In a small town like Bowen, comes secret discoveries that are born from undeniable passion, love, and decades of experience.
One of the best ways to stumble upon these magnificent hidden gems, is to visit the Bowen Lions Markets held at Hansen Park from 8pm to 12pm every Sunday.
A perfect location, the markets are nestled among majestic trees that offer shade and comfort, looming beside the spectacular shell beach of Queens Bay. The landscape is set perfectly for a leisurely Sunday morning stroll, as you wander and explore the best of local Bowen.
Bring your furry friends (and birds) along, as the markets are open to every creature two legged and more. We’ve seen parrots, dogs and even cats, so don’t be shy to bring your plus one.
The markets have car park availability, is family friendly with a parents room should you need one, pet friendly, has public toilet facilities, and easy access for those who have access requirements.
With over 50 stalls featured in this humble market, the turn up is pretty impressive. Here, you’ll find all sorts of delicacies, showcasing freshly cooked food made from grandmother recipes, artisan teas and coffees, the freshest local produce of fruits and vegetables, fascinating local and international artistic creations, plants, jewellery, and so much more.
Start your day with a strong cuppa coffee or tea at the Good Morning Sunshine Mobile Coffee van, featuring freshly brewed artisan coffee from premium beans.
Follow a cuppa with some quality vanilla and chocolate cannolis by Cannoli Siciliani and explore their range of fresh baked goodies such as crostoli and almond bread.
Bring home some fresh local produce and fill up a box of fruit and veg for only $20. Here, you’ll find the freshest locally grown Asian greens as well as other native fruit and vegetables. Mary will be manning the stall, which also sells farm fresh eggs.
Later in the day, as the heat succumbs to you, or you’re just feeling a little sweet tooth, head to the Whitsunday Slushy’s & Ice Cream stall, which sells the crowd favourite rainbow slushy. Alternatively, pick yourself up a soft serve ice cream cone, ice cream sundae or a slushy topped with some ice cream for an even bigger treat. There’s a reason why this slushy stall keeps coming back to the Bowen markets every Sunday – and so do the locals!
Crepes, wood fire pizzas, and so much more delicacies await.
Once in a while, the Bowen Markets will feature a Merinda State School stall selling homemade cakes and biscuits in efforts to raise funds for a cause.
When it comes to local art and creations, one stall that stands out is the Earring Man at Airlie. With jewellery experience that dates back to 2001, you’ll find spectacular gemstones, crystals, shells, pearl and murano glass settings on sterling silver that will be hard to resist.
And if you think you’ve seen it all, the Bowen Lions Markets really know how to up the market game with live entertainment from the hottest local bands in the scene. Some of the previous bands who have played here include JJ Rox, Alicia Ninnee, and Black Catz to name a few.
Where to lunch in Bowen
Since you’re on the path to adventuring Bowen‘s awesomeness, continue your day exploring the best of the town by treating yourself to a lunch at the Grand View Hotel.
With a historical record that featured the establishment in the movie “Australia” starring Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman, there’s plenty of reason to stop and see what all the fuss is about.
There isn’t a better location on the waterfront in Bowen to enjoy live entertainment combined with a dining experience that will blow you away. With professional chefs that curate signature dishes made from the freshest local produce and caught seafood, the atmosphere, casual vibes, and stunning landscape just add onto a magnificent way to wrap up your day.
Drop by on Sunday after visiting the Bowen Markets and try out the newly introduced Weekend Afternoon Dining menu. Featuring a wide range of delicacies such as loaded bacon and cheese fries, Cambodian chicken wings, pizzas, hummus flatbread and more, there’s something for everyone to salivate over.
A dine in at the Grand View Hotel is as much a must as it is to drop by the Bowen Markets when in Bowen. Oh, and don’t forget to take plenty of pictures at the establishment for boasting rights about being at a location where a Hollywood movie was made!
Banner Image Credit: Queensland.com
