As a holiday destination, there is a lot to be said for Bowen.
Nestled on the shores of Edgecumbe Bay, in the northern region of the Whitsundays, this picturesque seaside town is blessed with a perfect year-round, tropical climate.
It also offers easy access to no less than eight award-winning, palm tree-lined beaches, stunning coral reefs just offshore, great fishing at a number of bays and incredible coastal scenery.
Add to that it also has a great range of cafes and restaurants and is only a 40-minute drive to Airlie Beach and it becomes easy to see why so many families are starting to come here.
If you do decide to visit Bowen for any length of time, you are going to need somewhere to stay. In this article, we will show you why the NRMA Beachfront Holiday Park in Bowen is such a great option!
About The NRMA Bowen Beachfront Holiday Park
Offering a gorgeous beachfront location, The NRMA Bowen Beachfront Holiday Park serves as a terrific base to venture around the Whitsundays Coast.
The accommodation options here are varied and include 2 bedroom family villas that look out to the magnificent lagoon pool, as well as beachfront cabins that showcase sensational views of Queen’s Bay.
They also incorporate centrally located, ocean-facing, dog-friendly, powered grass and slab sites, that are appropriate for motorhomes, caravans and campervans. So the holiday park is perfectly set up to suit all budgets and tastes.
Boasting a fantastic salt water swimming pool, the holiday park lays on a number of other facilities and amenities to ensure your stay with them is as relaxed, comfortable and stress-free as possible.
These include everything from beachfront BBQs and laundry, to an outdoor cinema and kids club during school holidays. You can even hire a three-wheel bike to explore the park or pedal go-karts too.
Prices
At the time of writing the prices for accommodation at the NRMA Bowen Beachfront Holiday Park are as follows:
2 Bedroom Family Villa – from $160 a night
Beachfront Cabin – from $160 a night
Beachfront Caravan Site – from $49 a night
Powered Site – from $40 a night
Powered Site (Small) – from $57 a night
Please note: These prices can change at any time, so it’s worth checking out their website or phoning them on 1800 602 469 for confirmation.
The office is open 7 days a week between 8 am and 6 pm.
How to get to the Big 4 Bowen Caravan Park
The campground is located at the corner of Horseshoe Bay and The Soldiers Roads.
To get there in your motor vehicle you will need to come into Bowen on the Bruce Highway/A1. After you have gone past the iconic Big Mango you will need to carry on until the Bruce Highway merges onto Don Street.
Make your way along Don Street until you get to the left turning for Livingstone Street. Take this road for 450 metres until you get to the roundabout.
Carry on straight through the roundabout for another 240 metres before taking the first exit onto Herbert Street at the next roundabout you come to.
Once on Herbert Street, you will need to follow it for 650 metres before turning left onto The Soldiers Road.
After about 900 metres on The Soldiers Road, you will see the NRMA Bowen Beachfront Holiday Park on the right.
Things to see and do in Bowen
Once you arrive at the holiday park you will find there are plenty of things to do in and around the beach and campground.
However, if you fancy exploring a bit further, here are some other places you can check out.
The Big Mango
Arguably Bowen’s best-known attraction is The Big Mango. One of many of the ‘Big’ things that are dotted around Australia – others include The Big Pineapple on the Sunshine Coast and The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour – this is a ‘must see’.
Located right outside the Bowen Information Centre, about 4 km south of the downtown area, it is a fun place to stop for an Instagram selfie.
Whilst there don’t miss the opportunity to try a delicious mango sorbet too!
Fishing
If you are into fishing, the Bowen jetty is a good place to catch trevally.
In addition, other popular fishing spots include Stone Island, Middle Island, Lighthouse Island and both the Holbourne and Gloucester islands.
All of which feature coral reefs that attract thousands of fishes including the likes of crayfish, barra, whiting, bream and mangrove jack.
Bowen Murals
Bowen prides itself on being the ‘Mural Capital of Australia’.
Overall the town showcases 19 murals that depict various events in the town’s history over the last 150 years.
Dotted all around the town, these murals are fantastic landmarks that present excellent photography opportunities.
Bowen Beaches
Bowen is known for its exquisite beaches.
Aside from the one at Queens Bay, there are actually seven other beaches within a ten-minute drive from town.
If you fancy a change of scene, all of them are great to visit. Though if you are pressed for time try and at least get to one of Rose Bay, Greys Bay or Horseshoe Bay.
Flagstaff Hill
One of the ‘must do’ activities in Bowen is to check out the magnificent 360-degree panoramic views from Flagstaff Hill.
From this lofted position you will get to see sensational views of the coastline, islands, marina, jetty, the historic lighthouse and township of Bowen.
It is just a short drive to get here from the holiday park but once you are there you can enjoy a picnic. During the winter, it is also a fantastic spot for whale watching too.
Bowen Water Play Park
The Bowen Water Play Park is a great way for your kids to expend some energy, or cool off on a hot day.
Situated right on the foreshore, towards the end of the main street of town, it is also very easy to get to from the NRMA Beachfront Holiday Park.