Capricorn Coast Explorer - Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Bundaberg
Welcome to Queensland’s Capricorn Coast, the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Spend your days exploring laid-back seaside villages and marvel at the incredible coral gardens of Great Keppel Island. Visit Mon Repos to experience the wonder of the baby turtles hatching.
6 Day Tour
Sunday 16 February - Friday 21 February 2025
Tour Cost (GST inclusive):
$2,780 per person twin share
$480 single supplement
Inclusions
- Luxury Coach Travel in our Business Class Coach
- Entry to Botanic Gardens and Zoo at Rockhampton
- Guided tour of Cathedral Cave at Capricorn Caves
- Dinner and show at Footlights Theatre Restaurant
- Great Keppel Island Coral Lunch Cruise with Freedom Fast Cats
- Lunch at Grunske’s By The River
- Guided tour and tasting at The Bundaberg Barrel
- Day entry and talk at Mon Repos Turtle Centre and evening turtle encounter
- Lunch and guided tour at Macadamias Australia
- 5 nights motel accommodation
- 5 cooked breakfasts, 5 two-course dinners, 6 lunches
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: (LD)
Brisbane to Rockhampton
Sun 16 Feb 25
Welcome to our fantastic tour to Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Bundaberg – the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. As we make our way north, we stop at Childers for lunch before arriving in Rockhampton for our first night on tour together.
Day 2 : (BLD)
Rockhampton to Yeppoon
Mon 17 Feb 25
After breakfast, we venture to the Botanic Gardens. Wander beneath the towering fig trees or sit by the peaceful ponds dotted with lily pads and swaying reeds. Also located in the gardens is the Rockhampton Zoo where we can discover more than 60 species of native and exotic animals. We head out of town for a geological delight. Feel the excitement of venturing into an ancient coral reef cave as we head into the Capricorn Caves. Be guided through the easily accessible Cathedral Cave, which will leave lasting memories of the ancient geological past, early explorers, the wonders of wildlife and special cave acoustics. Travelling to Yeppoon, keep an eye out for one of the many new street art murals adorning local walls. Tonight, we are in for a treat as we arrive at Footlights Theatre Restaurant. We not only enjoy a delicious meal, but we will also be entertained by their one-hour comedy show, giving us an evening of fun and laughter!
Day 3: (BLD)
Great Keppel Island
Tue 18 Feb 25
Today we board the Freedom Fast Cat for our incredible Coral Lunch Cruise. Our cruise will take us to the spectacular Great Keppel Island, located at the Southern Great Barrier Reef, near the Tropic of Capricorn. Boasting some of the most pristine beaches and unspoilt habitats the reef has to offer, this will be a highlight of our tour. After enjoying morning tea upon arrival to the island, we depart on a glass bottom boat for a coral viewing cruise. Be captivated by sea creatures that pass beneath our feet. The informative crew will provide expert commentary about the history behind Great Keppel Island and the surrounding marine life. We finish the day exploring the island village, browsing for souvenirs or simply relaxing on the white beach before returning to Yeppoon in the afternoon.
Day 4: (BLD)
Yeppoon to Bundaberg
Wed 19 Feb 25
We spend this morning on the coach as we travel to Bundaberg. As we drive around town, look out for the local landmark, the ‘Whaling Wall’. This is a fantastic wall mural of marine life on one of Bundaberg’s highest buildings in the town centre. On arrival we enjoy lunch at Grunske’s By The River before enjoying time at leisure in Bundaberg.
Day 5: (BLD)
Bundaberg
Thu 20 Feb 25
We start our day with a sightseeing drive as we travel to Mon Repos. The stretch of coastline supports the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles of the eastern Australian mainland and has the most significant loggerhead turtle nesting popular in the South Pacific regions. Here we visit the Turtle Centre which is dedicated to the research, protection and education of marine turtles. Returning to Bundaberg, we visit one of Australia’s working Macadamia Farms – Macadamias Australia Farm – for a guided tour and lunch. After exploring the farm, we will visit Bundaberg Barrel Brewed Drinks for their True Brew Experience Tour – an interactive tour that highlights the transformation of ginger root into the delicious Ginger Beer. We will also have a chance to sample some of their 14 flavours and, of course, have time to purchase our favourite products. This evening, we have the opportunity to return to the Mon Repos Turtle Centre for a rare and wonderful night experience. We head down to the beach where we might witness the tiny hatchings emerging from their sandy nests to scurry down the beach towards the sea. As turtles can nest and hatch at any time, Mon Repos cannot always guarantee a sighting. Remember – we are viewing wild animals in their natural environment.
Day 6: (BL)
Bundaberg to Home
Fri 21 Feb 25
With our bags packed full of memories, we begin our journey home. We stop at Tiaro for our morning tea break and to stretch our legs. Our coach will travel the scenic drive through the Mary Valley region to the picturesque township of Imbil for lunch before continuing home from a wonderful tour.