Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(US$7.15) for kids. Regular tours of burial sites and rock art, with didgeridoo
demonstrations and boomerang-throwing classes, run from 10:30am.
Rockhampton has two free public botanic gardens, both nice for a stroll and
a barbecue picnic. The
Kershaw Gardens,
which display Aussie rainforest, wet-
land, and fragrant plants from north of the 30th parallel, also have a monorail
and a pioneer-style slab hut where Devonshire teas are served. Enter off Charles
Street. The
Rockhampton Botanic Gardens
(
&
07/4936 8000
) were estab-
lished in 1869, and are quite lovely. Admission is free to the small zoo inside the
grounds, which features 'roos, koalas, lorikeets, cassowaries, and a range of other
creatures, including—rather bizarrely—two chimpanzees. The gardens are open
6am to 6pm daily, with the zoo open from 8am to 5pm. Enter off Ann Street or
Spencer Street.
WHERE TO STAY
Rydges Capricorn Resort
The 20km (12
1
⁄
2
miles) of unbroken beach
which fronts this resort—and the fact that it is the only resort of any size or style
in this region—are reason enough to visit. The resort is about 9km (5
1
⁄
2
miles)
from the pretty seaside town of Yeppoon, about 45km (28 miles) north of Rock-
hampton Airport. Open since 1986, the resort was built and is still owned by
Japanese businessman Yohachiro Iwasaki, and you will still hear the locals refer to
it as “the Iwasaki Resort” despite its several changes of name over the years. Now
showing its age a little, the resort is nevertheless cheerful and pleasant, and the
rooms are spacious. The best of the three accommodations blocks is The Palms
for its views over the beach and out to Great Keppel Island. The main resort block
is dominated by one of the largest freshwater swimming pools in the southern
hemisphere, popular with visiting local families, especially at weekends. Set in
8,910 hectares (22,000 acres) of bushland, the resort also has an extensive wet-
lands teeming with bird life. This is not the place for a quiet getaway—it is very
popular with large and sometimes noisy conference groups—but there are lots of
activities, and it may be just the place to break your coastal trek.
Farnborough Rd. (P.O. Box 350), Yeppoon, QLD 4703.
&
1800/075 902
in Australia, or 07/4939 5111. Fax
07/4939 5666. www.capricornresort.com. 279 units. A$200 (US$130) hotel room; A$250 (US$163) junior
suite; A$275 (US$179) junior suite with kitchenette; A$325 (US$211) capricorn suite; A$355 (US$230) capri-
corn suite with kitchenette; A$270 (US$176) 1-bedroom apt; A$345 (US$224) 2-bedroom apt; A$350-A$425
(US$228-US$277) interconnecting family rooms. Free crib. Packages, including golf packages, available year-
round. AE, DC, MC, V. Free transfers from airport, bus, or train station; free covered parking.
Amenities:
4
restaurants; 2 bars; outdoor freshwater pool, with adjoining heated beach-style pool; 2 18-hole golf courses;
4 day/night tennis courts; exercise room; outdoor Jacuzzi; sauna; extensive watersports and other activities
free of charge; bike rental; free kids' club during the day (charges apply for evening sessions); game room for
children over 14; children's playground; concierge; tour desk; car-rental desk; free transfers to airport, rail or
coach terminal; business center; salon; limited room service; massage (in-room and poolside); babysitting;
laundry service; coin-op laundry in The Palms and Araucaria buildings; dry cleaning service Mon-Thurs only;
activities which cost include horseback riding, land yachting, fishing, canoeing, clay-pigeon shooting, wet-
lands tours, WaveRunners, and rifle shooting. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, kitchenette in some suites and
all apts, minibar in all hotel rooms and on request in apts, tea/coffeemaking facilities, hair dryer, iron, safe
(Royal Palm Building only), 2-bedroom apts and Capricorn Suites with kitchens have washing machine and
dryer.
GREAT KEPPEL ISLAND
15km (9
1
⁄
2
miles) E of Rockhampton
This 1,454-hectare (3,591-acre) island is home to one major resort, for the 18-
to-35s, and a couple of smaller, family-oriented ones. You can stay at one of the
resorts, or take a day trip from the mainland and pay to use many of the facilities
including watersports equipment, pools, and food outlets. Seventeen beaches on
