Capricorn

Pack your swimsuit, bush walking (hiking) gear and come discover the Capricorn region.

Taking its name from the Tropic of Capricorn (which runs through the region), this area of Queensland is home to many remarkable towns and natural wonders.

Explore the Capricorn region and you’ll forge fond memories, not only of the beautiful surrounds but also of the friendly locals.

Rockhampton is the region’s largest city and fondly known as "Australia’s Beef Capital". Enjoy the historic buildings of Rockhampton as you walk down Quay Street, the longest National Trust Heritage Street in Australia.

As you venture north of Rockhampton, you’ll come to the Capricorn Coast, which boasts 13 beaches along the scenic coastline from Yeppoon to Emu Park.

Head inland and you’ll come to several amazing natural wonders. There’s Carnarvon National Park with Aboriginal rock art paintings and delicate ferns amidst towering sandstone cliffs. Then there’s Blackdown Tableland National Park with its 600 metre sandstone plateau offering lookouts and picturesque Rainbow Falls. And don’t forget the Capricorn Caves, where tours of Bat Cleft are available at Mt Etna in summer.

There’s also Kroombit Tops National Park, Mt Scoria and Byfield National Park where you can see beautiful rainforest, visit local artisans or hire a canoe and paddle along the Byfield River.

And if you’re up for the unusual, be sure to leave a little time for ‘fossicking’ (searching for gems), in the Sapphire Gemfields, the largest in the southern hemisphere.