56-544: The Capricorn Coast is a stretch of coastline in Central Queensland , Australia and is part of the Shire of Livingstone (formerly part of Rockhampton Region ). The Capricorn Coasts takes its name from Cape Capricorn ( 23°29′08″S 151°14′08″E / 23.4856°S 151.2356°E / -23.4856; 151.2356 ( Cape Capricorn (namesake) ) ) on Curtis Island , which in turn takes its name from
112-477: A humid subtropical climate ( Köppen climate classification Cfa/Cwa ). Due to its location in the southern tropics , the Capricorn Coast experiences hot summers without the extreme humidity of Far North Queensland , and mild winters without the freezing temperatures of the south. The year round temperate climate lends itself well to a relaxed lifestyle, which has proven popular with new families moving to
168-510: A federal inquiry. In 2009 authorities from the Government of Queensland declared the eradication program complete. The region contain 33 national parks. Great Keppel Island has been an island tourist attraction since the 1960s. It and several other islands in the area are surrounded by coral reefs. In the west of the region is Queensland's central highlands and the Carnarvon Gorge , which
224-582: A heritage listed building. With primary production the lifeblood of the town, better transportation was needed, not only to Rockhampton but along the coast as well. Steam wagons followed and the north of Yeppoon opened up to new commerce and communities. Pastoral Lands and settlements now filled the landscape from Woodbury and Byfield in the north, inland through Bungundarra, Lake Mary, Tanby, Mount Chalmers, and Cawarral. South of Yeppoon, all arable lands through Taranganba, Lammermoor, and Mulambin were also claimed as far as to present day Causeway Lake. South of
280-486: A month to look after the minor requirements of the town. The discovery of gold brought a huge influx of people to the region, and the various Boards broke up into smaller administrative bodies to better service the growing population. In 1903, the Gogango Divisional Board was renamed Shire of Livingstone . The boundaries of the new shire remained largely unchanged until 1984, when outlying districts including
336-469: A pioneering spirit from local residents saw the township prevail. In 1893, the Sand Hills State School opened. To the present day, Joskeleigh remains a testament to times that many white Australians might prefer to forget, as it is home to one of Australia's most prominent South Sea Island communities; descendants of peoples blackbirded from their native homes to work as indentured labourers in
392-419: Is Causeway Lake with hire boats and stores. Across the bridge, is Kinka Beach, and then Emu Park and Zilzie. Towns, suburbs, and localities in the southern section of the Capricorn Coast are Coowonga, Girt Island, Joskeleigh, Keppel Sands , Long Beach (or Joskeleigh Beach), Quartz Rock, Thompson's Point. Often referred to as the "forgotten" end of the Capricorn Coast, the rural and seaside communities south of
448-660: Is a coastal highway from Yeppoon to Emu Park , both on the Capricorn Coast in the Shire of Livingstone , Queensland , Australia. The highway commences at a roundabout near the southern boundary of Yeppoon, which connects to the (northern) main road from Rockhampton ( Yeppoon Road ) and the coastal road to the northern part of Yeppoon (Appleton Drive) It passes from Yeppoon through Cooee Bay , Lammermoor , Rosslyn , Mulambin , Causeway Lake and Kinka Beach to Emu Park. After proceeding south-east for about 350 metres it crosses Ross Creek and passes between Cooee Bay (to
504-484: Is also known as Capricornia . It is one of Australia's main coal exporting regions. At the 2011 Australian Census the region recorded a total population from the six local government areas of 233,931. Economically, Central Queensland is an important centre of primary sector industries , particularly for food and fibre production. Central Queensland includes the Bowen Basin which is rich in high quality coking coal,
560-570: Is an Australian Aboriginal language of Central Queensland. Its traditional language region was within the local government area of Isaac Region , from the headwaters of the Belyando River south to Avoca, north to Laglan , west to the Great Dividing Range , and east and south to Drummond Range . Yambina (also known as Jambina and Jambeena ) is an Australian Aboriginal language of Central Queensland. Its traditional language region
616-469: Is approximately 75 km (47 mi) from end to end yet comparatively small in population, with dozens of towns and islands scattered along its length. The region has a rich history going back to the 1850s. The Capricorn Coast offers a wide variety of luxury and budget holiday accommodation as well as bush and rainforest retreats. Plentiful beaches and tourist venues provide snorkelling, island adventures, bushwalking and marina berths. A wildlife sanctuary
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#1733055843730672-490: Is believed to have come from the Darumbal people, the indigenous tribe local to the region. Indeed, on the western fringe of Rockhampton, an expansive wetlands system was named Yeppen-Yeppen Lagoon. On that basis, the etymology of the two districts is believed to be the same. Initial settlement was slow however. Though intended to become a township, the region's rich soils attracted farmers rather than townspeople. This changed
728-404: Is centred on Brigalow and speargrass land types. Every three years, Rockhampton holds the national Beef Australia exposition to celebrate the cattle industry as well as to facilitate trade opportunities for Australian beef producers. Central Queensland is one of the world's leading producers and exporters of black coal . Ludwig Leichhardt was the first European to discover coal deposits in
784-708: Is located at Cooberie and a crocodile farm at Coowonga . In 1879, the Gogango Divisional Board was established as one of 74 divisions in Queensland under the Divisional Boards Act 1879 . The Gogango Divisional Board's scope of authority comprised a large area north and east of Rockhampton. While the Division was administered in Rockhampton, a locally appointed body, the Yeppoon Progress Association met once
840-503: Is protected within the Carnarvon National Park . Carnarvon Gorge features white sandstone cliffs, steep-sided gorges a diverse range of significant plant and animal species and many walking tracks. Kroombit Tops National Park provides habitat for the endemic Kroombit tinker frog . Deepwater National Park is good place for turtle watching. From November to March three species of turtle lay their eggs on beaches protected within
896-484: Is the local government area of Central Highlands Region , including Peak Downs , Logan Creek, south to Avon Downs, east to Denham Range and Logan Downs, west to Elgin Downs and at Solferino. Yetimarala (also known as Jetimarala , Yetimaralla , and Bayali ) is an Australian Aboriginal language of Central Queensland. Its traditional language region is within the local government areas of Central Highlands Region , on
952-618: The Boomer Range and Broadsound Range and the Fitzroy River , Killarney Station, Mackenzie River and Isaac River . In 1889 Central Queenslanders in Rockhampton established the Central Queensland Territorial Separation League with the hopes of turning Central Queensland into its own state. The core argument of secessionist movement was that the seat of government, Brisbane was in the south-east corner of
1008-552: The Capricorn Coast include Byfield , Yeppoon , Great Keppel Island , Emu Park and Cawarral . Gungabula (also known as Kongabula and Khungabula ) is an Australian Aboriginal language of the headwaters of the Dawson River in Central Queensland. The language region includes areas within the local government area of Maranoa Region , particularly the towns of Charleville , Augathella and Blackall and as well as
1064-863: The Carnarvon Range . Wadja (also known as Wadjigu , Wadya , Wadjainngo , Mandalgu , and Wadjigun) is an Australian Aboriginal language in Central Queensland. The language region includes the local government areas of the Aboriginal Shire of Woorabinda and Central Highlands Region , including the Blackdown Tablelands . the Comet River , and the Expedition Range , and the towns of Woorabinda , Springsure and Rolleston . Yagalingu (also known as Jagalingu , Auanbura , Kokleburra , Owanburra , Kowanburra , Wagalbara , and Djagalingu )
1120-556: The Port of Gladstone produces 40% of the state's export earnings, the Fitzroy River is the second-largest river system in Australia and commands significant water resources such as Fairbairn Dam . Gladstone has a significant aluminium smelter. Rockhampton is claimed to be the beef capital of Australia, a title which is disputed by Casino in New South Wales. Beef production in the region
1176-449: The Tropic of Capricorn (approx 23°26′11″S 150°49′49″E / 23.4364°S 150.83036°E / -23.4364; 150.83036 ( Tropic of Capricorn (at the coast) ) ) which passes through roughly through the cape. The Tropic also passes through Capricorn Coast. The Capricorn Coast is officially defined as "the coastal area between the mouth of Water Park Creek and
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#17330558437301232-409: The Capricorn Coast in great detail in 1804. Flinders spent the best part of a month in the shallow bays, making landings at Curtis Island, Port Clinton, Shoalwater Bay and Percy Island. Matthew Flinders Drive, a scenic cliffside road that winds through Cooee Bay and up over the top of Wreck Point, is named in his honour. Phillip Parker King followed in 1820 but encountered difficulties when his ship,
1288-704: The Capricorn Coast on the back of the mining boom. The Capricorn Coast and indeed the area that comprises most of the Rockhampton Region is the traditional land of the Darumbal Aboriginal peoples. Offshore, the Keppel Bay Islands National Park is home to the Kanomi-Woppaburra people (The Keppel Islanders). On the coast, alliances existed between tribes, and clans within tribes. The Kuinmurrburra nation had six allied tribes within it;
1344-561: The Central Capricorn Coast from Farnborough in the north to Zilzie in the south. Dotted along the way are a dozen seaside communities, and the major towns of Yeppoon and Emu Park. Clearly visible from every beach along the way is Great Keppel Island, thirty minutes away by boat. Yeppoon and Emu Park are connected by the Scenic Highway. Adjoining Yeppoon to the south are the seaside communities of Cooee Bay and Taranganba, and then
1400-538: The Emu Park rail line was progressively decommissioned, however the original building at Nankin still stands. At Tungamull directly before the Keppel Sands Road turnoff, pylons that supported the rail bridge are also clearly visible beside the floodway crossing. The Emu Park Museum also houses many historical relics of the rail line that helped make the remote southern communities of the Capricorn Coast more accessible to
1456-768: The Goonyella line to transport coal to port. Many mines in the region, particularly those within the Fitzroy River basin, were severely impacted by flooding during the 2010–11 Queensland floods . Gold, silver, limestone, coal seam gas, magnesite and gemstones are also mined. Sapphires were discovered here in 1875. Gold was discovered in the Mount Morgan region around 1865. Mount Morgan Mine has since gone on to become one of Australia's richest mines. Purpose-built mining towns in Central Queensland include Dysart , Middlemount , Moranbah , Mount Morgan and Moura . Three mining disaster have occurred at Moura since 1975, resulting in
1512-695: The Keppel Islanders were forcibly removed by the Queensland Government in 1912. The Darumbal Dreamtime Centre in Rockhampton, adjacent to the Yeppoon turnoff, is the largest Aboriginal cultural centre in Australia. The Capricorn Coast was first explored by James Cook in 1770. He did not make landing in the area however he named several islands and land forms; Cape Capricorn, Keppel Isles, Keppel Bay, Cape Many Fold (later Cape Manifold), and Shoal Water Bay (later Shoalwater Bay). Matthew Flinders explored
1568-592: The Kutuburra, Ristebura, Wanuburra, Wuruburra, Pukanburra, and Muinburra, which existed in relative harmony to allow for nature's swinging moods. The island natives did not interact with the mainland Darumbals, for they feared each other and spoke a much different dialect. With the settlement of Yeppoon in the late 1860s, the principal landholder on the Capricorn Coast, Robert Ross, removed the Kanomi population from North Keppel because they were disturbing his cattle. The last of
1624-709: The Mermaid, ran aground. In 1843, an extensive survey was carried out by Captain Francis Price Blackwood on HMS Fly and Captain Charles Yule who commanded HMS Bramble. In 1844 and 1846, Ludwig Leichhardt and Thomas Mitchell explored what would later become Rockhampton, noting the quality of grazing lands in the district. In 1853, brothers William and Charles Archer followed in the footsteps of Leichhardt and Mitchell. They settled in Gracemere, twelve kilometres west of
1680-493: The Rockhampton Region. The following is a list of coastal towns and localities of the Capricorn Coast (from north to south): The Capricorn Coast features long sweeping beaches with shallow seas, dotted with rocky outcrops, the remnants of long-extinct volcanoes. The soil inland is red which is well suited to the many fruit crops growing in the area, while pockets of darker soils and clays are more suitable for grazing. In
1736-674: The State. It was so far removed from substantial portions of the state that these areas and their citizens were left disadvantaged and neglected as political and economic interests focused on the south. Supplementing the Central Queensland Territorial Separation League, the women of Rockhampton established their own separation league in October 1892. Their main focus was preparing a petition to Queen Victoria . The introductory text set out their grievances and described
Capricorn Coast - Misplaced Pages Continue
1792-475: The Western Yeppoon-Emu Park Road (also called Tanby Road South), which is a newer inland route developed to keep up with the Capricorn Coast's rapid growth. Further south, separated by the broad mouth of Coorooman Creek, lies Keppel Sands . While the township is small having a population of 318 in 2006, its relative isolation makes Keppel Sands a significant community centre for people living in
1848-399: The east) and Taranganba (to the west) It then proceeds through Lammermoor, running beside the beach for about 1 km before reaching Rosslyn. Where it enters Rosslyn the road is cut into an ocean-front cliff-face near Statue Bay. This section of road was closed from 20 February 2015 until 26 July 2018 due to a landslip caused by Cyclone Marcia . A temporary detour through suburban streets
1904-453: The expansive Causeway Lake and the shifting dunes of Kinka, that sense of separateness between the two seaside towns continued for another fifty years until a permanent tide-proof causeway was finally constructed to join the two ends of the coast. That separate history however, allowed Emu Park and Yeppoon to develop distinct personalities that are still apparent today. The rail line also made access easier to Keppel Sands, at least for half of
1960-406: The following year with the commencement of regular stagecoach services from Rockhampton, and the continued mining of copper and gold in the coastal hinterlands around Cawarral and Mount Chalmers . By 1889, the town was growing steadily, and boasted several hotels and boarding houses, a sugar mill, a telegraph service, a Methodist-Presbyterian church, and Yeppoon's first state school which is today
2016-451: The immense size of Queensland: being twelve times the area of England and Wales, and larger than France, Germany, Spain and Portugal combined. Central Queensland University has a campus at Emerald, Gladstone and Rockhampton. The Central Highlands Regional Council operates the following library branches: [REDACTED] Media related to Central Queensland at Wikimedia Commons Scenic Highway (Queensland) The Scenic Highway
2072-460: The journey, with a siding located at Tungamull. From there, the fifteen kilometre trek to Sand Hills as the township was then named, was fraught with peril, not least of which was the permanent wetlands that effectively made the town an island. Monsoonal rains could isolate Keppel Sands for several weeks. It was because of this inaccessibility that Keppel Sands failed to grow at the same pace as its sister towns across Coorooman Creek, but nonetheless
2128-502: The lake, progress was also running full steam. The new town of Emu Park was taking form with the completion of the first coastal railway from Rockhampton in 1889. Even at this early stage of Capricorn Coast history, Emu Park and Yeppoon shared an odd rivalry, with Emu Park attracting the more elite section of Rockhampton and Mount Morgan society, while the "common man", especially gold miners from Cawarral and Mount Chalmers gravitated towards Yeppoon. With Emu Park separated from Yeppoon by
2184-500: The loss of 36 lives. In 2004, an orchard on Evergreen farm was the site of the first detection of citrus canker in Central Queensland. A significant part of the citrus growing industry was devastated when a total of 6,000 acres (24 km ) of crop had to be destroyed so the disease would not spread across the country. In 2005 several fresh outbreaks were reported so the eradication expanded to include private backyard trees. The outbreak's cause has not been fully explained despite
2240-1049: The major population centres have two principal commons; they are centred on the life-giving waterways in the area, such as Coorooman Creek and the Fitzroy River. Fishing and boating are popular pursuits, with community festivals well frequented, and local support groups such as the Rural Fire Brigade well attended. Islands, atolls, and localities in the bays of the Capricorn Coast are: Arch Rock, Conical Rocks, Corroberee Island, Entrance Rocks, Flat Rock, Great Keppel Island , Half Tide Rocks, Keppel Bay Islands National Park including Pelican Island, Divided Island, Conical Island, Halfway Island, Humpy Island, Miall Island, North Keppel Island, Middle Island, Peak Island, Man and Wife Rocks, Mother Macgregor Island, Outer Rocks, Pelican Rock, Pumpkin Island , Round Rock, Sloping Island, Split Rock, Square Rocks, Wedge Island. The Capricorn Coast experiences
2296-433: The mouth of the Fitzroy River", which establishes its boundaries as 22°56′41″S 150°47′11″E / 22.94472°S 150.78639°E / -22.94472; 150.78639 ( Water Park Creek ) and 23°32′07″S 150°52′35″E / 23.53528°S 150.87639°E / -23.53528; 150.87639 ( Fitzroy River ) , i.e. from Farnborough to Thompson Point . The Capricorn Coast
Capricorn Coast - Misplaced Pages Continue
2352-478: The new LGA Rockhampton Region . This forced amalgamation caused political tension. In 2012, a proposal was made to de-amalgamate the Shire of Livingstone from the Rockhampton Region. On 9 March 2013, the citizens of the former Livingstone shire voted in a referendum to de-amalgamate. The Shire of Livingstone was re-established on 1 January 2014. Nerimbera was returned to the Shire of Livingstone but Parkhurst remains within
2408-573: The north, the hills rise to form the Byfield Range which is home to stands of virgin rainforest. Most of the population of the Capricorn Coast is centred in and around Yeppoon and Emu Park. The two towns are joined by the Scenic Highway which hugs a coastline dotted with coves and beaches and headlands. These headlands are the remnants of volcanic trachyte plugs and have allowed the formation of shallow beaches . The two towns are also linked by
2464-408: The northern section of the Capricorn Coast are: Barmaryee, Byfield , Byfield National Park , Cooberie, Corio Bay, Farnborough, Five Rocks, Inverness, Red Rock Forest, Shoalwater Bay , Stanage Bay, Stockyard, Upper Stoney Creek, Waterpark Creek. Just north of Yeppoon, the geography subtly begins to change. Beyond the beaches and bays, flat pastures give way to rolling hillocks, mountains, ranges and
2520-607: The park. For this purpose the area of Central Queensland was restricted to the areas encircled by the Dawson Highway between Gladstone and Springsure; the Gregory Highway between Springsure and Clermont, and the Peak Downs Highway between Clermont and enters North Queensland via Mackay – extended right to the eastern coastline. Major cities in the region are Emerald , Gladstone and Rockhampton . Some communities on
2576-402: The present day City of Rockhampton. By 1858, the town of Rockhampton was officially proclaimed, and settlement began in earnest. In 1867, the town reserve was surveyed then proclaimed as suitable for settlement. The Government Surveyor reported the site as " Yapoon , a spot northward of Emu Park about nine miles, was most suitable as a watering place." The name, especially given its definition,
2632-577: The public. Central Queensland Central Queensland is an imprecisely-defined geographical division of Queensland ( a state in Australia ) that centres on the eastern coast, around the Tropic of Capricorn . Its major regional centre is Rockhampton . The region extends from the Capricorn Coast west to the Central Highlands at Emerald , north to the Mackay Regional Council southern boundary, and south to Gladstone . The region
2688-569: The region in 1845. In the 2011-2012 financial year the region produced 40% of the state's total coal production. Coal is extracted from the Bowen Basin and transported to port facilities at Port of Gladstone via the Blackwater railway system or to both Hay Point and Abbot Point via the Goonyella railway line . Coal mining is expanding west into the Galilee Basin and requires an extension of
2744-812: The risks, Stockyard, Corbett's Landing, and Sandfly Creek are popular fishing locations. Further north, and despite its remoteness, Five Rocks is a popular camping and 4WD destinations. Beyond are the pristine wilderness areas of Shoalwater Bay, Townshend Island, and Stanage. Towns, suburbs, and localities in the central section of the Capricorn Coast are: Adelaide Park, Bangalee , Barlows Hill, Bluff Rock, Capricorn Coast National Park , Causeway Lake, Cooee Bay , Creek Rock, Emu Park , Kemp Beach, Keppel Bay Estate, Kinka Beach , Lammermoor, Meikleville Hill, Mulambin, Mulambin Waters, Ocean View, Pacific Heights, Rosslyn, Statue Bay, Taranganba , Yeppoon , Wreck Point, Zilzie . Forty kilometres of long beaches and shallow coves grace
2800-451: The streams of the Byfield township and Byfield National Park . Red Rock, Waterpark Creek, and Upper Stoney Creek are popular camping grounds. Byfield also features Fern's Hideaway, a holiday retreat and restaurant set on the forested banks of Waterpark Creek. On the coast, sweeping beaches interspersed with coral cays back onto the world-heritage Iwasaki and Shoalwater Wetlands. Regardless of
2856-619: The suburbs of Nerimbera and Parkhurst were ceded to Livingstone's larger neighbour, City of Rockhampton . Continued growth in both Local Government Authorities became a contentious subject from then on, which caused much political tension, until finally in 2007, the conflict gained new pace with the tabling before the Parliament of Queensland of the proposed Local Government (Reform Implementation) Act 2007 . The Act passed, and on 15 March 2008, Livingstone Shire merged with Fitzroy Shire , Mount Morgan Shire , and City of Rockhampton to form
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#17330558437302912-528: The sugar and tobacco plantations of the day. From the time of its inception, Emu Park was the hedonistic playground of the Rockhampton social set and well-heeled gold miners from Mount Morgan, who used their considerable influence to lobby the Queensland Government for a rail link to the fledgling seaside town. In late 1888, they achieved their ambitions and the Rockhampton-Emu Park railway line
2968-464: The surrounding rural areas of Joskeleigh , Coowonga , Tungamull , and Cawarral . Directly offshore and visible from most seaside towns on the Capricorn Coast is the popular tourist destination, Great Keppel Island . Dozens of smaller islands and atolls also dot the coastline. Due to the size of the Capricorn Coast, its geography and demographics are diverse, however the region has four distinct sections within it. Towns, suburbs, and localities in
3024-508: The tourist beach, Lammermoor, popular for its clean sands and beach rock formations. Continuing on southward is the fishing beach, Statue Bay, and then the Keppel Bay Marina, a 400 berth marina at Rosslyn Bay. Around the corner, the long stretch of shallow coves continue; Kemp Beach with Bluff Rock just a ten-minute kayak offshore, and then the picturesque Mulambin Beach. A few minutes further
3080-448: Was in use throughout the closure. The road continues south along the coast, crossing Mulambin Creek at Causeway Lake and running the length of Kinka Beach. It then proceeds slightly inland to cross Shoalwater Creek and enter the locality of Emu Park. In Emu Park it terminates at a roundabout which connects to the (southern) main road to Rockhampton (Hill Street, which becomes Emu Park Road ),
3136-408: Was opened, making the journey far less arduous. New communities sprouted up along the path of the railway, and new stations and sidings were established at Nerimbera, Nankin, Sleipner, Tungamull, Coowonga, Coorooman, and Tanby. In 1908, a branch line was opened at Sleipner Junction to service the gold towns of Mount Chalmers and Cawarral, and in 1909 the branch line reached Yeppoon. During the 1960s,
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