Why you should buy in Bowen, home of the Big Mango

That’s with the exception of a brief break in 2014, when locals were devastated to wake up one morning to find the mango had disappeared — stolen overnight in what eventually turned out to be a publicity stunt by a local business.

Thankfully, the fruit was returned to its rightful place, overlooking the town of Bowen and its population of just over 10,000.

But though small, the town boasts a number of amenities and lifestyle options that have been making it increasingly popular for sea changers and those in search of a good investment, particularly since the regional migration revolution triggered by factors related to the onset of COVID-19.

But even with its growing popularity, Bowen still represents a great place to buy. The average house price in Bowen currently sits at $371,000, a far cry from the median in the state’s capital, where an average house will set you back $707,658.

And though many regions have felt the effect of the softening market, Bowen boasts an upward trend of 9.1 per cent price growth over the past 12 months. Rental yields similarly sit in positive territory, at 5.5 per cent.

Units, too, are a good investment in the region. The median price in a multi-dwelling build is currently $273,000, which represents a 2.1 per cent increase on this time last year and a 6.3 per cent rental yield.

In both of these markets, though, competition is fierce, with more buyers out there than properties up for grabs. Still, it’s easier to lock down a property in Bowen than in another Whitsunday location, Jubilee Park, which was recently named as one of the Australian locales with the most interest yet the fewest properties.

Looking at the lifestyle offered in the Whitsundays and Bowen more specifically, it’s easy to see the appeal.

Nestled alongside beautiful beaches, Bowen represents the quintessential coastal lifestyle for many. It’s known for its picturesque beaches, including the popular Horseshoe Bay and Queens Beach, both of which are popular spots to partake in swimming, snorkelling, fishing, and boating, either solo or in a community group.

Bowen is located in close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most renowned natural wonders, and as with the larger Whitsunday region, it’s a regular attractor of both domestic and international tourists. On the more southerly end of the reef, it’s a good spot for those looking to road trip along the Queensland coast to experience the reef and the Whitsunday attractions.

Despite being a smaller town, Bowen offers essential amenities such as schools, healthcare facilities, shopping centres, and dining options. There’s even a nine-hole golf course for those looking to hit the greens. The city of Townsville, just over two hours away by car, provides additional services, including an international airport. For domestic flights, the Whitsunday Airport is the closest option to Bowen, just under an hour’s drive.