The Capricorn Coast destination is better known for its textural beaches, abstract island vistas, rainforest assemblages and avant-garde coastal villages. However, it is also home to an outstanding collection of art galleries, providing visitors an opportunity to discover and watch local artists at work, admire classic and timeless collections, and experience modern exhibitions.
With an exceptionally creative community, boasting plenty of homegrown artistic talent, the independently owned art spaces that have popped up across the Capricorn Coast, and the world-class Museum of Art that has found its home proudly on Rockhampton’s riverfront, pay testament to this.
Discover six of our favourite spots that will inject colour into your trip and demonstrate why the Capricorn Coast is a creatively beautiful place to visit.
1. Rockhampton Museum of Art – 220 Quay Street, Rockhampton
It’s been dubbed as one of the best galleries in Australia, and it’s easy to see why…
Located in the heart of Rockhampton’s CBD on the banks of the Fitzroy River, Rockhampton Museum of Art is alive and bustling with activity, providing modern and architectural flawlessness that boasts elegance, style, and sophistication.
The three-story masterpiece hosts one of Australia’s best regional arts collections and is the cultural jewel in the crown for Central Queensland.
Discover more – https://www.rmoa.com.au/Home
2. Jet James Art Gallery – 1 Normanby Street, Yeppoon
Shining a light on the ability to rise above heart breaking adversity, Jet James’s story is powerful, moving, and inspirational. The Award-Winning Australian Artist is recognized for printmaking, painting, and mixed media artworks, and has won many accolades including a shortlisting in the National Youth Portrait Prize of Australia, Winner of the Charles Ware National Young Artist Award, and in 2015 he was selected as one of the leading printmakers for an exhibition in New Zealand.
Jet’s gallery in the heart of Yeppoon, showcases his artwork and merchandise alongside other very talented local Jewellers, Resin and Ceramic Artists.
Inside the gallery you may find Jet working on something new and exciting.
Be inspired – https://www.jetjames.com/
3. Fig Tree Galleries – 31-35 Normanby Street, Yeppoon
Fig Tree Galleries (formerly Mill Gallery) presents a variety of inspirational and creative local and touring exhibitions, programs, and workshops.
Nestled behind two magnificent heritage listed fig trees, the Gallery is home to Latitude 23 Arts – a community-based artists’ group inspiring each other to develop as artists, and The Paint Pot Gallery.
Latitude 23 Arts is a collaborative network of artists inspiring, sharing and motivating each other to develop as artists. They aim to develop and run innovative art exhibitions activities and projects strengthening local artists as well as the arts and culture of our Central Queensland community.
Yeppoon’s quaint Paint Pot Gallery is a showcase of local artists with a wide variety of gifts and homewares available for purchase. With paintings, pottery and local craft, there is something for everyone, and every piece includes two crucial ingredients – Capricorn Coast love and pride. Open daily from 9.30am, come and check it out for yourself.
Jump on their socials – https://www.facebook.com/FigTreeGalleries
4. Nob Creek Pottery – 216 Arnolds Road, Byfield
Nob Creek Pottery is a working studio producing fine traditional ceramics and is run by Steve Bishopric (professional potter for 35 years) and Sue McBurnie (ceramic artist and art teacher). The pottery, established in 1980, is set on 10 hectares in the heart of the Byfield Forest.
Visitors can meet the potters, see the workshops, explore the extensive galleries, picnic in the tropical gardens, and enjoy the natural bush walks.
Nob Creek Pottery is one of the largest displays of hand-made craft work in the country. The galleries feature the nationally acclaimed work of Steve and the resident potters, along with 50 exhibitors from around Australia, Vietnam, and Bali.
Find out more – http://nobcreekpottery.com.au/
5. Emu Park Art Gallery – 13 Hill Street, Emu Park
The Emu Park Art Gallery exhibits quality artwork from local artists including original paintings, pottery, sculpture, photography, mixed media work, fibre art, jewellery, cards, and gifts.
The Centre hosts a new exhibition every eight weeks, with a roster including established local artists, travelling exhibitions, and work from new and emerging creatives.
The Gallery opens from Wednesday to Sunday between 10am and 4pm.
Want to know more? – https://emuparkartgallery.com.au/
Whatever pathway you take on your #visitcapricorn holiday, you are bound to discover art and culture at every turn. Not only will you find it within gallery spaces, but quirky public street art can also be found splashed across carpark walls, footpaths, retaining walls, benches, toilet blocks and more.
Check out the Capricorn Coast Art Trail – a virtual reality experience bringing art to life!
Keep your eyes peeled!
