Capricorn Coast

Remote beaches and windswept national parks can be found along the entire Capricorn coastline from the relatively untouched seaside settlements of Agnes Water and the Town of 1770 to the wilds of Byfield National Park north of Yeppoon.

Straddling the tropic of Capricorn, Rockhampton is the major hub of the area and is Australias Beef farming capital complete with pub rodeos, steakhouses and oversized bulls dominating the town. Further west the hinterland is one of Queenslands richest natural resources; the fertile soils support grazing and cropping and the vast coal deposits supply the majority of the states coal exports.

If you look under carefully the dust of the Central Queenslands Gemfields, west of Emerald, are precious zircons, amethysts and rubies and the worlds richest sapphire fields. Rising above the flat inland plains, the weathered and eroded plateau of the Great Dividing Range form spectacular sandstone escarpments, especially around the Carnarvon and Black down Tableland National Parks. Ancient Aboriginal rock art, deep gorges and waterfalls reward bush walkers and campers in these rugged parks.

Pretty Yeppoon is a small seaside town with a long beach, a calm ocean and an attractive hinterland of volcanic outcrops, pineapple patches and grazing lands. The handful of quiet streets, sleepy motels and beachside cafes attract Rockhamptonites beating the heat and tourists heading for Great Keppel Island only 13 kilometres off shore.

Great Keppel Island is a stunningly beautiful island with a rocky headland, forested hills and a fringe of powdery white sand lapped by clear blue waters. Numerous beaches ring the 14 sq km island while natural bush land covers 90% of the interior. A string of huts and accommodation options sits behind the trees lining the main beach but the developments are low key and unobtrusive. Only 13 kilometers offshore and with good snorkeling, swimming, bush walking, great Keppel is an easily accessible tranquil island retreat.