The best things to do with kids in the Capricorn region

Stretching between Rockhampton, Yeppoon and the sparkling Keppel Islands, the Capricorn region is a paradise for families with plenty of kid-approved things to do.

Some of Queensland’s most beautiful islands lie off the coast here, boasting white sand beaches and coral reef fringed turquoise waters that become a playground for both kids and adults.

Back on the mainland, there’s plenty to experience. Meet local wildlife, explore the many beaches and national parks, get a taste of the country, learn about the rich history of the area, venture deep into cave systems, and create family memories that will stay with you long after you’ve washed off the sunscreen.

Looking for inspiration? These are the best things to do with kids in Rockhampton and the surrounding Capricorn region.

1. Turn a splash in the Yeppoon Lagoon into a whole day out. Part of the sprawling Yeppoon foreshore precinct, the Yeppoon Lagoon is a 2500 metre square resort-style pool located right on the beach looking out over the Keppel Islands. With a shallow children’s play area, swim-up infinity edge looking over the ocean, and shaded areas with barbeques, this is the ideal spot to entertain the whole family for an afternoon. The lagoon is patrolled all week, and free to visit. Restaurants, cafes, skate park, beachfront accommodation and a busy retail precinct are all within walking distance.

2. It's hard to beat a day out at Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, a place that not only takes care of sick, injured or orphaned wildlife, but offers unique ways to meet and learn about some of Australia's most iconic animals. The kids will love the opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos, pat a koala, interact with monkeys and hold a snake - don't miss the daily animal show at 1pm. If you have a budding zoologist in your family, check out the Junior Zoo Keeper program.

3. Once you have had your fill of wildlife encounters at Cooberrie Park, keep the family fun going next door at Capricorn Dinosaur Park. With 30 life-sized prehistoric creatures to spot, the 18-hole dinosaur-themed mini golf and dinosaur dig site offer a lot of fun for the whole crew.

4. Learn ancient wisdoms that have been passed down for tens of thousands of years at Dreamtime Cultural Centre, the only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre of its kind in Central Queensland. Learn about the rich history of the region through guided tours and hands-on cultural activities, including face painting, didgeridoo demonstrations, and traditional dances.

5. Take some much-needed family time out at Hedlow Retreat, a serene taste of country living only 20 minutes' drive from Rockhampton or Yeppoon. It's a place that will capture your attention and make you stay a while: choose from comfortable cabins or lodge accommodation, then choose from the huge offering of activities each day - bush walking, canoeing, fishing, sports and more. Life is simple here, with evenings spent around the campfire. 

6. Experience the olden days of gold mining in the region with a visit to Mount Morgan. Just 30 minutes from Rockhampton, Mount Morgan is steeped in history and has plenty of kid-friendly things to see and do. The Mount Morgan Historical Railway Museum has audio-visual displays and 3D presentations where you’ll get a feel for the fascinating history of the track, and experience the thrill of the many steep inclines. See the historic railway equipment at the former station and don’t miss the panoramic view of the township and mines from the Arthur Timms Lookout.

7. A gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, there are endless things to do with kids in Capricorn region. One the most kid-friendly destinations here is Great Keppel Island. Home to 17 pristine sand beaches perfect for play, there's even more beauty waiting just offshore: don your snorkel and fins to experience the beauty of the reef come to life beneath you. The crystal clear waters are teaming with brilliantly coloured fish, turtles, giant clams, soft and hard corals and other marine life. This majestic island is only 30 minutes by boat from Yeppoon, and the journey over is half the fun. The only hard part is choosing which guide to choose: Freedom Fast Cats and Keppel Explorer both offer day tours that will zip you to sparkling, quiet coves among the Great Keppel Islands. Prefer to go your own way and snorkel from the beach? Keppel Konnections ferry service departs four times a day between Keppel Bay Marina in Yeppoon and GKI - perfect for those with young kids or if you're planning to spend a few days island-side.

8. Rockhampton’s big backyard for the whole family, Kershaw Gardens is a peaceful oasis on the north side of town, with a waterfall, walking tracks, play areas and obstacle courses for kids to enjoy. A standout of the park is Wyatt’s Wonder Web: a five-level play area originally designed for New York’s Central Park. At nine metres high, there are layers of climbing ropes, ladders, tunnels, slides and swinging hammocks to explore. The Fitzroy River water play area is another local favourite. This meandering water course is 200mm deep and offers plenty of vantage points to supervise the splashing.

9. Get your hands dirty at Mount Hay Gemstone Tourist Park. Fun for all ages, your budding fossickers and future archaeologists can learn about the history of the ancient volcanic site and fossick for 'thunder eggs'. Also known as 'volcanic birthstones', these crystalline formations occur when gas bubbles in molten lava solidify on cooling. While parents might be fascinated with how they are formed, even the youngest kids will get joy from sifting through the dirt to find treasures. Any stones found can be kept, and they’ll even cut a few of your stones for free. Closed in shoes are essential. 

10. Ready to learn how to ride the waves like a pro? Sign up for classes with Capricorn Coast Learn 2 Surf to get the skills and confidence to tackle the breaks. Classes are open to all ages, with a special Surf Groms program for kids 5-12 years old. 

11. Lose yourself in the majestic Capricorn Caves. One of the best things to do with kids in Rockhampton, the whole family will enjoy the adventure at Capricorn Caves. There’s more than one way to explore the Caves, with tours ranging from 45minutes to two hours. Hear stories about the ancient Australian landscape on the Cathedral Cave tour, or pop on a helmet and headlamp and go a little deeper on the Explorer tour. Book ahead to avoid missing out.

12. Take in the beauty of the Capricorn Coast scenic loop. Drive, walk, or cycle along the magnificent 30 km coastline and stop in to visit one of the Capricorn Coast National Park headlands including Turtle Lookout and Double Heads.

13. Set sail on a 17-metre luxury catamaran with Funtastic Cruises and spend a day exploring the Keppel Islands. These all-inclusive day tours keep the adventure going with snorkel gear, SUPs and noodle floaties on hand to make the most of stops in serene bays, and they'll keep you well fed too with morning tea, lunch and refreshments. Kick back in a bean bag and take in the views as you sail.

14. The quaint seaside town of Emu Park is a favourite with families thanks to its large parks, patrolled main beach, and children’s playground right on the beach front. When you’re in town, be sure to check out the iconic Singing Ship, a public artwork with concealed organ pipes that use the sea breezes to create musical sounds. 

15. Visit Koorana Crocodile Farm, a commercially operating crocodile farm that is certainly one of the most unique things to do in the Capricorn region. Take a guided tour to learn all about the farm and these curious prehistoric creatures big and small - with the exciting opportunity to hold a specially trained croc too! Visit from February - May for the chance to see baby crocodiles hatching, and if you really want a taste of the action, head to the onsite restaurant where you can taste crocodile steaks, crocodile kebabs, and croc laksa among many other Aussie delights. 

16. Embrace your creative streak at Rockhampton Museum of Art and book a spot at Messy Mornings. Held on Mondays, these casual family-oriented classes are all about getting messy, having fun, and dipping your toes (and sometimes fingers) into the world of visual arts. The museum offers a range of school holidays activities, too. 

17. Enjoy skate parks, public barbeques, playgrounds and fishing platforms in the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, and be sure to visit the Rockhampton Zoo while you’re there, one of the best - and totally free - things to do with kids in Rockhampton. These heritage-listed gardens are some of the best in regional Australia. Kids will love exploring the Japanese gardens, lagoon and flowering tree lawn as much as they'll love seeing giant saltwater crocodile 'The Colonel' or the meerkat family.

18. Pack up the troops - or the entire extended family - and take your family holiday on private Pumpkin Island this year. Rent a beachfront cottage, or rent the entire island. Either way, spend your days exploring all corners of the island, from the beaches to the fringing reef - and all the adventures that lie between. 

19. Take in the views of the Capricorn region on the Nurim Circuit. Extending 25 metres off the side of Mount Archer, the 500-metre flat boardwalk offers spectacular views of Rockhampton and the mighty Fitzroy River, and is the perfect spot to catch sunrises and sunsets. Take your time and enjoy reading the interpretive signage of the local Darumbal culture along the way.

20. Go green on a drive to the lush Byfield Rainforest, just north of Yeppoon, for a picnic, bush walk or swim in one of the freshwater swimming holes. The village of Byfield is an art-lovers favourite, and Nob Creek Pottery gallery is a must visit for any craft-loving kids.

Planning a family holiday to the Capricorn region? Get more ideas for how to spend your time with this itinerary.