The Capricorn Coast is exciting, diverse and breathtakingly beautiful. Visitors to the Coast enjoy golden days and balmy, moonlit evenings with the brilliant sunsets and scents of the tropics as well as the crispness of a temperate climate. The Coast lies across the Tropic of Capricorn, for which it is named, and it sweeps along the Pacific Ocean at Central Queensland just a 30 minute drive from the Beef Capital of Australia.
Journey Details


Mode of Travel:
CarRoute Type:
One wayTravel along the Bruce Highway to the Yeppoon turn-off and as you head to the coast you'll see Mount Jim Crow and Mount Hedlow. These are just two of the many volcanic plugs which dot the landscape, testament to the area's violent geological past.
In approximately 30 minutes, you will arrive at the tranquil seaside township of Yeppoon.

The Yeppoon foreshore precinct has an array of activities to be enjoyed by all ages.
The Keppel Kraken is a water play feature quite unlike any other. With a mythical sea creature centrepiece and set against the spectacular backdrop of Keppel Bay, Featuring a host of interactive elements including water cannons, jets and a unique umbrella bucket – the only one of its kind in Queensland – the Keppel Kraken is guaranteed fun for the whole family.
Soak up the laid back village lifestyle of the Capricorn Coast by indulging in the charming cafe culture, tasting local flavors and browsing boutique shops. Enjoy year-round sunshine, street art, relaxed seaside dining, fashion and homewares.
The foreshore is also a perfect spot for a family gathering with barbecue facilities available.

Take a sparkling, infinity edge pool, add views of the Keppel Islands and you’ve arrived at the Yeppoon Lagoon.
This free aquatic playground has swimming spots for everyone. At Yeppoon Lagoon, kids can paddle in the shade of the water play fountains, big kids can go deep diving, or lap swimming, or even just relaxing and enjoying the views.
Imagine sun-filled days, spectacular coastal views and a 2,500 square metre resort style infinity pool with impressive vistas to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
It’s a great spot for a picnic with barbeques, tables, and large playground all within the surrounding parkland. Natural timber decking, granite tiling and brightly coloured deck chairs enhance the coastal vibe.
While away your afternoon relaxing under the tropical foliage and absorbing the stunning views.

Take an optional short detour - just 25 minutes north from Yeppoon, you can discover the lush rainforests of Byfield and spectacular scenery of the surrounding parks and forests. Breathe in pure rainforest air, relax in rainforest cabins, or pitch a tent alongside a flowing fresh water creek. Swim, kayak and explore the artisan crafts at Nob Creek Pottery.

In addition to sun-drenched beaches and a sense of coastal calm, Yeppoon also has a proud arts scene, perfectly reflected in the vibrant street art dotted around the town and coastline.
There’s a wealth of street art spotting opportunities at the Yeppoon Lagoon and nearby Skate Park. The bright, friendly faces painted on the walls of the Skate Park amenities block, reflect the playful, youthful character of the area. Part of the Yeppoon Foreshore and Town Centre Revitalisation Project they add a renewed sense of life and colour.
The Yeppoon Town Centre Carpark, located on Queen Street, doubles as a multi-level art gallery. Spend some time exploring each level and you’ll find a wealth of artworks from various artists, ranging from sprawling full-wall murals to smaller pieces hidden here and there. Take in the striking colours of the giant lion fish and the lively faces of local musical duo, Busby Marou. Smile at the image of Pram Dog, a tribute to a well known local always seen pushing her beloved dog in a pram. Scope out artworks dedicated to classic cars, local birdlife and a very clever piece of a little girl with an umbrella.
In Emu Park, take a visit to the Main Beach Bathing Pavilion adorned with whimsical characters representing the halcyon days of beach bathing. Created by artist Simon McLean its a fantastic tribute to beach life in the early 20th century. For more street art spotting, be sure to check out the vibrant cockatoo piece at the Emu Park Post Office by Rosie Woods, the skating tribute at the Emu Park Skate Park also by Simon McLean and the sports-themed pieces at the Harley Street Sports Complex.

Beaches galore
Spend dreamy days exploring the laid-back vibe of seaside villages.
Enjoy solo sun-lounging on beaches away from crowds. Swim in safe, calm waters and try beach fishing. There’s a beach for everyone! Every beach buff will find a favourite stretch of sand with so many family-friendly and dog-friendly options.
Lammermoor, Kinka, Mullambin and Kemp beaches, Cooee Bay and the Causeway Lake, all line the Capricorn Coast offering wonderful accommodation and so much beauty you will never want to leave. Take the coastal walk at Kemp Beach for magnificent views across the sparkling ocean to the Keppel Islands. Continue your journey south along the coastal Scenic Highway, stopping at the townships of Emu Park and Zilzie to explore their beautiful beaches and local attractions.

Rosslyn Bay is just ten minutes’ drive south of Yeppoon and is the departure point for Great Keppel Island.
Great Keppel Island is well worth a day trip for lunch, snorkeling, glass bottom boat tours and more. There's a variety of accommodation if you wish to stay longer.
Keppel Bay Marina at Rosslyn Bay boasts the multi award winning Waterline Restaurant with stunning views over the Pacific Ocean.
The steep volcanic outcrop that shelters Roslyn Bay was formed over 70 million years ago and is one of the most fascinating geological formations in the area. A short, but vigorous walk to the summit reveals magnificent views of the Keppel Islands, the surrounding coastline and volcanic formations.

Mode of Travel:
CarRoute Type:
One wayContinue your journey south along the coastal Scenic Highway
Take the coastal walk at Kemp Beach for magnificent views across the sparkling ocean to the Keppel Islands at Bluff Point Lookout - and spot turtles swimming in the water beneath you.
The Causeway Lake, is a man-made feature, formed by the bridge that crosses Mulambin Creek allowing fresh salt water in on the high tide. It is a safe swimming area for families on the landward side of the bridge, and a steady channel on the seaward side for anglers.

Emu Park is a quaint coastal township that has retained a dreamy, laid-back vibe. It’s where the welcoming locals are never outnumbered by tourists.
Emu Park is home to the Singing Ship, a soaring white sculpture on the headland, designed as a monument to Captain Cook. Once an exclusive beach resort at the turn of the twentieth century, Emu Park is now appreciated as an idyllic seaside village and hub for local events.
Honor the spirit of the ANZAC with a scenic seaside memorial walk. The walkway is intended as an emotional reflective experience and provides a timeline of WW1’s many major battles of war. The gateway and orientation gallery contains interpretive works telling the stories of how the war began, the story of Gallipoli, the legend of ANZAC, the details of the Gallipoli campaign, the Somme, Fromelle, the Lone Pine battle and many more of these extraordinary campaigns.

20 minutes from Emu Park is Koorana Crocodile Farm. The excitement of seeing crocodile feeding is something you won't match anywhere. From February to Easter you may also see baby crocs hatch! This is a working crocodile farm open to visitors between 10am and 3pm, with tours at 10.30am and 1pm.
A perfect spot for lunch - croc burgers are the house speciality! It's a truly fascinating experience. Evening dining and spotlight tours are also available for groups.
Another stop on the way back to Rockhampton is Keppel Sands. Keppel Sands is home to many retirees and is a popular location for fishing and crabbing.


Capricorn Coast and Great Keppel Island Drive Itinerary
Scenic Highway,
Yeppoon,
Livingstone Area
Queensland
4703
Content Provided By Capricorn Enterprise