Farm stays near Bowen, Queensland 2025

Palm-fringed beaches, tropical islands, and coral reefs line the shores of Bowen, a beach town all about getting on the water. Swim and snorkel Horseshoe Bay, zip around Gray’s Bay on a jet ski, or enjoy a seaside barbecue at Queen’s Beach. Tear yourself away from the beach long enough to snap a selfie by Bowen’s giant mango and grab a mango sorbet (Bowen is famous for the fruit), then take in the views from Flagstaff Hill. Camping options include beachside holiday parks and tranquil farmstays, and there are often fewer crowds here than in neighboring Airlie Beach.

Top-rated campgrounds

Palm-fringed beaches, tropical islands, and coral reefs line the shores of Bowen, a beach town all about getting on the water. Swim and snorkel Horseshoe Bay, zip around Gray’s Bay on a jet ski, or enjoy a seaside barbecue at Queen’s Beach. Tear yourself away from the beach long enough to snap a selfie by Bowen’s giant mango and grab a mango sorbet (Bowen is famous for the fruit), then take in the views from Flagstaff Hill. Camping options include beachside holiday parks and tranquil farmstays, and there are often fewer crowds here than in neighboring Airlie Beach.

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Ben Lomond Station

99%

(774)

26km from Bowen · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Hideaway Bay, QLD

Ben Lomond Station is an 1800 acre working cattle station 25 minutes south of Bowen and 35 minutes north of Airlie Beach on the Whitsundays. We border onto Eden Lassie Creek which has tidal ocean access for saltwater fishing and there is an abundance of estuary fishing and crab spots available. We are a nature based camping area. Cleared shady camping spots are available for fully self contained campers as there are currently no facilities available so you must have own camping toilet and leave no trace. Access to the camping area is for 4WD only with caravans off road and high clearance. Firewood is available for a small fee or you can collect any fallen timber yourself. There is a ban on cutting down any standing timber even it is dead. There is plenty of room to run for the kids and dogs though we do ask that your pet not annoy our cattle or other campers. Ben Lomond station has an abundance of flora and fauna such as burdekin plum trees, mango trees, wallabies, kangaroos and bird and fish species.

2. Blackiron

98%

(499)

66km from Bowen · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Proserpine, QLD

Situated on the bank of the Andromache River, setup camp at one of our cozy camp spots and enjoy the quiet of the bush. We have sites available in our grassy paddock which are accessible by all vehicles. Sand camping is available for 4x4's with tent/swag set ups during the dry seasons. No trailers or vans are permitted on the sand due to bogging. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a campfire and visual displays of local wildlife, try your hand at fishing in the river or just enjoy a cool swim just a few meters from our grassy sites. Guests are required to be fully self-sufficient with their own toilet/shower facilities and must take all waste and rubbish with them on departure. Only a short distance from Airlie Beach and the islands for those interested in the local tourist attractions. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after.

3. Menilden Farm

96%

(194)

6.3km from Bowen · 83 sites · Tents, RVs · Bowen, QLD

Our property is 38 acres in size and is primarily used as an equestrian facility where coaching, clinics and training in dressage are conducted as well as providing agistment. The camping area is 100 metres or so from the nearest road and next to a dam and provides some of the most gorgeous sunsets around. Currently you will need to be self sufficient as we don’t have any toilet or shower facilities and we are still working on our shade with the trees having only just been planted. We are are only 2km from the Bruce hi-way and a comfortable 10 minute drive to the beautiful Bowen beaches, shops, pubs, restaurants making this a great spot to base yourself for your next Bowen getaway or if you are just passing through.

4. Green Meadows Retreat

4.5km from Bowen · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Bowen, QLD

Our property, aptly named "Green Meadows Retreat," is a serene and picturesque retreat nestled adjacent to the banks of the tranquil Don River. Spanning 20 acres of lush greenery, our land offers a unique blend of natural beauty and peaceful seclusion. The property is adjacent to a winding river that provides a calming backdrop for a variety of activities, including trail biking, buggying and peaceful nature walks. Sprawling farmland is also part of the landscape, offering a delightful opportunity for guests to purchase fresh, seasonal produce. On-site, guests can enjoy hiking through grassy trails, birdwatching, and stargazing. Nearby, the area offers opportunities for horseback riding, four wheel driving, and exploring local bush trails and farms. Whether seeking relaxation or outdoor adventure, Green Meadows Retreat offers something for every nature enthusiast.

5. Piper's View | Park up and relax

90%

(10)

51km from Bowen · 1 site · RV · Riordanvale, QLD

Piper’s Grounds – Private Hilltop Pad for Self-Contained Caravans Park up, switch off, and soak in the views at Piper’s Grounds — a private, elevated site exclusively for self-contained caravans and RVs. Set on a spacious, excavated pad with sweeping rural vistas, this peaceful slice of countryside is your perfect base for exploring the Whitsundays region — or simply enjoying the serenity of nature. Located just outside of Airlie Beach, Piper’s Grounds offers a flat, grassy space that’s easy to access and ideal for caravans. With no neighboring campers, it’s a completely private stay, surrounded by open paddocks, 2 large shady rain trees, and surrounding rolling hills. Wake to birdsong, enjoy visits from the resident guinea fowl and sheep and watch the sunset over the tree-lined ridge with a drink in hand. This is camping stripped back to what really matters — space, stillness, and fresh country air. 🔥 Campfires welcome in the provided fire drum (seasonal restrictions apply). Stargazing here is spectacular, with minimal light pollution and big open skies. 🛻 Self-contained vehicles only at this stage – No amenities are provided, so guests must have their own toilet, water, and waste facilities. 🐑 Farm-style surroundings – Share your stay with free-ranging guinea fowl and the occasional curious sheep. 📍Close to it all 🏙️ Proserpine: ~15 minutes (approx. 18 km) 🏖️ Airlie Beach: ~20 minutes (approx. 22 km) You’re perfectly positioned to enjoy day trips to Conway National Park, waterfalls, and the Whitsundays. Piper’s Grounds is suited for peaceful getaways, overnight stopovers, or longer stays where you can truly unwind off-grid. No crowds, no noise – just the gentle sounds of nature and wide open skies.

6. Jenkins Farm

97%

(56)

7.7km from Bowen · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Bowen, QLD

Situated only 10 minutes drive from the beautiful town of Bowen with its amazing beaches, our 10 acre hobby farm with sheep, cattle and pigs has 1 acre set aside for fully contained travellers. Our block is flat with easy access, amazing sunsets and situated in a quiet, peaceful location off the Collinsville rd. The Don River is very close by with easy access to a great viewing area for the upcoming Don River dash. Our open block is ideal for self contained caravans and camper vans with individual or group bookings welcome. Kayaks available to hire upon request. Fireplaces also supplied with firewood available. We look forward to seeing you soon.

7. Halls Hollow

62km from Bowen · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Proserpine, QLD

We’re a small acreage property with a lovely grassed area surrounded by big shady trees 🌳. Guests must be fully self contained with their own toilet facilities. The campsite sits on a gentle slope, so a little leveling may be required. The house is within view, but you won’t have to camp facing us. We’re just 15 minutes from Airlie Beach, 10 minutes from Proserpine, 10 minutes from beautiful Conway Beach, and 5 minutes from Cedar Creek Falls. At the moment, we’re upgrading the driveway entry, so please be aware. We’re super pet-friendly and have two of our own friendly pets who love meeting new visitors!

Camper favorites near Bowen

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Green Meadows Retreat

4.5km from Bowen · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Bowen, QLD

Our property, aptly named "Green Meadows Retreat," is a serene and picturesque retreat nestled adjacent to the banks of the tranquil Don River. Spanning 20 acres of lush greenery, our land offers a unique blend of natural beauty and peaceful seclusion. The property is adjacent to a winding river that provides a calming backdrop for a variety of activities, including trail biking, buggying and peaceful nature walks. Sprawling farmland is also part of the landscape, offering a delightful opportunity for guests to purchase fresh, seasonal produce. On-site, guests can enjoy hiking through grassy trails, birdwatching, and stargazing. Nearby, the area offers opportunities for horseback riding, four wheel driving, and exploring local bush trails and farms. Whether seeking relaxation or outdoor adventure, Green Meadows Retreat offers something for every nature enthusiast.

Piper's View | Park up and relax

90%

(10)

51km from Bowen · 1 site · RV · Riordanvale, QLD

Piper’s Grounds – Private Hilltop Pad for Self-Contained Caravans Park up, switch off, and soak in the views at Piper’s Grounds — a private, elevated site exclusively for self-contained caravans and RVs. Set on a spacious, excavated pad with sweeping rural vistas, this peaceful slice of countryside is your perfect base for exploring the Whitsundays region — or simply enjoying the serenity of nature. Located just outside of Airlie Beach, Piper’s Grounds offers a flat, grassy space that’s easy to access and ideal for caravans. With no neighboring campers, it’s a completely private stay, surrounded by open paddocks, 2 large shady rain trees, and surrounding rolling hills. Wake to birdsong, enjoy visits from the resident guinea fowl and sheep and watch the sunset over the tree-lined ridge with a drink in hand. This is camping stripped back to what really matters — space, stillness, and fresh country air. 🔥 Campfires welcome in the provided fire drum (seasonal restrictions apply). Stargazing here is spectacular, with minimal light pollution and big open skies. 🛻 Self-contained vehicles only at this stage – No amenities are provided, so guests must have their own toilet, water, and waste facilities. 🐑 Farm-style surroundings – Share your stay with free-ranging guinea fowl and the occasional curious sheep. 📍Close to it all 🏙️ Proserpine: ~15 minutes (approx. 18 km) 🏖️ Airlie Beach: ~20 minutes (approx. 22 km) You’re perfectly positioned to enjoy day trips to Conway National Park, waterfalls, and the Whitsundays. Piper’s Grounds is suited for peaceful getaways, overnight stopovers, or longer stays where you can truly unwind off-grid. No crowds, no noise – just the gentle sounds of nature and wide open skies.

Jenkins Farm

97%

(56)

7.7km from Bowen · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Bowen, QLD

Situated only 10 minutes drive from the beautiful town of Bowen with its amazing beaches, our 10 acre hobby farm with sheep, cattle and pigs has 1 acre set aside for fully contained travellers. Our block is flat with easy access, amazing sunsets and situated in a quiet, peaceful location off the Collinsville rd. The Don River is very close by with easy access to a great viewing area for the upcoming Don River dash. Our open block is ideal for self contained caravans and camper vans with individual or group bookings welcome. Kayaks available to hire upon request. Fireplaces also supplied with firewood available. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Halls Hollow

62km from Bowen · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Proserpine, QLD

We’re a small acreage property with a lovely grassed area surrounded by big shady trees 🌳. Guests must be fully self contained with their own toilet facilities. The campsite sits on a gentle slope, so a little leveling may be required. The house is within view, but you won’t have to camp facing us. We’re just 15 minutes from Airlie Beach, 10 minutes from Proserpine, 10 minutes from beautiful Conway Beach, and 5 minutes from Cedar Creek Falls. At the moment, we’re upgrading the driveway entry, so please be aware. We’re super pet-friendly and have two of our own friendly pets who love meeting new visitors!

Stories from the community

Kingfisher showing how it sits high on the embankment of the creek

T

Tim

2 weeks ago

5 m car

With pets

1 night at Blackiron

Great spot on the creek, plenty of fresh sand around. Thanks for hosting

P

Patrick

2 weeks ago

6 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Blackiron

Well set out camping area. Plenty of grass due to recent rain. Quiet, good place to get away from the city life. Creek was flowing enough to sit in and cool down.

Surprise catch - released as they all were.

C

Clare

2 weeks ago

8 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Ben Lomond Station

We loved the quiet and really enjoyed the cattle (especially the tiny calves ) birdlife and fishing. Saw pheasant coucal for the first time and a pair of brolga. Lots of birdsong for any birdwatchers out there. 😊

P

Patrick

2 weeks ago

3 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Blackiron

Good spot to camp. Nice and quiet. Area nicely grassed and mowed,fairly level . Unfortunately no campfire. Total fire ban. Didn't miss it. Creek was running enough to go sit in. Had rain second night. Definately will be going into our favourite's list to return. Saw an echidna, wallabies, galahs, kookaburras. Plenty of area for kids to run around in. Just a word advice though: if you don't know how to drive on soft river sand, don't venture there.

Megan

November 2025

9 m travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Menilden Farm

Wonderful spot , spacious with the most amazing sunsets and sunrises. Firepits available and our 2 dogs loved the space. So nice that they allow dogs off leash, providing they are under effective control. Close to town only 5-10mins. Dam was full of wildlife from birds, to fish. Highley recommend, neat mowed paddock

Paul

October 2025

6 m Class A

With pets

1 night at Menilden Farm

nice place tucked away from main rd to town has dam plenty of room

Paul

October 2025

6 m Class A

With pets

1 night at Menilden Farm

good level spot very spacious very close to town good cheap stay i say

Sally

October 2025

7 m travel trailer

1 night at Menilden Farm

Beautiful grassed sights .. lovely dam in the centre ... Horses watching over the fence ... Flat area .. Stunning sunset .. 10 minutes to Bowen ..

A

Anthony

October 2025

9 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Jenkins Farm

Close to Bowen. Plenty of room. Flat land. ……………..

Sally

October 2025

10 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Menilden Farm

A lovely flat area of green grass and a big dam as a focal point ... the breeze is perfect to keep you cool while watching the stunning sunset over the dam and distant mountains .. only 10 minutes to Bowen which has some great beaches and pubs ... Horseshoe Bay and Rosebay are both great places to have a swim and Rosebay is dog friendly... Very relaxing place .. thanks Matt ..

Sally

October 2025

10 m travel trailer

3 nights at Menilden Farm

Stunning flat area with green grass and a beautiful dam in the centre .. Very relaxing with great cool breeze .. Enjoy the sunsets over the dam with mountains as a backdrop .. Just 10 minutes to Bowen and the stunning Beaches... Horseshoe Bay, Grays Bay & my favourite Rose Bay which is dog friendly xx

K

Kathy

October 2025

7 m travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Ben Lomond Station

Very peaceful. Camps are far enough away to allow privacy. Directions from Colleen were very clear.

A

Anthony

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Ben Lomond Station

I only stopped in for a night heading North and again heading South but could have easily spent week if time allowed. Rob and Colleen were super welcoming. The camp sites are kept in great condition and a peaceful place with stunning sunsets and rises.

Sally

October 2025

10 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Menilden Farm

Fantastic flat area with lots of green grass ... A beautiful dam in the centre which is a great focal point with mountains as a backdrop ... A very quiet safe area to leave your van while you explore Bowen just 10 minutes away .. Thanks Matt for mowing the lawn and our great stay

Ben

October 2025

10 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Blackiron

Great host and an awesome location. Very well looked after. Would absolutely recommend that anyone stay a few nights and cruise around the property. Great swimming locations and lots of local animals. Close to the whitsundays locations as well. Everyone was so friendly.

Tanya

October 2025

7 m Class A

Weekend Trip to Blackiron

Great place - we were warmly welcomed - nice and flat area - lots of wildlife - little creek to dip in

Shane

October 2025

6 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Blackiron

Friend And I stayed for the weekend, very relaxing and even had a pleasant dip in the beautiful river. Great host, Ben, family and friends made us very welcome.

L

Luke

October 2025

8 m travel trailer

With kids

3 nights at Menilden Farm

We had a lovely stay, host were supper friendly and location was great to check out the local spots. Would definitely come back again

M

Megan

October 2025

14 m travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Menilden Farm

Great spot by the dam. Easy access to drive the van in and out.

E

Ella

October 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Ben Lomond Station

Colleen was so so accommodating! Our spot was a short safari trek to get to, but so worth it. Serene, peaceful and private. Right by the river, we fished all afternoon with two good bream on the lines. Heaps of mud crabs too! Afternoon and early morning the cattle walked through our camp and with all the cute calves on ground at the moment, it was lovely. Wallabies and birds all around. Be snake aware, we saw a brown but he moved on quickly. Absolutely love this beautiful place.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Farm stays near Bowen guide

Where to go

Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays

Just south of Bowen, Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsundays islands. Catch the ferry to Hamilton Island or take an island-hopping cruise, jumping off to stroll along Whitehaven Beach, snorkel at the Heart Reef lagoon, or swim at Cedar Creek Falls. Whitsunday Islands National Park has 10 campsites to choose from, either by the beach or in the heart of the bush.

Mackay Region

Further south, the Mackay region has both white-sand beaches and rainforest-blanketed hinterlands. Hike, camp, and spot platypus in Eungella National Park, swim beneath natural waterfalls in Finch Hatton Gorge, or enjoy beachside camping far from the crowds in the Cape Hillsborough National Park.

Townsville Coast

North of Bowen, coves and sleepy beach towns dot one of the less-visited stretches of Queensland coast. Townsville is the region’s primary hub, where you’ll find beaches, palm-lined promenades, and a selection of seaside camping. Take a road trip to Wallaman Falls, cruise out to enjoy wildlife walks on Magnetic Island, or set sail for the Great Barrier Reef islands to snorkel or scuba dive.

When to go

Bowen’s tropical climate means it’s warm enough to swim and enjoy water sports year-round, but each season has its pros and cons. Summers (December through February) can be hot, humid, and wet, with temperatures climbing upwards of 30°C, while the dryer, cooler months of autumn and winter are ideal for outdoor activities. May through November is whale-watching season along the coast, while October through May is “stinger season,” when protective clothing is recommended when swimming.

Know before you go

Public transport, ferries, and boat cruises run from Bowen and nearby Airlie beach, but having your own transport is useful for exploring the coast.

Bowen has a selection of shops where you can pick up camping gear and stock up on supplies.
Fire bans are common in Queensland during summer and dry periods, so check local recommendations.