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 The Central Queensland region is made up of three main areas...
> Capricorn region
> Gladstone region
> Bundaberg
Visit the Tropic of Capricorn QLD
The Tropic of Capricorn is a unique address and the Capricorn Region is home to many unique places, experiences and people. There are a multitude of things that you'll never find anywhere else. The diversity of the region promises a varied and exciting holiday experience. For example, experience a true unspoiled paradise full of relaxation, adventure and discovery at the Capricorn Coast and the Keppel group of Islands. The Capricorn Coast is also home to two world class award winning resorts, a host of visitor attractions and many undiscovered treasures.
The Capricorn Coast then extends all the way to the Central Highlands where you'll discover Lake Maraboon, the Southern Hemisphere's second largest man made dam. Rivers and streams to fish in, Barramundi to catch in the Fitzroy River, wetlands and lagoons to explore. National Parks ranging from the deep green of the tropical rainforest, hidden fern gullies or the fascination of massive eucalypt forests with grove of 'bottle' trees, or better yet, enjoy the rich greens of golf courses in the Capricorn Region.
 There's many a 'treasure' in the Capricorn Region. Fossick for sapphires, gold and 'thunder-eggs'. Discover the limestone caves just twenty minutes north of Rockhampton, Aboriginal Rock Art at Carnarvon Gorge and Blackdown Tableland, watch baby crocodiles hatch from their eggs, witness the flight of the small bent wing bats, enjoy camp drafts, picnic races, or a taste of outback life on a farm stay. The real treasures of the Capricorn Region - the people, genuine country hospitality, and a friendly laid back lifestyle where there is always time to say 'G'day'.
Gladstone Region
Take Your Time at Queensland's Gladstone ...
Centre of the Southern Reef - The Gladstone Region is a unique area of Queensland - a region where opportunity awaits. This dynamic, modern city basks in a sub-tropical climate with islands, waterways and beaches on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef. So many landscapes, so much variety, so much sunshine endless opportunities are just a jump away.
 At the heart of the region, the city of Gladstone overlooks its natural deep water harbour. To the south lie the shires of Calliope and Miriam Vale with idyllic, secluded beaches and scenic National Parks. The Town of 1770 is the first place in Queensland that Captain James Cook stepped ashore. Boyne Island is renowned for its beautiful foreshore parks, while its sister city of Tannum Sands offers long sandy beaches for safe coastal recreation.
Clothing in this region is comfortable and casual. A light jacket may be required for winter evenings, while sunscreen and a hat are essential all year round. You will require comfortable shoes for bush walking in the National Parks.
Many of the beaches in the Gladstone region are patrolled during peak seasons and on weekends. Marine stinger numbers are very low in this region. See the surf safety page for other advice.
 The reef islands within the Gladstone Region are true coral cays. On the islands guests can enjoy diving, snorkelling, fishing, reef walking or exploring the flora and fauna. Heron Island is a sanctuary for an extraordinary array of birds and offers quality accommodation, but is not open to day trippers. For a day trip, Lady Musgrave Island can be visited by luxury catamaran. Visitors can also charter a boat and explore over 20 different reefs off the region’s coastline.
Year round there is a festival of nature's delights. From October through to March turtles lay their eggs and the hatchlings scamper their way to the water. Throughout the year several species of seabirds make their rookeries. The magnificent sight of the humpback whales breaching can be seen playing close to the fringing reef during August and September.
The region has several impressive National Parks which add camping and 4 wheel driving to the adventures you can experience in the area. The spectacular cliffs of the Kroombit Tops are cloaked in diverse flora and fauna. Mount Castletower National Park lies at the base of Lake Awoonga with its impressive, yet rugged terrain. Deepwater and Eurimbula National Parks provide the contrast of open eucalypt and paperback forests with lush rainforests and quiet beaches .
 Gladstone's Tondoon Botanic Gardens are one of Australia's few totally native botanic gardens. The display areas specialise in the plants of the surrounding and Tropical North Queensland regions. Gladstone Entertainment Centre, a modern Performing Arts Complex, forms the focal point of the city's cultural activities. The Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum is a handsome colonial Georgian structure which houses three exhibition areas.
The port of Gladstone is impressive - even by world standards. Barbecue facilities, restaurants and broadwater shops make the Gladstone Marina an ideal family recreational facility. Sample the best of fresh local seafood with Australian, Mexican and Italian style foods on offer. Or if you prefer to catch your own lunch, estuary and reef fishing is available from one of the many local operators. Every Easter the Marina takes on all the fun of the annual Harbour Festival. Timed to coincide with the finish of the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Classic, the festival spans ten action packed days.
Other National Parks: Bunker Group, Capricornia Cays National Park, Castle Tower National Park, Masthead Island, Mount Colosseum National Park, Mount Scoria Conservation Park, North West Island.
Bundaberg Region
 The Bundaberg Coral Coast and Country Region encompasses a diversity of experiences, making it an ideal holiday location. True Gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef - day tours, resort stays, wilderness camping and multi-day live aboard dive cruises are all on offer. With its pristine environment the region is home to many marine creatures. Humpback whales pass close to the shoreline en route to Hervey Bay, and Australia’s largest mainland turtle rookery is situated at Mon Repos Beach. Reef walk, snorkel and dive on one of the great wonders of the world, Lady MusgraveIsland & Lady Elliot Island and the the Great Barrier Reef. Throughout the region there is a sense of history mixed with wilderness adventure, rural experiences and warm country hospitality. All this and more is waiting for you to enjoy.
At the centre of the sugar cane country is Bundaberg, or “Bundy” as it is more fondly known. Bundaberg a progressive city of around 50,000, is 14 kilometres from the Coral Coast, where the townships of Elliott Heads, Innes Park, Bargara and Burnett Heads boast some of the most pristine beaches in Australia. To the south is Buxton, one of the last unspoilt fishing villages, and Woodgate with an abundance of wildlife in the surrounding national parks.
 Childers, a National Trust town, is set on top of rolling hills of red soil, and the northern Town of 1770 is the first place that James Cook landed in Queensland. The Central and North Burnett provides a contrast to the coastal areas of the region with its rugged gorges, imposing mountain ranges and serene rural views. 15 National Parks preserve and provide a diverse range of experiences, from rugged mountain hikes, sleepy riverside campgrounds and the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
For more information regarding Queensland National Parks and reserves go to Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service.
If travelling to Queensland have a look at Queensland Holidays.
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