Explore the best of Capricorn with this four day family itinerary

Searching for an excuse to swap screen-time for family-time? Take a break and take a trip together to Queensland’s Capricorn region.

This four day family escape will have the kids wide-eyed in wonder as they take on wild adventures just like their favourite storybook characters. Venture deep into ancient caves systems one day, and explore the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef the next.

Don’t worry, this itinerary is packed with activities that both big and little legs can tackle - and promises to be just as much fun for the parents, too. 

Day 1: Get acquainted with Rockhampton

Welcome to Queensland’s beef and barramundi capital. Well-connected with its own airport, Rockhampton is the gateway to the wider Capricorn Coast and western plains, but it’s a destination in its own right with plenty to do. Sure, grab a family Cow Selfie (for the Christmas cards, of course), then make your way to one of the best spots in the city. 

12PM

Whether you drove or flew into Rocky, it's time to stretch cooped up legs and get a little fresh air. Head to Rockhampton Botanic Gardens where seemingly endless walking trails await, leading you through one of Queensland's oldest gardens.

Have a budding David Attenborough in the family? Be sure to spend time at one of the main attractions at the Botanic Gardens - the Rockhampton Zoo. Free to explore, meet more than 60 different animal species including giant saltwater croc The Colonel, a family of meerkats and chimpanzees, or one of the two resident koalas - if you can spot them napping in the gumtrees. Not just great for introducing the animal kingdom to the kids, the zoo supports conservation projects like the local Save the Cassowary campaign.

5PM

This afternoon, shift your perspective and head to Rocky’s peak, Mount Archer. A local favourite national park, the views come big here – as do the walking trails. There are four circuits to explore, ranging from quick and easy to a 14km adventure. But the most popular spot is a walk among the treetops at Mount Archer’s Nurim Circuit; a 500-metre long elevated boardwalk with sweeping views. Time your visit for just before sunset for golden hour glows. 

Lose natural light - and your breath - as you descend below ground and into Central Queensland’s most fascinating natural attraction: Capricorn Caves .

These awe-inspiring limestone rock formations have developed over millions of years; and your family can walk and scramble through them on a series of tours that lead you through the cave systems. Have little adventurers? Join the abseil tour and venture into the more remote parts of the cave system.

Back on the road, it’s time to steer towards the coast.

2PM

This afternoon you’ll arrive in the jewel of the Capricorn Coast, Yeppoon. What it lacks in bustle, it more than makes up for in its quiet charm and expansive waterfront views, which you can take in from one of Queensland’s prettiest swimming pools: Yeppoon Lagoon.

Grab a bite to eat along the main drag, explore the waterfront, wear off some energy playing at Keppel Kraken or the nearby skate park, then get ready to settle in for the night. 

5PM

Yeppoon is Queensland holiday haven, with a tonne of accommodation options ranging in budget and style - whether you're a camping family or prefer the comforts of apart-hotels or holiday homes. Use this guide to help choose your base. 

Day 3: Soak up Great Barrier Reef beauty among the Keppel Islands

If you've holidayed in these parts before, you already know what an off-the-radar gem the Southern Great Barrier Reef really is. First timer? You're about to discover our biggest secret, but it won't be one you'll be able to keep.

The Keppel Islands are a real gem of the Great Barrier Reef. You can probably see these islands from your accommodation (or at least, while you soak in Yeppoon Lagoon), but it’s time to get a closer peek on a day trip to Great Keppel Island.

Just a 30 minute boat ride from Yeppoon, you’ll soon be dipping your toes into the warm water and jumping into its protected bays to discover fringing coral gardens and marine life below. One of the best spots in the state to snorkel with the kids, you might even spot a mighty manta ray pass below you.

Keppel Explorer’s fast and fun scenic small boat tour will show you hidden spots around the island chain; so you can swim, snorkel and soak up sun in spots where you won’t see another tourist.

Prefer to take things at a slightly slower pace instead? Funtastic Cruises offers day trips onboard a luxury 17-metre catamaran, sailing you and your family to quiet coves with plenty of time to relax on deck in between time in the water.

If you’re looking for an extended break, consider spending a few days on the island – it’s one of Queensland’s best family escapes.

Day 4: Get wild

10AM

Ever hand-fed a kangaroo? It's a thrilling experience no matter your age.

15 minutes’ drive north of Yeppoon, Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary is the only wildlife sanctuary in Central Queensland that nurses sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. With the opportunity to not only learn all about Australia’s native wildlife, but get up close to koalas, crocodiles, lizards and more – you’ll capture plenty of memories and great photos of the kids. If you’ve got a real wildlife warrior in your midst, consider signing them up for the Junior Zoo Keeper Program.

3PM

Swap wildlife for wild landscapes this afternoon as you explore the coastal walks and lookouts of Capricorn Coast National Park.

Time your visit for low tide to explore Kemp Beach, then take the short Bluff Point Track to Turtle Lookout for panoramic views, along with the chance to spot sea turtles below.

Another highlight of the area is located a few headlands south, so jump back in the car and head to Emu Park to see The Singing Ship. Not just a sculpture, this 'ship' is made of organ pipes which uses the sea breeze to create music. There are some great coastal lookouts here too, so stay a while and see what marine life you can spot below - especially if you're visiting during humpback whale migration.

Spend your final evening making the most of the constant sunshine and warm waters. Grab fish and chips (Sea Breeze Servo and Takeaway is a hidden gem) then tuck in with your toes in the sand on Lammermoor Beach. Its gentle waters make it the perfect spot for families, and the perfect place to end your four days in Capricorn.

Visiting during school holidays? Check out these things to do. Got a little extra time on your hands, why not tackle these adventures:

• Explore these local day trips
  
• Go off the grid on Pumpkin Island (accessible from Yeppoon’s Keppel Bay Marina)
• Make your way west into the sandstone wilderness to witness the majesty of Carnarvon Gorge 
• Embark on an adventure into the outback along Capricorn Way