The Best Of The Whitsundays

Cape Gloucester

415 kms
Suggested Time: 4 - 5 Days
Airlie Beach To Bowen, Proserpine, and Collinsville

An easy self-drive that links Bowen, Collinsville, Proserpine and Airlie Beach. Across 415 kilometres and four to five days, it blends beach hopping, rainforest walks, historic towns and reef time.

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Day 1 Bowen: Explore Bowen’s Beaches
Start your Whitsundays journey in Bowen, one of the region’s most charming coastal gems. Surrounded by eight beautiful beaches, Bowen is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing by the water. Wander along Kings or Queens Beach, or explore Horseshoe Bay and Rose Bay for crystal-clear waters and fringing coral reefs just metres from shore.
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Day 1 Bowen: Take a History Tour
Uncover Bowen’s fascinating past, from its founding in 1861 to its role in Queensland’s salt industry. Visit the Bowen Historical Society & Museum for a look at local heritage, then stop by the Catalina Museum and Memorial to honour the WWII pilots who once called Bowen home.
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Day 1 Bowen: Capture the View
Head to Flagstaff Hill for sweeping views of Cape Edgecumbe Bay, the North Island Lighthouse, and The Whitsundays. Don’t forget your camera, it’s one of the most photogenic spots in the area.
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Day 1 Bowen: Dine by the Water
Finish the day with fresh seafood by the marina, or enjoy a pub meal at the historic Grand View Hotel. Bowen offers a variety of accommodation options, from comfortable resorts and self-contained apartments to budget-friendly motels.
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Grand View Hotel
Whether you're a Bowen local or just passing through town, a visit to Grand View Hotel is a must. Situated just one block back from the pristine…
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5 Herbert Street, Bowen, 4805, Australia

0747864022

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6
Day 2 Collinsville: Breakfast and Big Mango Stop
Start your morning with a local breakfast and a stop at The Big Mango for a classic photo op and a taste of mango sorbet before heading inland.
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Day 2 Collinsville: Visit the Coalface Museum
Take a step back in time at the Collinsville Coalface Museum, where stories of miners and life underground offer a glimpse into the town’s working history.
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Collinsville Coalface Experience
The Collinsville Coalface Experience celebrates the unique coal mining heritage of Collinsville and captures both the challenges and triumphs of coal…
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19 Railway Road, Collinsville, 4804, Australia

0749453967

Website

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9
Day 2 Collinsville: Overnight Stay at Collinsville RV Park
After a day of exploring, unwind with a relaxed overnight stay at Collinsville RV Park in the heart of town. The park is within walking distance to shops, restaurants and visitor information. Facilities include fresh water, accessible toilets and showers, and free parking for RVs, tents and campervans (up to 72 hours stay).

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Collinsville RV Park
Collinsville RV Park offers free camping for up to 72 hours with excellent amenities and walking distance to shops, restaurants and more. The rest…
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20 Railway Road, Collinsville, 4804, Australia

0749453967

Website

Product page link about Collinsville RV Park
11
Day 3 Proserpine: Journey to Proserpine
Follow State Route 77 through scenic farmland towards Proserpine, a town celebrated for its sugarcane fields, cattle grazing, and community spirit.
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Day 3 Proserpine: Discover Lake Proserpine
Located 30 minutes from town, Lake Proserpine (Peter Faust Dam) is perfect for camping, fishing, and water sports. The lake is famous for its metre-long barramundi and newly upgraded facilities.
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Day 3 Proserpine: Wildlife Adventure with the Croc Safari
Swap the stroll down Main Street for a wild outing on the Proserpine River. You’ll head out with the Whitsunday Crocodile Safari team to view crocodiles in their natural estuarine habitat, then enjoy a barbecue lunch at an all-weather camp on the banks of the river. Expert local guides will accompany you, offering commentary on the wetland environment of the Goorganga Plains and the wildlife that inhabits it.
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Whitsunday Crocodile Safari
Nowhere else in Queensland can you experience so much in one location. Take a trip on the 'wild side' with Whitsunday Crocodile Safari and see…
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Glen Isla Road, Proserpine, 4800, Australia

0749483310

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15
Day 3 Proserpine: Return to Lake Proserpine for an Overnight Stay
Return to Whitsunday Holiday Parks – Lake Proserpine for a peaceful night surrounded by nature. Settle in by the water’s edge at this scenic holiday park, which offers powered and unpowered sites, cabins, and modern facilities. Enjoy a relaxed evening under the stars, then wake to the calm of the lake.
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Whitsunday Holiday Parks - Lake Proserpine
Lake Proserpine Holiday Park, part of Whitsunday Holiday Parks, is the perfect bush camp for anglers, adventurers and nature lovers. Offering…
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66 Station Road, Lake Proserpine, 4800, Australia

0749450435

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Day 4 Airlie Beach & Surrounds: Visit Cedar Creek Falls
Journey into the hinterland to Cedar Creek Falls, where a natural swimming pool sits beneath cascading falls. Climb to the top for scenic views and smaller rock pools surrounded by rainforest.
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Day 4 Airlie Beach & Surrounds: Explore Shops and Markets
Wander the main street for boutique shopping, local art, and souvenirs. On Saturdays, visit the Airlie Beach Community Markets for a variety of handmade crafts, fresh produce, and local delicacies.
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Day 4 Airlie Beach & Surrounds: Discover Hydeaway Bay
Just 45 minutes north of Airlie Beach, Hydeaway Bay offers long stretches of secluded beaches and breathtaking sunsets. Stop by Cape Gloucester Eco Resort for a drink with ocean views.