The Capricorn Coast draws its name from one of the Earth’s major circles of latitude, the Tropic of Capricorn, upon where the region lies. Running past the seaside paradise of Yeppoon, on to Rio de Janeiro in the East and Mauritius to the West, this particular line of latitude links some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes and geological wonders – the results of drastic climate changes over time.
The stunning coastline of the Capricorn Coast region is the result of an incredible geo journey…
Ancient volcanic eruptions and environmental effects gradually produced some of this regions most unforgettable attractions.
The volcanic activity transformed the Capricorn Coast seascape, leaving behind rocky outcrops and a host of dramatically exposed plugs.
The twin peaks of Yeppoon’s Double Head and the scenic Bluff Point, tell us of this incredible past, today this is part of the Capricorn Coast National Park and a popular spot for hiking and bushwalking, rewarding visitors with turtle spotting platforms and 360 degree views of the Keppel Islands and surrounding hinterlands.
This area also forms the backdrop of the stunning Keppel Bay Marina and Rosslyn Bay Harbour – the jumping off point to explore the Southern Great Barrier Reef and the Keppel Bay of islands – the most notable these being Great Keppel and Pumpkin Islands.
The remnants of other volcanic plugs can be seen dotted around Yeppoon’s hinterland, however apart from creating some rather insta-worthy scenery, this activity is also to thank for the fertile soils that make this region a significant food bowl.
Experience this first hand by partaking in the newly developed Taste Capricorn Coast food trail – it will keep you busy for days as you discover local delights, farm gates and producers.
A short drive west of the Central Queensland hub of Rockhampton you may find some the areas best kept treasures…
And we mean ‘treasures’ literally!
Try your hand at fossicking for thundereggs at Mount Hay Gemstone Tourist Park. Nestled at the base of Mt Hay, on what was once a rumbling volcano, the thundereggs you admire today are the fruits of its violent eruptions – “Volcanic Birthstones”. Ordinary on the outside, these geo treasures are stunning underneath and their layers tell the story of an incredible geo journey.
Another treasure waiting to be discovered is the historic gold mining town of Mount Morgan (one of the richest mines of its time).
Another treasure waiting to be discovered is the historic gold mining town of Mount Morgan (one of the richest mines of its time).
Hundreds of Millions of Years Ago gold was brought to the outer layers of the Earth’s crust by ancient volcanoes. The historic town of Mount Morgan is a short drive south-west of Rockhampton and home to one of the oldest mines in Australia.
Gold was discovered in 1870 and was mined for 99 years yielding a total of 225 000 kg of gold, 50 000 kg of silver, and 360 000 tonnes of copper. As Rockhampton was the nearest navigable port, thousands of miners, along with many other business people, rushed to the region hoping to find their fortune.
As a result, visitors today will be in awe of Rockhampton’s impressive colonial architecture that can be seen throughout the city’s CBD riverside precinct.
These days, Rockhampton is a proud city offering classy restaurants and cafes, whilst still embracing its vibrant history.
You can relive some of this history with Time Safaris Tours who hosts a historic night walk through the dark alleys of the city, sharing stories of the Rockhampton gold heists that created Sherlock Holmes and modern forensics, and the bizarre and true history of Jack the Ripper’s connection to Australia and Rockhampton.
Fertile soils, fossicking for treasures and dramatically stunning coastlines and islands aren’t the only gifts to be bestowed on this beautiful part of Queensland…
The area is also home to the award winning Capricorn Caves. This same volcanic activity cracked the region’s ancient limestone forming exposed ridges, and rainfall over millions of years eventually crafted the labyrinth of limestone caverns.
This ancient playground can be explored via daily guided tours and is suitable for all ages and abilities.
The Capricorn Caves are a living laboratory displaying dramatic climate change. Evidence of these changes can be seen in the stunning rock formations, their inhabitants and the fossils of creatures who did not survive.
There are also some roar-some discoveries to be made along the Tropic of Capricorn.
Get up close and personal with the magnificent prehistoric beasts at Koorana Crocodile Farm. Here you can see these ancient archosaurs in action.
Marvel at more of yester year’s Jurassic with a visit to Capricorn Dinosaur Park, where you can experience the incredible world of dinosaurs. With 35 life sized replicas across a 1 kilometre walk, an educational dinosaur fossil dig, 18-hole mini golf, and a picnic and playground area, it’s the perfect setting to rewind millions of years back in time.
The Tropic of Capricorn showcases the results of an incredible geo journey that has seen species irradiated, sceneries transformed, and time buried in layers and folds.
What remains is a living museum, a country embedded with great mineral wealth and tell-tale fossils.
Discover spectacular landscapes that whisper of another world- reminding us that true beauty does indeed come from beneath.
Explore the Tropic of Capricorn’s, Capricorn Coast Region and discover the secrets of the ages in the treasures atop and layers below.
‘It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.’ Henri David Thoreau, (Author & Philosopher)
