The relaxed and low-key coastal town of Yeppoon is a 40-minute drive from Rockhampton, the beef capital of Australia. It’s the place to go for outdoor enthusiasts searching for a quiet, less touristy place to visit. With stunning scenery, plenty of beaches and nearby islands to escape to, it’s worth spending a few days to take it all in.
We visited during the peak of the Christmas holidays, and it was always possible to find a carpark near the main beach. That never happens where we live on the Sunshine Coast!
What is there to do in Yeppoon?
Take a dip in the lagoon!
One of the top attractions in Yeppoon is the waterfront, infinity pool lagoon. The lagoon is the perfect place to cool off on a hot day and the best part is that this oasis is completely free to use!
There is the deep end for the adults and a shallow end for toddlers. This makes it perfect for people of all ages. Located right in front of Yeppoon’s main beach, it provides stunning views out to the Keppel Islands.
Walk along the beautiful sandy beaches
There are plenty of beaches near Yeppoon, so if you fancy a nice long walk on the beach, take your pick.
We liked walking into town along Farnborough beach which stretches for seventeen kilometres. Some of the best beaches in Yeppoon are Zilzie Beach, Shelley Beach, Emu Park Main Beach, Farnborough Beach and Lammermoor Beach.
Can you swim at the beaches in Yeppoon? Well yes you can! The Yeppoon Main Beach and Emu Park Main Beach are patrolled and are the best to swim at.
There are rarely any stingers around this area, but when there is, the beach will usually be closed to swimming. There has been the odd saltwater crocodile making an appearance but it’s so rare that it doesn’t stop the locals from swimming. It didn’t stop me either but if it worries you, there is always the lagoon!
Take a day trip to Great Keppel Island
The Keppel Islands are fifteen kilometres offshore from Yeppoon. Great Keppel Island is the largest of this group of 18 islands and is very easy to access from Yeppoon. Just take a short ferry ride from the Keppel Bay Marina (just south of Yeppoon) and you’ll be in paradise. Two companies run daily ferries there, Keppel Konnections and Freedom Fast Cats.
You can buy a return day trip ticket including lunch at the restaurant. However, if you have a few extra days, we recommend spending at least a night on the island; you won’t regret it.
There is a lot to do on Great Keppel Island. With 17 beaches and a range of walking tracks, you won’t be bored. The water is crystal clear and amazing for swimming. The island is on the southern Great Barrier Reef, so snorkelling is also popular. You’ll see tropical fish, some nice coral and, if you’re lucky, turtles.
We recommend walking all the way to Long Beach to escape the crowds. Most people don’t venture too far from the main beach. For snorkelling, walk to Monkey Beach. You can hire snorkelling gear from the beach shack if you don’t have your own.
Stay long enough to catch one of the amazing sunsets the island is known for.
Read more about Great Keppel Island here.
Enjoy the sunset
I am a big sucker for sunsets, and wherever I go, I always look for the best places to watch the sunset. The Yeppoon lagoon is the place to head for sunset, although we also watched an amazing sunset during dinner at Waterline at the Keppel Bay Marina.
The Rocks Restaurant next to the lagoon is also a great place to have sunset drinks and dinner. We spent Christmas Eve dinner there and had a fantastic time with amazing food and great service.
Explore the Capricorn Caves
Just a 40-minute drive from Yeppoon, the Capricorn Caves are another main attraction in the area. It is one of the largest, privately owned cave systems in Australia.
The 45-minute Cathedral Tour showcases the largest and most spectacular caves. It is suitable for all ages and is wheelchair accessible.
During the tour, you’ll learn about stalagmites, limestone, bat poo and the river systems. At times, the rivers can be heard under the tunnels.
Be sure to book your tour ahead to avoid disappointment.
Check out Rockampton
You’ll drive through Rockhampton on your way to Yeppoon, so why not check out the town while you’re there? Rockhampton is the beef capital of Australia, and it has beautiful old heritage buildings scattered around town.
You should really spend some time in Rockampton (or Rocky as the locals call it) and learn more about its fantastic heritage buildings. Take a walk along Quay Street, which borders the Fitzroy River, and enjoy the scenery. Then grab some lunch at the Boathouse.
Head to Mt Archer Skywalk for amazing views
The Mount Archer skywalk is a 40-minute drive from Yeppoon, in Rockhampton. This short, easy walk offers some fantastic views over the range in one direction and from the other side, views over the city with the river snaking through it.
The drive up is easy and there is plenty of parking at the top, along with short walks and picnic/BBQ areas.
The walkway extends 25 metres off the side of Mount Archer and is great at any time of day. However, sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit, although it is busier at those times.
Stroll along the ANZAC Memorial Walk in Emu Park
Just a quick drive down the coast from Yeppoon is Emu Park and its nice ANZAC memorial. The memorial follows a coastal walkway from ANZAC Court through an open sided interpretive centre overlooking the ocean, then across to the Singing Ship memorial.
While there, take a dip at Emu Park Main Beach, which is a popular swimming beach.
Take a walk on the Bluff Point Walking Trail
At the southern end of Kemp Beach is the Bluff Point scenic walk, which offers more amazing views from the summit over Bluff Rock and the Keppel Islands in the distance.
It’s an easy bushwalk, and worth doing for some spectacular coastal views. It is well signposted and ascends gently from the carpark.
We did the circuit in an anti-clockwise direction. Take a break at the Turtle Lookout and try spotting turtles down below. It didn’t take long in our case. There were so many of them swimming around in the water down below.
Visit the Keppel Bay Marina
If you head to Great Keppel Island, you will need to visit the Keppel Bay Marina to catch the ferry. We also went there at sunset for dinner at Waterline. The food was delicious, the views were amazing, and they even have live music on the front lawn on a Sunday.
Take a hike up Pebble Beach Peak
It’s a short but steep walk but when you reach the top, you won’t regret it. The views from up there are spectacular.
Once you’re back down, take a short walk to Pebble Beach and from the same carpark you can also take another short walk to Double Head viewpoint for some further spectacular views. Fan Rock lookout was particularly impressive.
Where to stay?
Michaels By The Sea
A recently renovated apartment set in Yeppoon, Michaels by the Sea is a beachfront property and offers access to a balcony, free private parking and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is 1.1 km from Yeppoon Main Beach. You can walk to town along the beach at low tide.
The spacious apartment comes with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with sea views. Check their latest prices here.
Salt Yeppoon
Salt Yeppoon offers 4.5-star apartments on Yeppoon’s stunning Main Beach. Each luxurious apartment offers views of either Rosslyn Bay, Great Keppel Island or Yeppoon City Centre. For your enjoyment you have access to 2 resort style pools, a fitness centre, conference centre and both a restaurant and a bar. Check their latest prices here.
NRMA Capricorn Yeppoon Holiday Park
Set in quiet surroundings, NRMA Capricorn Yeppoon Holiday Park features a swimming pool, free on-site parking and a children’s playground.
All accommodation features a patio and cooking facilities. Ideally located for visits to Great Keppel Island, NRMA Capricorn Yeppoon Holiday Park is 5 minutes’ drive from Keppel Bay Marina and 10 minutes’ drive from Cooee Bay. Check their latest prices here.
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