Written by Karen Perry, JAWA Off Road Campers
If you’ve never explored the Capricorn Coast in Central Queensland, be sure to add it to your list of camping destinations.
Located 600km north of Brisbane, the Capricorn Coast stretches from Thompson Point to Farnborough over a distance of just 75 km. But don’t be fooled, there’s plenty to see along the way, including unforgettably beautiful sweeping coastlines, pristine beaches, ancient limestone caves, rainforests, and of course, Great Keppel Island.
If you’re a fan of sub-tropical weather but could live without the overwhelming humidity of Far North Queensland, you’ll love the temperate climate of the Capricorn Coast.
Things to See and Do on the Capricorn Coast
A popular destination for seasoned campers and those in off-road caravans, you can take your pick of campgrounds in the area. The relatively short distance between must-see destinations means you could base yourself in one location and take day trips to areas of interest. Alternatively, you can meander from town to town, stopping over for a few nights here and there to soak up the local charm.
The Capricorn Caves
Just thirty minutes north of Rockhampton, you’ll find Capricorn Caves. This cave system is a breathtaking natural wonder, featuring subterranean limestone formations thought to be around 390 million years old. There is a range of daily guided tours to choose from. Thrillseekers will love the Adventurer tour, where a headlamp lights your way, and your clothes are almost certainly going to get grubby. For an equally captivating but gentler experience, the Cathedral tour comes highly recommended.
This is a great family activity, but please note that the minimum age for entry is 5. Tours do sell out, so buy your tickets ahead of time to avoid disappointment – and the surcharge!
Capricorn Dinosaur Park & Mini Golf, Woodbury
Enjoy a family day at Capricorn Dinosaur Park & Mini Golf. The kids will be entertained by interactive displays, realistic-sized dinosaur replicas, and an 18-hole mini golf course. It’s putting with a prehistoric twist – including roaring dino sound effects! The park is open from 10 am – 3 pm every day, and you don’t need to make a booking.
If time allows, stop by the Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary for close encounters with wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, reptiles and even crocodiles!
Yepp Brewing Co.
If you’re looking for a more adult outing, why not swing by Yepp Brewing Co. at the heart of Yeppoon? The brewery does everything from hazy ales and Aussie IPAs to English bitters and Japanese lagers. The tap house often hosts musicians, stand-up comics, trivia, and other live performances, so make a day of it.
Food and Dining Highlights
A great camping holiday includes sampling the local culinary delights. Here are our recommendations!
- Tsuruya Japanese Restaurant, Yeppoon: Authentic Japanese cuisine in Central Qld sounds too good to be true – but that’s what you’ll get at Tsuruya. Also, the location – an abandoned resort – makes for an unforgettable dining experience.
- The Waterline, Rosslyn Bay: Dine with a waterfront view! Serving locally caught seafood and steak sourced from Australia’s beef capital (that’s nearby Rockhampton), you can expect the freshest seasonal dishes at The Waterline. There’s also an impressive kids’ menu and an extensive range of gluten-free meals.
- Baked on 44, Yeppoon: This French bakery and delicatessen knows how to make a perfectly flaky croissant, but locals’ tip: do not miss their meat pies!
- 1770 Gelato Co, Yeppoon: Head here for delicious housemade gelato, loaded waffles, giant shakes, and Dubai Strawberry Cups. Must-try gelato flavours include Pavlova (with meringue pieces – YUM!), White Choc Pistachio, and Mango + Coconut.
Causeway Lake
Located between Yeppoon and Emu Park, Causeway Lake is a popular destination for watersports, including kayaking, paddleboarding and jet skiing. This man-made lake was formed in the 1950s when a bridge and rock wall were built across Mulambin Creek. Families head here to swim because of the shallow water and sheltered position. On the opposite side of the bridge, a channel which meets the sea attracts keen anglers fishing for Barramundi, Trevally and more.
Locals’ Tip: When planning your visit, keep in mind that the lake can get very busy, especially on weekends and school holidays.
Byfield National Park, Farnborough
Travel north from Yeppoon and in just under 30 minutes, you’ll arrive at Byfield National Park. The park is home to a truly spectacular landscape of untouched wilderness, with vast ecosystems featuring native forests with small pockets of rainforest, exotic pine plantations, mountain peaks, swamplands, coastal heath, huge dunes, and white sand beaches.
Visit Stony Creek for a dip and follow the Venusta circuit along the creek valley, where you’ll find rockpools to explore. Head to Five Rocks Beach to swim, surf, and fish. In spring, you’ll be treated to a blanket of wildflowers. In late winter, you might spot migrating whales.
Important things to note:
- Much of Byfield National Park is accessible via high clearance 4WD only, so plan your visit accordingly.
- Walking trails can be routinely closed for maintenance, so always check ahead of time.
- There are crocodiles and dingoes living within the park. Be wildlife aware and stay safe.
Blackdown Tableland National Park
Take a detour three hours inland from Yeppoon to visit Blackdown Tableland National Park. This is the traditional homeland of the Ghungalu People, so amongst the eucalypt forests, waterfalls, sandstone gorges, you’ll find ancient Aboriginal rock art. Other highlights include the rockpools of Rainbow Falls (Gudda Gumoo), sunset at the Yaddamen Dhina lookout, and the 4WD Loop Road.
Locals’ Tip: A quick online search before you go will save you from planning a visit during closure periods.
