From conservation initiatives and cultural tours to island adventures, farm stays and locally crafted flavours, there are plenty of new reasons to explore the Capricorn Coast Region.
Here are some of the latest experiences and developments across Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Great Keppel Island and beyond.
Nature, conservation and ancient landscapes
Capricorn Caves Geonature Conservation Foundation
Capricorn Caves has established the Capricorn Caves Geonature Conservation Foundation to support scientific research, conservation, education and habitat protection.
The not-for-profit organisation will help protect the caves’ significant fossils, delicate ecosystems and threatened species while creating new opportunities for research and visitor learning.
Leeke’s Creek Oyster Reef Restoration
A restoration project at Leeke’s Creek on Woppa, or Great Keppel Island, is bringing culture, science and conservation together.
Led by the Woppaburra TUMRA Aboriginal Corporation and project partners, recycled oyster shells have been installed to create new marine habitat, improve water quality and support the wider wetland environment.
Capricorn Caves Virtual Reality Experience
Capricorn Caves is bringing the region’s prehistoric past to life through a new virtual reality experience developed with CQUniversity.
Visitors will be transported into ancient landscapes, gaining a deeper understanding of the fossils, geology and environmental history found beneath the surface.
Capricorn Caves Karst Walk
The new Karst Walk and Zip Line Experience allows visitors to explore the limestone landscape from an entirely different perspective.
The 90-minute guided adventure combines elevated pathways, geological interpretation, sweeping hinterland views and two scenic zip lines across the rugged karst terrain.
Island adventures and cultural connections
Portless Boat with GKI Boat Hire
GKI Boat Hire has expanded its offering with the Portless Trinity, an electric-powered inflatable trimaran designed for relaxing and exploring around Great Keppel Island.
Accommodating up to five people, the stable and easy-to-operate vessel requires no boat licence and provides a quiet floating base for swimming, socialising and island adventures.
Fun Over 50 Holidays and Warama Culture
Fun Over 50 Holidays and Warama Culture have collaborated to deliver an immersive First Nations tourism experience at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre.
Guests enjoyed a traditional Kupmurri feast and Warama Culture’s Neon Performance, combining storytelling, food, music and cultural connection.
Warama Culture also offers guided experiences that share Darumbal stories, bush tucker knowledge and connection to Country.
New places to stay and gather
Hedlow Retreat Expansion
Hedlow Retreat has expanded its facilities for corporate retreats, wellness events, conferences and group celebrations.
New additions include a preparation kitchen, office space and air-conditioning within the event marquee, allowing the peaceful nature-based venue to comfortably host events throughout the year.
Local flavours and relaxed gatherings
Flamingo’s Vodka
Rockhampton entertainment venue Flamingo’s has launched its own locally crafted vodka.
Produced in small batches at the venue’s Quay Street micro-distillery, Flamingo’s Vodka celebrates the colourful history and character of one of Rockhampton’s most recognisable hospitality venues.
Salty Lime Co Sunday Sessions
The Salty Lime Co has introduced relaxed Sunday Sessions at its picturesque Emu Park finger lime farm.
Featuring live music, local food, family-friendly entertainment and signature finger lime cocktails, the events offer a laid-back way to enjoy local flavours and sunset views.
Reef Distillers Tasting Room
Reef Distillers has opened a purpose-built Tasting Room at its working distillery in Hidden Valley, Yeppoon.
The 90-minute experience includes guided tastings and an introduction to the locally grown ingredients and distilling processes behind products including Zucchini Flower Vodka, Lychee Liqueur and Lychee Vodka.
Visitors can also combine the tasting with a guided visit to The Salty Lime Co for a complete Farm to Still experience.
