Central Queensland (Gladstone & Capricorn)

Central Queensland is renowned for its natural diversity - a fascinating mix of rainforests, gemfields, outback scenery, and the Great Barrier Reef with its pristine beaches and islands.

The region features 14 stunning National Parks, including the spectacular Carnarvon National Park with its towering sandstone cliffs and deep gorges. Here you can join a guided walk to learn about the geology of the sandstone formations and the fascinating Aboriginal history of the National Park.

Visit Central Queensland’s coastal parks and take a walk through a rainforest to learn about the native flora and fauna, or tour the reefs and study the coral and amazing marine life below. Off the coast you will find many Great Barrier Reef islands that feature turtle-nesting sites and amazing bird life.

The city of Rockhampton is a good base to explore the region’s rural and outback life. Famous for rodeos and friendly hospitality, Rockhampton is also a gateway to important beef-producing country. For an authentic Australian experience, you can stay at one of the farms or cattle stations.

The city of Gladstone is home to industry giants including the largest alumina plant in the world, Australia's largest aluminium smelter, the nation's largest cement operation and Queensland's biggest power station. You can take guided tours to learn about the different operations.

Explore the world of sapphires, gem-cutting and fossicking at the Sapphire Gemfields. The Gemfields are home to one of the largest walk-in tourist mines in Australia, where you can take a guided tour and observe the manufacturing process.

The Region also offers opportunities to experience a unique geo-tourism journey. From unique fossil deposits of dinosaur remains, to rainforests that appear frozen in time. Explore the unique system of aboveground limestone caves or climb a mountain created by volcanic activity.

• Partake in nature study and snorkelling off one of the Great Barrier Reef Islands.
• Catch a barramundi at Lake Awoonga or witness the release of barramundi fingerlings into Lake Awoonga by the Gladstone Area Water Board.
• Enjoy the adventure of one of the many tours available at the Capricorn Caves.
• Learn about life on a cattle station and experience horse riding, four wheel drive tours and Australian country hospitality.
• Visit Mt Morgan, a historical town established in the gold rush days with its heritage-listed buildings
• Go fossicking at Rubyvale and Sapphire, take in an underground mine tour, watch the gem cutters at work and take home some real gems.
• Witness the wonder of seeing crocodiles hatch and learn about the survival of these prehistoric creatures.
• Take a walk through a variety of ecosystems at Cania Gorge National Park.
• Visit Carnarvon National Park, famous for its ancient white sandstone cliffs up to 200 metres high, Aboriginal art sites which are at least 19,000 years old and she-oak trees that date back 300 million years.

• Queensland Alumina Limited in Gladstone is the world’s largest Alumina refinery producing 3.9 million tonnes of alumina per annum.
• Rockhampton is known as beef capital of Australia and also the home to the biggest cattle sales in Australia.
• 15% of Queensland’s electricity is made in the city of Gladstone.
• The Fairburn Dam near Emerald is so enourmous Sydney Harbour would fit into it three times.
• The Town of 1770 is Australia’s closest departure point to the Great Barrier Reef.
• Locals consider the Southern part to be the most colourful part of the Great Barrier Reef.
• Gladstone is home to Australia’s best barramundi hatchery, Lake Awoonga.
• Fossick for real gems in the largest sapphire gemfields in the Southern Hemisphere.