Capricorn Region Guides Attractions Events in Queensland

Anakie is positioned at the Sapphire Gemfields 'crossroads' along the Capricorn Highway, and hosts Australia's largest sapphire exhibition, the 'Gemfest - Festival of Gems' over four days each August. Visit the historic Anakie Hotel which had to be partially rebuilt in 1971 after a disgruntled patron blew out the front section with gelignite. You can also enjoy the community rejuvenated town dam area.

Anakie has your accommodation covered with a bed and breakfast, caravan park and hotel/motel. The nearest hospital is located at Emerald, and there is a service station, along with a local pub for meals and drinks.

Blackwater is known as the Coal Capital of Queensland and the Blackwater International Coal Centre showcases the Central Highlands Coal Industry for the world. Located on the Capricorn Highway, Blackwater also boasts a fine Japanese Garden, reputed to be the best of its kind in Queensland, that marks the relationship between Blackwater and its sister city Fujisawa, Japan.

The Lions Park is well known for one of the largest displays of flags in the world, each flag being representative of one of the 37 nationalities who laboured together in their efforts to establish the district's coal industry.

Anglers are welcome to drop a line in the Bedford Weir which is stocked with barramundi. 26 kilometres north of town, there are boating, camping, toilet and shower facilities. Don't miss the Saratoga fishing competition in September.

Just 55 kilometres east from the township of Blackwater you will find the spectacular Blackdown Tableland National Park. Offering you spectacular views and hundreds of plants and wildlife species, some of which are only found in the park. You can enjoy the picnic areas, fireplaces, lookouts, camping area and scenic walking tracks that feature throughout the park.

Bluff is located in the Central Highlands, 94 kilometres east of Emerald on the Capricorn Highway. A must see for rail enthusiasts, Bluff is the major interchange station for coal trains. Many trains are over two kilometres long.

In 1950, Bluff became the largest township in Duaringa Shire due to the development of the mining industry.

The spectacular Peak Range creates a dramatic backdrop to Capella. Make Capella your base while exploring the Central Highlands.

The 'Peak Downs' Homestead is Australia's largest restored shingle roofed station homestead. Built in 1869 from local pit sawn spotted gum, the Homestead is a tribute to 19th century carpentry. The wall wood slats are cut on a 12 degree angle top and bottom and mortised into the square studs. The Homestead is in the Capella Pioneer Village complex at the northern end of Capella's main street.

The village is also home to the 'Gordon Downs' Woolshed and a comprehensive collection of tractors and machinery used to open up the Central Highlands grain industry following World War Two.

Unwind and enjoy their local 'beach'. The Capella Aquatic Centre's five free electric barbecue areas are near the wading pool, plunge pool, shallow pool and the Olympic pool. Pull up a sun lounger and relax with a coffee from the Centre's cafe.

Discover the volcanic mountain peaks, huge coal mining activities, fascinating sapphire fields and broadacre farming panoramas along the four self-drive tours. Don't miss the light pole and wall murals along the Peak Downs Street town walk, or take a bird-watching tramp east along Capella Creek.

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 is under 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, Rockhampton, and only 600 kilometres from the capital, Brisbane.

You can still enjoy a beach to yourself at the Capricorn Coast with views of Great and North Keppel Islands and the many smaller islands, which act as stepping-stones to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Keppel Island is a popular island to visitors and is accessible by a 30-minute ferry ride. Ferry services operate daily out of Rosslyn Bay.

Yeppoon is the Coast's major town, which has retained its village style appeal, yet offers a variety of wonderful restaurants, accommodation and shops. Just north of Yeppoon is the Capricorn Resort, set on 22,000 acres of nature and offers two world standard golf courses, whilst to the south at Zilzie, the Reef Palms Complex offers night-time golf with a floodlit course, featuring a world-first - synthetic golf course.

The beaches along the Capricorn Coast are touched by the legacy of Captain James Cook. Emu Park, the second largest town on the Capricorn Coast, has honoured Cook's exploration with a monument, the famous 'Singing Ship', a soaring white sculpture with Great Keppel Island as a back drop.

Lammermoor, Kinka, Mullambin and Kemp beaches, Cooee Bay and the Causeway Lake, all line the Capricorn Coast offering many pleasures, wonderful accommodation and so much beauty you will never want to leave.

The Capricorn Coast is easily accessible by road, rail, coach and air and is situated 38 kilometres north east of Rockhampton.

Comet is located in the Central Highlands, 39 kilometres east of Emerald on the Capricorn Highway. Comet was established in association with the westward development of the railway line from Rockhampton.

The town was named after the 'Comet River' which runs close to the township. The river itself was named after Ludwig Leichhardt's observation of Haley's Comet in the skies during his travels through Central Queensland in the late 1800's.

Here you can see the tree trunk that Ludwig Leichhardt marked with 'Dig' during his exploration of the region in 1844. 'Dig' indicated to those who followed that he had buried food and journals in this spot.

The small rural town is also a service centre for the local farming community.

Nestled in hundreds of hectares of grazing country, Dingo is a convenient access point for exploring the Blackdown Tableland National Park as well as home to the annual World Dingo Trap Throwing Competition and Picnic Races in July. This charming rural town is located just across the railway line from the Capricorn Highway, west of Rockhampton.

The origin of the town's name is shrouded in mystery. Some say a railway surveyor saw a dingo on the creek bank and gave the town its name whilst others say that Moses Wafer, an early pioneer, heard dingoes howling at night and named the town after his campsite.

The last colony of the endangered Bridled Nailtail Wallaby was found north of Dingo.

For more information about events and activities, just ask at the Dingo Roadhouse - a 24 hour service station on the Highway that also works as an information centre for travellers.

Duaringa is located 107 kilometres west of Rockhampton along the Capricorn Highway. The small town is the essence of a small rural community.

Duaringa is the oldest township in Duaringa Shire with buildings dating back to the 1860s and a corner of the local hotel has been preserved to show how early pioneers lived.

The Mackenzie Park has a man-made waterfall and is also home to the rare endemic Duaringa Stringy Bark, known as "Budgeroo" trees. These trees were of great cultural significance to the early indigenous community who used its bark to make rope, baskets and building materials.

Free hot showers and camping amenities are available. Try the hotel for dinner and a drink.

Emerald is a large, modern country town that was established in 1879 as a base for the building of the western railway. The town is named after 'Emerald Downs Hill', a lush emerald green hill located just north of town. Emerald is now considered the hub for the Central Highlands and the gateway to the Sapphire Gemfields: the largest, and one of the richest sapphire fields in the southern hemisphere.

In 1972, the construction of Fairbairn Dam and the Emerald Irrigation Scheme allowed for the significant development and expansion of agriculture across the region. The dam construction, and its associated Lake Maraboon, also initiated large-scale coal mining within the Bowen Basin in 1977, which at present, produces a significant proportion of Queensland's total coal exports.

Fairbairn Dam is a holiday destination in itself with a selection of cabin, caravan and camping accommodation. The lake is stocked with eight different kinds of fish including barramundi, but is famous for the Red Claw Crayfish. Relax by the lake or take a swim. Picnic tables and free electric and wood barbecues are available.

Once famous for its reputation as a major sunflower producer, Emerald is now home to the world's biggest Van Gogh sunflower painting on an easel located in Morton Park at the western end of Clermont Street (Capricorn Highway). The superstructure is 25 metres high with approximately 13.6 tonnes of steel involved in its construction. Adjacent you'll find the 'straw bale' Visitor Information Centre where the friendly volunteer staff can provide information on exploring Emerald and the surrounding Central Highlands.

Built in 1900 and restored in 1986, the National Trust listed Railway Station with its wrought iron lacework and pillared portico provides visitors with great photo opportunities. At the Emerald Town Hall view an ancient fossilised tree aged 250 million years.

Emu Park is situated along the Capricorn Coast, 45 kilometres east of Rockhampton. Emu Park is host to the Singing Ship, a monument overlooking the coast line. You can take a scenic drive of Yeppoon before arriving in Emu Park or drive straight from Rockhampton which passes the Koorana Crocodile Farm.

From Emu Park you can also visit Great Keppel Island for a day trip, or enjoy the quiet, peaceful surrounds that Emu Park has to offer.

Gracemere is located nine kilometres west of Rockhampton, the Beef Capital of Australia. The town is home to the largest saleyards in the Southern Hemisphere and is the heart of the Capricorn cattle industry.

Experience the dust and drama as thousands of cattle, horse and other livestock are rounded into the saleyards to go under the auctioneer's hammer each week. Sales are held most week days, with the major cattle and bull sales held every Friday. After the sales, be sure to stop by the Gracemere Hotel - this pub has all the charm of a classic Aussie pub with a modern twist.

The Archer Brothers, early pioneers of Rockhampton, opened up the Gracemere region in April 1853 and established their home at the settlement of Gracemere. The area was named in honour of Tow Archer's wife, Grace.

Paradise Lagoons is a privately owned cattle property and is the location for Australia's richest campdraft. The property is located 16 kilometres from Rockhampton (near Gracemere), and the nation's best campdrafters flock to compete here annually.

20 minutes west of Gracemere on the Capricorn Highway is Mt Hay Gemstone park. Fossick for thunder-eggs or gemstones and browse their quality pewter products.

Great Keppel Island in Central Queensland boasts 17 pristine beaches. The island is mostly composed of natural bushland with several walking tracks and lookouts for you to enjoy. But it’s the beaches that really set Great Keppel apart from other islands. And with the fringing coral reefs off the island, you’ve found a perfect holiday escape.

Great Keppel Island truly has something for everyone. With spectacular snorkelling and scuba diving and some excellent bush walks through the National Park, you’ll never be longing for choice. There are also several accommodation options available.

Great Keppel Island is just off the coast of Rockhampton, which makes it easily accessible for day trips as well as extended holidays. Great Keppel Island, it's a tropical paradise waiting for you to explore.

Once Keppel Sands (south of Yeppoon) went by the name of The Sandhills. Sandhills along the beach front were about all there was, until a sleepy town amidst the sugar cane plantations started to emerge. That's all changing these days, particularly since real estate started going 'through the roof'.

The majority of the sugar cane plantations have all but gone and a different community has developed, partly due to tourism, a burgeoning real estate market and, one would imagine, the excellent fishing. The town is set on a tidal stretch of water and that makes for good crabbing and fishing.

A 'must visit' is the Joskeleigh South Pacific Museum, which highlights the role played by the Kanakas, brought out by the 'blackbirders' to work the sugar cane fields as indentured labour.

There's a good picnic area by the beach.

With wide open beaches lapped by the calm, gentle waters of Keppel Bay, Kinka Beach, just 15 minutes’ drive south of Yeppoon, is the perfect seaside destination for families looking for an affordable getaway.

Kinka Beach holiday-makers enjoy unfiltered views over the water to the world-renowned Great Keppel Island. Its quiet locale and tranquil waters make Kinka Beach an excellent swimming beach for all ages and abilities. Grab a bucket and spade and make the most of the clean sand and idyllic location.

The seaside hamlet of Emu Park is just three kilometres down the road offering a range of shops, cafes and facilities to ensure your stay is a comfortable one.

At the northern end of Kinka Beach is Causeway Lake, offering great picnic and barbecue facilities and pretty water views. A local kiosk sells bait and tackle along with ice creams and treats for the whole family.

Explore the lake by boat, catamaran, kayak, paddle boat or canoe, available for hire at the local boat shop. Take the kids fishing, throw in a crab pot, or at low tide visit the nearby rock pools and delight at the strange and wonderful creatures who call this place home.

Several beachside units with pools are available for hire and the area also has a number of good caravan parks and holiday villages offering self-contained units, cabins, and camping facilities.

Marlborough is situated 102 kilometres north of Rockhampton on the Bruce Highway (Highway 1) and is the site of the chrysoprase mine. There is motel and caravan park style accommodation and the Marlborough Historical Museum to visit. A high-grade chrysoprase deposit was found near the town. Enjoy your stay at Marlborough.

Mount Morgan is an historical mining town nestled on the Dee River a short 38 kilometre drive from Rockhampton. The town is rich in nineteenth century Queensland colonial history and has artefacts and relics from the gold rush days that visitors can experience.

Founded as a gold mining town in 1882, Mount Morgan became a vast contributor of gold, silver and copper from the Capricorn region and the mine successfully ran until 1981. William Knox D’Arcy made both fame and fortune in Mount Morgan from his share in the lucrative mine to finance oil exploration overseas which later became BP Company.

To experience a 'real' pioneering adventure visit the Mount Morgan open cut gold and copper mines and enjoy the panoramic view of the township and mines from the Arthur Timms Lookout.

A rare opportunity to search for the 150 million year old prehistoric dinosaur footprints in the Mount Morgan clay caves can be organised for budding enthusiasts to explore. Celebrated as some of the best examples of Jurassic footprints in Australia, the caverns were man-made by miners for fire brick clay.

Heading downstream, the Dee River boasts a suspension bridge built in the 1890s to provide access from the town to the mine and was one of six swinging bridges at that time in Mount Morgan. However, only one bridge remains today to remind visitors of the colonial days.

For an old fashioned yarn, head to the 'Running the Cutter' statue illustrating a famous mining tradition from Mount Morgan. Between 1900 and 1918, buying a beer in 'billy' cans and drinking the beer outside was a common custom for Mount Morgan miners after a day's work that is symbolized in this unique statue.

Rockhampton, the Beef Capital of Australia is located on the Tropic of Capricorn and is the gateway to the Coast and the Outback.

Founded in 1853, the majesty of Rockhampton's historical architecture has captured the hearts of visitors for decades. Many fine public and private buildings, including the Customs House, old Post Office, Cathedrals, banks, business houses and homes, are constant reminders of the city with an exciting background. The listing of Quay Street facing the river as an historic streetscape that is unique in Australia.

Rising out of Rockhampton's north-eastern suburbs, Mt Archer National Park provides magnificent views of the city, and showcases a spectacular range of native Australian flora and fauna. Frazer Park at the summit of Mt Archer is approximately 604 meters above sea level.

Six bull statues representing the main breeds of the area are situated throughout Rockhampton in recognition of Rockhampton's Beef Capital of Australia title. Gracemere Saleyards, on the outskirts of Rockhampton, handle the largest throughput of export beef cattle in Queensland, and is the largest stud-selling venue in the Southern Hemisphere. Public are welcome.

Experience the country in the city at the Great Western Hotel, which holds weekly rodeos at the back of the pub.

Rockhampton Heritage Village is an active township museum where visitors can experience Rockhampton's rich and colourful history. You could also visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre, set in some 30 acres of natural bushland on Ancient Tribal Sites. Just 23 kilometres north of Rockhampton on Highway One is Capricorn Caverns, magnificent limestone caves.

Rockhampton Botanic Gardens are regarded as one of the best provincial gardens in Australia. Recently heritage-listed, the Rockhampton Gardens are 130 years old. Located within the Botanic Gardens, the Rockhampton Zoo is home to a diverse range of animals.

Rolleston is in the southeast of Queensland's Central Highlands and is the nearest town to the world renowned Carnarvon Gorge and Carnarvon National Park. Rolleston is 70 kilometres east of Springsure and can be reached by travelling along the Great Inland Way.

A journey through Arcadia Valley, once home to the indigenous 'Karinal' tribe, takes you to the unusual Lake Nuga Nuga, believed by the tribe to be the home of the mythological male and female Rainbow Serpents (Mundagarri) living under the two peaks dominating the lake's northern shoreline.

Boasting a diverse pastoral history, the township of Rolleston is also famous for the notorious Patrick and James Kenniff - Queensland's last legendary bushrangers.

The boundary rider's hut from Purbook has been resited and restored at Beazley Park as a memorial to the area's pioneers. Rolleston is also the closest town to Lake Nuga Nuga and sits above a natural gas field.

Protected from the elements behind an enormous volcanic outcrop, Rosslyn Bay is just seven minutes’ drive south of Yeppoon on the beautiful Capricorn Coast. The steep volcanic outcrop that shelters the 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.

Rosslyn Bay Harbour is a hive of activity with ferries regularly departing for Great Keppel Island, along with Keppel Bay cruises, bareboat charters and recreational fishing cruises. Local fishing trawlers also make use of the harbour, returning with freshly caught reef fish, prawns, bugs and mud crabs. Visitors can indulge in this mouth-watering bounty at the Rosslyn Bay Fisherman’s Co-op where it’s guaranteed fresh!

Nearby Statue Bay and Double Head are renowned fishing destinations where you’ll find Black Jewfish, Cod, Tuna and Mackerel. The rock wall surrounding Rosslyn Bay Harbour is also known as a good spot to wet a line.

North Queensland’s largest marina, Keppel Bay Marina, is also located at Rosslyn Bay, boasting 400 berths. Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at the Marina cafe as you look out over the cool blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Rubyvale is set right amidst the Sapphire Gemfields and offers comfortable accommodation within a hotel or cabin as well as holiday units and a van park. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the gem and jewellery shops, and refresh at one of the cafes.

The Rubyvale Hotel is pure Gemfields architecture, made of 'billy boulders' and ironbark logs.

Step into another world on a walk-in mine tour where the underground temperature sits at a cool 24 to 27 degrees Celsius. Tours take visitors through the network of tunnels, providing insight into the process of underground sapphire mining. Marvel at the tiny tunnels, called 'tummy tunnels' used by the pioneer miners.

There are four fossicking areas close by, plus six fossicking parks. Fossicking parks allow people of all ages and fitness to join the fun of finding a sapphire. With the digging work already done, visitors can buy a bucket of wash and start searching straight away. Friendly staff are on hand to provide advice and guidance on how to sieve and sort for sapphires - if you're unsuccessful finding your own gem, the local gem galleries offer sapphire jewellery for sale. Rubyvale also has a local pub for meals and drinks and a local service station.

With a name like that you can only guess what can be found. There is a sense of fun and adventure fossicking for your own sapphires, and absorb the history of this fascinating area. Mined since the late 1800s, the moon-like landscape is as much a part of the lifeblood of Sapphire as the rich treasures in the earth.

Enjoy a guided tour of the Sapphire Gemfields: tours also provide the opportunity to fossick for your own sapphire. Half and full day tours are available. Fossicking areas include 'Graves Hill' and 'Big Bessie'.

The Big Ring, Big Spanner and Big Pick and Shovel can all be found in and around Sapphire.

Sapphire, originally called Sapphiretown, has developed into a commercial hub offering a variety of facilities and services including a medical centre, multi-purpose centre, mining equipment sales and tyre service. Visit the Piano Tuners Grave at Retreat Creek.

Springsure is located on the Gregory Highway section of the Great Inland Way, 66 kilometres south of Emerald.

The town derived its name from the permanent springs in the creek and gullies at the time of settlement in the area. The town developed primarily from the early wagon teams camping on their way from Rockhampton to the Gulf and Barcoo country.

The Staircase Range Cutting, built in 1905 by Chinese labour, pays tribute to the early wagon trails, once the lifeblood for the township. The Staircase Range is a sandstone escarpment that has naturally formed in the shape of a staircase.

Sitting in a delightful valley with spectacular Mount Zamia and the famous Virgin Rock overlooking the town, Springsure is home to the Zamia Parklands that incorporates the Rich Park Historical Complex, the heritage listed 1868 hospital and the Art Gallery.

Old Rainworth Fort, just south of town, was built in 1862 as protection against aboriginal attack. The fort was fireproof and very nearly impregnable, being constructed of basalt blocks and corrugated iron. Take time to walk through the Cairdbeign Homestead and School, which houses relics from the period.

Day permits are available to fossick for opalised wood at 'Marmadilla' and labradorite at 'Cardbeign'. Ask at Macs Cafe.

Snuggled on the Queensland coast just 175 kilometres north east of Rockhampton is the tranquil town of Stanage Bay. Turn off the Bruce Highway and travel through cattle properties, which can be abundant with wildlife - especially after the wet. You don't have to travel far before you find pure peace, loads of fresh reef fish and barramundi, huge mud crabs, serene beaches, mountainous bushwalking, beach combing around cliffs and caves, islands, whales, turtles and dugongs. Stay for a week or a day. Camp or rent one of the clean, self contained houses, from budget to luxury.

The Caves, 25 minutes on the Bruce Highway travelling north of Rockhampton, sounds a rather fascinating place to visit and it is! This is the home of the Capricorn Caves. They are above ground and with wheelchair access, they are popular with all. There is something about an above ground cave, as it can dilute that fear associated with claustrophobia.

There are daily guided tours of these caves which were first discovered in 1882. Mid-December to mid-January, during the Summer Solstice, there is an extra special treat, with the sun's rays penetrating deep into the caves. There is a good old character-type pub on hand, along with cabin and camping facilities.

Without its main attraction, Wycarbah, to the south-west of Rockhampton, would be bypassed by most. This little town is located about 25 minute drive from Gracemere. However, as a result of an ancient lava flow, a great collection of rather ordinary looking rocks (on the outside) have congregated at a place nearby called Mt Hay. On the outside, fairly basic rocks, but on the inside, a splash of amazing beauty. They are called 'thunder eggs'. And whilst they were formed 118 million years ago, should you find one, you get to keep it. This is the Mt Hay Thunder Egg Park.

Another surprise in store is at the Mt Hay Pewter Factory, where you'll see the whole process, from molten pewter to the finished product. Call into the local. It is a pub with character. Help the 'swaggie' escape. For years, he's been trying to find a safe passage out of the pub.

Yeppoon is situated 38 kilometres north east of Rockhampton, and is the gateway to the Capricorn Coast and the wonders of the Southern Great Barrier Reef and Keppel Bay Islands.

Wander along the town's picturesque esplanade with its backdrop of offshore islands, sparkling azure sea and clear blue skies and soak up the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

The township has retained its village style appeal with a variety of wonderful restaurants, accommodation, shops and galleries. A charming esplanade with grassy knoll, palms and covered picnic and play areas form a backdrop to a vista of sea, sand, sky and islands. As well, annual events, including the Pineapple Festival held in September, enliven the town with gala activities, contests and displays. Local markets offer bargains aplenty.

Take a look through the many boutiques and surf stores and be sure to have a bite to eat at one of the beautiful cafes or restaurants in town.

Within walking distance of the town centre are Figtree and Ross Creeks, home to the Black and Little Red flying foxes. At sunset, thousands of these fascinating mammals rise spectacularly as one to head off to their feeding grounds – an awesome sight to see!

Located just to the south of Emu Park and Yeppoon along the Capricorn Coast, Zilzie is gaining prominence as one of Australia's booming destinations, with significant new tourism and residential developments underway.

With beautiful beaches and magnificent views across to the Keppel Islands, Zilzie is just 35 minute scenic drive from Rockhampton.