Horseshoe Bay – Bowen

Horseshoe Bay is Bowen’s most iconic beach and a favourite for locals and visitors alike, regularly topping best beaches lists. The beach is framed by two granite outcrops which provide a haven for a wonderful range of fish and coral just a short swim from the beach. The bay’s fringing reef is a top spot for divers and snorkellers and for a small fee, snorkelling equipment can be hired from the Horseshoe Bay Resort.

New to the bay in 2019, Bywa is an inter-tidal sculpture installed as part of the Whitsunday Reef Recovery and Public Art Project. Bywa was created by artist Brian Robinson and tells the story of reef, creation and marine life.

Horseshoe Bay also has an entry point to the Cape Edgecumbe Walking Trail, which links the fringing reef beaches of Horseshoe, Murray and Rose Bays. The whole trail will take approximately one hour return, however a short 10 minute hike takes you to the Rotary scenic lookout over Horseshoe Bay.

To round off a wonderfully relaxing day exploring the bay, treat yourself to a meal at the fully licenced beachfront cafe.