Proserpine to Bowen drive: Distance, driving time & best stops

The Proserpine to Bowen drive through the Whitsundays region of Queensland covers a 68km distance in a driving time of around 52 minutes. The best detour en-route is Dingo Beach on Cape Gloucester.

The drive from Proserpine to Bowen takes you from the aviation hub of the Whitsundays region to one of its more underrated towns. It’s not a long drive, but there are a few worthwhile stops along the way if you’re taking it slowly.

If you’re searching for information on the drive from Proserpine to Bowen, it’s probably safe to say you’re either coming from Airlie Beach or deliberately avoiding it. Airlie Beach is the main tourist town, where Whitsundays cruises depart from. And the turn-off from the Bruce Highway for Airlie Beach is at Proserpine.

However, there are a few spots later down the highway worth detouring for.

Proserpine to Bowen distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Proserpine to Bowen is 68km. That makes for a driving time of about 52 minutes. From Whitsunday Coast Airport, just south of Proserpine, it’s 81km, and an hour’s drive.

The main turn-off worth considering is just north of Myrtlevale. The Dingo Beach Road heads towards Dingo Beach and Hideaway Bay on Cape Gloucester.

Proserpine to Bowen drive: 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.

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.

What to do in Bowen

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.