Bowen

Bowen is a small seaside town that is popular with travellers on a working holiday due to the fruit-picking work available in the area between March and August. There is not a lot else to see in Bowen besides the beaches, which are good for snorkelling and swimming. The best ones are a short drive north at Horseshoe and Rose Bays. King’s Beach is a great spot for kite surfing and windsurfing.

Mullers Lagoon in the centre of town is the home of botanic gardens, hundreds of species of migrating birds, and interesting murals depicting various historical scenes. The surrounding area is renowned for its mangoes, drawing many backpackers to work on the orchards. If you are just driving through town, it is a good idea to stop at one of the fruit stalls or markets and sample some of the fresh produce.

The Baz Luhrmann film, Australia, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, was filmed in Bowen to portray Darwin in the 1940s. This was the most excitement Bowen has had in years.