Bowen, a hidden gem at the top of the Whitsundays, features eight secluded beaches, stunning lookouts, scenic bushwalks, 27 murals, Queensland's oldest cinema, delicious seafood, and a beautiful oceanfront golf course—all enhanced by warm country hospitality.
It is one of very few places where you can snorkel directly off the beach.
The Bowen Visitor Information Centre is located next to the iconic Big Mango on the Bruce Highway, just 5km south of Bowen.
It is operated by Bowen Tourism and Business - a not-for-profit organisation supported by more than 200 members.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy has been promoting Bowen to domestic and international visitors as well as locals for more than three years.
She said the dedicated team always aimed to provide excellence in customer service and visitor experiences.
The organisation’s achievements in the past 12 months include a record number of visitors – more than 51,000 at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre and more than 5000 at the information booth at Bowen’s Front Beach.
“We continually look for ways to improve our services,” she said.
“In the past 12 months, we have introduced a ‘Driver Reviver’ service to promote road safety and we have continued to expand our range of local produce and Bowen merchandise.
Leanne said the team was proud to again be nominated for a tourism award.
Their past successes include two consecutive Gold Awards for Visitor Information Services at the Whitsunday Tourism Awards and a Bronze at the Queensland Tourism Awards. This year, Bowen also secured a Bronze in the Queensland Top Tourism Awards and was a finalist for the friendliest Grey Nomad town.
The three full-time staff at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre – Cindy Tonks, Leanne Abernethy and Glenn Womal. Photo supplied