Horseshoe Bay, Bowen

Day Nine: Your 10-day Iconic Bucket List

Pin Horseshoe Bay, Bowen
  • Car
    Drive
  • Suggested Time: One Day
  • Conway National Park, Bowen, Dingo Beach & Cape Gloucester

Think you’ve seen all The Whitsundays has to offer? Day nine takes Chief Icon Officer Isabella beyond Airlie Beach to discover a different side of the region. Wander through lush rainforest, track down Bowen’s iconic Big Mango, uncover the laid-back charm of Dingo Beach and finish the day watching the sun set over Cape Gloucester.

With local favourites, coastal lookouts and plenty of road-trip moments along the way, this is your reminder that some of The Whitsundays’ best-kept secrets are found on the mainland.

  • Driftwood Rainforest
    1

    8:30AM: RAINFOREST WALKS & COASTAL EXPLORING

    Trade the turquoise waters for tropical greenery and hit the road with Driftwood Tours as your guide for the day. Head to the hinterland to Brandy Creek for the Kingfisher Circuit Rainforest Walk, a picturesque 2km return stroll surrounded by lush rainforest. Then keep heading north to discover the coastal towns, local characters and hidden gems that make this corner of The Whitsundays worth exploring.

  • Bowen
    2

    12PM: DISCOVER BOWEN

    Big Mango, big views, big coastal energy. Welcome to Bowen, where beautiful beaches and spectacular lookouts meet a whole lot of local character. Snap the obligatory photo at the iconic Big Mango, take in the views from a coastal lookout and wander the town’s colourful murals before stopping by the historic Grand View Hotel. Consider this your invitation to see what lies beyond the usual Whitsundays itinerary.

  • 210802 Dingo Beach aerial of walking on beach portrait LR
    3

    3PM: A LITTLE SLICE OF DINGO BEACH

    Next stop: Dingo Beach. Situated perfectly between Bowen and Airlie Beach, this laid-back coastal spot is all about salt air, sandy shores and slowing down a gear. Drop by Dingo Beach Hotel for a classic coastal pub stop, then take a moment to soak up the easygoing atmosphere. Sometimes the best discoveries are the places that don’t need to shout about themselves.

  • Golden Hour Seaside Dance
    4

    5PM: SUNSET AT CAPE GLOUCESTER

    Save some room on your camera roll for this one. Next up is Cape Gloucester, stopping at Froggies Beach and a few local favourites along the way. Then settle in as the sun sinks towards the horizon, painting the coastline in golden light. What a way to wrap up a day exploring the mainland with Driftwood Tours.