Hey New Zealand…
We’ve heard you want an accessible, affordable, fun, diverse and breathtakingly beautiful holiday which wraps up our quintessential Aussie experiences in one destination, without having to travel for hours on end?
A place where you can discover our truly magical natural wonder of the world, the Southern Great Barrier Reef, proudly nestled among islands and endless stretches of white, sandy beaches.
A one-stop-spot that is alive and bustling with cosmopolitan allure yet laced with a majestic sense of harmony and calmness.
This unique destination welcomes you to flop and drop or increase the heart rate with adventure and thrills.
You think you kiwi’s know Queensland? Think again….
We invite you to come and discover your new destination, right here on the Capricorn Coast!
Our two nations do share a lot – the Southern Cross star on our flag, love of sport, gorgeous coastlines, remote beaches, strong and passionate cultures, magical sunsets, welcoming communities, and laid-back vibes.
But allow us to challenge your kiwi way of life and what you think you know about Australia’s Sunshine state… because we’ve got it all wrapped up here in one destination located in Central Queensland.
The Match Up – Capricorn Coast vs New Zealand
You’ve got sea lions, kiwi’s, dolphins, and sheep… We’ve got sea turtles, koalas, kangaroos, dugongs, manta rays, and crocodiles.
You make your white water by rafting the rapids… We enjoy breaking up Keppel Bay’s wide-open waters.
You’ve got geothermal wonderlands with bubbling mud pools… We’ve got impressive coral reef bommies and sea caves that warm the soul in a similar way.
You’ve got 10 active volcanos in NZ… Ours now lay dormant, perfect for hiking and witnessing superb 360-degree views.
You’ve got tours that pick and cut through glistening ice glaciers… Our fossicks (when lucky) provide us with brilliant Sapphires and age-old Thundereggs.
You have some of the best wine producing vineyards in the country… We have microbreweries showcasing some of the finest Capricorn Coast craft beer.
You’ve got fields of lush rolling hills, magnificent mountains, forests, lakes, and spectacular waterfalls… Here, we have National Parks boasting sub-tropical rainforests, and ancient sandstone cliffs.
Your caves are wet, glowing with worms… Ours are dry, etched out of limestone and 390 million years ago formed a coral reef.
Where to stay
The Capricorn Coast destination caters for several accommodation budgets and styles, with everything from Backpacker Hostels, Caravan Parks, Glamping Tents, Beachfront Hotels to Luxury 4.5 Star Penthouses.
Getting here from New Zealand
After your flight arrives in Australia, we can get you to the Capricorn Coast in no time!
In addition to Qantas and Virgin both arriving direct to Rockhampton airport (ex-Brisbane), we also welcome our newest airline BONZA to the region, with direct flights from Sunshine Coast, Melbourne, Townsville, and Cairns to Rockhampton.
Once you land in Rockhampton, a short 40-minute transfer will have you witnessing the glorious coastline of Yeppoon, and a 30-minute ferry trip is all it will take to land you on Great Keppel Island – our barefoot paradise.
Thinking of grabbing a hire car? There are five major touring routes leading to Central Queensland and passing through some of Queensland’s most iconic locations. Follow the Pacific Coast Way, Australia’s Country Way, Leichhardt Way, Great Inland Way, and Capricorn Way and discover your next adventure.
Queensland Rail also offers multiple services per week to Rockhampton from Brisbane return on the popular high-speed Tilt Train, as well as regular services on the Spirit of Queensland to the north and Spirit of the Outback to the west.
What makes us unique?
Straddling the Tropic of Capricorn, our sub-tropical waters of the Southern Great Barrier Reef are a little cooler than the north, so we locals swim all year round without the need for stinger nets or stinger suits.
Our fringing reefs within the Keppel Group of islands, only a half hour boat trip off the coast of Yeppoon, are also extremely colourful, featuring both soft and hard corals, and an abundance of incredible marine life.
Discover more – www.visitcapricorn.com.au
#visitcapricorn #southerngreatbarrierreef #sandstonewilderness
