Archive for the Category »Capricorn Coast «

The Capricorn Coast of Queensland
Wednesday, October 19th, 2011 /

How did the Capricorn Coast of Queensland get its name? It has nothing to do with astrology: its because of its geographic location on the Tropic of Capricorn. If you know anything about the Tropic of Capricorn, you will know that it marks the southernmost tropical latitude. This makes for an ideal tropical climate, being a little cooler than many other hot and humid tropical locations. In Queensland, Keppel Bay is crossed by this invisible line and the coastal regions and islands surrounding Keppel Bay are the Capricorn Coast.

Cooee Bay, looking south to Wreck Point

Yeppoon’s population of sixteen thousand won’t appeal to you if you are looking for a Gold Coast style tropical vacation. If you are looking for a laid back tropical vacation in a place that has just enough restaurants, bars and cafes to satisfy your appetite but an absence of all the annoying hype and hustle, then you will love Yeppoon and its community.

That’s not to say that the lucky locals in Yeppoon aren’t there to help make your stay enjoyable. On the contrary, they welcome visitors and will go out of their way to make sure your holiday is a memorable one. If you are the type of person who welcomes a pretentious atmosphere and overpriced meals and attractions, then Yeppoon is not the place for you. In Yeppoon, you can enjoy a great meal at a delightful alfresco sidewalk café just a short stroll away from a tranquil beach and the turquoise sea, but your day won’t be spoiled when your friendly local waitress delivers your bill.

Yeppoon

If even Yeppoon is too big and busy for you, there are many other smaller Capricorn Coast communities to choose from. Many visitors like to stay in or around Rosslyn, because that is where the boat harbour is and the ferry crosses over to Great Keppel Island. All the action in Rosslyn is cantered around the harbour. Step away from the harbour and you can have the long, pristine Kemp Beach almost all to yourself or you can go a little further south and explore Bluff Point National Park on its well maintained walking track.

Even if you’ve never heard of the Capricorn Coast or aren’t sure where it is, you have probably heard of Great Keppel Island. Of all the islands on or near the Great Barrier Reef, Great Keppel has the distinction of being the easiest to get to and the most affordable. What it lacks in 5 Star resorts designed for millionaires, it more than makes up for by having everything you go to a tropical island for – beautiful pearly sands, crystal clear waters, stunning reefs and stunning natural surroundings. You don’t need to jump through hoops to get there, either. Just hop about the ferry in Rosslyn and you’ll be on Great Keppel Island in around half an hour.

Great Keppel Island

It doesn’t matter where you decide to stay, you will love your Capricorn Coast accommodation. It’s easy to find your way around and whether or on the mainland or on Great Keppel Island, you will be on the idyllic Capricorn Coast of Queensland. For a tropical getaway the way it’s meant to be, visit the Capricorn Coast.

Category: Capricorn Coast  Tags: ,  Leave a Comment
Paradise In Down Under, The Gladstone Region
Tuesday, September 07th, 2010 /

Queensland is a majestic work of art coming from Nature. Its unscathed scenic beauty has earned it as the most sought tourist spots in the world. It is world-renowned inviting various walks of life to enjoy and savor the finest preserved nature. The preservation of the Great Barrier Reef proves that its settlers are serious in their goal to achieve a more harmonious and greener world. Undoubtedly it is a part of the wonders of the modern world. There are other unexplored terrains in this state one of which is the Gladstone region.

Gladstone Admittedly this harbor city is a paradise unknown to many. Located in the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef, its majestic scenery is exemplified outstanding lake shores, poignant scenery and long beaches. It is also a home to a variety of national parks for those who would want to experience the great outback. The spirit of nature can greatly reflect on the breathtaking peaks of Mt. Castle tower National Park. Amazingly this ragged beauty that provides recreational escape and rejuvenating soul for both its settlers and tourists.

The Port City to the World is also the Engine Room of Industry for Queensland. It production of alumina is the largest in the world. No wonder its economy is stable despite industrial economic crisis. Queensland has maintained a stable spot in the industry of trade, investment and commerce. There are a number of good Gladstone Accommodation options available.

Historically Captain James Cook and his crew were enticed with its sub- tropical weather setting foot on this land in 1770. It is an ideal getaway towards outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, boating and surfing. These are just a few of the activities you can do year-round in this once called ghost town. Currently tourists are encouraged to join sport fishing to appreciate its marine abundance. The most sought fishes would be the red emperor fish, Spanish mackerel and coral trout. One can fish near the reef where they are mostly located. Obviously the development of this charter boats departure point has grown dynamically in a progressive town.

Lake Awoonga Most tourists could not wait to go to Lake Awoonga. This inland waterway in between Calliope and Dawes Ranges is a home to the most renowned barramundi. The large plateau also serves as a home to 300,000 fishes and 200 species of birds. There is also recreation areas where you can go for swimming and hiking. If you are lucky you might get free barbecues.

National parks have been maintained to add to its cinematic experience. The vast region is covered with evergreens and unexplored areas. Exploring it can be rejuvenate the soul and clear our minds. Its coastal topography excites nature lovers thus they often consider four-wheel drive racing in its uneven terrain.

Australians are good caretakers of our environment. Preserving marine life has been the passion of this city. Museums and sanctuaries were established throughout Queensland to preserve endangered marine species including turtles. No wonder its white shores is filled with unscathed eggs and turtle hatch-ling.

The natural beauty of Queensland amazingly has withstood the change towards modernization. Despite the existence of technology the legacy of maintaining the best of Nature has lived throughout the ancestry. It is a complete balance of nature and technology.

Category: Capricorn Coast  Tags: , , ,  Leave a Comment
A Travellers guide to historic Rockhampton in Queensland Australia
Monday, August 16th, 2010 /

Head north from the Tropic of Capricorn and you will find the quaint and lovely Queensland city of Rockhampton. Resting along the Fitzroy River banks, these were once lands occupied by the Darumbal Aborigines in ancient times. European settlement touched this area of Australia in 1854 when two brothers named William and Charles Archer found it while conducting a search for suitable grazing land.

The grazing industry dominates the economy of the city even in modern times. The city embraces its reputation as the Beef Capital of Queensland and proudly displays statues of the bull breeds that figure into the local economy in prominent locations about town.

The highest concentration of office buildings, both government and corporate, is situated in the central business district. Tree lined streets separate buildings designed and built during pioneer days using the colonial architecture that was so prevalent at the time. More than two dozen buildings of historical significance including the Supreme Court, the Customs House and Heritage Tavern can be seen on the walking tour that meanders through town.

The subtropical climate beckons to those who enjoy spending time outdoors. With more than three hundred days of sunshine every year there is plenty of time to explore the surrounding areas. Native animals and plants can be found at nearby Mount Archer National Park and the panoramic city view is worth the hike to the summit.

Opened in 1988, the Cliff Kershaw Gardens sits on the former location for the city rubbish yard. A massive make over brought in flora native to the central region of Queensland. A man made waterfall sits alongside the highway and is dramatically lit after dark.

Capricorn Caves The privately owned Olsens Capricorn Caves has been open to public viewing since 1884. The amazing limestone caverns were discovered by John Olsen, a Norwegian immigrant, in 1882 and they represent Queensland’s oldest tourist attraction.

For a trip back in time, visit Rockhampton Heritage Village where you will experience pioneer life dating back in time from the era that spanned 1850 to 1950. Tours are led by guides dressed in period costume and include stops at various shops demonstrating the ancient trades like blacksmithing and woodcutting. Guests are even invited to stop by the village schoolhouse and attend a class.

The Darambal Aborigines originally occupied the land now used by the Dreamtime Cultural Centre. Along the northern creek bank, the outdoor areas feature a large waterfall and native plants along with the main building. Guided tours through the Torres Strait Islander’s Complex focuses on the lifestyle and ancient beliefs shared by native people. Boomerang lessons, dance demonstrations and didgeridoo performances highlight the various activities found at the Centre. Stop by the Aboriginal Traditional area to view replica rock art and gunyahs along with burial and ceremonial sites. A native plant exhibit and sandstone cave recreations are set up as self guided tours to allow you to explore at your own pace.

From historic sites to relaxing outdoor gardens tours, take advantage of all that that the gateway to the Capricorn Coast has to offer in sunny Rockhampton. If planning a trip to this area visit our website to find some great Rockhampton accommodation options.

Category: Capricorn Coast  Tags: , ,  Leave a Comment