Experience cattle country with this Rockhampton road trip

You’ll be welcomed into Rockhampton by the mighty Brahman, one of six bull statues scattered around the city to represent the main breeds of the area. But it’s not just cow memorabilia that will demand your attention here. Stretch your legs with a wander through the historic town, where heritage-listed buildings like Customs House and Criterion Hotel line the streets. The Rockhampton Art Gallery, Zoo and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens are also well-worth a visit - you can take a break in the Gardens Tearooms at the latter.

Take in the sights and sounds of the cattle yards with a visit to the Central Queensland Livestock Exchange. Sitting 8 kilometres west of Rockhampton in Gracemere, these weekly sales are the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. After a busy morning at the live auctions, rehydrate with a beer or two at the historic Gracemere Hotel before hitting the road, cruising the Capricorn Highway until you reach Mount Hay Gemstone Tourist Park. It’s here at the base of the once active Mount Hay that you can fossick for volcanic birthstones the thunderegg.

Post-treasure hunt, before your return to Rockhampton, make your way back towards Kabra and 22 kilometres along Razorback Road to Mount Morgan. The gold mining town is proud of its history - you can take a closer look at the community’s beginnings with a stop into the heritage gold mine (best accessed with TMC Tours) and the Mount Morgan Railway Museum.

Day Three - Koorana Crocodile Farm, Great Keppel Island and Pumpkin Island

Make a pit-stop, greeting the local reptile population at nearby Koorana Crocodile Farm, 36 kilometres along Emu Park Road. Owner and operator John Lever will take you on a guided tour, teaching you everything from conservation and commercialisation along the way.

Your next stop is 30 kilometres north at Keppel Bay Marina at Rosslyn Bay. It’s from here that you’ll be able to explore the Southern Barrier Reef and find easy access to the 18 islands in the Keppel Group. Locals tend to gather on Great Keppel Island, where 1500 hectares of extensive flora and fauna can be explored, including 17 white sand beaches. Spend the night at the Great Keppel Island Holiday Village, or splurge with a stay instead on quaint neighbour Pumpkin Island. This hidden gem is one of the nation’s smallest operating islands, home to a cluster of eco-friendly bungalows.

Day Four - Rosslyn Bay, Yeppoon, and Byfield

You’ll need to make your way back to the mainland before commencing the 8.6 kilometre scenic coastal drive from Rosslyn Bay to Yeppoon. After refueling in town and grabbing a bite to eat, ready yourself for a venture through the idyllic Byfield National Park, 25 minutes north. Spread across an impressive 15,000 hectares, this natural wonder attracts bushwalkers, swimmers, kayakers, fisherman and birdwatchers year round thanks to its varied terrain of rainforest, beach, mountain and waterholes. But do be wary that while a standard vehicle is fine for main park access, beach driving will require a 4WD. You can even spend the night - taking to a log-style cabin at Fern’s Hideaway Resort.

Day Five - Emu Park and Keppel Sands

Work your way along the coastal scenic highway that stretches to the seaside town of Emu Park. It’s here that you’ll find the famous Singing Ship on the headland, commemorating Captain Cook’s discovery of the area. But there’s a fellow historical resident also worth a wander - the Centenary of Anzac Memorial Walk stretches along a 175-metre boardwalk and adjoins the artwork-laden Memorial Gallery. Once you’ve seen enough of Emu Park, continue south to your final destination, the equally sleepy Keppel Sands, just 40 kilometres from Rockhampton. While the beachside village is a firm favourite for fishing and crabbing, it also has plenty to offer seekers of solitude.