The best stops on a Brisbane to Bowen road trip
Airlie Beach to Dingo Beach
If skipping Airlie Beach, the best detour on the drive from Proserpine to Bowen is just north of Myrtlevale. The Dingo Beach Road heads towards Dingo Beach and Hideaway Bay on Cape Gloucester.
These chilled out, old-school holiday escapes are all about relaxation and getting away from it all. Luxury is in short supply, but natural beauty is not. Holiday homes are the best bet for accommodation in Dingo Beach and Hideaway Bay.
Brisbane to Bowen road trip: Heronvale and Bowen
Further north, Heronvale next to Poole Reef is another option with a similar if slightly less detached vibe.
On the way into Bowen, you’ll pass the Big Mango – one of Australia’s notoriously tacky roadside Big Things.
Things to do in Bowen include taking in the views from the Flagstaff Hill Lookout, snorkelling at Horseshoe Bay and exploring the memorial to the WWII Catalina Flying Boats.
Where to stay in Bowen
The best Bowen accommodation choices are:
- For families: Queens Beach Tourist Village.
- For great value apartments with kitchens: Palm View Holiday Apartments.
- For Horseshoe Bay beachside location: Horseshoe Bay Resort.
- For central location, free parking and kitchenettes: Port Denison Motor Inn.
6 supreme Brisbane day trips that will improve your holiday
- Moreton Island day trip – with kayaking, sandboarding and snorkelling or with dolphin-feeding and desert dunes adventure.
- Springbrook National Park glowworms and rainforest tour – including Tamborine Skywalk.
- Eumundi Markets day trip – Australia’s best markets, plus the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa.
- North Stradbroke Island day tour – with cruise, wildlife spotting and guided walk.
- Tamborine Mountain winery tour – with gourmet lunch.
- Maialia rainforest walking and wildlife tour – visit lesser-known D’Aguilar National Park.
More Queensland travel
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What to see on the drive from Warwick to Brisbane.
What’s worth seeing on a Bundaberg to Airlie Beach road trip?
Is there anything worth seeing on the Ipswich to Brisbane drive?
Go tubing on the Mulgrave River from Cairns.