Mackay to Bowen road trip: Distance, drive time and best stops
Cape Gloucester on the Mackay to Bowen drive
Another possible road trip branch off comes slightly further north, just after passing Myrtlevale. Here, the Dingo Beach Road heads towards Dingo Beach, Hideaway Bay and Cape Gloucester. These lesser-explored Whitsundays destinations tend to be favoured by in-the-know Queenslanders who want to avoid the backpackers in Airlie Beach.
On the way into Bowen, you’ll pass the Big Mango – one of Australia’s notoriously kitsch roadside Big Things.
Things to do in Bowen include savouring the views from the Flagstaff Hill Lookout, snorkelling at Horseshoe Bay and getting a dose of history at the WWII Catalina Flying Boats memorial.
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.
More Mackay road trips
Mackay to Airlie Beach: Distance 151km, driving time 1h52m.
Mackay to Cairns: Distance 733km, driving time 8h35m.
Gladstone to Mackay: Distance 443km, driving time 4h53m.
Mackay to Proserpine: Distance 126km, driving time 1h27m.
Mackay to Townsville: Distance 386km, driving time 4h32m.
Rockhampton to Mackay: Distance 336km, driving time 3h35m.
Yeppoon to Mackay: Distance 360km, driving time 4h.