Capricorn Coast

In Central Queensland you will find the beautiful Capricorn Coast, a collection of cities and small towns dotted throughout the coast and hinterland. The Capricorn Coast is adjacent to the southern part of the Great Barrier Reef and borders the Capricorn Coast National Park, with many opportunities to get outside and explore.

The Capricorn region of Queensland is an ideal destination for lovers of geology. Near Rockhampton you will find the Capricorn Caves, an awe-inspiring eco-attraction featuring the well known Cathedral Cave. In Emerald and Sapphire you can try your hand at mining precious stones in the gemfields or take a tour through the underground mines. Further south you can explore Carnarvon Gorge and Queensland’s Sandstone Wilderness. Carnarvon Gorge is also the site of Aboriginal ochre stencil art, which can be seen on the Art Gallery walk.

Another way to explore the great outdoors on the Capricorn Coast is with water activities, whether in the ocean, the lake, or the river. Lake Maraboon near Emerald is a great place to go fishing, hiking, swimming, or to rent a jetski. Fitzroy River is also an ideal location for keen anglers, full of barramundi and with over 140,000 square kilometres of water to explore.

In Rockhampton and Yeppoon, the two largest cities on the Capricorn Coast, you can experience arts and culture, with regular lineups of performances from Australian musicians, comedians, and dancers. In Yeppoon, you can even get dinner and a show together at Footlights Theatre Restaurant. You will also find a number of charming local cafes throughout the region, where you can stop for a cup of coffee, a bite to eat, and a taste of local culture.

You can connect with the local queer community by joining the Gay Rockhampton group, which posts about LGBTQIA+ events in Rockhampton and the surrounding region. For a night out on the Capricorn Coast, The Strand Hotel in Yeppoon and The Lionleigh Pub in Rockhampton are both LGBTQIA+ inclusive venues which host regular drag shows.