By Trish Bowman
With school holidays on our doorstep once again there is no time like the present to revisit our own backyard which holds an abundance of things to see and do.
Enjoy the ambience of the Capricorn Coast with free activities ranging from beach activities, bike rides and an abundance of walking trails to discover.
Yeppoon foreshore is a favourite spot with the Yeppoon Lagoon, children’s zero depth water play at the Keppel Kraken, the ever-popular skate park and plenty of beach and parks to play.
Take a look at Livingstone Shire Council website for a full range of free or low coast activities to suit your family.
Talk to the animals at Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary. Be sure to catch their animal encounter at 1 pm.
Pack up the kids and pack a picnic lunch and have a great day that will have the children running around with excitement.
Jurassic Fun is located adjacent to Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, Capricorn Dinosaur Park Mini Golf is ready to provide a ‘hole’ lot of fun.
Featuring an impressive 18-hole dinosaur-themed mini golf course with 10 life-sized prehistoric beasts sitting proudly among the natural environment, the Capricorn Coast’s newest attraction is the ultimate putt-putt experience on the Coast.
Have fun in the sun island style and spend the day (or longer) at Great Keppel Island where
there’s something for the whole family from exploring the fringing reefs, having a friendly game of beach cricket, wading in the ocean, hiking to the lookout or simply relaxing.
Pack a picnic or grab a bite to eat on the island at Great Keppel Island Hideaway.
If your children have outgrown sandcastles, then you can enjoy snorkelling, paddleboards, kayaks and SUPs with Great Keppel Island watersports and activities.
Snap up a good feed and take a tour at Queensland’s first crocodile farm Koorana.
You’ll be surprised about the things you didn’t know about crocodiles from your very knowledgeable guide.
Have you ever wondered what crocodile meat tasted like? Try some crocodile meat in a crocodile pie, crocodile kebabs and crocodile ribs which are just a few of the delicious dishes on offer.
Rockhampton Zoo and gardens is another must visit, take a picnic and settle in for the day.
Take a visit to Capricorn Caves where you can step back in time nestled in the dry rainforest is this hidden natural attraction.
Look closely and you’ll see a very rare and special fern growing in the caves.
There is also the Rockhampton Heritage Village which is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Let off some steam at Archer Park Rail Museum which has multiple exhibitions associated with railways and the Rockhampton Council Tramways from 1899.
Rollingstock, including the Purrey Steam tram, and rail memorabilia have been collected from a variety of sources including private collectors, former rail workers, the Friends of Archer Park, and Queensland Rail.
A revolutionary digital soundscape system of sound effects and commentary enhances the experience as you wind your way through the authentic exhibitions.
Rockhampton Regional Council website also has a calendar of activities to enjoy this holiday season.
Hit thunder road just a short 40-minute drive from Rockhampton to Mt Hay Gemstone Tourist Park.
This is a wonderful place for families to try their hand at fossicking and learn the wonders of the ‘Thunder Egg’.
Thunder eggs or ‘volcanic birthstones’ are crystalline formations that occur when gas bubbles in molten lava solidify on cooling.
They look like normal rocks but once cut in half they reveal beautiful patterns of semi-precious minerals inside that can be made up of quartz, amethyst, agate and jasper.
Get on the water with an exciting day on Keppel Bay aboard one of our local vessels.
Jump onboard Freedom Fast Cats for a full day Adventure Cruise, weave your way across Keppel Bay’s National Park Islands with Keppel Explorer, soak up the sun with Funtastic Cruises, get beneath the surface with Keppel Dive and Snorkel, or spend a day fishing with Double Threat Charters or Reel fishing CQ.
Right across the region we have an abundance of fabulous cafes and restaurants to discover with friendly hospitality right at your finger-tips to enjoy.
We also have an amazing array of local talent from musicians to artisans so don’t forget to take in the local markets while you are out and about on the weekend.