Bowen in the Whitsundays was used as the location for the famous movie, ‘Australia’, starring Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman.
The town stood in for 1940s Darwin. One of the locations used was Bowen Jetty in Port Denison. The Port was established in the late 1800s and was the first port in north Queensland.
The port also had a lighthouse. Bowen‘s lighthouse on North Head Island was built in 1866 and is the third oldest in Queensland. It guided ships into port until the mid-1980s.
For a time Bowen was set to be the capital of north Queensland, thanks to its large port and the export of beef, salt and coal. But Townsville soon surpassed Bowen.
The locals of Bowen are still very proud of the lighthouse so they have created an event that celebrates the town’s history, maritime past and rich sea life.
The ‘Walk to the Lighthouse’ is an annual event that takes place when the tide is low enough for people to walk from the mainland to North Head Island.
Along the way, walkers can learn about the lighthouse’s history and observe an array of sealife. Once the walk is finished, food and entertainment are provided on the mainland.
A great place to stay when in Bowen is Coral Cove Apartments. They’re right on the water’s edge and serve up superb views. They offer one, two and three bedroom apartments. And gorgeous penthouse accommodation too.
