You’ve spent years researching the best off-road caravans. You’ve budgeted carefully for your retirement travel dreams. Now it’s time to choose a destination. Where will van life take you first?
Remember, retirement isn’t for shy, retiring types. It’s for the people who love to get up and go, who love to explore what Australia has to offer – and if you’ve never explored the Capricorn Coast in Central Queensland, this is a great place to start!
Where is the Capricorn Coast?
Located 600km north of Brisbane, the Capricorn Coast stretches from Thompson Point to Farnborough. The distance from end to end is a mere 75 km, but the region is packed with stunning natural landscapes, including absolutely gorgeous coastlines, pristine beaches, rainforests, and islands. The area is known for lovely sub-tropical weather without the punishing humidity of Far North Queensland – a bonus for women of a certain age!
Caravanning Capricorn Coast: Must-Visit Stops
The Capricorn Caves
Just thirty minutes north of Rockhampton, you’ll find Capricorn Caves. This cave system is a breathtaking natural wonder, featuring subterranean limestone formations thought to be around 390 million years old.
Daily guided tours are informative and immersive, and there are a variety of experiences to choose from, depending on your mobility and fitness levels. For a captivating but gentle experience, the Cathedral tour is highly recommended. The stunning acoustics are particularly memorable.
Tours do sell out, so buy your tickets ahead of time to avoid disappointment – and the surcharge!
Footlights Theatre Restaurant, Yeppoon
If you love dinner and a show, Footlights is a must. This popular theatre restaurant has been entertaining crowds for 31 years, treating patrons to a wonderful evening of delicious bites and live comedy. If you’ve spent the day on the road, a night of great food, a cheeky drink or two, and plenty of laughs is probably just what you need!
Yeppoon Foreshore
The Yeppoon Foreshore precinct offers visitors the perfect mix of recreation, relaxation, and truly gorgeous coastal views. Enjoy a dip in the Yeppoon Lagoon, a 2500 square-metre resort-style pool. Swim up to the infinity edge and savour views of the Keppel Islands in the distance. You’ll feel like you’re at a luxury resort, but entry is free.
In the evening, the Foreshore often hosts live music, outdoor movie events, and cultural performances. Dine at one of the nearby restaurants and cafes, or take advantage of the pleasant subtropical weather by packing a picnic basket and camp chairs for a relaxing evening.
In October, the annual Yeppoon Lions Tropical Pinefest draws large crowds. It’s a bustling celebration with entertainment, markets, food, fireworks and even a street parade. You may like to plan your visit to coincide with the festivities – or not. That’s the beauty of caravanning – it’s up to you!
Hagai Agmon-Snir حچاي اچمون-سنير חגי אגמון-שניר, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Great Keppel Island
If you want to get up close and personal with the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Great Keppel Island must be on your list. Catch the ferry across from Rosslyn Bay for a day spent exploring, or stay overnight to make the most of island time and experience Keppel’s spectacular sunsets.
There are seventeen beaches to discover, a large network of walking trails ranging in difficulty, and snorkelling and scuba diving tours. The coral reef is an absolute must see, whether as part of a tour or with your own snorkelling gear. I can thoroughly recommend doing a snorkelling and glass bottom boat tour with Freedom Fast Cats – we had a marine biologist as a tour guide who was happy to answer all questions and were able to provide additional flotation devices for those who are not strong swimmers. In the cooler months, there’s every chance you’ll spot migrating whales.
Emu Park
Heading south from Yeppoon, enjoy a short and scenic drive along the coast to Emu Park. With a charming village atmosphere and gorgeous views out to Great Keppel Island, this little town boasts impressive cultural attractions, including the Centenary of ANZAC Memorial Walk and the Singing Ship, a 40-foot high sculpture in honour of Captain James Cook’s ship, The Endeavour.
Emu Park is home to the popular annual Oktoberfest event. Apple strudel is delicious, but if the days of beer and Bavarian revelry are behind you, keep this in mind when planning your visit!
