No longer the sleepy seaside town I remember from years ago, Yeppoon has transformed and emerged as a bouncy holiday destination. There’s definitely been loads of thought by town planners to get the right combination happening. The beachside is refreshingly devoid of highrise; instead it’s awash with lush landscaping, playgrounds, a long beach and a fabulous half acre lagoon pool (see feature photo). An interesting blend of cafes and shops lures people away from the beach.
In Yeppoon, we stayed at Emu Park which is well set up with everything a traveller needs: a good beach, friendly cafes, a mix of shopping and a good pub.
Great Keppel Island is a 30 minute ferry ride from Yeppoon.
The island’s beaches are stunning, the water crystal clear and the Hideaway Cafe creates a damn fine cocktail.
There is accommodation on the island – camping, basic beach huts as well as a smattering of houses to rent. Supplies need to be brought in. The resort from the ‘Get Wrecked on GKI’ days, has long been closed.
We arrived in Yeppoon from Mackay, dropping into the tiny town of St Lawrence along the way. Three hundred and ninety people call this seaside town home.
Further along the track we stopped in at Marlborough. Those who have driven the dreaded Marlborough stretch which seems to be never ending, know how important it is to break up the trip. Over drinks at the pub, locals we met were clearly proud of their town. With a pool, school and envious laidback lifestyle, they’re hands down winners in the country living stakes.
Yeppoon is 30 mins drive east of Rockhampton, a regional city that’s well served by a domestic airport.
Next stop: Monto
