Ancient caves, reef adventures, island glamping and local people who love sharing their patch of Queensland. If Channel 9’s Journey to the Southern Great Barrier Reef left you ready to pack your bags, here’s how to experience the places that caught your eye.
Presented by David Whitehill, the feature explores The Capricorn Coast Region and neighbouring Gladstone region, connecting island escapes with wildlife, local flavours and time in nature.
Use this suggested eight-day itinerary to explore The Capricorn Coast Region, with ideas to extend your Southern Great Barrier Reef holiday.
Watch the full feature on YouTube, then start planning your own adventure.
Your itinerary at a glance
Allow around eight days for the mainland and Keppel Islands, with extra time if you would like longer island stays. The days below are a planning guide: confirm accommodation, minimum stays and connecting transfers before finalising your route.
| Days | Where to stay | What to experience |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | Yeppoon or High Valley Dawn | Capricorn Caves, Koorana Crocodile Farm, High Valley Dawn and a coastal helicopter flight |
| 4–5 | Great Keppel Island | A reef cruise, snorkelling, beach walks and Great Keppel Island Hideaway glamping |
| 6–8 | Pumpkin Island | Snorkelling, beach time and a slower island stay |
Day 1 Explore Capricorn Caves
Find it in the episode: From approximately 19:27.
Begin your adventure at Capricorn Caves, north of Rockhampton. In the feature, David explores the limestone passages with a local guide before discovering the Cathedral Cave and its remarkable acoustics.
How to do it: Book the Cathedral Cave Tour for the experience centred on this chamber. Check the tour description and footwear requirements before visiting. If you would like to explore further, ask about the other cave tours available and their age and fitness requirements.
After your tour, continue to Yeppoon or your chosen coastal accommodation.
Find your perfect place to stay
Day 2 Meet the crocodiles and discover High Valley Dawn
Find it in the episode: Koorana from approximately 8:36; High Valley Dawn from 12:06.
At Koorana Crocodile Farm, the Lever family introduces visitors to saltwater crocodiles through guided tours focused on education. The feature captures both the scale of the larger animals and David’s encounter with a young crocodile.
How to do it: Reserve a guided tour and allow time for the full experience. Check current inclusions if you would like the opportunity to hold a young crocodile.
Later, explore High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm, where David joins owner Ross O’Reilly to discover the gardens, taste fresh produce and learn about working with nature.
Choose a guided tour for a closer introduction to the farm’s approach, or a self-guided audio tour to explore at your own pace. Produce tastings will depend on the season and your booked experience.
Stay as seen on screen: Book one of High Valley Dawn’s off-grid tiny homes if you would like to turn the farm visit into an overnight escape. These can serve as your base for the mainland section.
Arrange the farm and crocodile tours around available times; move one to another day if needed.
Day 3 See the Capricorn Coast from the air
Find it in the episode: From approximately 18:47.
The feature takes to the skies with Great Ocean Helicopters, revealing the coastline, dunes and waterways around Byfield Rainforest and the adjoining national park.
How to do it: Explore the local scenic flight options with Rockhampton Helicopters, whose published Five Rocks and Corio Bay flight offers a way to see this northern coastline from above. Confirm the route, departure point and availability when booking.
Back on the ground, spend the afternoon exploring Yeppoon. Stroll along the foreshore, cool off at Yeppoon Lagoon, discover the town’s public art or let the kids play at Appleton Park. Leave time for coffee or a relaxed meal at Lure Living, or head to The Waterline Restaurant at Keppel Bay Marina.
For more ideas, places to eat and local experiences, explore Yeppoon on Visit Capricorn.
Days 4 and 5 Cruise to Great Keppel Island and stay in a glamping tent
Find it in the episode: The reef cruise from approximately 2:09; Great Keppel Island Hideaway from 4:54.
The television journey begins on the water with Freedom Fast Cats, exploring the Keppel Islands through glass-bottom boat viewing, snorkelling and a splash-filled boomnetting experience.
Freedom Fast Cats’ Great Keppel Island ferry and tourism operations have since transitioned to Keppel Ferry Co.
How to do it: Ask Keppel Ferry Co which current cruise includes the activities you would like to recreate. Choose an activity cruise for the reef experiences, and confirm how it connects with an overnight island stay.
Book a glamping tent at Great Keppel Island Hideaway to experience the accommodation style highlighted in the feature.
Spend your second day exploring the island’s beaches and walking tracks. For guided snorkelling, diving or beach drop-offs, Keppel Dive & Watersports provides options to help you experience the reef and coastline discussed in the episode.
Confirm your ferry and activity bookings together, and ask the local team which beaches and snorkelling locations suit the day’s conditions.
Days 6 to 8 Settle into Pumpkin Island
Find it in the episode: From approximately 15:36.
On Pumpkin Island, David discovers a small island escape where the tides and weather shape the day. Snorkelling, fishing, reading and time in a hammock are all part of its appeal.
How to do it: Book your stay directly with Pumpkin Island and coordinate your arrival on the Pumpkin Xpress from Keppel Bay Marina. Transfers depend on tidal access.
Plan to travel via the mainland between Great Keppel and Pumpkin Island unless you have arranged a private connection. Allow an extra mainland night if the ferry times do not align.
Pumpkin Island is self-catering, so organise groceries before departure. Check the facilities in your chosen cottage or bungalow and ask about the Sunset Bar featured in the episode.
With the practical details sorted, leave room to enjoy the island without filling every hour.
Want more Southern Great Barrier Reef adventures?
Extend your holiday with two more experiences featured in the programme. Head south to the Town of 1770 for the full-day Paradise Tour with 1770 LARC! Tours, combining a ride aboard the iconic pink amphibious vehicle with Bustard Head Lightstation and sandboarding.
Or escape to Heron Island, reached by boat or helicopter from Gladstone, for snorkelling, guided reef discovery and time immersed in island nature. Book your accommodation and transfers together, and ask about the activities available during your stay.
The episode also explores BushTracks Eco Tours at Traveller’s Rest 1770, cultural paddling with 1770 SUP and Gladstone’s Wards Brewery — more inspiration if you decide to keep exploring.
Make the journey your own
Book the island stays and transfers first, then arrange mainland tours around them. Leave flexibility for weather, tides and the moments that make you want to linger.
Choose your favourite experiences for a shorter escape, or add extra nights to enjoy more of The Capricorn Coast Region. There is plenty of reason to stay longer, from another beach walk to more time exploring the reef.
Start planning your holiday today – https://visitcapricorn.com.au/plan-your-trip
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to explore The Capricorn Coast Region?
Allow around eight days to follow this suggested itinerary, including mainland experiences and stays on Great Keppel Island and Pumpkin Island. For a shorter holiday, choose your favourite stops or visit just one island. Add extra nights if you would like a slower pace.
Do I need a car for this itinerary?
A car is the most practical way to connect the mainland stops, including Capricorn Caves, Koorana Crocodile Farm and Yeppoon. You will travel separately by boat or an arranged air transfer to the islands, so check mainland parking arrangements with your transfer operator.
How do I get to Great Keppel Island and Pumpkin Island?
Book your Great Keppel Island crossing with a ferry operator departing from Rosslyn Bay. Pumpkin Island has its own Pumpkin Xpress service from Keppel Bay Marina. Arrange accommodation and transfers together, and check departure times before planning connecting activities.
Can I travel directly between Great Keppel Island and Pumpkin Island?
Plan to return to the mainland between island stays unless you have arranged a private transfer. Check both operators’ schedules before booking, as you may need an extra night on the mainland between crossings.
Is this itinerary suitable for families?
Families can enjoy many of the experiences, including beach time, farm visits and guided tours. Choose activities to suit your children’s ages and abilities, and check individual tour requirements before booking, particularly for adventure caving, water activities and scenic flights.
Do I need to bring food to the islands?
Pumpkin Island is self-catering, so organise groceries before departure and check the facilities in your accommodation. Great Keppel Island Hideaway has an onsite Bar & Bistro; confirm meal arrangements and any cooking facilities for your chosen accommodation.
What should I book first?
Start with island accommodation and transfers, then book your mainland tours and scenic flight around them. Confirm minimum stays, activity inclusions and any age or fitness requirements directly with each operator, and leave flexibility for weather and tides.
