormant Point as well as a 1-hour session of hiking. However, Killarney Lake is a relaxing hike for all to enjoy!

Once you are back at Snug Cove, hunt down Bowen Island Sea Kayaking and head out to the ocean! As previously mentioned, you can book yourself a tour, in advance or make your own way around the area.

Around the corner from Branch on Bowen, there is a store offering kayak rentals! Bowen Island Sea Kayaking provides tours around the stunning area of Bowen Island, whether you are a beginner or experienced, you can enjoy the scenery from the water.

There is also the option to rent a kayak or sup to roam the waters at your own pace. You may even be lucky and find some seals on your adventure!

Looking for more things to do from Vancouver?  Check out our  3 Day Itinerary on the Sunshine Coast !  Similar to Bowen Island, but larger in size!

Finishing off your trip to Bowen Island

At this point on your Bowen Island itinerary, you may be ready for a nap! Bowen Island and Snug Cove are filled with adventure and there is even more on the west of the island!

On this Bowen Island itinerary, we only have enough time to discover one side of the island – but we would love to check the west side out one day, although a car may be needed for that adventure.

End your day with ice cream from Branch on Bowen and wait for the next ferry to take you back over to Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver.

Earnest Ice Cream is our favourite ice cream in Vancouver (they have an incredible vegan range) Find flavours such as chocolate, raspberry, blueberry oat, lemon and peanut butter pretzel! For us, it was definitely a treat at the end of our day on Bowen Island.

More things to do in Bowen Island

If you’re spending more than one day in Bowen Island – here are some more ideas to spend your time on the beautiful island.

• Hire a bike to explore the island – Find Bowen eBikes at the ferry port in Snug Cove!
• Visit Bowen Cider House and try their samples

If you have more time during your morning on your Bowen Island day trip, check out these beaches near Snug Cove

• Sandy Beach
• Mother’s Beach
• Pebbly Beach
• September Morn Beach

How to get to Bowen Island

The best way to get to Bowen Island from Vancouver is by using BC Ferries .

From Vancouver, head to Horseshoe Bay and from there you’ll find ferries almost every hour taking you to Snug Cove , Bowen Island. Take the 257 bus from Downtown Vancouver to get to Horseshoe Bay.

The price is $11.70 per person and $44.85 per car. Even if you take a car, you will still pay for every person in the car! You will only be charged once as the ferry is free from Snug Cove (Bowen Island) to Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver).

These ferries are non-reservable so you just need to turn up at least 15 minutes before the ferry departure to get a ticket.

Where to stay on Bowen Island

Although we recommend visiting Bowen Island on a day trip from Vancouver, it’s also lovely to experience a night stay. Here are a few accommodations you can find on the island (There aren’t too many options)!

• Artisan Suites on Bowen $$ – A beautiful 4-star hotel with amazing views of Bowen Island –  Find the Booking.com link here !
• Rainforest Retreat $$ – Stay in a cosy modern apartment in the heart of nature –  Find the Booking.com link here !

Best Restaurants in Bowen Island

• Branch on Bowen – best ice cream!
• Tell Your Friends Café – delicious vegan food!
• Doc Morgan’s Pub & Restaurant – comfort food!
• Snug Cafe – best breakfast!
• Artisan Eats Café – A French bakery plus lunch and dinner!

More hiking on Bowen Island

Bowen Island is home to amazing hiking trails ! Some locals make their way over to Bowen Island just for the hiking, and we don’t blame them – Bowen Island is beautiful!

Mt Gardner – One of the more rewarding hikes is the challenging trail up to Mt Gardner. It takes 7 hours to complete this hike and although it’s rated Intermediate, it does require a lot of climbing. The views are amazing though! 

Dorman Point – Dorman Point is a 1-hour hike up to a viewpoint overlooking the Howe Sound. It’s 30 minutes steep hike up to the viewpoint and it is also rated Easy. It may be a great option to add to your day!

Check out our  The 12 Best Easy Hikes in Vancouver, Canada  for some of the best beginner trails!

Is Bowen Island worth a day trip?

Yes ! A Bowen Island day trip from Vancouver is worth it if you love exploring British Colombia. With the ferry only being 20 minutes, it’s a quick and easy day trip away from the city.

After visiting ourselves, we would recommend visiting Bowen Island in the summer months to make the most out of your day and get the best weather. Although the island is lovely in the spring and autumn too!

There are other places to visit on a day trip, such as Deep Cove or False Creek, however, Bowen Island is unique and also worth checking out.

Alternatively, there’s a 3-Hour Bowen Island Boat Cruise you can do from Granville, Vancouver!

Browse our current  Canada blog posts here :

• The 12 Best Easy Hikes in Vancouver, Canada The Best 3-Month Road Trip in Canada Itinerary

Top 25 Best Things to do in Vancouver, Canada

• The Best 3 Days on the Sunshine Coast
• 3 Days in Toronto on a Budget

The Best 10 Day Ontario Road Trip Itinerary (2024)

• All  Canada  posts!

Have the best Bowen Island day trip! Find us on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers).

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Amy & Dan are the founders of The Sunrise Dreamers. They are travellers from the UK who have been on the road since 2017 whilst living in places like England, Canada, Thailand and the Canary Islands. They share their knowledge of travelling the world with detailed travel guides and tips. They're experts in vegan travel and show their audience how to travel on a budget.

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12 Comments

Bowen Island looks like so much fun! I would love to check out the kayaking and the hiking. That ice cream also looks delicious!

Hi Kate! Ooh yes, I’m still dreaming of that ice cream! Bowen Island is such a great little island 🙂 – Amy

Croissants and Ice Cream – those look like two excellent reasons to visit Bowen Island. (I’m a sucker for good food!)

Hey Lynda! We are too! Great food can enhance a trip! 🙂

Bowen Island looks amazing! This would be the perfect day trip or even a weekend trip from Vancouver. It looks so peaceful. I would love to check this place out and do some hiking and kayaking. Vegan croissant is another good reason to go here. Enjoyed your blog post. 🙂

Hey Jan, thank you so much for your kind words! Yes, a weekend trip would also be amazing here! Would definitely love to go back in the future (to find that vegan croissant again)!

looks like such an adorable little town. i hope to make it to bowen to do some hiking & kayaking, and i’ll definitely be getting an ice cream like yours after doing those activities!

Yes, you would love it on Bowen Island! 🙂 The ice cream was a perfect end to the day!

Bowen Island looks like such a fun place to explore! I’d love to do some kayaking and hiking (+ of course eating) there! :]

It’s an amazing place to explore! 🙂

I’ll take one croissant, one ice cream and a chocolate themed night stay please! Looks a great place to visit and love the photos 🙂

I would love to take you there! Especially for the ice cream and croissant! Haha 🙂 – Amy

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GREY NOMAD AWARDS

Bowen is central to a week in paradise.

Q: Where can you stay to experience tropical islands, historic gold towns, old lighthouses, mighty rivers, dazzling street art and mouth watering seafood all within three hours? A: Bowen, the heart of the Whitsundays! And Queens Beach Tourist Village (QBTV), officially the Best Grey Nomad Large Caravan Park in Australia , is the perfect place to base yourself. From there you can easily experience the myriad of delights of the Whitsunday, Burdekin and Charters Towers regions before returning to luxurious surrounds at each day's end. Here's six day trips from Bowen, in no particular order, for a week of magic and magnificence. 1. Proserpine and surrounds Leave the CP early and head 30 minutes down the highway to kickstart your day with a hit of delicious caffeine and breakfast at Whitsunday Gold Coffee (pictured below). Dog friendly, RV parking, heaps of tables, an on-site aviary and even an animal nursery for the 'big kid' in us all.

Then hop over to the Historical Museum where the district's development will be sure to keep you entertained for ages. Only 20 minutes west is Peter Faust Dam (below), a picturesque barra stocked reservoir (fishing permit required) with picnic facilities and amenities. Have lunch while you're catching dinner!

Fire up one of the numerous QBTV BBQs in a garden setting to enjoy the results of your day's labour. 2. Whitsunday Islands There's 74 idyllic tropical islands in the Whitsundays and a day tour from Shute Harbour, only 90 kilometres from Bowen, is an awesome way to experience them.

Visit Whitehaven Beach - the whitest sand in the world, plus Hill Inlet Lookout before dipping into the water with snorkel gear to experience the Great Barrier Reef up close. With meals provided on all-day trips, you'll probably be happy with a simple dinner watching the stars that night. 3. Ayr and Home Hill Most people know the twin towns of Ayr and Home Hill because both are surrounded by sugar cane and the mighty Burdekin River winds its way between them. However, they harbour a secret - as a street art hub with murals by some of Australia's best artists. Lookout for names like Cam Scale (a silo art specialist), Sofles, Bidju and Jon Electros Avocado (pictured below).

And check out the giant serpeant in Plantation Park before leaving Ayr. At 60m long, it's head alone is the size of a surfboard! The Gubulla Munda (carpet snake) is the protective spirit for the Biri Gubba people of northern Queensland. Sculpted by artist Dr Farvardin Daliri OAM, many local Aboriginal people came together to paint it.

All that art hunting must have left you famished, so simply walk next door to the Queens Beach Tavern for a delish dinner. 4. Ravenswood It'll take you about two and a half hours to get Ravenswood. When you arrive you'll feel like you've passed through a time tunnel - its main street and surrounding old mine sites have remained untouched for 140 years and the buildings are in strikingly good condition, such as the old Courthouse below.

Part of the Charters Towers region, the entire town is covered by an Australian Heritage Council order. At its height in the 1890s the town had 42 pubs! Amazingly, two remain and do yourself a favour - do lunch at one and have a beer at the other!

We know you'll be fascinated by Ravenswood and will probably want to spend as much time as possible exploring, so our tip: Prepare a light dinner for your post-sunset return. 5. Townsville Yep, beautifully quiet and picturesque Bowen is on the footstep of Queensland's fourth largest city. So much to do!

Options include jumping a ferry to Magnetic Island, driving up Castle Hill to enjoy the view, hiring a bike to discover the numerous botanic gardens, exploring the trendy CBD, walking the historic Stand (above), or visiting Reef HQ Barrier Reef Aquarium. Yep, so many options. Back at Bowen its feet up time with a takeaway from one of the town's 30+ eateries. Our pick - fish and chips from down at the harbour. 6. Bowen River Hotel via Collinsville An easy day today! Only 85 kilometres past orchards to the foothills of the Clarke Range where you'll find the town of Collinsville, a modern mining town with deep historical roots. After morning tea delve into the rich history of mining - an industry that has been vital for so many regional communities, at the Coalface Experience - and learn about Australia's last working pit ponies. There is also a memorial of these loyal animals, which worked the mines at Collinsville until 1990.

Nip up to Town Reservoir Hill for stunning views then onto a gravel road for a short trip to the Bowen River Hotel (below) for a country lunch. This 1860s pub, originally known as the Strathmore Hotel, was donated to the National Trust of Queensland in 1974 but lay abandoned until 2003, when it was rebuilt to its former glory. Positioned on the banks of the Bowen River, its a beautiful example of bush carpentry. While checking out the joinery, keep an eye out for visitors from by-gone eras. The bar staff will tell you that some have loved the hotel so much that they've refused to leave - ever!

Not every pub is haunted. Proof can be found on your return to Bowen at the Grand View. On the harbour side of town, this hotel featured in Baz Lurmann's 'Australia' movie and serves beaut meals. See? A week of easy day trips that'll ensure you experience all the Queensland northern highlights. Bowen - perfectly placed in paradise.

#greynomadawards #greynomads #ontheroad #regionaltourism #regionalaustralia #seeaustraliafirst #camper #motorhoming #caravanning #pubstay #countrypub #farmstay #caravanpark #stationstay #awards #tourism #AOA21 #aussieadventures #exploreaustralia #travellingaustralia #seeaustralia #wonderoutyonder

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Top 10 Things to do in Bowen, Queensland

Heading to Bowen as part of your Whitsundays trip? This post shares the best things to do in Bowen, a quieter alternative to busy and bustling Airlie Beach.

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our  disclaimer   here.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Bowen

Bowen is a small coastal town in northern Queensland, part of the Whitsundays region. Known as the ‘top of the Whitsundays’, it is located north of the region’s unofficial hub, Airlie Beach . It is a much quieter, laidback town than bustling Airlie Beach. Bowen is a popular stop for grey nomads on their east coast road trip. But sadly it is often overlooked by other visitors to Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays.

It takes about one hour to drive from Airlie Beach to Bowen. If you need to hire a car in Airlie Beach, search for one here

Like Airlie Beach and the entire Whitsundays region, Bowen is blessed with beautiful weather year-round. This is perfect, as the town is known for its beautiful bays and fringing reef. However, you should be aware that the locals often refer to Bowen as ‘blowen Bowen’, so expect some winds!

We visited Bowen on a day trip from Airlie Beach, and as soon as we arrived we wished we had planned to stay here longer. It is the perfect place to have a ‘holiday from your holiday’. The vibe was much slower and relaxed, and we could have easily spent a few days chilling out on the beautiful beaches.

Things to do in Bowen

There is a lot more to do in Bowen than we anticipated, and sadly we missed out on a lot of things due to time constraints. If you can’t fit in an overnight stay here, at least try and dedicate an entire day and evening to the area. We had to be back in Airlie Beach before 5 pm to return our hire car, and we really needed longer!

The landscape in Bowen was completely different to what we were expecting. It is made up of lots of rocky bays and outcrops, with many hills and lookout points.

1. Visit the Big Mango

No list of things to do in Bowen is complete without mention of the Big Mango! One of Australia’s random ‘big things’, the Big Mango is worthy of a photo stop on your way into Bowen. Bowen is considered the mango capital of Australia. The mangoes grown in Bowen are more commonly known as Kensington Pride (AKA the best mangoes ever!). Besides getting a selfie in front of the large fruit, you can buy a 100% pure mango sorbet from the Visitor Information Centre. This has got to be the most delicious sorbet we’ve ever had, worth every cent of the $6 it cost.

2. Swim and snorkel at Horseshoe Bay

Bowen is home to eight different bays and beaches, but I think Horseshoe Bay takes out the prize for the first spot! We’re not the only ones who think so, as Horseshoe Bay has been voted as one of Australia’s best beaches.

Sheltered between two rocky outcrops, this small beach is lined with palm trees and the water was so blue and clear. This was definitely the most beautiful beach we visited in the Whitsundays. You can snorkel right off the beach here on the fringing reef. Top tip: bring your own snorkels with you. Horseshoe Bay Resort, just behind the beach, used to rent out masks and fins, but due to COVID, they have stopped doing that.

3. Cape Edgecumbe walking trail

This trail is 2.5 km one way, and it connects Horsehoe Bay, Murray Bay and Rose Bay. You can enter the trail from any of the bays, and choose to walk the entire circuit or just part of it. The trail passes beautiful lookouts, stunning bays, and local landmark Mother Beddock. This enormous boulder is balanced precariously on a rocky outcrop and can be seen from many spots throughout Bowen.

4. Fish and chips at Bird’s Fish Bar

No visit to Bowen is complete without fish and chips at Bird’s Fish Bar ! Nestled waterfront in the Bowen Marina, seafood doesn’t get much fresher than this! From the outside, this place looks like an unassuming fish and chip shop. But once you get onto the outdoor patio, it is gorgeous! Colourful flowers, murals painted on the walls and a funky neon sign create a great atmosphere to enjoy some delicious seafood with an ocean view! We went for a fisherman’s basket to share between the two of us, which completely filled us for just $32.

5. Flagstaff Hill lookout

For 360-degree views of Bowen, head up Flagstaff Hill! You can drive all the way to the top of this lookout (no hard walk required!), with a large car park at the top. In 2017, Cyclone Debbie sadly destroyed a cafe that used to be on top of the hill. However, construction is currently underway on a new building, which will contain a cafe, tourist information, and floor to ceiling glass windows. This is expected to be complete in late October 2021.

Looking for things to do in Airlie Beach? Check out our complete guide on things to do, day tours and where to stay here

6. Explore the other bays and beaches

Okay, I know I have already mentioned a few of Bowen’s bays and beaches, but there are a total of eight around the area. And all are worth exploring! Each beach is good for different things, and in different conditions, so below is a quick rundown of them all, from south to north.

• Front Beach / Bowen Foreshore – this area is best for its grassy foreshore area, and not the beach as such. It can be windy here, and is a good spot for kite surfing and other water sports.
• Kings Beach – long open, sandy beach. Is a dog-friendly beach, can be quite windy but usually very quiet.
• Rose Bay – a beautiful sandy beach, great for swimming and snorkelling. Stunning views of Mother Beddock and Gloucester Island in the distance. Best in northerly winds.
• Murray Bay – one of the more secluded and quiet bays. Access is down a narrow track, and it has a very tropical feel. Sheltered from most winds, a great spot for swimming and snorkelling.
• Horeshoe Bay – as mentioned, one of the most picturesque beaches, great for swimming and snorkelling. Best in northerly winds.
• Coral Bay – a very hidden little bay, this is Bowen’s only nudist beach.
• Grays Bay – there is a boat ramp here, popular for jet skis, SUPS and other watersports. Best in south-east winds.
• Queens Beach – the longest stretch of sand in Bowen, with 5 km of beachfront. There are BBQs dotted along the foreshore, and walking and cycling tracks. Best in south-east winds.

7. Relax on the foreshore

Also referred to as Front Beach, the foreshore area is the perfect spot for a picnic or BBQ. There are plenty of sheltered areas, tables, BBQs, toilets, a playground and waterpark, and beautiful lawns shaded by palm trees. This would be the perfect spot to pull up your van or caravan and have a cuppa or cook up some lunch. You will also find a smaller replica of Big Mango here. The 800 m long Bowen Jetty is just up the road, where you can walk out and look for marine life in the waters below.

8. Find the murals around town

There are 28 murals adorning buildings around Bowen, telling the story of the town and its history, culture, wildlife and community. Tourism Bowen has a handy map of the paintings you can pick up from the Visitor Information Centre at the Big Mango. Another artwork you are unlikely to miss is the two huge water tanks sitting on a hill above the town. Decorated with whales, turtles, cockatoos and more, you can drive up Tynwald Avenue to get a closer look.

9. Sunset from Grays Bay

There aren’t too many places on Australia’s east coast where you can watch the sunset over the water. But Grays Bay is one of them! Orientated west, this is the perfect spot to pull up a chair or lay down a rug and enjoy the sun’s daily show.

10. Walk to the Lighthouse

A couple of times a year, during the winter months (June – August), the tides in Bowen are so low that it is possible to walk out to the Bowen Lighthouse on North Head Island. Each year in Bowen, there is a formal Walk to the Lighthouse event, held when the tide is lowest. The event draws Groups of walkers head into the bay and walk through shallow waters leading to a sandbar all the way to the island. The highlight of the experience is spotting marine life in the shallows. Bowen is home to giant red starfish, which you can spot all over the bay. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles, sea cucumbers and urchins too. Back on dry land, there is plenty of festivities post-walk. To check the dates of the annual Walk to the Lighthouse event, head to the Tourism Bowen website here .

Where to stay in Bowen

Although we didn’t stay in Bowen, we wish that we did! There were a few spots we came across around the area that we would have loved to spend a night or two at here. When we go back, here’s where we would stay!

NRMA Bowen Beachfront Holiday Park

If you have a van, caravan or tent, I don’t think you could choose a better spot to park up! Beachfront sites overlooking the beautiful Queens Bay. It doesn’t get much more relaxing than that.

Horseshoe Bay Resort

Part caravan park, part laidback beach resort, this little gem is right on the shores of the beautiful Horseshoe Bay. They have the funkiest little beach huts, each painted a bright colour with views over the bay. There is also the Horseshoe Bay Cafe right next door, which looked great for a meal.

Rose Bay Resort

This beautiful, boutique resort is located right on the shores of Rose Bay, and looked like a beautiful place to stay for a special treat! Their one and two-bedroom apartments feature private balconies, with ocean views. I can definitely picture us enjoying a sunset drink and cheese platter here!

Coral Cove Apartments

For a real splurge, Coral Cove Apartments offer modern, luxury apartments overlooking Grays Bay. There is a restaurant on-site, as well as a pool and all apartments have private ocean view balconies. Probably out of our usual price range, but this looks worth the splurge!

Things to do in Bowen: Complete!

I hope this post was helpful in planning your adventure to Bowen! We were seriously impressed with this sleepy little coastal town, and couldn’t believe how much it had to offer! We will definitely be coming back to Bowen in the future to spend a few days here, staying beachfront and relaxing. Let me know in the comments if you’ve been to Bowen, and what your highlights were!

Sally Rodrick

Sally Rodrick is the voice behind Sally Sees. She has spent 12 months travelling in Mexico and Central America, and has her sights firmly set on South America. Sally helps thousands of readers discover the magic of Latin America. Sharing detailed guides to inspire and equip them with the knowledge they need to plan their own epic adventures in this incredible part of the world.

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The comments.

Liz Buthmann

This was soooooo helpful!!!! Thank you!

Oh I am so so glad to hear that Liz. Thankyou for your kind comment, and please do let me know if you have any more questions! Enjoy Bowen 🙂 Sally.

Thank you so much for all the tips! I was really helpful! Bowen is now in my itinerary 😉

I’m so glad it was helpful Priscila! We actually just revisited Bowen a few weeks ago, and it was as good as we remembered. It’s such a quiet, laidback place compared to busy Airlie Beach. Definitely worth a visit! Enjoy x

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The Perfect Bowen Island Day Trip Guide

April 10, 2021 · Travel , Canada · author: May

Bowen Island is a popular vacation home location for British Columbians and serves as a great escape from the city life for Vancouver’s lower mainland.

Known as a haven for rest and relaxation away from the city, Bowen Island is just 12 kilometres long and 6 kilometres wide.

Bowen Island has a surprisingly wide range of activities to enjoy; outdoors there are nature hikes and walks, road and mountain biking, kayaking, swimming and beachcombing, picnics, golf, even horseback riding and scuba diving – a destination for all types of travellers.

We gathered a list of things to do on Bowen Island including where to grab a bite to secret hiking trails on Bowen Island that may include finding a mastodon in the middle of the forest.

How to get to Bowen Island

Bowen Island is an idyllic destination in the middle of Howe Sound, just a short trip over from West Vancouver.

The Queen of Capilano, the Bowen Island ferry, leaves Horseshoe Bay every hour or so, earliest departure at 5:50 am and latest at 10:00 pm. The ferry ride crossing the channel is only 20 minutes, enjoy the views of Howe Sound and watch for marine and birdlife!

The Cormorant Water Taxi provides both scheduled and charter service throughout the area, they operate year-round with a capacity of 1-100 passengers from Vancouver, for more information, check them out here.

Getting to Horseshoe Bay

We recommend leaving your car behind for this trip if you can. There is limited parking in Horseshoe Bay and tends to fill up quickly on weekends and during the summer. Not to mention, you’ll be saving yourself car fare when bringing it on the ferry!

Taking public transit to Horseshoe Bay is relatively simple and fuss-free. The West Vancouver Blue Bus numbers 250 Horseshoe Bay and 257 Horseshoe Bay Express provide regular daily service between Downtown Vancouver and Horseshoe Bay.

Things to do on Bowen Island

As we mentioned earlier, Bowen Island may be small but packed with lots of activities for locals and tourists. So when planning your Bowen Island day trip, here are some activities to consider for your next visit.

Take a Scenic Cycle on a Bowen eBike

Rent an electric bike from Snug Cove ahead of time or in person at their store. This is a great alternative if you don’t want to take your car around town and worry about parking. These bikes are great for exploring the hilly Bowen Island and an electric-assisted bike is capable of making the most of your visit. You’ll be able to cycle to lots of remote viewpoints, hiking trails, remote beaches, visit artists and farmsteads around the island and so many other places.

Artisan Square

In the mood to do a little shopping? Artisan Square is located just 10-15 minutes uphill from the ferries (did we mention that Bowen is a hilly place?). Artisan Square is the place to be if you’re in the market for some handcrafted souvenirs, hand-crafted chocolates, eco-friendly soaps, fine cashmere, and other artisanally made goods.

Kayaking – Bowen Island Sea Kayaking

Take your explorations off the land and on to the sea! Sea kayaking is another popular activity for those wanting to explore the natural wonderland that is Bowen Island.

Bowen Island Sea Kayaking offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, tours, and lessons for anyone wishing to explore the inlets, islands, beaches around Bowen Island. Tours are recommended as guides are trained in safety and well-versed in island history. While navigating the shoreline, you’ll be able to take a deep dive into the geological forces that created the Howe Sound, the Union Steamship era, the First Nation’s impact on Bowen Island history, industrialization and the rebirth of the region’s marine ecosystem.

Hiking Trails on Bowen Island

If you planning on a day trip of outdoor activities, the hiking trails on Bowen Island are close in proximity and are easily accessible from the ferry terminal. There are 3 hiking trails on Bowen Island – well… possibly 4, if you count the secret trail to the mastodon…more on that in just a bit.

Dorman Point

Located within Crippen Regional Park, the trail to Dorman Point is one of the 2 easier hiking trails on Bowen island consisting of only 1 hour and an elevation gain of 105 meters. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a view of the cove, if you walk down the trail to your right when you reach the top, you’ll be able to access a better viewpoint unobstructed by trees. Dorman Point trail is a short one and best if you pair this with another hike like Killarney Lake or a longer hike up Mount Gardner.

Killarney Lake

Killarney Lake is one of the easier hiking trails on Bowen Island. The scenic hiking trail that wraps around Killarney Lake offers the perfect reason to make a day trip out to peaceful Bowen Island. The Killarney Lake trail is an easy 2-hour hike with very minimal elevation gain.

The scenic trail around Killarney Lake is worth doing as scenery changes with every turn. Make sure to pack some snacks, there are plenty of great picnic opportunities as you wander this trail!

Mount Gardner

For the intermediate hikers, Mount Gardner is essentially Bowen’s Everest. Except, not nearly as tall.

With an elevation of 719 meters, the challenging hike culminates with panoramic views – Vancouver to the south, Sunshine Coast to the north and Vancouver Island to the West. There are different trailheads and a variety of different routes you can take to the north of the summit.

Secret Bowen Island Mastodon

Feeling a little adventurous?

Artist Guthrie Gloag created a sculpture of a mastodon made out of driftwood at a secret location on Bowen Island. The sculpture, titled “ The Mastodon Project “, was created to mimic the mastodons that have been extinct ten to twelve thousand years ago, likely because of human pressures. Gloag, who was trained as a biologist, asks the public to “mourn” the mastodon and reflect on the animals living today that could be lost due to human impacts.

We can’t tell you the exact location of this sculpture because that would just take away the fun. But do know that this hike is on the intermediate side.

A Well Deserved Treat

Need a break to refuel from crushing the near by hiking trails? Check out some of these places for a bite.

Doc Morgan’s

On our way to Dorman Point hiking trail, we walked by Doc Morgan’s and admired the patio loungers sipping on their cold pints of beer. We decided that this was the spot to go after our quick hike to the top.

Doc Morgan’s is a gastropub serving pub classics like burgers and fries, fish and chips, and various types of share plates to choose from. Not to mention that the patio is the place to be during the summer months.

The upstairs and downstairs patio have views of the shore and nearby fun and games at the Doc Morgan’s lawn.

Branch on Bowen

After enjoying a few cold beers at Doc Morgan’s, head on over to Branch on Bowen for some ice cream before boarding the ferry back to Vancouver.

Branch on Bowen is an ice cream parlour, taco shack and boutique gift shop on Bowen Island’s marina Pier. Didn’t have enough time at Artisan Square for souvenirs and shopping? No problem, Branch on Bowen sort of has it all to end your visit, whether you’re seeking a well-deserved ice cream or want to pick up an artisanally hand-crafted gift minutes before boarding your ferry back to the lower mainland.

Looking for more travel ideas in British Columbia? Check out our list of 8 interesting things to do in and around Vancouver for more inspiration!

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Discover Bowen Island.calm

Bowen Island is an idyllic destination in the middle of Howe Sound, just a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver. Quiet and alluring, a short distance from Vancouver, it’s a welcome escape from the stresses of city life.

Take a digital journey through these pages and see all Bowen has to offer.

Enjoy this video produced by Destination BC showcasing Bowen’s secret treasures.

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Great boat trips: readers’ travel tips – the guardian, 5 amazing day trips from vancouver – darpan magazine, tourist in your town: bowen island – cbc news, culinary tour highlights bowen island offerings – north shore news, what to do on bowen island – montecristo magazine, 6 carefree trips from vancouver that you can easily take this summer – daily hive, eau canada – top ten things to do on the water on vancouver’s north shore – vancouver’s north shore, top small towns to visit for canada day – expedia, bliss on bowen – the pampered baby, wild about bowen island – the province, two perfect day trips from vancouver – experience transat, getting lost on a sunday – she who wanders, don’t go to bowen island, they say it’s awful (it’s not, it’s amazing) – lonely planet, 35 most beautiful destinations in canada – expedia, bowen island getaway guide – bc living, escape to bowen island – vancouver is awesome, tell your friends it’s awful – adweek, our bowen island foodie tour – huffington post.

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A Day Trip to Bowen Island

(Plus our luck, there was a UBC student camp there that day, and I don’t understand why people that age have no common sense. They crowd the shops and cafes, can’t figure out what to order, hover over everyone else’s food like it’s the apocalypse and have no manners at all!

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23 responses on " A Day Trip to Bowen Island "

I loved seeing the snaps from this and now I love seeing the post! Piper looks like he had a great time, even if he’s a bit sleepy. And all the food! It looks like just the perfect day.

xoxo, Dannie http://www.stilefotocibo.com

This is one great way to relax and be away from the city. I just love every pic you included in this post. Glad to see you went with Piper too. Booking tickets online is an awesome idea btw. Thanks for the share. Have agreat day!xx

http://www.prettyweirdbombshell.com/off-the-shoulder-romwe/

Now this is my kind of day of exploring!!! Good food, cute places to check out, amazing views… It all looks and sounds perfect. Though, I would have RAN from those mosquitoes too! I hate those little suckers! I’ve never been to this part of the world, but have every intention of getting over there. Loved this post (your dog is so cute!) thank you! xx Jenelle http://www.inspiringwit.com/

This looks so cool! I love that the ferry and the places you went were dog-friendly. And hello yoga, coffee, chocolate, hiking, and artisan square…I’m pretty sure that’s my dream spot 😍 Gorgeous photos too!

Thanks Liz, it’s a really nice place! Definitely should go if you have the chance 🙂

These photos are absolutely stunning, it really feels like we are there with you and I LOVE that you took your dog on the adventure with you.

La Belle Sirene  

Thanks Courtney! He’s pretty chill, so easy to travel with.

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