Beyond Airlie it is the serenity and complete absence of crowds people comment upon. From your mainland base you can be deep in the rainforest canopy, parked next to an inland dam or enjoying spectacular views or fabulous beaches, all within easy driving distance. The bus service also links the coast and Proserpine.
The ‘sweet heart’ and the administrative centre of the Whitsundays. During sugar cane harvesting season, around June to October, the sugar mill’s permeating sweet smell of molasses adds character to every breath you take and is a reminder of Proserpine’s deep farming roots, mainly cane and cattle. Proserpine is also fast gaining a reputation as 'barramundi' country.
Things to do:
• take a sugar mill tour
• inform yourself on the area’s history at the Historical Museum
• shop at some unique stores - see Holiday Therapy's' Go Shopping' section
• take in a movie or show at the Entertainment Centre (check what’s on in local papers)
• eat excellent food and enjoy great coffee from various eateries and authentic pubs
• drive further west (20 minutes) to Lake Proserpine for water skiing and excellent barramundi fishing or a simple picnic. Guided fishing tours available.
• spend a morning or afternoon at the 18-hole local golf course and soon the first few holes of PGA Whitsundays at Riordanvale.
Just off the highway, south of Proserpine. Get-away-from-it-all serenity, a tavern, shops and some classy holiday homes, as well as swimming pools at the caravan parks up the beach. Home of the world championship Turtle Point Golf Course at Laguna Whitsundays Resort, where ocean and wildlife meet on the fairways.
| Cedar Creek Falls and Conway Beach |
Towards Proserpine, turn onto Conway Road and follow the signs to Cedar Creek Falls for a cool freshwater pool and spectacular falls after rain. Conway and Wilsons Beaches are small villages; Conway's park is a serene rest or lunch spot and Wilsons has a boat ramp to access nearby excellent fishing. A 35 km round trip.
| Dingo Beach, Hydeaway Bay and Cape Gloucester |
On Shute Harbour Road, take the Bowen turn-off just past Riordanvale and follow the signs. The infinite white sands of Dingo Beach are a beach-combing paradise and a hotel and general store offers food, cool drinks and bait for the excellent fishing (local boat hire available). Beyond the stylish homes of Hydeaway Bay is Cape Gloucester, home to an eco-friendly beachfront resort which makes a good lunch spot and watering hole. A 65 km round trip.
Worth the 40 minute drive north are the famous Bowen beaches (Horseshoe Bay, Murray Bay, Rose Bay, Kings Beach, Queens Beach to name a few). Most offer non-tidal, clear waters, snorkelling a few metres offshore, rock pools and coastal walking paths.
While in town, drive up to Flagstaff Hill for a look-out and refresher stop, or lunch at Mullers Lagoon, a serene haven lush with birdlife in the centre of town. After lunch, check out 22 interesting murals around town, including one by Ken Done.
Bowen is also famous for its mango farms (if you are here in mango season, try the prince of varieties, the 'Bowen Special') and vegetable market gardens.
Use our maps for getting around the Whitsunday Coast
Proserpine
 Proserpine Tourist Park
Whitsunday Palms Motel
Dingo Beach & Cape Gloucester
Cape Gloucester Eco Resort
Bowen
Bowen Tourism
Century 21 Bowen
For more accomadation, click here
Bowen Tourism
Proserpine Entertainment Centre
Proserpine Historical Museum
Bus
Whitsunday Transit Bus timetables
Rental vehicles
Avis
Fun Rentals
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Welcome to the Whitsundays is published by Media Rites Whitsunday. 