Capricorn Region

Cowboys meet the beach, as Rockhampton and the Southern Great Barrier Reef collide in a mix of historic towns, national parks and sandy beaches. Release your inner explorer as you fossick for gemstones, explore the Capricorn Caves and experience world-class diving.

No trip would be complete without watching a rodeo in an iconic Australian pub as you dine on famous ‘Rocky’ steak – if you couldn’t tell from the giant cow in the main street, this is Australia’s beef capital.

This slice of Southern Great Barrier Reef is so perfect, you’ll want to keep it all to yourself. Luckily, you pretty much can.

• Go diving, snorkelling or sailing among the 18 islands of the Keppel Island Group.
• Live out your Castaway fantasies camping on Great Keppel Island and watch dolphins playing in the winter months.
• Lay back on one of the 13 beaches between Yeppoon and Emu Park and feast on fresh seafood.

Not content with having the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef just offshore, a short drive will bring you face-to-face with these natural wonders:

• Aboriginal rock art paintings and the Sandstone Wilderness of Carnarvon National Park.
• A 600-metre sandstone plateau and the picturesque Rainbow Falls in Blackdown Tableland National Park.
• Byfield National Park – where you can visit local artisans or hire a canoe on the Byfield River.
• The natural disco ball created by the summer solstice in the above-ground Capricorn Caves.

Beef may be the number one thing on the menu here but history, outback life and jewels compete for a close second. 

• Visit a crocodile farm or stay at a working cattle farm.
• Explore the heritage-lined streets of Rockhampton or take a trip down gold rush memory lane in Mount Morgan.
• Try your luck at the Sapphire gemfields.