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Getting around · Capricorn Coast

Getting Around the Capricorn Coast

Built around Rockhampton, Yeppoon and the Keppel islands, the Capricorn Coast is the Southern Great Barrier Reef’s quiet achiever. Getting around means regional buses, a major rail hub and a short ferry hop to Great Keppel Island.

Travel guide · Updated 31 May 2026 · By the Cooee Tours team

Each section below covers a way to get around, with quick links to the official timetables and operators — followed by our own transfer and charter services and a few common questions.

The 50¢ flat fare

Rockhampton and Yeppoon’s urban buses are part of the TransLink network, so a regional bus trip is a flat 50¢. On regional urban services you can also pay cash on board if you prefer.

Long-distance trains and the island ferries are separate commercial services with their own fares.

Buses

Local buses across Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Emu Park, Gracemere and Mount Morgan are run by CDC Queensland (formerly Young’s Bus Service) under TransLink, including a service to Rockhampton Airport.

Routes connect the coast with the city; the journey planner is the easiest way to line up connections — for instance, out to Rosslyn Bay for the Keppel ferries.

Trains

Rockhampton is a major stop on Queensland Rail’s coastal line. The Spirit of Queensland (Brisbane–Cairns) and the Tilt Train call here, and the Spirit of the Outback branches inland from Rockhampton all the way to Longreach.

It’s a genuine long-distance hub rather than a commuter line.

Ferries to the Keppels

The big draw is Great Keppel Island, a short 30-minute crossing from Rosslyn Bay Harbour near Yeppoon. Freedom Fast Cats sail from Pier One and Keppel Konnections from the Keppel Bay Marina, both daily.

Smaller operators — like the Pumpkin Express — run to other islands in the Keppel group.

TramsNot here

There are no trams or light rail on the Capricorn Coast — it’s bus, car, train and boat country.

Taxis & rideshare

Taxis and rideshare both operate across Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast, useful for airport runs and the drive out to the ferry terminal at Rosslyn Bay. In Yeppoon you’ll also find Neuron e-scooters for short hops around town.

Let us handle the getting-around

Timetables are great until you’re tired, on a deadline or travelling as a group. When it counts, our sister services take the guesswork out of the Capricorn Coast.

Airport Transfers

Door-to-door airport transfers — meet-and-greet, fixed prices and no surge pricing, with a driver waiting when you land.

Book a transfer

Coach Charters

Private coaches and mini-buses for groups, events, weddings and corporate travel — your own driver, your own schedule.

Charter a coach

Explore Capricorn Coast

Guided tours and day trips around the Capricorn Coast that handle the logistics so you can enjoy the view.

Explore Capricorn Coast

Common questions

How do I get to Great Keppel Island?

Drive or catch a connecting bus to Rosslyn Bay Harbour near Yeppoon, then take a 30-minute ferry with Freedom Fast Cats or Keppel Konnections.

Is Rockhampton on the main train line?

Yes — it’s a major hub for the Spirit of Queensland and Tilt Train along the coast, and the starting point of the Spirit of the Outback to Longreach.

How much are local buses around Rockhampton and Yeppoon?

A flat 50¢ per journey on TransLink regional urban services; you can also pay cash on board.

What’s the closest airport?

Rockhampton Airport, about ten minutes from the city and a 45-minute drive from Yeppoon and the coast.