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…

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 &…

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…

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…

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…

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 waters of McCanes Bay, the Grand View Hotel is Bowen's premier destination for relaxed indoor and alfresco dining. Their venue boasts a choice of modern spaces that cater to all groups, big and small.
Since being built in 1918, the pub has seen numerous fires, withstood two cyclones and starred as the iconic Aussie Territory Hotel in Baz Luhrmann's film, 'Australia'. Their venue has also undergone several renovations, the most recent being complete in 2017 which has given the old-Queenslander a fresh and vibrant look allowing its historic charm to shine through.
Offering entertainment, delicious food that highlights fresh, local produce and exceptional service. Visit them today and discover your new local.
- 5 Herbert Street, Bowen, 4805, Australia
- 0747864022
- Website
- Product page link about Grand View Hotel
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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.

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…

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…

The Collinsville Coalface Experience celebrates the unique coal mining heritage of Collinsville and captures both the challenges and triumphs of coal miners’ lives—both above and below ground—over the decades.
This Coalface Experience shares the heartfelt stories of the men and women who lived through the early days of coal mining in Collinsville, reflecting both the tears and smiles of their journey. The rhythm of daily life is conveyed through the voices of the locals, along with their responses to one of the greatest tragedies in the history of Australian mining.
The Coalface Experience combines cutting-edge museum technology with a haunting glimpse into life underground, providing an in-depth explanation of mining techniques and life.
Today, the Coalface Experience serves as a reminder of the battles won and lost by Australia’s forebears, emphasizing the importance of unity and friendship in both good times and bad. A visit to the Collinsville Coalface Experience is undoubtedly an emotional journey and is essential for understanding history across generations.
- 19 Railway Road, Collinsville, 4804, Australia
- 0749453967
- Website
- Product page link about Collinsville Coalface Experience
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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…

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).
- Website
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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…

Collinsville RV Park offers free camping for up to 72 hours with excellent amenities and walking distance to shops, restaurants and more. The rest area caters for caravans, RV's, campervans, trailers and tents (tent area inside ring only).
No bookings are required however space is limited and visitors must abide by the maximum length of stay.
Fresh water is readily available on site and there are standard and disabled toilets and showers open 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the park.
The Collinsville Visitor Information Centre is located at the RV park and can be found in the original police station and offers information on the town, district and wider Whitsundays region. Wander out the back and you’ll find the old jail and plenty of memorabilia to browse.
- 20 Railway Road, Collinsville, 4804, Australia
- 0749453967
- Website
- Product page link about Collinsville RV Park
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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.

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…

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…

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…

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 crocodiles in their natural habitat in the Whitsundays.
On this unique Australian nature experience, you can explore a tropical environment and experience the wildlife and vegetation of the estuaries and wetlands on the Whitsunday coastline.
This highly-rated day trip is a safe, all-weather, safari-style excursion where you can:
Cruise in crocodile habitat on the Proserpine River
Enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch at a well-appointed campsite
Observe native Australian wildlife in the nationally listed wetlands of Goorganga Plains
Enjoy the true Aussie experience of traditional billy tea and freshly cooked damper
Your tour includes professional expert commentary from experienced local guides and courtesy bus transfers and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. They operate in safe weather conditions with calm water, even in strong wind. The Safari tour site is located in a picturesque bushland setting on the bank of the Proserpine River and includes a toilet, tables, seating, and all-weather cover.
The tour has been operating for more than 25 years. You can expect quality staff, good service, expert information, unique experiences and great food at Whitsunday Crocodile Safari.
- Glen Isla Road, Proserpine, 4800, Australia
- 0749483310
- Website
- Product page link about Whitsunday Crocodile Safari
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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…

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…

Lake Proserpine Holiday Park, part of Whitsunday Holiday Parks, is the perfect bush camp for anglers, adventurers and nature lovers. Offering unpowered camping sites right on the lake's edge, it's the ideal spot to switch off, unwind, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Known as one of Australia's premier barramundi fishing destinations, Lake Proserpine gives campers the chance to reel in trophy-sized barra straight from the shoreline or by boat. A pontoon at the campground provides easy access to the water, while a convenient washdown facility helps keep boats and gear clean after a big day out.
The lake is also a haven for watersports, with plenty of space for boating, kayaking, jet skiing and paddle boarding. After a day on the water, relax with a barbecue, watch the sunset over the lake and enjoy the simple pleasures of bush camping surrounded by wide open spaces and local wildlife.
- 66 Station Road, Lake Proserpine, 4800, Australia
- 0749450435
- Website
- Product page link about Whitsunday Holiday Parks - Lake Proserpine
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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…

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…

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…

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.