6 Night Reef, Rainforest and ANZAC history

Your first day on the Capricorn Coast takes you from an above-ground limestone cave system, with walls formed by the ancient Great Barrier Reef, to the lush rainforest of Byfield.

Pick up your rental car at Rockhampton Airport and head straight to the Capricorn Caves (30-minute drive), stopping at Parkhurst for drinks and snacks before enjoying lunch at The Caves Country Pub. Join the 2 PM Cathedral Cave tour, a relaxed 45-minute guided tour.

Afterward, depart for Byfield Rainforest.  It's recommended to grab some basic groceries at Parkhurst along the way.

Overnight at Castle Rock Farm.

Embark on a guided 4WD buggy tour around the property, including a trip to the peak, where you'll enjoy stunning views over Byfield Rainforest.

Recommended: Have lunch at Byfield General Store, explore the grounds on foot, and relax with sundowners by the firepit.

From rainforest to reef, with an exciting tour in between, day 3 will showcase the incredible diversity of the Capricorn Coast. Your overnight stay will be at Great Keppel Island Hideaway, a laid-back island paradise where shoes are optional, and the soft sandy beaches invite you to unwind. With stunning reefs just off the beach and plenty of walking tracks, you can choose to explore as much or as little as you’d like. Alternatively, relax under a palm tree and enjoy a refreshing drink at the beachfront bistro.

Depart Byfield Rainforest at 7:30 AM and take a quick detour to the Bowenia Rainforest Circuit Walk (1.2km) for a stretch. Continue on to Yeppoon, where we recommend breakfast at Lure Living.

At 9 AM, leave Yeppoon for a scenic drive to Emu Park, where you'll explore the ANZAC Memorial and Singing Ship.

By 10 AM, head to Koorana Crocodile Farm for the 10:30 AM tour. With over 3,000 crocs, the farm offers insight into crocodile safety and conservation. You’ll leave with a wealth of fun facts and a newfound appreciation for croc culture. Don’t miss out on their pond-to-plate restaurant experience—our favorite is the croc pie!

Next, make your way to Keppel Bay Marina for the 3:00 PM ferry transfer to Great Keppel Island with Keppel Konnections. While you wait, the Waterline Restaurant is a perfect spot for a cocktail.

Overnight at Great Keppel Island Hideaway, with an optional sunset cruise to end your day.

Explore the underwater wonders of the Southern Great Barrier Reef—stand-up paddleboard, snorkel, and swim through crystal-clear waters, home to diverse subtropical marine life.

Spend the entire day enjoying Great Keppel Island, with the option to add a lunch cruise for an extra touch of adventure.

Check out of your accommodation today and return to the mainland by ferry.

Stroll through Yeppoon’s CBD at your own pace, discovering quirky, locally owned coffee shops and the boutique shopping scene, with a refreshing swim at the iconic Yeppoon Lagoon.

Check in to your accommodation at Salt Beachfront Yeppoon. 

Dinner recommendation Vue Yeppoon.

Immerse yourself in the Taste Capricorn Coast food trail (be sure to pick up a map at the Visitor Information Centre!) or enjoy a leisurely walk along one of the many local trails. Our top recommendation: spot a turtle at Turtle Lookout on the Bluff Point Circuit, within the Capricorn Coast National Park.

Alternatively, visit Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, open daily from 9am to 3 PM, with scheduled animal interactions, including a daily animal display at 1 PM.

Depart Yeppoon for Rockhampton Airport.