We have visited Yeppoon on the Capricorn Coast (the Tropic of Capricorn Is slightly south of the Yeppoon) in 2015 after Cyclone Marcia had hit. In 2015 the town was still reeling with many places closed due to storm damage, but Yeppoon has been rebuilt including a ‘lagoon’ (public pool) on the foreshore with many restaurants and bars. The tropical islands of the Keppel group lie a short ferry ride off the coast and are part of the southern Great Barrier Reef. A lovely place to hide for 2 weeks during school holidays as we trundle back to Brisbane.
On 16/09/2021 we drove the short distance to Yeppoon. I was a tad unsure about the caravan park as the reviews were not great. However, I am so happy to report that the park is just what we needed: no kids (as no pool etc), small, on a quiet road but a 10 minute walk into town, with clean and plentiful amenities.
Most days were spent on cleaning the van ready for sale early October. However, we had a few days out and about in the local area.
On 18/09/2021 Paul went on a dive boat out of Great Keppel Island which is a 30 min ferry ride from Yeppoon. Keppel Dive is a good operation with a purpose built boat. Paul had two shallow dives, water was a bit cold, but the coral at Great Keppel is amazing. He spotted a big turtle and 2 wobbygong sharks in great visibility despite the recent coral spawn. The best part of the day was when his young female dive buddy told him he was a ‘beautiful diver’. He was very chuffed! The pub called Hideaway on Great Keppel looks like a great spot on a sunny day, so we plan to return.
On 19/09/2021 we went for a scenic drive south from Yeppoon to Emu Park. There are a series of beaches along the Capricorn Coast: Cooee, Lammermoor, Kemp, Mulambin and Kinka. All have fabulous views of the Keppel chain of islands. First stop was at Wreck Point Lookout where the wreck of the Selina beached, then onto Rosslyn Bay for the ‘lookout’ walks. Lastly we arrived at Emu Park which has an amazing WW1 memorial walk with information boards about locals who volunteered to fight. Australia does war memorials so well. A lovely day out.
On 22/09/2021 we both went to Great Keppel for the day. Well, it should have been the day but, it was blowing a gale so Paul’s diving was cancelled and we both decided to leave early. A tad disappointing but the right decision.
On 23/09/2021 we went for a walk at Bluff Point. A 3km walk up a bluff which has lookouts south (towards Emu Park), north (towards Rosslyn Bay) and to sea (Keppel Islands). Spectacular views. Although there were streaks of coral spawn (full moon yesterday) the water was so clear we saw a turtle.
On 25/09/2021 we both went to Great Keppel for the day. What a beautiful day. I went for a walk to Long Beach (which I found was a nudist beach when I got there. Why?!?!). It was a tough walk up and down sand dunes. I was pretty tired when I got back and really enjoyed sitting in the shade reading waiting for Paul to return. Paul enjoyed both of his dives on which he saw a beautiful array of coral. After a late lunch we caught the ferry back.
On 27/09/2021 we drove to the Mount Archer National Park near Rockhampton. The road winds up to an amazing 360 degree lookout including a view of Rockhampton to the west. We walked the short circuit and then tried to find the longer walk we’d read about but it was closed. Very annoying but still an enjoyable day trip.
On 30/09/2021 we sadly leave Yeppoon for our final leg to Brisbane. We have one night at Gin Gin Showgrounds before arriving at Scarborough on 01/10/2021. Unfortunately our Brisbane caravan park has closed and Scarborough is the closest decent caravan park near our Nundah unit. We stay in Scarborough for a week and then deliver the caravan to a dealer to sell for us (loving a plan that comes together).
