Tomato Picking, Bowen Queensland

Описание: Video and song about picking tomatoes at Bowen in North Queensland.
Beside the Don River, where I actually picked tomatoes myself in 1986. I was driving around looking for a job when I bogged my old HQ Holden Station Wagon in the sand trying to cross the dry river bed. A generous farmer towed me out and then offered me a job! This video was shot in the same location.
My respect goes out to the hard workers, some doing the picking into buckets and another team of young guys load the buckets on the trucks.
The plant grow on stakes nowadays, unlike the bush variety I picked years ago. So viewers next time you eat a tomato in the winter time, especially those in Southern Australia, remember this hard worker who made it all possible.
Bowen is 1150 kilometres north of Brisbane
Bowen, Queensland: A Coastal Town with Agricultural Heart
Bowen is a picturesque coastal town located in the Whitsunday Region of North Queensland, Australia. With a population of 11,205 as of the 2021 census, Bowen sits on a peninsula surrounded by the Coral Sea, offering stunning beaches, fringing reefs, and a relaxed tropical lifestyle. Its strategic location between Townsville and Mackay makes it a popular stop for travelers exploring the Queensland coast. Bowen’s natural beauty is complemented by landmarks like Horseshoe Bay, the Big Mango, and views of Gloucester Island, making it a destination that blends scenic charm with regional character.

Agriculture plays a central role in Bowen’s identity, particularly its reputation as Australia’s largest winter producer of tomatoes. The region’s unique climate allows for a growing season that complements southern markets, with tomatoes harvested from May through November. Bowen’s fertile soils also support crops like capsicums, beans, and its famous Kensington Pride mangoes. Farms like Radcorp and Vee Jay’s Kalfresh have pioneered sustainable and large-scale tomato production, using advanced techniques such as trellising, plastic mulch, and integrated pest management to ensure premium quality and environmental stewardship3.

Historically, Bowen was established in 1861 and originally named Port Denison. It served as a vital supply port for inland pastoral stations and goldfields, and remnants of its colonial past are still visible in heritage buildings and street names. Today, Bowen balances its rich history with modern industry, including the nearby Abbot Point coal terminal. Whether you're drawn by its beaches, its farming legacy, or its laid-back community vibe, Bowen offers a unique slice of Queensland life where coastal beauty meets agricultural excellence.