Looking for the ultimate Queensland road trip? The Pacific Coast Way – also known as Australia's Holiday Highway – connects the Gold Coast to Cairns across more than 2,000km of beaches, islands, and natural wonders.

And right in the middle lies the Capricorn Coast Region: home to Yeppoon, Rockhampton, and Great Keppel Island. Safe, affordable, and naturally stunning, it's the perfect halfway highlight on Australia's Holiday Highway.

What is Australia's Holiday Highway?

Australia's Holiday Highway celebrates the Pacific Coast Way as the nation's most iconic drive. Running from the Gold Coast to Cairns, it encourages travellers to slow down, explore more, and enjoy multi-stop itineraries packed with unique icons, natural wonders, and nostalgic road-trip charm.

Road Trip Itinerary: Gold Coast to Sunshine Coast

Your journey begins on the Gold Coast, a playground of theme parks, surf breaks, and skyline views. Drive north through Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast, where hinterland towns like Montville meet coastal icons like Noosa.

Further north, the Fraser Coast offers whale watching at Hervey Bay and access to K'gari (Fraser Island) – a World Heritage-listed sand island.

Southern Great Barrier Reef: The Capricorn Coast

As the kilometres tick by on the Pacific Coast Way, you'll reach Central Queensland and the start of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Here, the Capricorn Coast shines as the halfway hero of Australia's Holiday Highway.

Why Stop at the Capricorn Coast?

This captivating destination has surged in popularity over the past five years, offering a road trip that checks all the boxes: breathtaking coastal views, lush rainforests, charming towns, and unforgettable adventures. View your sample itinerary for exploring the Capricorn Coast.

Rockhampton: Queensland's River City
The riverside city of Rockhampton is the gateway to the Capricorn Coast. A picturesque and historic city on the Fitzroy River and Central Queensland's cultural hub. Wander along the Nurrim Circuit Skywalk at Mount Archer National Park, explore the region's 'wild side' at the Capricorn Caves, fossick for gems at Mount Hay Tourist Park, or reel in a barramundi right in the city centre. Yearly events like Rockhampton River Festival and Capricorn Food & Wine Festival make Rocky a must-stop for culture and community.

Yeppoon and the Keppel Islands
Relax at Yeppoon's iconic swimming Lagoon, stroll its foreshore exploring coastal boutiques and classy eateries, or take a ferry from Rosslyn Bay to Great Keppel Island. With 17 pristine beaches and fringing reefs, it's the ultimate island escape just 30 minutes offshore.

Nature Adventures in Byfield
A short drive north, Byfield and Byfield National Park offers rainforest trails, 4WD sand dunes, and freshwater swimming holes like Upper Stony Creek. Learn more about How to spend a day in Byfield.

Wildlife Encounters
Meet kangaroos, koalas, and cassowaries at Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, or join a day-cruise in Keppel Bay to spot dolphins, turtles, and dugongs. For an educational experience for all the senses check-out Koorana Crocodile Farm.

Food & Drink
The region's foodie scene is growing fast. Taste Capricorn Coast celebrates craft brewers like Crimson Finch, award-winning distillers, and farmers markets filled with local produce. It's affordable, authentic, and full of flavour.

Continuing North: Mackay to Cairns 

Once you've enjoyed the Capricorn Coast, continue north. Spot wallabies on the beach at Cape Hillsborough near Mackay, sail the Whitsundays, explore Magnetic Island from Townsville, and relax in Mission Beach before reaching tropical Cairns, gateway to Far North Queensland.

Why Choose the Capricorn Coast on Your Road Trip?

The Capricorn Coast captures everything travellers want from Australia's Holiday Highway:

• Safe and welcoming coastal communities
• Value-for-money accommodation and experiences
• Beaches, islands, rainforest, and rivers all close by
• Local food, drink, and authentic Queensland culture
• Unique adventures like caves, fossicking, fishing, and skywalks

Start Your Holiday Highway Adventure

It's never been easier to explore the Pacific Coast Way. So pack the car, gather your family and friends, and hit the road. With icons, natural wonders, and nostalgic charm around every corner, there's no better time to discover Australia's Holiday Highway – and the Capricorn Coast is waiting to welcome you along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions about Australia's Holiday Highway

1. What is Australia's Holiday Highway?
   Australia's Holiday Highway is the Queensland Government and Tourism and Events Queensland campaign promoting the Pacific Coast Way – the 2,000km coastal road trip from the Gold Coast to Cairns. It celebrates Queensland's beaches, islands, and natural icons as the nation's ultimate drive holiday. Learn more on Queensland.com.
2. What is the best halfway stop between the Gold Coast and Cairns?
   The Capricorn Coast Region – including Yeppoon, Rockhampton, and Great Keppel Island – is the perfect halfway stop. Safe, affordable, and naturally stunning, it's where you'll find reef-fringed islands, national parks, and Central Queensland culture. Plan your Capricorn Coast stopover.
   
   
3. What makes the Capricorn Coast unique on a Queensland road trip?
   Few regions combine so much in one place: snorkelling at Great Keppel Island, sky-high views on the Nurrim Circuit at Mount Archer, limestone adventures at the Capricorn Caves, fossicking at Mount Hay Tourist Park, and barramundi fishing on the Fitzroy River – all within easy reach.
   
   
4. Is the Capricorn Coast a family-friendly destination?
   Yes – families love the free Yeppoon Lagoon, calm beaches, wildlife encounters at Cooberrie Park, and safe fishing spots right in the heart of Rockhampton. Affordable holiday parks and self-contained stays also make it excellent value for family road trips.
   
   
5. When is the best time of year to road trip the Pacific Coast Way?
   The road trip is great year-round, but April to October offers the most comfortable weather. It's also the best time to enjoy whale watching in Hervey Bay, snorkelling the Southern Great Barrier Reef, and fishing in Rockhampton. 

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