Capricorn Coast National Park

Stretching along the sapphire Queensland coastline between Yeppoon and Emu Park, Capricorn Coast National Park is a patchwork of secluded coves, headland walking tracks, and pockets of remnant coastal rainforest. The park protects a dramatic landscape of volcanic headlands and sandy beaches, offering sweeping views of the Keppel Islands and the South Pacific. It’s a place where the bush meets the sea, and where you can swim in calm bays, spot sea eagles wheeling overhead, and explore the region’s Indigenous and colonial history.

Highlights & What to See

• Double Head – A striking rocky headland with a lookout offering panoramic views over the Keppel Bay islands. The short walk here is rewarding at sunrise or sunset.
• Bluff Point – A longer coastal walk (3.2 km one way) that weaves through open forest and along cliff tops, with frequent whale sightings (June–November).
• Wreck Beach – A secluded sandy cove accessible via a short trail from the park’s main car park. Great for a quiet swim; the remains of the SS Gothenburg lie offshore.
• Emu Park’s Singing Ship – Just outside the park, this whimsical memorial to Captain Cook emits eerie tones when the wind blows through its pipes.
• Indigenous Cultural Sites – Several shell middens and scar trees near the headlands hint at the Darumbal people’s long connection to this coast.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend half a day exploring the main headland walks and beaches, but if you have a full day, you can tackle the longer Bluff Point track and still have time for a picnic lunch overlooking the ocean. The park is compact enough to combine with a morning in Yeppoon and an afternoon drive to Emu Park. For a relaxed pace, arrive early to secure a car park and enjoy the trails before the heat builds.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Yeppoon – The main gateway town, with a lively esplanade, cafes, and the ferry terminal for Great Keppel Island.
• Great Keppel Island – A 30-minute ferry ride from Yeppoon; spend a day snorkeling, walking, or relaxing on its white-sand beaches.
• Emu Park – A charming seaside village with a historic jetty, the Singing Ship, and the start of the Capricorn Coast National Park’s southern section.
• Rockhampton – The regional hub, 40 minutes inland, known for its heritage architecture and as a gateway to the Capricorn Caves.
• Byfield National Park – A lush rainforest park north of Yeppoon, with towering hoop pines, freshwater swimming holes, and the scenic Waterpark Creek.

Please check official sources for current details.