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Date: May 2006
Location: Central Queensland Australia
Take in the Capricorn Region’s natural attractions and discover white sands, majestic limestone caves and rugged hinterland… Damien Condon discovers this is Queensland at its best.
From Rockhampton to the Capricorn Coastal town of Yeppoon is an easy 35-minute drive. It’s also the jumping-off point for Great Keppel Island.
Take the ferry across to the island where hosts Geoff and Diana Mercer pick guests up in their white Suzuki Sierra.
From here it’s on to Great Keppel Island Holiday Village, a tropical oasis nestled among the palm and gum trees. A million miles away from the worries of everyday life, the village is only 55km from the bustling regional centre of Rockhampton and 15km across the bay from Yeppoon.
Swing from a hammock outside your own tent, room, cabin or house. The variety of accommodation lets you choose an option to suit the budget, all just metres from the water.
If you’re feeling a little more active, grab a snorkel set from reception (you can keep it the length of your stay) and explore some of the coral reefs and rock outcrops under the crystal-clear water.
Take a hike and check out some of the island’s 17 beaches, jump in a motorised canoe, paddle about in a sea kayak or try a scuba dive.
The next of the region’s natural jewels, are the limestone formations of the Capricorn Caves.
Heading inland from Yeppoon you can travel straight to the caves or stay the night in Rocky and make a day trip.
Cave activities range from easy walks and wheelchair accessible pathways to full-on caving adventures.
The caves’ caravan park and cabins, nestled amongst the bush, is a peaceful spot to relax after a day’s exploring. The property has gained advanced level eco-tourism accreditation, allowing visitors to enjoy the native flora and fauna in first class facilities.
To experience a slice of rural Australian life head to Myella Farmstay, 125km south west of Rockhampton.
The trip is an easy drive if you have a car. If not, Myella’s shuttle service will pick you up from a pre-arranged location, or wherever you are staying in Rockhampton.
Myella offers the chance to experience a 2500 acre, working cattle property. You can sit back and enjoy the tranquillity of the bush or get your hands dirty.
Get on a horse or a motorbike, feed the livestock, fix a fence or learn to crack a whip. At night share a home-cooked meal and chat with owners Peter, Olive and Lyn Eather in the outdoor dining area, surrounded by the Aussie bush
After dinner Peter regales visitors with his bush balladry and wicked sense of humour or takes his telescope out to explain the constellations in the night sky.
Hot tips
When travelling around the Capricorn Region, Rockhampton is an excellent base for a lot of different experiences. The cosmopolitan regional hub has a range of attractions, accommodation and eateries.
The Coffee House Luxury Apartment Motel on the corner of Bolsover and William streets offers accommodation including spa suites and one-bedroom apartments.
Their fully-licensed café and wine bar uses locally sourced produce when preparing modern Australian cuisine. Excellent Merlo coffee and a wonderful range of boutique, premium quality wines are also available.
Or drop your bags at the Ascot Stonegrill Backpackers in Musgrave Street. The Ascot is close to all amenities, has a heap of deals and offers pick up and drop off services about town.
The Ascot Stonegrill Restaurant offers a range of dishes including beef, seafood, pork and even crocodile! All brought out sizzling on 400-degree volcanic stones to be cooked to your liking.
Visit
http://www.coffeehouse.com.au or call (07) 4927 5722
http://www.ascothotel.com.au or call (07) 4922 4719
Getting there
Connections are available from any major Australian city and Qantaslink, Virgin Blue and Jetstar all offer direct flights from Rockhampton to Brisbane daily. Take the Tilt Train to Rockhampton enjoying the nine-hour journey in complete comfort, or catch a comfortable Greyhound-Australia coach.
Visit
http://www.qantas.com.au
http://www.jetstar.com.au
http://www.virginblue.com.au
http://www.traveltrain.com.au
http://www.greyhound.com.au
Staying and playing there
http://www.capricorntourism.com.au
http://www.gkiholidayvillage.com.au
http://www.capricorncaves.com.au
http://www.users.bigpond.com/myella
Ideas
http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au
http://www.driveqld.com.au
- By Damien Condon
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