Capricorn Region family-friendly travel guide

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About the Capricorn Region

Central Queensland’s Capricorn Region begins approximately 630 kilometres north of Brisbane and covers an area of 115,000 square kilometres, stretching from the Southern Great Barrier Reef and the Capricorn Coast in the east, through to the major city of Rockhampton and further west to Emerald, the Sapphire Gemfields and spectacular Carnarvon Gorge.

The Capricorn Region gets its name from the parallel latitude known as the Tropic of Capricorn, which sits approximately 23.5 degrees south of the equator and marks the split between the ‘Tropics’, a region of consistently warm climate, and the ‘Southern Temperate Zone’. The Tropic of Capricorn also runs through South America, Namibia in southern Africa, Madagascar, the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean just south of Tonga.

The Capricorn Region is a jumping off point to one of the natural wonders of the world – the magnificent Southern Great Barrier Reef. With just a short ferry ride from the mainland, you’ll be walking on sun-bleached beaches and snorkelling in crystal clear waters.

All images © Tourism and Events Queensland/Vince Valitutti

Capricorn facts

Capital

Yeppoon

Population

150,720 (2016)

Time zone

GMT+10

Emergency number

000

Helpful information

Where to go

Great Keppel Island

Stunningly blue waters the likes of which can only be found in Australia’s north-east coastline, trimmed by squeaky white-sand beaches and beautiful Australian beaches—this place is the kind of view Instagram was made for. In winter, you can even spot dolphins.

Upper Stoney Creek

Byfield State Forest is part of the largest undeveloped area on the Central Queensland coast, and boasts clean, clear swimming waters set amidst gorgeous forest. Set up a tent and find some of the picturesque hidden gems alongside the nature trails and creeks.

Carnarvon National Park

Visit the Aboriginal rock art paintings and the Sandstone Wilderness of Carnarvon National Park. Waterfalls wind down to secret pools and some of Australia’s best Indigenous stencil art is accompanied by abundant native wildlife.

Best time to go to the Capricorn Region

The Capricorn Region is located on the Tropic of Capricorn and is therefore classified as having a subtropical climate. The region has a distinct wet and dry season, with the wet stretching from December to March and the dry from June to September.

Summer

Typical daytime temperature ranges are between 22 and 32 degrees Celsius in the summer.

Winter

Typical daytime temperature ranges are between 9 to 23 degrees Celsius in the winter.

Getting in and around for families

Drive

Several touring routes and major highways connect the Capricorn Region with Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in the south and Cairns in the north, whilst the aptly named Capricorn Highway is the major western highway joining Rockhampton with Longreach in Queensland’s outback.

Fly

All major Australian airlines fly into Rockhampton Airport, with regular direct flights from Brisbane, Townsville, Sydney and Melbourne plus regular services to other region centres.

Public transport

Queensland Rail operates regular high-speed train services between Brisbane and Rockhampton and regular services continue on from Rockhampton to Longreach in the west and Cairns in the north.

Food and drinks that kids will love

With the best of both coast and country, it’s no wonder that Capricorn’s cuisine is as diverse as the region it comes from. Sure, Rockhampton is known as the Beef Capital of Australia but beef is not the only thing on the menu in Capricorn. Crocodile is another trademark food of the region! Sourced from the local Koorana Crocodile Farm, visitors can enjoy a croc steak or even a crocodile pie.

Spend a lazy Saturday morning shopping for sun-ripened mangoes, pineapples or lychees at the local Capricorn Coast markets or visit a local seafood shop and indulge in a Queensland Mud Crab or a kilo of prawns to enjoy by the sea.

As you drive along Capricorn’s scenic coast-line be sure to keep your eye out for a roadside hobby-farm stall. Stumbling across one of these stalls is always a treat, as you’ll find the freshest, tastiest and not to mention the cheapest produce the local region has to offer.

Shopping

The Capricorn Region boasts a variety of shopping options and seven day trading in Rockhampton and Yeppoon. Rockhampton’s major shopping centre, Stockland Rockhampton, is a large shopping centre between the Sunshine Coast and Cairns offering many options. Emerald and Yeppoon are also well equipped with supermarkets and specialty stores.

Also, don’t miss the regional markets. Market days are held all across the Capricorn Region with many local arts and craft stalls, and fresh produce.

Customs

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated, but not expected in Australia.

What to wear

Light clothing is usually best suited for the Capricorn Region. In the winter months it is best to pack some warmer clothing especially if you’re travelling to the Central Highlands. Remember to be sun smart and be sure to pack good walking shoes if you’re fond of National Parks, and your swimmers if you’re planning a trip to the coast or islands.

Courtesy

Australia is renowned for its laid-back, egalitarian culture. By and large, friendliness is equated with good manners.

Electricity

Mains voltage in Australia is 230V AC, 50Hz. Use a three-pin adaptor (different to British three-pin adaptors).

Safety and health precautions

Health precautions

No special immunisations or vaccinations are required to visit Australia unless you have come from, or have visited, a yellow fever infected country within six days of your arrival. However, regulations and medical advice can change at short notice, so check with your doctor and the Australian Department of Health before you leave home.

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Australian cities.

Safety

By and large, the Capricorn Region is considered a safe destination, although still exercise regular safety precautions as you would at home. Extreme weather conditions including cyclones can be a factor for consideration in the tropical regions of Australia.