At Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary our friends become yours. Enjoy a day with our friendly residents. Pet, feed and interact with kangaroos, koalas, possums, birds, snakes, reptiles, and a whole lot more! Cooberrie Park is a wildlife sanctuary and takes care of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife that are then rehabilitated and released back to the wild. These animals are victims of car hits, dog and cat attacks, along with birds falling out of nests, sick and abandoned animals. Once recuperated, Cooberrie Park permanently houses wildlife that can’t be released back to the wild and houses rescued animals from all across Australia, including animals from the RSPCA along with confiscated illegal wildlife. Location: 9 Stones Road, Yeppoon, Capricorn Coast , Queensland 4703

Keppel Kraken is a free to access water play feature on the Yeppoon foreshore. With sea creature sculptures adorning the zero depth wet area and set against the spectacular backdrop of Keppel Bay. Featuring a host of interactive elements including water cannons, jets and an umbrella bucket, the Keppel Kraken is heaps of fun for families with young kids. Timber decks and custom-made picnic tables are available to enjoy a summer barbecue while the kids make the most of the play area. It’s great to sit at even if you’re not swimming. The water jets spraying constantly creates a cool atmosphere that is perfect during the summer months. Families looking for a place to dip into the water can make their way south about 500 meters to the Yeppoon Lagoon. The lagoon has varying water levels as well as a zero-depth play area to suit the smallest of the crew.

The Yeppoon Lagoon is the jewel in the crown of the Yeppoon foreshore precinct. The 2500 square-metre resort style lagoon pool is located right on the beach front and includes a shallow children’s play area, an informal lap swimming area and a swim-up infinity edge with stunning views over the Keppel Islands.

With coastal views from nearly every part of these seaside villages, a trip to Yeppoon isn’t complete without throwing down your towel on one (or more) of its picture-perfect beaches. Yeppoon Main Beach is a great spot for a dip before a feast at one of the waterside cafes: breakfast at Keppel Bay Sailing Club is a local favourite. Lammermoor Beach is one of the most popular in the area with over two kilometres of sand to explore, before grabbing fish and chips from Sea Breeze Servo and Takeaway. Explore Kemp Beach at low tide, then take Bluff Point Track to Turtle Lookout for panoramic coastal views and whale watching. With wide open beaches lapped by the calm, gentle waters of Keppel Bay, Kinka Beach, just 15 minutes’ drive south of Yeppoon, is the perfect seaside destination for families. And if you have a 4WD, 17km of sand awaits you on Farnborough Beach. 4WD access to the beach is at Bangalee, and dogs are allowed off leash from Bangalee boat ramp onwards to Barwell Creek.

There are 27 islands off this stretch of coastline, though one needs no introduction: Great Keppel Island. You can reach this jewel of the Keppels while on a day cruise adventure from Yeppoon with Freedom Fast Cat or Sail Capricornia. Explore private coves, snorkel coral reefs, laze about in the azure waters with turtles and dolphins and visit secluded beaches. Freedom Fast Cat also offers boomnetting and a glass bottom boat tour. If you’re short on time, set sail into the bay on a sunset cruise with Sail Capricornia. Wind in hair, wine (and cheese) in hand is the best way to watch the sun go down. If you want to stay out here a little longer (and there’s plenty of reasons why you should), take the 30 minute ferry ride with Keppel Konnections and check into barefoot paradise at Great Keppel Island Hideaway. The resort offers cabin style accommodation, licensed bar and restaurant overlooking the Great Barrier Reef, 17 beaches to discover and plenty of bushwalking tracks too. There’s some great dive sites nearby to explore the reef as well.

YEPP Brewing Co will have you living the island life with just one sip. Independently owned, YEPP Brewing Co’s beers are imagined for Queensland’s sunny, tropical climate, where long summers rule. No matter where you are in the world, summer is just a sip away. The next time someone asks the question, you know the answer… YEPP, beer please. Location: YEPP Brewing Co. 6 Macadamia Drive, Hidden Valley, Queensland 4703

Being the Beef Capital of Australia it’s pretty much a prerequisite that everyone visiting Rockhampton take a selfie with one of the city’s famous bull statues. You’ll spot them dotted around the city, usually on the median strips of the major roads. However, you can easily and safely walk up to the one at Frank Ford Park, which is only a few minutes’ drive away from the Rockhampton Zoo and Botanic Gardens. If you have time, why not take the full Where’s the Beef? bull statue tour!

Location: Directions to Mount Etna Caves National Park Self-guided and guided tours take you through dry rainforest ecosystem and limestone caves and outcrops. You can even take a Bat Cleft Tour along the Mount Etna Walk, and learn about one of the largest maternity sites for little bent-wing bats. The Mount Etna Walk is closed to independent walkers from 1 November to the end of February for bat breeding season. You can still take the Bat Cleft Tour during this time. Tip: the viewing platform above is on the Mount Etna Walk. To get to this walk, you need to travel along Rossmoya Road and turn left after the sign. See the National Parks map for further directions. Cammoo Circuit| Easy | 600m distance, allow 45 minutes Mount Etna Walk | Moderate | 2.4km return, allow 1 hour Bat Cleft Tours | Moderate | 2.4km return, allow 3 hours

Officially opened in September 1988 as part of Australia’s bicentenary celebrations, Kershaw Gardens is a spacious and picturesque parkland that stretches for one kilometre along the Bruce Highway. A circuited walking track is the perfect way to explore the park with paths winding past wetlands, through rainforests’ and a picture-perfect waterfall. The central precinct also sports a sensational playground with swings, play equipment, a monorail and artificial waterway. From an amazing five-level webbed obstacle orb to the more sensory experience of following the flow of a representational Fitzroy River (Tunuba), where families can paddle and play, there are an abundance of opportunities for active and immersive family fun. Check out our blog on ‘Everything you need to know about Kershaw Gardens’ for a full list of things to do when visitin Location: Moores Creek Road, Rockhampton | 2km from the Rockhampton CBD

Celebrating 150 years in 2020, Rockhampton Botanic Gardens is one of the oldest and most established public gardens in Queensland. The site has been heritage listed since 1999 and is home to The Central Queensland War Memorial (The Cenotaph). Originally developed as a facility for trialling plants for their commercial potential, the Gardens today retain their historical significance with a number of iconic plantings including the 150 year old canopy of Banyan figs and avenue of Bunya pines. The rich, colourful history of the gardens expands to the tranquil Japanese Gardens, designed by leading Japanese landscape designer the late Kenzo Ogata, as part of a Treaty of Friendship signed after World War II. Open from 6am to 6pm daily, this oasis of sub-tropical specimens is a firm favourite with nature lovers. Find your zen in the peaceful surrounds of the Japanese Gardens, take a picnic lunch under the shade of the giant fig trees, bask in the glorious sunshine or take the shady route to explore the secret corners of the gardens. You can also grab a bite to eat at the Gardens Tearooms for lunch. Rockhampton Botanic Gardens also has a playground and BBQ facilities, making it the perfect spot to take the kids and enjoy the shade of the giant canopies while the kids run around on the playground. While you’re there, head along to Rockhampton Zoo which is nestled within the Gardens. With over 60 native and exotic animals to discover, including a family of seven chimpanzees, it’s sure to be a fun day out for the whole family. Location: 100 Spencer Street, Rockhampton | 4km from the Rockhampton CBD

Capricorn Caves is a multi-generational family owned attraction located 23km north of Rockhampton and just minutes off the Pacific Coast Way. The intimate Adventure Tour allows further exploration with breath-taking views from the summit and a true bucket-list experience. As an Advanced Eco-Tourism attraction Capricorn Caves is a home to an abundance of native wildlife and endangered species which you can discover on tour. Experienced local guides deliver the captivating stories of this ancient Australian landscape on small-scale interpretive tours. Set on 80 acres, the spacious fully self-contained cabins and caravan sites are perfect for a short getaway or an extended stay. Guests can enjoy the tranquillity of the bushland, re-connect with family and marvel as you stargaze upon the un-obstructed night sky. Grab a coffee and a meal at the on-site licenced café and join one of our expert guides on tours through our award-winning limestone caves. Location: 30 Olsen Caves Road, The Caves QLD

Koorana Crocodile Farm was established in 1981 as Queensland’s first commercial crocodile farm. The Lever Family has worked hard to grow the farm to a commercial level now holding over 3000 crocs. Location: 65 SAVAGES ROAD, COOWONGA, QLD, 4702 Opening Times: GATES OPEN DAILY AT 10:00AM First tour at 10:30am Second tour starting at 1:00pm Restaurant open for tour clients only from 12:00pm to 1:00pm Gates Close at 3pm

Mount Hay Gemstone Tourist Park is located approximately 30 mins west of Rockhampton on the Capricorn Highway at Wycarbah, Queensland. The park consists of a fossicking area, gift shop, pewter casting workshops, small camping ground including powered caravan sites, basic amenities including toilets & hot showers, washing machine and BBQ and picnic areas. Established in 1974 to allow visitors to dig their own Thundereggs and spherulitic Rhyolite, the Mount Hay Gemstone Tourist Park remains a popular destination for fossickers seeking these curious volcanic formations. Opening Times: Open 7 days a week: 9:00am – 4:30pm Closed in footwear MUST be worn when fossicking – no exceptions! Prices: Adults – $30 Seniors – $27 Kids(5-17) – $15 Under 5s – $5 Family Rate(2+2 or more) – 10% off total price We also cater for Student Groups! Email us for more info. Bookings are required. Location: Mt Hay Gemstone Tourist Park, 3665 Capricorn Highway, Wycarbah QLD 4702

One of the most popular stops for visitors to Central Queensland, step back in time and marvel at original and reproduction buildings as well as memorabilia and artefacts portraying life in the region from the 1850s to the 1950s. The Village is set on 11.4 hectares of bush land, and incorporates a charming township from yesteryear with original and recreated homesteads, buildings and businesses. The village authentically captures a generous slice of an earlier generations way of life and is a wonderful opportunity for your whole family to learn and have fun. Experience life before electricity with a tour through many homesteads, view the many vintage cars, tractors, fire engines and horse drawn vehicles and wagons on display, watch how a 1950s print press works, and visit the Blacksmith Shop on market days and take in the traditional skills from a bygone era. You even have the opportunity to try a range of transport options including horses and ponies, a horse and cart, a vintage double decker bus, vintage fire engine and several other vintage vehicles. Location: Boundary Rd, Parkhurst | 11km from Rockhampton CBD Opening Times: The Heritage Village is open from 10am – 4pm daily (excluding public holidays). Bi-monthly, the Heritage Village Markets take place at the Heritage Village (January, March, May, July, September and November each year).

Of all the exciting sportfish we are lucky enough to have in our Australian waters, Barramundi stand out head and shoulders above the rest. This region is, without a doubt, Queensland’s premiere net free destination and one of the best Barramundi fisheries in Australia for recreational anglers.

Entry to Rockhampton Zoo is free for all guests. When visiting the Zoo, please do not wear gumboots. They can cause our animals stress and lead to injury. The welfare of our animals is our priority so you will not be permitted entry when wearing gumboots. Rockhampton Zoo is open seven days a week (including all public holidays apart from Christmas Day and Anzac Day). Our opening hours are 9.00am to 4.15pm. Please be advised that Rockhampton Zoo has a later opening time on Anzac Day, from 1.30pm to 4.15pm. Rockhampton Zoo is closed on Christmas Day.

Mount Archer (Nurim) National Park is a must see when you visit Rockhampton. Wander through the trees on the Nurim Circuit elevated treetop boardwalk, sit back and relax with a picnic in the amphitheatre, walk or hike one of the many bushwalking trails throughout the national park or take a ride on First Turkey’s mountain bike trails. At the top of the mountain, there is also a kids adventure playground where they can weave through the totem poles, jump on the trampoline or swing amongst the trees. Location: Pilbeam Drive, Rockhampton | 13km from the Rockhampton CBD

Located in the heart of Rockhampton’s CBD on the banks of the Fitzroy River (Tunaba), Rockhampton Museum of Art is alive with activity and provides modern facilities to offer you a unique venue inspired by current exhibitions and programs for any event. Whether you are looking to host your annual gala dinner, a product launch, a bespoke cocktail event or a corporate board meeting, let us help you showcase your next bespoke event at Rockhampton Museum of Art.