The Bowen Visitor Information Centre next to the iconic Big Mango has smashed previous records, welcoming an incredible 24,730 visitors in the first three months of this financial year.
July was the biggest month yet, with 9462 people stopping in — up from 7002 the same time last year.
August followed with 7057 visitors (up from 5907), while September soared to 8211 visitors, compared to 6646 last year.
Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy, said the results exceeded all expectations.
“School holidays, the grey nomad season and events like the Don River Dash always make this our busiest time of year,” she said.
“But this year, the numbers were boosted even further by the Gilmour Space Technologies rocket launch, the return of the Bowen Fishing Classic, and the media attention from recent awards.”
The excitement peaked in late September when the Big Mango souvenir coins went on sale.
Two days prior to the sale of the coins at the centre, the team of staff and volunteers welcomed 529 people in one day – breaking the previous daily record of 512 in June 2023.
When the coin did go on sale, locals and visitors lined up at the centre from 7.30am for a 9am opening, and 500 coins sold out in just 43 minutes.
On that day, a total of 539 people visited the centre, including more than 120 locals.
“We then broke another daily record a few days later with 545 visitors on September 29," added Leanne.
“Even without the coin launch, our numbers were already trending well ahead of last year.
“It’s wonderful to see so many people discovering Bowen — and we’re proud to be inspiring them to explore more of the Whitsundays region."
Of the total visitors in the quarter, 13.9% were international, up from around 12% last year.
Contributed with thanks to Manager of Bowen Tourism and Business, Leanne Abernethy.
QUICK FACTS
Total visitors (July–Sept 2025): 24,730
Previous year (same period): 19,555
Biggest day: September 29 – 545 visitors
Biggest month: July – 9462 visitors
International visitors: 13.9%
Volunteer Steve Fisher, better known as “Fish”, with visitors from the UK at the Bowen Visitor Information Centre. Photo supplied
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