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Bowen Golf Club — Image credit: Bowen Tourism and Business

Entertainment Venues

Bowen Golf Club

Bowen Golf Club was established in 1928 and over the years has earned the reputation of being a "hidden golfing gem". Nestled along the Whitsunday coast and waiting to be discovered by golfing enthusiasts and visitors alike, Bowen Golf Club is renowned as the "Friendly Club". The clubhouse and deck provide the ideal surroundings and unbeatable views across the ocean for the relaxation and enjoyment of members and guests. Bowen Golf course is a fantastic 9-hole, 18 tee, links style seaside course that is both rewarding and challenging to golfers of all levels. The reward is just walking around this beautiful course, while the challenges come with mother nature and the strong winds she provides to this area. The 18 tees have been located giving a totally different approach to the previously played 1-9 creating a truly challenging 18 holes of golf.

Bowen QLD

0.9 km away

Palm fringed Grays Bay Bowen - Paradise — Image credit: Bowen Tourism & Business and Mark Fitz Photography

Natural Attractions

Grays Bay

One of the most picturesque bays in Queensland is Grays Bay, one of the few places on the East Coast where you can watch the sun set over the ocean. It really is a treat, especially when the stand up paddleboarders are silhouetted against the darkening sky. When the tide is in, the water laps less than a metre from the road, and with its azure water, white sand and rocky outcrops, it is truly spectacular. There’s ample parking, a boat ramp providing easy access to offshore mackerel fishing, free barbecues and a playground situated under big shady trees. Find your perfect spot to sit and enjoy, or bring your SUP, kayak or canoe for coastal adventuring.

Bowen QLD

1.3 km away

Bowen's Horseshoe Bay offers snorkelling straight off the shore — Image credit: Bowen Tourism & Business

Natural Attractions

Horseshoe Bay - Bowen

Horseshoe Bay is Bowen's most iconic beach and a favourite for locals and visitors alike, regularly topping best beaches lists. The beach is framed by two granite outcrops which provide a haven for a wonderful range of fish and coral just a short swim from the beach. The bay's fringing reef is a top spot for divers and snorkellers and for a small fee, snorkelling equipment can be hired from the Horseshoe Bay Resort. New to the bay in 2019, Bywa is an inter-tidal sculpture installed as part of the Whitsunday Reef Recovery and Public Art Project. Bywa was created by artist Brian Robinson and tells the story of reef, creation and marine life. Horseshoe Bay also has an entry point to the Rotary Lookout and Cape Edgecumbe Walking Trail, which links the fringing reef beaches of Horseshoe, Murray and Rose Bays. The whole trail will take approximately one hour return, however a short 10 minute hike takes you to the Rotary scenic lookout over Horseshoe Bay. To round off a wonderfully relaxing day exploring the bay, treat yourself to a meal at the fully licenced beachfront cafe.

Bowen QLD

1.4 km away

Bowen's Murray Bay — Image credit: Bowen Tourism & Business

Natural Attractions

Bowen's Murray Bay

Located between Horseshoe Bay and Rose Bay, Murray Bay is a beautiful tropical beach complete with coconut trees and fringing reef. Access to the secluded beach is solely down a narrow track or via the Cape Edgecumbe walking trail. It is a great beach for those looking for a quiet, private place to enjoy the tropical climate and impressive island views. With views of the Cape's impressive granite boulders and offshore islands, the outlook is incredible and is also a prime spot for whale watching during Winter. Murray Bay is a favourite for photographers and provides excellent snorkelling, diving and fishing. The beach is pet friendly and perfect for families.

Bowen QLD

1.5 km away

Gloucester Island views from Rose Bay — Image credit: Bowen Tourism & Business

Natural Attractions

Bowen's Rose Bay

This sandy beach offers lovely views of Gloucester Island and Mother Beddock. The adjoining public park area is perfect for families and groups with free barbecues, picnic tables and playground. Laze under the shade of the palms or snorkel the fringing reef. Rose Bay is a beautiful little bay with an unbeatable aspect. It has views that reach across to the magnificent peaks of Gloucester Island. With plenty of space, Rose Bay beach is a great place for the kids to explore the rock pools at low tide, while family and friends can relax and make use of the barbecues and picnic tables. The northern end of the beach is an ideal launch point for kayakers and paddle boarders, whilst divers and snorkellers can enjoy the fringing reef that hugs the shoreline. Beachfront accommodation is available, and a scenic hike from Rose Bay to Horseshoe Bay has an access point behind the beach.

Bowen QLD

2.0 km away

Historic Bowen Summergarden Cinema — Image credit: Tourism Whitsundays

Entertainment Venues

Bowen Summergarden Cinemas

Tucked away in the charming town of Bowen, this beloved local cinema has been a treasured part of the community for over 63 years. Proudly owned and operated by Ben and Phyl, it offers a warm and nostalgic movie experience that's hard to find these days. With its old-country charm, cosy twin theatres, small-town prices, and incredibly friendly staff, you'll feel right at home from the moment you arrive. Relax in comfortable seating and treat yourself to their famously delicious, mouthwatering popcorn. To make your visit even more special, you'll be personally greeted and farewelled by the owner—because here, you're more than just a guest, you're part of the story. The screens are impressively sized, the seats incredibly comfortable, and the prices simply unbeatable. Bowen Summergarden Cinemas sets a gold standard in the world of cinemas. If you're visiting Bowen, don't miss the chance to stop by and show your support. It's more than a cinema—it's a local treasure.

Bowen QLD

2.2 km away

Bowen's Queens Beach is easily accessible from multiple locations — Image credit: Bowen Tourism & Business

Natural Attractions

Queens Beach, Bowen

Strolling along the five kilometre stretch of Queens Bay’s sandy shore offers plenty of great activities – beach-combing, fishing or just taking in the sunset. Bowen’s longest beach stretches from ‘The Pocket’ on Horseshoe Bay Rd to Yasso Point and the Don River mouth. Along the way are several beachfront parks with free barbecues, large playgrounds and Sunday markets. Getting exercise with a view is easy with kilometres of walking and bicycle paths and free exercise equipment. Facing north - northeast, Queens Beach is protected from Bowen's south easterly breeze, resulting in many glassy days, perfect for spotting whales during winter.

Bowen QLD

2.4 km away

Bowen Fishing — Image credit: Bowen Tourism & Business

Natural Attractions

Bowen Creek Fishing

Bowen has many creek systems, which hold healthy numbers of Mangrove-jack, Bream, Whiting and Barramundi (closed season November to February). South of Bowen, you’ll find Adelaide and Duck Creeks, which can be accessed by sea around the top of the tide only, via beach ramps. To the north of Bowen, try the Bob Moses, Boat and Meatwork Creeks which can also be accessed by sea, around the top of the high tide, from the Don River Boat Ramp. It is important to keep in mind that access to all of the creeks are limited. All may be entered by sea at high tide, but many become landlocked by the tidal flats at low tide.

Bowen QLD

2.8 km away

Bowen's Flagstaff Hill Lookout provides amazing Whitsunday Islands views — Image credit: Bowen Tourism & Business

Landmarks and Buildings

Bowen's Flagstaff Hill Lookout

Flagstaff Hill offers some of the best coastal views you will ever see with a 360-degree panorama of the whole Bowen region, and you won’t have to walk up a hill! The views encompass the Whitsunday Islands of Gloucester, Middle, Stone, Holbourne and close to shore, North Head Island and it's historic lighthouse. The expanse of Kings Beach is best viewed from the top, stretching to Rose Bay and the pendulous boulder of Mother Beddock Lookout on Cape Edgecumbe. The township of Bowen, rich harbour, marina and jetty lie to the inland, while to the west the Whitsunday hinterland comes alive at sunset with golden hues. The lookout is an easy short drive from the main business centre and has ample parking, making it highly accessible for all visitors. Use the binoculars to see even more, from the Whitsundays hinterland and mountains, to Abbot Point and Bowen’s rich farming land, and northern Whitsunday islands. During winter this is an ideal land-based whale watching location.

Bowen QLD

3.6 km away

The Big Mango

Landmarks and Buildings

Big Mango

The 10-metre high Big Mango represents the delicious fruit which carries the name sake of the town 'Bowen Mango'. Situated on the A1 Bruce Highway with sweeping views of the Whitsunday coast it’s the perfect pull over during the epic East Coast Australian Roadtrip. The Big Mango is located at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre, 4 kilometres south of Bowen on the Bruce Highway. Stop by the top of the Whitsundays to get your photo with the Big Mango! While you're there, drop into the Information Centre and try some delicious local mango sorbet. Located in the Big Mango grounds you will find public artwork displays from local sculptural artists. There is ample parking space for all size vehicles, the Big Mango is pet friendly and includes a off-lead dog park area.

Bowen QLD

6.9 km away

Calm and crystal clear waters of Hydeaway Bay beach — Image credit: Tourism Whitsundays

Natural Attractions

Hydeaway Bay Beach

Hydeaway Bay Beach is one of the locals' best-kept secrets, located on the coast of the Whitsundays, about a 45-minute drive north of the tourist town of Airlie Beach. This lovely sandy beach stretches over 1.5 kilometers along the waterfront, encompassing the beachfront area along Hydeaway Bay Drive. The beachfront homes take full advantage of direct beach access and offer stunning views of Gloucester Island, Saddleback Island, and more. Interspersed among the houses are several public access points that allow visitors to enjoy this beautiful stretch of soft, sandy beach. Fringed with shady trees, the beach also features rocks at one end, perfect for exploration. Fishing from the shore can be quite rewarding, but there is a boat ramp at Dingo Beach, just around the headland, for those interested in trying their luck offshore. If you continue a few kilometers past the Hydeaway Bay township, you'll arrive at Gloucester Point, which overlooks Shag Islet and Green Island. With its palm tree-lined beaches and sparkling waters, it is truly an idyllic tropical escape.

Hydeaway Bay QLD

27 km away

Camping at Lake Proserpine — Image credit: Tourism Whitsundays

National Parks and Reserves

Lake Proserpine

Experience the serenity of Lake Proserpine, just 30 minutes inland from Proserpine town in the Whitsundays. Lake Proserpine (Peter Faust Dam) is an ideal spot for camping, watersports and freshwater fishing. Watch the sunset over the lake, observe the cattle grazing and cast a line to try your hand at landing the metre barramundi. Lake Proserpine offers well-maintained unpowered sites for tents and self-contained caravans. Visitors can take advantage of the pontoons, a boat ramp and a jetty. There are also BBQ and picnic areas for day visitors. If you would like to extend your stay and relax lakeside, take advantage of the upgraded recreational facilities, including the toilet blocks and shower amenities. Visitors can stay for up to seven nights, a small camping fee will apply. Lake Proserpine is renowned as home to more one metre plus barramundi than any other impoundment in Australia! The submerged branches and structure surrounding the lake make it the ideal spot for other species like sooty grunter, sleepy cod, and Saratoga. You will need to purchase a Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS) permit prior to arriving at the Lake for fishing. Bring your crab pots too because redclaw and freshwater crayfish also inhabit the lake.

Proserpine QLD

46 km away

Whitsunday Green Club (Golf)

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Whitsunday Green Club (Golf)

Whitsunday Green Club offers a captivating nine-hole Par Three golf course, alongside a convenient self-service driving range and a fully stocked Pro Shop. Guests can unwind in the inviting atmosphere of the licenced air-conditioned Club House Café, offering a delightful selection of refreshments. The course is tailored to accommodate golfers of all levels, promising an exhilarating experience that adapts to individual preferences. With only three clubs required—a pitching wedge, sand wedge, and putter—swift play and heightened enjoyment are guaranteed. Club rentals are available, and the experienced golf pro stands ready to elevate games with personalised lessons. Whitsunday Green isn't just about golf; it's a haven for leisure and social gatherings, ideal for corporate events, group outings, and tournaments. Visitors can slip into enclosed flat-soled shoes and don a favourite sun hat for a day of excitement under the sun. Experience the essence of golf and leisure at Whitsunday Green—a destination where every moment promises adventure and camaraderie.

Cannon Valley QLD

56 km away

Cherrie Baby is one of the best places in Australia to shop for Jellycat plush toys. — Image credit: Cherrie Baby

Shopping and Markets

Cherrie Baby

Cherrie Baby is one of the best shopping destinations in the Whitsundays, with stores in both Proserpine and Cannonvale. It's so much more than just a baby shop, with over 90 of the best brands of kids clothing, shoes, toys, accessories, prams and more! If you've forgotten your child's swimmers, baby hat, shoes or favourite toy when you packed your suitcase you can be sure to find what you need at Cherrie Baby. The store is an experience in itself that attracts visitors from all over, full of beautiful things for babies and children. Cherrie Baby is also one of the largest stockists in Australia of Jellycat soft toys and their huge wall of Jellycats has become a popular attraction. Shop with confidence, knowing that every product they feature has been chosen with love and care from brands like Goldie & Ace, Huxbaby, Olli Ella, UppaBaby, Toshi and more.

Cannonvale QLD

56 km away

Cannonvale Beach — Image credit: Tourism Whitsundays

Natural Attractions

Cannonvale Beach

Situated just three kilometres to the west of Airlie Beach, on a north facing stretch of sand, is Cannonvale Beach. With a stinger net for safe swimming in the summer months, a children's playground, and a delightful cafe on the foreshore, Cannonvale Beach is one of locals favourite spots to spend their free time. There are children’s play areas, public toilets, barbecue and picnic spots along the waterfront. As you walk along the footpath to the end of the beach you’ll find a curious molten rock formation begging to be explored, with rock pools to be combed over at low tide.

Cannonvale QLD

57 km away

Yoga Airlie Beach

Spas and Retreats

Fitness Venue Whitsunday

Enhance your holiday with some of your regular health routines at Fitness Venue Whitsunday. Fitness Venue's facilities and services include a range of options for strength training, cardio training, functional training, gravity training and Olympic lifting. The Venue also includes a range of group fitness options including Les Mills classes, boxing & bike, Pilates and Yoga. Any visit can include an Ice bath or Infrared Sauna.

Cannonvale QLD

57 km away

Vibrant, original, tropical abstract artwork displayed on our main gallery walls — Image credit: Cocoast Art Gallery – Jules Topaz

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Cocoast Art Gallery

Cocoast Art Gallery is a boutique contemporary art gallery in Airlie Beach, featuring original works by founder and local artist Jules Topaz. Specialising in contemporary tropical art, the gallery showcases textured, colourful pieces inspired by nature. Visitors can explore original paintings and gift-sized artworks in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Whether you are an art collector, nature lover, or simply exploring the Whitsundays, Cocoast Art Gallery offers an opportunity to discover locally created artwork, conveniently located just metres from Coral Sea Marina.

Airlie Beach QLD

58 km away

Coral Sea Marina aerial photo — Image credit: Coral Sea Marina Resort

Landmarks and Buildings

Coral Sea Marina

Coral Sea Marina is an award-winning 520 wet berth marina located in the heart of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. Coral Sea Marina offers premium marina facilities and a range of concierge services for vessels up to 80 metres. Coral Sea Marina is part of Coral Sea Marina Resort, a tourist destination that also includes a 78-room waterfront boutique resort, two vibrant marina villages, an inspiring calendar of events and is home to 80 percent of the region's on-water tourism products, making Coral Sea Marina Resort the ultimate place to stay, play, explore the Whitsundays. Coral Sea Marina Resort was Queensland's first five Gold Anchor Platinum accredited marina, was awarded Australian Marina of the Year 2017/18, 2019/20, then entered the Hall of Fame in 2021. Also awarded Superyacht Industry Facility of the Year in 2026 and is a Superyacht Ready accredited marina. Providing premium marina facilities, exceptional service, and a vibrant marina village is what makes Coral Sea Marina the most popular marina in the Whitsundays. The marina is the gateway to Airlie Beach, the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Located a short walk from downtown Airlie Beach with an abundance of cafes, restaurants, bars this premier marina facility provides rest, relaxation and entertainment for all visitors.

Airlie Beach QLD

58 km away

Manta Ray Drop Off dive site — Image credit: Tourism Whitsundays

Natural Attractions

Manta Ray Drop Off Dive Site - Bait Reef

Bait Reef, sitting behind the Whitsunday Islands on the Great Barrier Reef, is home to the spectacular Manta Ray Drop Off – this dive site boasts stunning underwater cliffs, as well as a plunging wall that drops to 75 metres. The wall is covered with gorgonians, soft corals, sponges and sea whips, all full of resident reef fish and invertebrate species. Manta Ray Drop Off has lots to offer both snorkelers and divers alike, with shallower reefs leading to the steep underwater cliffs. Best known for the soaring manta rays found cruising up and down the wall in Australia’s winter months, the Manta Ray Drop Off is also home to reef sharks, turtles, Maori wrasse and schools of pelagics all year round. With exposure to southerly winds, the dive site is highly prone to strong currents, so is best dived during slack water and neap tides.

Bait Reef QLD

58 km away

Airlie Beach Lagoon — Image credit: Tourism Whitsundays

Parks and Gardens

Airlie Beach Lagoon

The Airlie Beach Lagoon is situated in the centre of Airlie Beach right at the oceanfront, surrounded by grassy sunbathing spots, playgrounds and BBQ areas. If you want to spend a relaxing day with no admission fee "spend a day at the Lagoon". It is a popular hangout spot for locals and visitors alike. It is built on a raised breakwater, giving an excellent view out to the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands. It provides an environment that is completely safe from stingers and marine wildlife, all year round. The facility includes a sheltered wading pool for toddlers, a shallow 1.5 metre maximum depth children's pool and a larger pool which has a maximum depth of 2 metres with separate swimming lanes for fitness enthusiasts and disabled access. The Lagoon is open to the public every day with lifeguards patrolling all year long.

Airlie Beach QLD

58 km away

The Hangover Dive Site

Natural Attractions

The Hangover Dive Site

The Hangover, located off Airlie Beach on the Great Barrier Reef, is a wall dive with exciting terrain to be negotiated by the diver. Larger marine life such as Giant Trevally, Barramundi, Cod and Mackeral to be found in this pelagic area. No previous history of this site, so surface and tell them what you saw!

Whitsundays QLD

58 km away

Airlie Beach Track — Image credit: Tourism Whitsundays

Natural Attractions

The Airlie Creek Track

The 850-meter Airlie Creek Track gently ascends the hill behind Airlie Beach in Conway National Park. This gravel path features rare flora and fauna, including the Whitsunday Bottle Tree and the endangered Proserpine Rock Wallaby, both unique to this region. As you walk through the tranquil forest, you'll encounter magnificent fig trees, subtropical plants, and beautiful native birds. The trail leads to scenic natural rock pools. On your return journey, you'll be treated to views of the stunning blue Coral Sea and the Whitsunday Islands framed by lush greenery. Walking time: Allow one hour. Access: From Waterson Way, Airlie Beach.

Airlie Beach QLD

58 km away

learn to scuba — Image credit: I own this photo

Natural Attractions

Airlie Beach Dive Centre

Airlie Beach Swim Centre specialise in swimming lessons in Airlie Beach from babies to adults with an eye on water safety and survival skills. Their mission for the Whitsundays is to inspire and encourage water activities, support, teach ethical and ecological responsibilities to water safety while as well as taking care of the precious Great Barrier Reef. The primary focus of Airlie Beach Swim Centre school is on water safety in and around water Pool Safety Inspections and Certification, secondly, to stay fit and healthy and finally to empower people with employment opportunities through the various Swim Teacher, Pool lifeguard and PADI Dive Courses. Furthermore, their aim is not just to provide aquatic services but to help improve the quality of life within the community.

Airlie Beach QLD

59 km away

Gallery — Image credit: Linda Forrester

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Community Art Gallery - Creative Connections Whitsunday

Creative Connections Community Gallery is a welcoming local art space in the heart of Proserpine, showcasing original artworks, handmade gifts and artist merchandise by talented creatives from across the Whitsundays. The gallery features a changing collection of paintings, photography, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, jewellery and mixed media works. Visitors are warmly invited to browse, be inspired and support local artists while discovering the creative spirit of our region.

Proserpine QLD

59 km away

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