Brisbane to the Tropic of Capricorn

Queensland | Brisbane to Yeppoon Road Trip Itinerary

Discover the path less travelled on your 10 day Brisbane to Tropic of Capricorn Queensland road trip.

From the Great Barrier Reef’s most exclusive islands, to undeveloped national parks and lesser-known coastal towns, this road trip has campers covered with Queensland’s best hidden gems. Travelling from Brisbane as far as the Capricorn Region, campers will have the opportunity to visit the largest undeveloped area in the central Queensland coast, swim in the jewel in the crown of Yeppoon and explore some of the Great Barrier Reef’s lesser-known islands. Whether travellers are looking for an affordable family getaway or luxury at its finest, this route has something for everyone.

Day 1: Brisbane Apollo Branch to Miriam Vale Star Roadhouse

Distance: 477 km

Travel time: 5 hours 30 minutes

Located 470 km north of Brisbane and 170 km south of Rockhampton, Miriam Vale Star Roadhouse is an ideal stopping point to relax after a long day of driving and grab a roadhouse style meal.

Day 2: Miriam Vale Star Roadhouse to Byfield National Park

Distance: 251 km

Travel time: 3 hours

Make the most of the drive to Byfield National Park, stopping along the way for a photo at The Tropic of Capricorn Spire in Rockhampton and picking up groceries from the supermarket in Yeppoon.

Day 3: Byfield National Park

Byfield National Park is a beautiful blend of rugged mountain ranges, large sand dunes, remote beaches and campgrounds, pine plantations and rainforest fringed creeks. Whether campers want to four-wheel drive, hike, fish or walk for miles on a secluded beach, the choice of activities here are endless.

Day 4: Byfield National Park to Yeppoon

Distance: 43 km

Travel time: 36 minutes

Yeppoon is the spectacular beachside accommodation hub for the region and is known as the Heart of the Capricorn Coast. Yeppoon is the ideal location for a travelling family to entertain the entire tribe. With a multitude of free activities, including the Keppel Kracken water park and Yeppoon Lagoon, these fantastic foreshore play areas offer year-round swimming, with first class restaurants and cafes to keep all campers satisfied.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Day 5: Yeppoon to Pumpkin Island

Travel time: 45 minutes

A visit to this region would not be complete without some island hopping to make the most of the accessibility to the Great Barrier Reef. Pumpkin Island is Australia’s best kept secret. Powered completely by the sun and wind, this ultimate island getaway has been recognised and awarded the Best Sustainable Hotel in the southern hemisphere. Covering just six hectares of natural environment, the seven self-catering beach cottages nestled along the water’s edge offer a complete unwind for couples, families or larger groups who want to hire the entire island.

Tip: The Keppel Bay Marina in Yeppoon offers secure parking options for a very affordable price

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Day 6: Yeppoon to Great Keppel Island

Travel time: 30 minutes

Great Keppel Island is a short 30-minute ferry ride from the Yeppoon marina and boasts 17 of Australia’s most outstanding secluded white sand beaches. With varying accommodation options on the island, The Holiday Village offers self-catered ‘Budget Boutique’ glamping tents, and three-bedroom villas. Activities range from island hiking trails, fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving, or lazing under palm trees in a hammock for the day.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

Day 7: Yeppoon to Kinka Beach

Distance: 15.8 km

Travel time: 15 minutes

Ideal for an affordable family getaway, Kinka Beach showcases wide open beaches, easy swimming for all ages and never-ending water adventure. Take the kids fishing and crabbing or explore the lake by boat, catamaran, kayak, paddle board or canoe.

Day 8: Kinka Beach to Burrum Heads

Distance: 411 km

Travel time: 5 hours

Making the journey through Burrem Heads, campers will discover great swimming, fishing and camping spots on the Burrem River. Go fishing in a local favourite, Lake Lenthall or enjoy a picnic by the Wongi Waterholes.

Day 9: Trinity Islands to Sandstone Point

Distance: 255 km

Travel time: 3 hours

Nestled in the Pumicestone Passage, Sandstone Point is a great gateway to the Moreton Bay region, with Bribie Island situated just across the bridge. Explore Bribie’s beaches by RV, leisurely drive through the nearby Glass House Mountains or take a short 30-minute drive to the iconic Australia Zoo.

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland