Capricorn Region Overview
The Capricorn Region, so called because it straddles the tropic of Capricorn, has so much to offer as well as the truly tropical climate.
An ideal base to explore the region is Rockhampton.
The Capricorn Region is ideally located if you wish to visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands such as Hamilton Island and Hayman Island .
The regions principal town is the centre of the Australian Beef industry and close to the coastal towns of Yeppoon and Rosslyn Bay and the intriguing Great Keppel Island.
Precious Stones
The Capricorn Region is also famous for its former precious stone production which included sapphires and emeralds.
Clues to this past lie in some of the regional town names such as Emerald and Sapphire.
Although large scale operations have long gone it is still possible to take a tour through mines or indulge in 'fossicking', for example at Rubyvale, with the hope of discovering a hidden gem.
Lush RainForests
There are many beautiful National Parks in the region with lush rainforests, tranquil pools, gorges, streams, waterfalls and age-old rock paintings. Rockhampton is 400 miles north of Brisbane.
The Fitzroy River, which divides the town, is lined with parks and is popular for a host of water sports and activities.
There is much to see and do in the region including a zoo, beautiful beaches, some which allow 4WD access and mysterious 25 million years old craters which are possibly the result of a meteorite impact.
Where To Stay
See our Harvey Bay and and Rockhampton accommodation for places to stay in the region. Also see Backpacker accommodation for hostels.
Location
The Capricorn Region is located in the east of Queensland and has a sub tropical latitude of 23.3°S and a longitude of 150.5° E.
Approximate Driving Time/Distance
19.5Hrs From Sydney (1400Km)
25.5Hrs From Melbourne (2100Km)
9Hrs From Brisbane (650Km) )
See Route and Distance Calculator for more driving times and routes.
Flying To Rockhampton
Cairns aiport is serviced by Virgin Blue and Jetstar.
Queensland School & Public Holidays
New Years Day Tue 1st Jan.
Australia Day Mon 28th Jan.
Good Friday 21st March.
Easter Monday 24th March.
Anzac Day Fri 25th April.
Labour Day Mon 5th May.
Queens Birthday Holiday Mon 9th June.
Christmas Day Thu 25th Dec.
Boxing Day Holiday Fri 26th Dec.
(End and start school on preceding and next week day (Mon - Fri) respectively)
School Starts Tue 29th January
Easter Holiday 7th April To 11th April.
Winter Holiday 30th June To 11th July.
Spring Holiday 22nd Sept To 3rd Oct.
Summer Holiday 15th Dec To Jan 21st.
Daylight Saving does not operate in Queensland
Note: Dates for guidance only. Always check with your individual School as variations may occur for individual education authorities or establishments and dates may be subject to change. Always check with relevant State or Territory education department to confirm holiday periods at the commencement of each school year. Not all Public Holidays for individual regions within each state and territory are shown and public holidays falling on weekends are not listed. Not all Public Holidays may be applicable to all employers, organisations etc so always check with your employer, education authority etc which public holidays are applicable.
Capricorn Region Climate
These figures are for guidance only:
Approximate Max Average Temperature
Max Average Temperature
Deg C/ Deg F
Winter(June-Aug):22 / 73
Spring(Sep-Nov):27 / 80
Summer(Dec-Feb):30 / 86
Autumn(Mar-May):27 / 80
Approximate Average Monthly Rainfall - mm
Winter(June-Aug): 51
Spring(Sep-Nov): 61
Summer(Dec-Feb): 171
Autumn(Mar-May): 96
