Last week, the tides dipped down to their winter low and visitors and locals alike experienced Bowen’s Walk to the Lighthouse.
Around 3pm on August 11, hundreds departed to observe the annual pilgrimage which heads across a sand spit to North Head Island.
Only a few times a year do Bowen’s daytime tides go low enough (0.2 metres) for visitors to experience a walking tour of both a snippet of Bowen history and its natural splendour.
The group of roughly 300 people waded through the shallow water in the hour-long trek which headed through rocky outcrops and across sea grass flats, ending with travellers being greeted by one of Queensland’s oldest lighthouses.
The walk, which is dotted with giant red starfish and sea cucumbers, was once a low-key tradition followed annually by Bowen locals but it has now become a must for travellers cruising the Queensland Coast.
In 2018, it famously appeared on Channel 7’s Weekender with its growing a cult following, but Covid put an end to its rapid development. This year, however, it was close to its former glory.
Bowen Tourism and Business Sales and Marketing Manager Leanne Abernathy said she joined as a Walk to the Lighthouse pilgrim on the day.
“It was awesome. The day that I walked out, there were about 300 people who got to see a great display of marine life like starfish and sea cucumbers,” Ms Abernathy said.
“I think it’s something different. You can only do it a couple of times a year and it’s so popular with locals because of that – the natural splendour on display.”
It takes roughly 20 minutes to cross the strait from the mainland to North Head Island. Then, through the granite outcroppings of the island, it takes just 25 minutes to reach the lighthouse.
Ms Abernathy said there was a mixture of locals but a lot of visitors, including internationals.
“It was great to see locals and tourists alike taking advantage of the natural tides, and it was great for our Bowen Tourism and Business volunteers to experience the event, too.”
Melissa Beuzeville, Kev and Viv Clark, Wendy Jensen, Leanne Abernathy at the Lighthouse on North Head Island, just off Bowen
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
