Welcome to Bowen! We’ve put together a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your time in the town, while giving you plenty of prep time at the track.

Tuesday – Arrival Day
Welcome to Bowen! After arriving, make your first stop at the Big Mango for that must-have selfie and to grab your Bowen Tourist Guide. Don’t forget to treat yourself to the delicious mango sorbet while you’re there. Next, head into town to stretch your legs with a stroll along the jetty. Keep an eye out for turtles and dugongs feeding on the seagrasses near the first section of the jetty. After checking into your accommodation, it’s time for your first taste of the river—head out to the northern side of Russell’s Crossing, where you’ll likely spot competitors scouting the track and prerunning. Wrap up your day with dinner at one of Bowen’s many excellent local restaurants.

Wednesday – Explore & Test the Track
Start your day early with a coastal walk—your Bowen Tourist Guide will have all the details of the different walks. It’s whale season, so watch for playful humpback whales along the coast. After breakfast, head back to the river to try out the track. Be cautious—there are multiple river crossings which are gazetted roads, and registered vehicles have right of way. Also, keep an eye out for DRD machinery as the team prepares the track. After your morning session, grab some lunch and tackle any mechanical adjustments needed. Later, treat yourself to a refreshing swim at one of Bowen’s beautiful beaches—Grays Bay, Rose Bay, or Horseshoe Bay. Enjoy the sunset from the beach at Grays Bay and then finish the day with dinner at another local restaurant.

Thursday – Repeat & Refine
Thursday mirrors Wednesday—a coastal walk, track time, beach swims, and great local food. This is your last chance to fine-tune your setup before things get serious.

Friday – Pre-run & Community Night
Friday is the official pre-run day. Check your final instructions for any changes, then join the official sighting lap. Remember, the community event starts at 5 pm, but your bike/car must be on display in the ring by 4 pm. Once you’ve got your machine in place, soak up the laid-back vibes – there is  live music by Jacynta Lee, a variety of food trucks, and special workshops from Custom Lithium, PCI Radios, and All Tech Motorsport Solutions. The evening wraps up around 9 pm so racers can get an early night—but if you’re looking for more, swing by the Grand View Hotel, which always has a lively atmosphere.

Saturday & Sunday – Race Days
Saturday and Sunday are all about the race! Get out there and give it everything you’ve got!

Monday – Relax & Recharge
After the adrenaline of the weekend, Monday is your day to unwind. Enjoy a swim in the ocean, play a leisurely round of golf, and indulge in a lazy lunch.

Tuesday – Departure
It’s time to pack up and head back to reality—until next year!