15 free (and cheap) things to do around Capricorn

Pack some lunch, smother yourself in SPF, and head to the region’s national park for a tranquil day immersed in nature.

Capricorn Coast National Park boasts every kind of environment you can think of—mangroves, dry rainforest, grassland, open eucalypt forests and the distant seas of Keppel Bay. The abundant rocky outcrops are truly a sight to see; they exist as a result of volcanic eruptions from millions of years ago. Spend your day picnicking and taking on walking tracks—Bluff Point and Double Head are two great ones featuring scenic lookouts. Bluff Point is a 2.3-kilometre track that leads to Turtle Lookout, while Double Head is a 365-metre track leading to a fan-shaped cliff formation with hexagonal basalt columns (perfect for little legs).

2. Yeppoon Lagoon

Love water but prefer not to get too sandy? Waste no time driving to Yeppoon Lagoon. This 2500 square-metre public pool lies right in front of a beach and is patrolled Monday to Sunday. Wash your worries away in the informal lap area and swim-up infinity edge, which features sweeping views of the Keppel Islands. The kids will love splashing around in the shallow play area.

The best thing? It’s completely free!

3. Yeppoon Main Beach

Just a stone's throw down the road is Yeppoon Main Beach. This is the perfect place to dig your toes into the sand and duck under salty waves. Bring along a beach umbrella or tent, and set up for a simple but memorable day soaking in the glorious Queensland sun.

4. Yeppoon Community Market

If you’re in the Capricorn Region on a Saturday, head to the Yeppoon Showgrounds between 6am and 10am. You’ll be greeted by a vibrant community market where stalls are filled with local fruit and vegetables.

Grab yourself a treat or simply browse and enjoy living like a local.

5. Shell World

If you’re prone to collecting shells as you stroll along the sand, pay a visit to Shell World in Yeppoon. Located on the Scenic Highway, this museum showcases beautiful shells from local and global locations (plus some fossils too). It was established by one of the earliest shell clubs and is completely operated by volunteers.

Pop a gold coin in the entry box and enjoy marvelling at the vast array of shells on offer.

6. Japanese Gardens

Located in Blackwater, these gardens are dubbed the best of their kind in Queensland. Symbolising the relationship between Blackwater and its sister city, Fujisawa, there’s tremendous significance behind the design. Spend your time marvelling at the plants, rocks, pond and lanterns, and taking photos to show off back home.

7. Wreck Point Scenic Lookout

Want to experience the Capricorn Coast from every angle? Make your way to Wreck Point Scenic Lookout, located in Cooee Bay.

This destination provides 360-degree views of the Capricorn Coast and Keppel Bay, and a nature trail infused with beauty and history. Walk along sandstone steps to a shipwreck artwork, which tells the story of Selina—a ship found here in 1848, that was the catalyst for naming this destination ‘Wreck Point’. After your history lesson, walk a little further to the rocky point drop off for a thrilling view.

8. Keppel Kraken

Up for some water park fun? Head to the heart of Yeppoon to cool off.

Keppel Kraken is a water play zone unlike any other. A mythical sea creature is the striking centrepiece, a special umbrella bucket (the only one of its kind in Queensland) dumps water all day long, and water cannons and jet blasts are a free-for-all.

While the kids are dispersing every bit of their energy, parents can relax on the timber decks and picnic tables.

9. Carnarvon National Park

Another one of the free things to do in Capricorn is exploring Carnarvon Gorge National Park. There’s so many unique pockets of nature to witness here, including the Amphitheatre, Mickey Creek Gorge, prehistoric Ward’s Canyon, and a natural art gallery of Aboriginal rock engravings.

Up for a challenge? Gear up and take on the 87-kilometre Great Walk. This once-in-a-lifetime trek is filled with cliffs, sandstone escarpments and plateaus, streams, and a plethora of plant life.

10. Rockhampton Botanic Gardens

Heritage listed in 1999, Rockhampton Botanic Gardens has stunning green masterpieces wherever you look. Enjoy strolling through the three garden levels (outer, lower and upper) and breathing in the fresh air. Between the palm groves, tropical fruit arboretum, lagoon bamboo and tamarind tree line, these gardens really are something special.

11. Rockhampton Zoo

If animal encounters are on your list of free things to do in Capricorn, you’ll be glad to hear that Rockhampton Zoo combines both of these factors.

This free zoo is home to over 60 species of native and exotic animals. Meet Aussie icons such as cassowaries, dingoes, koalas and kangaroos, and international characters such as chimpanzees, lion-tailed macaques and otters. If you have budding vets and zookeepers in tow, take a seat at the daily Keeper Talks where they can learn all about these impressive animals.

12. Archer Park Rail Museum

Got a thing for trains? Discover Rockhampton’s tramway history at Archer Park Rail Museum.

Located in Rockhampton, this location has a range of exhibitions that will engage and educate. There’s a heritage-listed station, trams, rail communications, and a refreshment room—all of which reflect the era they operated in.

Entry is a mere $9.50 for an adult, and $5.80 for children (3-12 years). A family pass is $28 (2 adults and 2 children, plus $4.50 for an extra child over three).

13. Dreamtime Culture Centre

Learn about the rich cultural history of Aboriginal tribes on a peaceful 12-hectare property featuring Limestone Creek, native flora and a large waterfall.

Experienced staff will guide you through activities that are highly significant to Aboriginal people, including didgeridoo playing, bamboo throwing and dance performances and you’ll also be led through the Torres Strait Islander Village and its amazing artefacts. If you want to take charge of your day, opt for a self-guided tour. There’s two to choose from: The Vanishing Culture of the Sandstone Belt and Native Plant Tour. Either one will be an experience you won’t forget.

Dreamtime Culture Centre is found just 15 minutes from Rockhampton. Entry is very reasonable: Adults $15.50 and Children $7.50 (enquire for family concessions).

14. Skywalk

You’ve seen a lot of Capricorn from the ground, now it’s time to see it from above.

Mount Archer’s Nurim Circuit is a 500-metre elevated boardwalk with views that will make your jaw well and truly drop. The circuit, featuring interpretative signage of the local Darumbla culture, extends 25 metres outwards and is 7.5 metres high. A walk here at any time will be memorable, but come during sunrise or sunset for something truly spectacular.

15. Kershaw Gardens

Don’t miss one of the best free things to do in Capricorn—roaming the beautiful Kershaw Gardens, spread over one kilometre.

Located parallel to the Bruce Highway, Kershaw Gardens is described as Rochkampton’s big backyard. Pack a picnic and spend a day relaxing among the lush landscape, exploring the waterfall and walking tracks or letting the kids run wild on the playground.

Keen to explore more of Capricorn? Here’s some more things you can get up too:

• Capricorn itineraries
• Things to do Yeppoon
• School holidays in Rockhampton