Written by Brooke Wilson
Just like that, another year has flown by and Christmas is almost upon us.
After a tumultuous year, it will be wonderful to take a break and spend some well-earned time with family.
This year will be the first Christmas for my baby niece, so I am excited to be able to spend it with her and the rest of my family in the beautiful Yeppoon.
Just five hours north of Hervey Bay, Yeppoon is a wonderful, quiet town, perfect for a quick getaway over a long weekend or an extended stay – there really is so much to do.
Dubbed the gateway to the Keppels, a visit to Yeppoon wouldn’t be complete without time spent at Great Keppel Island.
The largest island in its group, Great Keppel Island is a stunning jewel of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Approximately 30 minutes ferry ride from the mainland, the island is bursting with activities.
While the day away basking in the crystal-clear waters, enjoying some cold drinks on the silky white sand, or exploring the many walking trails through the centre of the island.
A highlight walk is the Mount Wyndham Circuit, a moderately rated track that can get steep in places but will reward you at the summit with 360-degree views over the island.
If water-based activities are more your forte, the island offer rentals for snorkelling, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, and you can also try your hand at fishing or scuba diving.
The island also now offers accommodation, so if one day isn’t enough, stay the night at the Great Keppel Island Hideaway. A relaxed and easy going vibe, the Hideaway has rooms to suit all kinds of visitors and budgets.
Back on the mainland, Yeppoon boasts an impressive manmade lagoon.
Opened in 2018, the lagoon is a stunning addition to the town’s foreshore. The perfect place for families and especially those with small children, the 2500 square metre lagoon features an infinity edge overlooking the ocean, shallow play area for children, and a lap area. It has free entry and is
surrounded by beautiful shaded parklands, perfect for a family picnic.
Approximately 30 minutes north of Yeppoon lies the Byfield State Forest.
Take your togs, inflatable floaties, and a sense of adventure, as tucked away within the forest is Stony Creek. This stunning hidden paradise cannot be done justice in pictures.
Take your inflatables upstream, and drift down the creek under lush green trees and through water so clear you will feel like you are drifting on air.
After exploring all that the Capricorn Coast has to offer, treat yourself with a visit to Whisk Café. Located in the heart of Yeppoon, it is walking distance to shops and the beach.
Arguably the best coffee in town, pair one with some of their incredible waffles – you won’t regret it! Dine in at their lovely outdoor dining area, or takeaway to enjoy on the beach, watching the waves rolling in. A destination not too far from home and bursting with life, Yeppoon has so much more to
offer than meets the eye. Make sure to visit the next time you’re travelling north!
Merry Christmas!