Capricorn Coast Holidays Guide
Queensland, Australia
The Capricorn Coast, 650km north of Brisbane, is an unspoilt marine playground of azure beaches, tropical islands and clear blue skies – perfect for that relaxed beach holiday – while the country charms of the gracious old city of Rockhampton are only a short drive away. Its name comes from the Tropic of Capricorn, the southern marker of the Tropics.
Map of Capricorn Coast Australia
Capricorn Coast Highlights
Dine on sumptuous local beef and seafood at one of the many restaurants in nearby Rockhampton
Visit a country rodeo in the heart of Rockhampton
Experience a true-blue Aussie farm-stay, including dinner and wine under the stars.
Go horse-back riding with Capricorn Coast Trail Rides.
Cuddle a koala at Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary
Capricorn Coast Holidays Planner
Rockhampton is the regions hub, a large market town known as "Beef Capital of Australia" with a surprising blend of authentic country hospitality and sophisticated modern living. Located on the banks of the Fitzroy River, the city is known for its wide streets and elegant sandstone buildings. Scattered around the city you'll find life-sized bull statues which represent Rockhampton's status as the 'Beef Capital of Australia.' Local restaurants make good use of the abundant produce in the region, with some of Australia's best steak on offer, as well as the freshest of seafood from the nearby Capricorn Coast. Aboriginal culture is on display at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre, where visitors can participate in boomerang throwing and didgeridoo playing.
Country meets city at the Great Western Hotel, where weekly rodeos are held in the backyard of the pub. Mt Archer National Park rises above the north of the city and has a magnificent lookout, as well as unique native flora and fauna. Kids will love the Rockhampton Heritage Village, a mock 'olden-day' township complete with vintage vehicles, blacksmith shop, homesteads, vintage machinery and a farm animal nursery. Railway enthusiasts will love the Archer Park Railway museum, complete with working stream train which runs each Sunday.
Mt Morgan, 38kms from Rockhampton, was a gold-rush town in the 1800s and many of the historic buildings and mine workings still survive. A trip to Mt Morgan is also worthwhile to search for the 150 million year old dinosaur footprints that are embedded in the local clay-mining caves.
On the coast itself, the sleepy town of Yeppoon is the gateway to the region's islands and beaches. It has a relaxed and welcoming village-style appeal, with charming restaurants, boutiques and cafés. Every September Yeppoon comes to life with gala activities and markets to celebrate the Pineapple Festival. The grassy esplanade looks out onto the stunning vista of the Keppel Island group, and day tours of the islands are easily arranged.
Great Keppel Island is the main island in the group and a short boat ride will bring you to its white sandy beaches and coral-fringed reef. Snorkel or dive amongst the colourful coral and fish, kayak around the island or laze the day away on the sand. The island is mostly undeveloped, with many walking trails through the natural bushland to enjoy.
Capricorn Coast Accommodation Search
The Capricorn Coast has some wonderful accommodation options. On Great Keppel Island you can stay in the low key holiday village set in a gorgeous bush setting only two minutes to the beach. There is also a more upmarket safari-tent eco resort available. At Yeppoon and the surrounding hamlets there is a large choice of self-contained beach-side apartments, hotels and stunning caravan parks to choose from. The following Capricorn Coast hotels provide some of the best deals for a holiday in Queensland – please search below for availability and get the very best room rates sourced from over 100 local and online booking agents: