
| Capricorn Coast
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It's easy to overlook the charms of the Capricorn Coast in central Queensland, given that even the most well-researched tourist couldn't identify where it is. One of the absolute charms of this region is, in fact, its low tourism profile. Visitors will find that crowds don't exist, tables at the best restaurants don't need to be booked weeks ahead, and it's easy to find a beach untroubled by others' footprints. So where exactly is the Capricorn Coast? The name comes from its latitude, straddling as it does the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5 degrees South of the Equator. This line of latitude marks the split between the consistently warm climate of the Tropics and the Southern Temperate Zone. Essentially, it's the area surrounding Rockhampton, or more particularly for water babies, Yeppoon and the majestic cruising grounds on the central coast of Qld. It encompasses the Keppel Islands, the jewel in the crown of the region, but also nearby is the Bunker Group (Lady Musgrave Island) Pearl Bay, Island Head Creek and Port Clinton. |
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Where to Berth Your Boat? The best way to explore the coast once your vessel is docked is with a hire car and Budget has great rates (starting from $45 per day at time of writing Nov08). They have depots at Rockhampton Airport as well as the Capricorn Resort north of Yeppoon. They will deliver by prior arrangement to Keppel Bay Marina Link to Budget site, you'll just need to drop the driver back to the resort. Which is a great opportunity to explore the coast north of Yeppoon. In fact, if you want to leave your vessel for a day or two, why not spend the night at beachfront Capricorn Resort? Particularly if you have children to entertain, you'll find plenty of good clean, safe fun here that won't break the cruising kitty and will keep the kids busy enough during the day to ensure they're completely worn out come bedtime. Dinner at Tsuruya Japanese Restaurant is highly recommended, though the wine list prices get a little ahead of themselves. |
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While you're in the area, make sure you visit Nob Creek Pottery for highly acclaimed pottery, art and gifts in a glorious rainforest gallery. Steve Bishopric and Sue McBurnie produce fine pottery in the traditional style, utilising an enormous oriental style kiln. |
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Up Close and Personal with Crocodiles If it's unique gifts you're looking for, you'd be hard pressed to bypass the stunning crocodile skin purses at Koorana Crocodile Farm. About 30 mins drive southwest of Yeppoon, Koorana was the first crocodile farm set-up in Qld and boasts over 3000 on the farm. Do the guided tour and watch the seemingly quiet ponds erupt with gnashing jaws and swishing tails as the crocs emerge from their seeming lethargy. Frightening creatures they are, the guided tour endeavours to paint a positive picture of these misunderstood reptiles. It's fascinating observing the trust that the guide displays as he turns his back on a 1000kg reptile to thank us for visiting the farm. The café here serves, not surprisingly, croc meat in many different guises, and is well worth giving the taste buds a little tickle. Crocodile can be tough textured meat: try the crocodile pie, which has the meat minced in a curry sauce. You'll also have the opportunity to handle a young croc: handling one of these delicate creatures, it's easy to understand John Lever's passion for conservation and preservation. |
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Just a horse whisper across the road from the Horse & Carriage, you'll find more transport history on display, though with a faster, funkier theme. Award winning Champions Brock Experience began as a private collection collated by Peter Champion, a long time friend of Peter Brock. Opened to the public in 2007 and designed in collaboration with the late Peter Brock, it is the largest collection of Peter Brock race and road cars, plus memorabilia in the country. Make sure you visit coincides with the daily sound and light show to enjoy the full experience of this motor racing legend who Bathhurst an astounding nine times. It's hard not to take heed of that advice as you return to your vessel at Keppel Bay Marina. The Capricorn Coast has proved to be a delightful surprise, with the passion of its local people the absolute highlight of visiting a region untarnished by mass tourism. |
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