Getting Around the Capricorn Coast
Easy coastal driving between Yeppoon, Emu Park and Rosslyn Bay, a 4WD for Byfield's beaches, and the ferry to the islands — how to move around the coast.
Getting Around the Capricorn Coast
The Capricorn Coast is easy, unhurried driving country. The Scenic Highway links Yeppoon, Cooee Bay, Rosslyn Bay and Emu Park along the shore, with the beaches and lookouts strung between; Byfield lies 45 minutes north; and Rockhampton is a 40-minute run inland. You’ll want a car to make the most of it — or a guided tour. The islands are a different mode entirely: you leave the car at Rosslyn Bay and travel by ferry, then on foot.
Distances Around the Coast
Short hops — the whole coast is within an easy drive.
| Route | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Yeppoon → Cooee Bay | ~3 km | ~5 min |
| Yeppoon → Rosslyn Bay | ~7 km | ~10 min |
| Yeppoon → Emu Park | ~19 km | ~20 min |
| Yeppoon → Byfield township | ~40 km | ~45 min |
| Rosslyn Bay → Great Keppel (ferry) | ~15 km | ~30 min |
| Yeppoon → Rockhampton | ~40 km | ~40 min |
Times are approximate; the Great Keppel crossing depends on the operator and conditions.
Car, 4WD, Ferry and Foot
- By car: the Scenic Highway threads the coastal towns, beaches and Rosslyn Bay
- By 4WD: needed for Byfield's beaches and forest tracks, and to drive Farnborough Beach (check tides)
- By ferry: leave the car at Rosslyn Bay and cross to Great Keppel and the islands
- On the islands: explore on foot — no roads or hire cars on Great Keppel
- Watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk on inland and Byfield roads
- Fuel and full services in Yeppoon and Emu Park; top up before Byfield
No car, or would rather not drive? Our Capricorn Coast tours handle the transport, the island crossing and the 4WD legs.
Before You Go
Getting here, staying and shaping the days.
Getting There
Flights to Rockhampton, the Bruce Highway and the island ferry.
Getting there → 🛏 StayWhere to Stay
Where to base yourself so the drives stay short and the beach stays close.
Where to stay → 🗺 PlanItineraries
Long-weekend and family routes that make the most of the coast.
Itineraries →Getting Around — Quick Answers
Do you need a car on the Capricorn Coast?
For independent travel, effectively yes — Yeppoon, Emu Park, Rosslyn Bay and Byfield are spread along the coast and public transport is limited. A guided tour is the alternative. See our Capricorn Coast tours.
How do you get around on Great Keppel Island?
On foot — there are no public roads or hire cars on the island. Its 17 beaches and walking tracks radiate from the main beach area, and some are reached by short bushwalks. See our Great Keppel Island guide.
Do you need a 4WD on the Capricorn Coast?
Not for the towns and main beaches, but you do for Byfield’s beaches and forest tracks and for driving on Farnborough Beach. Check tides and conditions first. See our Byfield 4WD guide.
How far apart are Yeppoon and Emu Park?
About 20 minutes along the Scenic Highway, past Cooee Bay and the southern beaches — an easy coastal drive.
Where do you catch the ferry to the islands?
Rosslyn Bay Harbour, about 10 minutes south of Yeppoon, with parking on site. See our Rosslyn Bay guide.
The Southern Reef, Sorted in One Call
Great Keppel Island, the Keppel Bay islands, Byfield’s beaches and the coast’s best days out — planned from Brisbane by the family that’s toured Queensland since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry