On the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef, Gladstone boasts a natural deep water harbour and the area is surrounded by National Parks, rainforests and rich farming country. Gladstone is the departure point for Heron Island and Lady Elliot Island.

Rockhampton is located on the Tropic of Capricorn and the region enjoys warm weather year round. Located on the Fitzroy River, Rockhampton is where the outback meets the reef. Rockhampton has galleries, museums, botanic gardens, the Koorana Crocodile Farm and the Dreamtime Aboriginal Culture Centre. Carnarvon Park features towering sandstone cliffs, a wide boulder-strewn creek, narrow ferny and moss covered side gorges, abundant wildlife and Aboriginal art sites.

Rockhampton's Botanic Gardens are abundant with wildlife that make these lush gardens their home. In contrast, Kershaw Gardens are dedicated to the preservation and display of Australian native plants. Mount Archer Environmental Park features a lookout with spectacular views of the city and surrounding landscapes.

A scenic 30 minute drive from Rockhampton to Mt Morgan is a trip back in time. This former bustling gold and copper mining town is now quiet, peaceful and so rich in history. Mt Morgan museum has a wonderful collection reflecting colonial life in an Australian colonial town. Visit The Heritage Railway Station where you can ride on one of the original fully restored Hunslett Locomotives.

Yeppoon is a gateway to the Capricorn Coast, featuring a charming esplanade with grassy knolls and palms which form a backdrop to a vista of sea, sky and islands. Views from the beaches and headlands of Yepoon and Emu Park are of the Keppel Islands. Fifteen minutes from Yeppoon discover Byfield State Forest - 22 hectares of wetlands with a great diversity of wildlife.

Emerald is located 260km west of Rockhampton and is the hub of the Central Highlands. Carnarvon National Park is characterised by a deep sandstone gorge, draped in lush green palms and ferns. Here there are also a number of sacred Aboriginal art sites. On the Gemfields you will find the largest sapphire fields in the southern hemisphere. There are walk-in mines to explore and gem galleries to visit.

Capricorn's Rural Hinterland is Australia's most arable tract of land with diverse farming, cattle and mining industries. This area is centred around the country townships of Biloela, Duaringa, Blackwater and Theodore.

Fact Summary

Weather