‘Gudamulli’ from Capricorn
The Capricorn Coast and its hinterland of Rockhampton is the traditional land of the Darumbal Aboriginal peoples. Offshore, the Keppel Bay Islands National Park is home to the Kanomi-Woppaburra people (The Keppel Islanders).
The Capricorn Coast region is proud to promote, protect and advocate for our traditional cultures, language and customs and celebrate the advancement of cultural tourism across our destination.
Below is a summary of the cultural immersion opportunities offered within the Capricorn Coast region.
Visit the Darumbal website here – www.darumbal.com.au
ROCKHAMPTON
Dreamtime Cultural Centre
The Dreamtime Cultural Centre based in North Rockhampton (near the Yeppoon Road turnoff) is the only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre of its kind in Central Queensland. Officially opened in 1988, the Centre commemorates the rich culture of our community and promotes greater awareness of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history.
Offering regular guided tours, educational visits and hands-on, interactive cultural activities including face painting, boomerang throwing, didgeridoo demonstrations, dance routines and promotional displays, the stories of the local Darumbal and Torres Strait islanders are well-conveyed.
There is an exhibition dedicated to local Aboriginal sporting achievements and paintings by the late artist Brian Fisher which highlights the fluid lines depicting kangaroos, goannas, platypuses and other wildlife.
And if you are continuing your journey through to Carnarvon National Park, you can get the heads up on the significance of the rock paintings found throughout the Gorge.
Warama Culture
Founded by proud Darumbal, Wadja Wadja and Pitjantjatjara man Jordan Young, Warama Culture is now offering bespoke cultural experiences for corporate team-builds, group bookings and immersive storytelling sessions – setting a fresh standard for how organisations can engage with First Nations heritage, respect Country and build stronger team dynamics.
Warama Culture invites corporates, professional groups and community organisations to participate in tailor-designed sessions that combine storytelling, traditional dance, ochre painting, artifact exploration and cultural performances.
Each element is crafted to foster respect, awareness and connection to First Nations heritage while building team cohesion and authentic engagement.
Mount Archer National Park
Nurrim (Darumbal word for Mount Archer) is part of the Darumbal tribe and every hill and creek is of special significance. Steeped in history, the Mount has a wealth of cultural heritage value.
Looking down from atop Mount Archer, the mighty Fitzroy River curls its way through the countryside, through beautiful Rockhampton and out to sea.
It’s a magical spot, as the memories of anyone who’s shared a picnic in Fraser Park, trekked along a bush trail or watched a sunset over our town can attest.
At 604 metres above sea level, Mount Archer is Rockhampton’s highest peak and boasts spectacular views of the city and surrounding ranges.
Local Darumbal Elder, Wade Mann conducts an ‘on country’ experience for visitors to the region by appointment. Wade is an educator, activist, community leader and passionate role model and this tour involves Wade sharing his Dreamtime stories and insights into the culture and history of his people.
Capricorn Caves
Capricorn Caves – one of the largest privately owned cave systems in Australia – offer a fascinating blend of geological marvels and indigenous history on every tour. Visitors can explore the intricate cave formations while learning about the cultural significance they hold for the local indigenous communities. Guided tours provide insights into the Dreamtime stories associated with the Caves, creating a unique fusion of natural wonder and cultural exploration.
CQ Connections
CQ Connections have been passionately connecting people with places for years. First Nations employee, Kylie Johnston, proudly designed staff shirts for the business to represent the importance of connection.
“I wanted to reflect the great work Paul does within his business: connecting people with places. The circles with straight lines connecting with another circle means people travelling between places and arriving at a resting or meeting place. The symbols around the circle represent man, woman and persons: these are the guests of CQ Connections. The arrows are emu prints travelling around a landscape, as Paul does in his buses. I remember seeing the Emus and their chicks walking around Lions Park (near the Bowls Club in Emu Park) as a child. The sleeve of the shirt is the sand dunes, flowing rivers and creeks of Capricorn Coast and Rockhampton.”
CQ Connections cater for individuals to large groups who want to travel to, around, and from Rockhampton, Rockhampton Airport, Yeppoon, Emu Park, Capricorn Coast and the Keppel Bay Marina in safety.
CAPRICORN COAST
Joskeleigh township and museum
Joskeleigh, just 5km south of the beautiful Keppel Sands on the Capricorn Coast is a haven and home for South Pacific Islanders who fell victim to the sugar slave-trade of the late nineteenth century. Just 42kms from Rockhampton and 46kms from Yeppoon, this unique township fronts Long Beach on the Capricorn Coast from Pumpkin Creek to the mouth of the Fitzroy River.
The Joskeleigh Community Association established the Joskeleigh South Sea Islander Museum to promote the history of South Sea Islander people blackbirded to Queensland in the 1860’s right through to the early 1900’s. The introduction of the White Australia Policy ceased the black labour slave trade and many Islanders were then forced back to the islands. Of those that were allowed to stay, they no longer had a home anywhere, no jobs and they made their new home in Joskeleigh.
Run by volunteers and open by appointment only at this time, the museum strives to ensure the history of its people is never lost.
Great Keppel Island
Our Woppaburra ancestors were the first nation Aboriginal inhabitants of what are now known as the Keppel Islands which lay off the Capricorn Coast in Central Queensland.
Prior to European settlement, Great Keppel Island was home to an estimated 60-80 Woppaburra and Ganumi people of the Darumbal nation, with century old middens testifying to the quantity of seafood found in the surrounding waters.
On a track between Long and Monkey Beach, there is an aboriginal sacred site. Recently the boardwalk at Monkey Beach was upgraded to protect the many hundreds of years of memories for the Woppaburra people – a project collaboration between Bunnings, Landcare Australia, Woppaburra Elders, Capricorn Catchments, Gen Yadaba and Livingstone Shire Council.
Woppaburra elder, Bob Muir shares his passion and knowledge of the local landscape here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7GLl2SZF3E
Please be sure to stick to the board walk on this hike in order to protect our cultural and sensitive sites.
Keppel Explorer
Keppel Explorer is the most comprehensive, #1 rated scenic boat tour island hopping around the Keppel Islands. Departing daily from the mainland at Keppel Bay Marina, explorers on board this small group, exclusive tour will learn about the Woppaburra history of the islands as the proud skippers share intimate details and get you up close and personal to Ba-la-ba (Middle Island), Ma-ma-lon-bi (Miall Island), Wop-pa (Great Keppel Island), Bur-ye-Bur-ye (Humpy Island) and Ko-no-mie (North Keppel Island).
The Keppel Explorer tour starts with an acknowledgement of country and during the tour, guests discover significant sites, what each island means to the traditional owners, the history of the Woppaburra tribe through to present native title claims. Keppel Explorer is currently in the process of developing a dedicated cultural tour which will include a presentation by elder Bob Muir.
High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm
Ever wondered what life looks like when you truly live in tune with the land? High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm invites you to step into an off-grid immersion where practical skills, regenerative philosophies, and a deep respect for Country come together.
Here, guests explore how simple, everyday choices can reduce our impact — from sustainable food systems to the rhythms of a self-sufficient lifestyle. The Farm also places strong emphasis on the inner work required to shift our collective culture, encouraging visitors to reconnect with their role as custodians of the land.
One of the most meaningful elements on the property is the Indigenous Food Garden, a living learning space that highlights traditional bush foods, seasonal cycles, and ancient knowledge systems that have guided First Nations peoples for millennia. Visitors gain insight into ingredients, flavours, uses, and the broader story of how these plants contribute to a thriving, resilient landscape.
Permaculture provides the guiding framework for High Valley Dawn, mirroring the way Indigenous cultures across the world have lived in harmony with Mother Nature for thousands of years. It’s an experience designed to spark curiosity, broaden understanding, and inspire action — both at home and in the community.
Celebrating our Indigenous talent
The Capricorn Coast region has been the proud backyard of many home-grown talents from ARIA award winning artists, to popular NRL players.
Jeremy Marou Grand-nephew of Eddie Mabo, Jeremy Marou, makes up one half of Australian rock duo, Busby Marou. Proudly Rockhampton, Jeremy is of Torres Strait Islander heritage and came from a very musical family. We are so grateful to our local ambassadors, Jeremy and Thomas.
The Capricorn Coast region has been home to many of Australia’s popular Indigenous NRL talent.
With players including Matt Sing, Rhys Wesser, PJ Marsh, Sid Domic and John Doyle all completing all or part of their childhood football careers on football fields across our destination.
