The best way to get the most out of Bowen is to be on foot so why not head outdoors on an adventure to explore these 5 best walking tracks around Bowen that offer spectacular coastal scenery.
Hanson Park to Horseshoe Bay
A decent 2.6 kilometre walk, the adventure begins from Hanson Park and offers some of Bowen’s prettiest views. Passing along Queens Bay, your final destination is Horseshoe Bay.
The walking track is paved and wide, making it wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly for parents looking for great family walks in Bowen.
Kings Beach Walk
This particular walk is a relatively easy 1.8 kilometres along the sandy beach of Kings Beach, and begins from the car park at the base of Flagstaff Hill.
You can also access Kings Beach from Rose Bay or by going through a detour unsealed road off Queens Road. Kings Beach walk is a great dog walking beach, with many dog owners walking their furry pals along the strip.
Queens Bay Beach Walk
Bowen’s longest beach stretch, Queens Bay Beach Walk stretches a good 5 kilometres on beautiful, white sandy shores. It’s the place you want to be when looking to go for a Sunday stroll. Stretching from Horseshoe Bay Road to Yasso Point, all the way to the Don River mouth, you’ll find plenty of lovely spots to take a break during your walk.
From large playgrounds and free barbecue pits to set up a picnic to Sunday markets, it’s easy to get your fair share of exercise while soaking up the ocean views. There are also plenty of public exercise equipment on the walking path.
Beyond walking, Queens Beach is an amazing place for beach combing, fishing, cycling, or just enjoying the sunset views. During winter, try your luck at whale spotting given Queens Beach perfect location facing north away from Bowen’s south easterly breeze.
For an adventure slightly off route, follow Queens Beach from the Don River estuary to Golf Links Road. Promising magnificent views of Queens Bay and the rest of the suburb, bring your camera along to snap some memorable ones. There are council plans to extend the walking trail from Queens Beach to the PCYC via TAFE.
The Bowen Foreshore and Jetty
A great way to soak in the foreshore and jetty, the walk may seem short, being a few hundred metres long, but the sights and sounds make it worth it.
From the foreshore parklands to walking the planks of the town jetty, keep an eye out for marine life such as turtles, stingrays, and even dugongs that frequent the shallows as the tide comes in.
Cape Edgecumbe Walking Trail
Layered in elevations and magnificent views, the Cape Edgecumbe walking trail begins from Horseshoe Bay and traverses by Murray Bay, finishing up at Rose Bay.
This is the walk to adventure if you have an affinity with Mother Nature. Don’t forget to bring your camera, and snap up some impressive Instagram-worth shots that will be the envy of many. Get up close and personal with native wildlife, and embrace the local vegetation, fascinating rocks, and landscapes that surround. The waters are pristine, clear and blue waters that will make you feel like you are in Greece.
Walk the whole circuit or just part of the 2.5 kilometre trail, as you can always take advantage of the several entry and exit points at Horseshoe Bay, Murray Bay, and Rose Bay.
If you’re feeling a bit nostalgic and eager to walk down memory lane, head to the war memorial where you’ll find an old World War II radar site.
You also won’t want to miss out on the Horseshoe Bay Rotary Lookout when on your walk, for some 360 degree panoramic views of the Bowen landscape. Spectacular views that simply should not be missed when in Bowen.
Embracing the best of Bowen
After a good walk, it goes without saying that a good feast should come right after.
Head to the Grand View Hotel for the best of Bowen dining, followed by a historical walk down Hollywood fame. Fabulous dining options that have been prepared by skilled chefs that have travelled the world, the freshest local produce and seafood, and first class service will make you feel welcomed like a local.
Reminisce the moments when Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman walked down the very same paths in the Grand View Hotel when filming ‘Australia’.
A dine at the Grand View Hotel isn’t just for eating, it’s an experience you can’t miss when in Bowen.
Banner image credit: Mark Fitz
