Lookouts, Lagoons, and Catalinas

WARNING: this blog post will be quite long with many photos! Hence the 'break' after the first few paras for those not wishing to view the full post. Look for the 'Read More' in red.

Thursday, 10th March - Friday, 11th March --- Bowen explored

Yes, our two days turned into three days! Thank goodness we are not on a really "tight" schedule!!!!

After browsing through all the local tourist information we decided that Bowen had far too much to offer for an overnight stop (that was the original idea), so we booked extra nights at the lovely van park then headed out for a day of exploring.

Thursday -- a lookout and a lagoon
Bowen has some wonderful beachfront parks with BBQs and family areas all looking out over a sea green ocean. Everywhere is very green and lush after recent rains, but even at this time of year it remains very hot and humid. A walk along the beach was a joy with a cooler sea breeze.

Our first stop today was Horseshoe Bay and the Rotary Lookout. From the beach to the lookout is quite a hike in an exhausting 38 degree heat, but I was determined to do it and the OWO tagged along to keep me safe!

Yep - up there is the Lookout!

Going the right direction

Almost at the top - phew what a climb

Almost there - see the sign?

Still climbing - who's idea was this?

Horseshoe Bay from Lookout

The Cove Resort from Rotary Lookout

By the time we descended from the lookout it was lunchtime. So off to the harbour for fresh fish and chips -- oh, and fresh prawns and crab to take away for our dinner! We enjoyed lunch in the beautiful Davidsons Park on Mullers Lagoon, where we spotted various water birds, fig birds, and a pair of cockatiels. This is a beautiful quiet park on the edge of the CBD with wonderful birdlife, a perfect lunch stop.

Views from Lions Lookout to the North

On the way back we detoured via the Lions Lookout, just near the van park. By now it was well over 38 degrees with 90% humidity and I must admit I was beginning to 'flag' more than a little. But the short climb from the car park revealed a wonderful 360 degree view well worth the stop. There is a tower here too that gives an even better view, apparently, but neither of these 'oldies' were prepared to climb another 80 steps in that heat - the view at ground level was stunning enough!!!!!

Mango orchard at Bowen

Birds eye view of Van Park

Queens Beach Van Park

Friday -- history and murals

Clear skies, very hot and very humid.


Today held a few little surprises for us. The Flagstaff Hill Interpretive Centre has a lookout with 360 degree views over Bowen and out to the Whitsunday islands in the south and east, and the mountain ranges to the north and west. The good thing about this lookout is you can drive there! Bonus! At the lookout site there is a lovely walk and picnic shelters. At one of the shelters we met an Aboriginal guy who is an overseer of the wetlands area just north of Bowen. It was interesting chatting with him about his role and the issues he faces with the coal company that employs him to care for that area. Not surprisingly he and the OWO had a long discussion about the birds in the area and the conservation of wetland regions.
There is a small island just below The Hill (photo below) that has a lighthouse and when there is an exceptionally low tide you can actually walk across to it - very small window before tide changes though!

Views from The Hill

Harbour from The Hill

OWO at The Hill lookout

There is also a lovely cafe on the Hill, with a display of native "fruits", aboriginal tools, and artwork and photos by local artists. So after so much chin-wagging we stopped for a delicious morning tea. We noticed that the outdoor furniture on the Hill was a bit different from others we had seen. The benches and tables are made from thousands of recycled plastic milk bottles. These are made locally as a "Work-for-the-Dole" project. Such an excellent idea.

Artwork and History

Historical characters of the region

Saw these in the desert at Innamincka

Recycled outdoor bench with a difference

Yep - recycled milk bottles. Wow.

Mmmmm! Yum Yum tart and smoothie.

Kings Beach below The Hill

Leaving the Hill we drove down to Kings Beach for a wander before backtracking into the CBD for more exploring.

Great fishing spot at Kings Beach

Our drive took us along the harbour and front beach foreshore where we discovered the Catalina interpretive centre and memorial. Bowen was a base for these large flying 'boats' during the battle of the Coral Sea. This is a wonderful informative display of their association with Bowen.

Beautiful memorial

Tarmac area for Catalinas

Catalina History in Bowen

Memorial to Catalina Crew

There is another museum on the outskirts of Bowen near the airport for those enthusiastic about war planes and such.

Like many of the small towns around Queensland, Bowen has a fascinating history. Around the town there are 27 murals painted on various buildings depicting the town's history from early settlement to present day.

Town center mural

Another lovely mural in the main street

Whilst exploring the town murals we had to include a visit to the town library - not to borrow books but to view the beautiful quilt made by the local Quilter's group. As expected no photography allowed .  There is a booklet describing the quilt-making process and a postcard available for a few dollars, but  unfortunately the card and photos in the booklet do not do justice to this wonderful piece of art work. For those more interested, here are a few facts relating to the quilt.

Started in 1996 it took 1426 hours to complete by more than 30 local quilters, who contributed their time, materials, and creativity. The quilt measures 2.78m x 1.74m and was presented to the Bowen Shire in 2001. It hangs in the small Shire Library for locals and visitors to appreciate.

After  so much history, culture, and nature, it was time to get out of the heat and return to 'Ada' for a nice cold beer and to get ready for an evening meal at the local Queens Beach pub. Great pub - great meal, great staff, and great ambience on a balmy Friday evening. Great way to complete our explorations of Bowen. We'll be back on the road travelling northwards again tomorrow. Wonderful memories exploring the beautiful town of Bowen.