Bowen is a truly magical place, being so close to both lush rainforest and at the brink of the Great Barrier Reef. The experience and adventures to be had here are limitless, but there is a certain style to doing it right, and there’s no better way to experience Bowen than through the uniqueness of these top recommendations.
Experience Bowen and the Whitsundays by Segway
You don’t have to be bound by foot to experience the best of Bowen and the Whitsundays. Jump on a Segway tour instead, as you maneuver through the amazing sights, sounds, and smells of the area.
With two Segway tour options, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, adventurers will have the opportunity to choose a tour that suits them.
The morning Segway rainforest discovery tour takes place in the Whitsunday Conway National Park, and includes full training with informative commentary by a local experienced tour guide, a courtesy bus pickup and return, and a delicious morning tea. When it comes to the experience, you can be sure that the Whitsunday Conway National Park will certainly impress. Move through the lush rainforest surroundings filled with local flora and fauna. Morning tea is served by the relaxing crystal waters of Impulse Creek. Your guide will be pointing out points of interest throughout your 9 kilometre round trip, and will definitely share some local insights you wouldn’t get anywhere else.
The afternoon Segway sunset and boardwalk tour includes a dinner at the popular Sorrentos Restaurant. The journey runs along the Whitsunday Bicentennial Boardwalk, offering fantastic views overlooking crystal clear waters of Pioneer Bay. Beginning at Airlie Beach, glide along on your Segway past the Coral Sea Marina, Shingley Beach, the Whitsundays Botanic Gardens, ending up at Cannonvale Beach. The return trip is the same route, finishing at Sorrento Restaurant for a delicious local meal, while enjoying the sunset views.
The tours are operated by the Whitsunday Segway Tours team and have been awarded the Eco Tourism certificate, with tons of raving reviews on TripAdvisor.
Skydive in Bowen
Instead of exploring Bowen from the ground, why not see it from an aerial point of view? Check out the 1300skydive Airlie Beach Skydivers who will give you a once in a lifetime experience as you free fall from above the Great Barrier Reef.
The drop zone location is in Bowen with a unique beach landing experience at Midge Point Beach (weather permits).
Promising stunning views from as high as 14,000ft, the sights you will see are spectacular. And 1300skydive knows how to do it right, prioritising safety and fun, with a full safety briefing, skydiving instructions, necessary equipment fitting, and then the jump.
Jump aboard the skydiving aircraft, and enjoy the astonishing Whitsunday islands from above as your aircraft climbs to jump altitude. At jump altitude, your instructor does another check of your equipment, after which you exit the plane to free fall. Catch your breath as you take in the most visually breathtaking sights of the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays.
Don’t worry if it’s your first time skydiving, the experienced skydiving instructors are extremely friendly and know just how to set your nerves at ease.
Bowen from the eyes of the swamp
Get in touch with your wild side and experience Bowen like never before. Venture into the depths where the crocodiles and other native wildlife naturally congregate in the Whitsundays.
A unique Australian experience that will have you deep in nature, explore the magnificent tropical environment that created the perfect conditions for a crocodile’s natural habitat. From native vegetation of the wetlands and estuaries to an abundance of birdlife, there is no other way to experience the best of Bowen’s nature than to jump on the Whitsunday Crocodile Safari tour.
Cruise along the Proserpine River into crocodile habitat while enjoying a delicious barbecue lunch at the campsite. Sink your teeth into freshly cooked damper served with traditional Australian billy tea, as you observe the wildlife around you.
Highly rated on TripAdvisor and certified as a Green Travel Leader with Ecotourism Australia since 2002, the Whitsunday Crocodile Safari is an experience not to be missed when in Bowen.
Where to eat in Bowen
With all the experiences to be had, let’s not forget about you appetite. And what better place to indulge to your heart’s content than the Grand View Hotel in Bowen?
Featuring decadent dishes that have been specially tailored and crafted by expert chefs from all over, you’ll find a range of local and international delights on the menu. Promising only the freshest local produce and freshly caught seafood, high expectations by patrons are exceeded paired nicely with exceptional customer service in suit.
Oh, and don’t miss out on being a part of Australian history by walking amongst the very establishment the blockbuster movie “Australia” was shot in. The Grand View Hotel once played host to the likes of Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman, making it a stop that must be made when in Bowen.
Banner image credit: Australia’s Guide
