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 short version: the towns are well connected and absurdly cheap to move between by bus, the islands are a 30-minute ferry away, and a car (or a charter) unlocks everything in between.
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¢ — that includes the full run between Rockhampton and the coast. On regional urban services you can also pay cash on board if you prefer.
Long-distance trains, coaches 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. Long-distance coaches also call at Rockhampton on the Brisbane–Cairns coastal run, making the city an easy stop on a bigger east-coast trip.
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 — think of the train as your way in or out of the region, not your way around it.
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. Book ahead in school holidays, and check the afternoon return times before you sail; the last boat is earlier than visitors expect.
Flights
Rockhampton Airport (ROK) sits about ten minutes from the city centre, with daily QantasLink and Virgin Australia services — mainly the short hop from Brisbane. From the terminal it’s roughly 45 minutes’ drive to Yeppoon and the coast.
A local TransLink bus route serves the airport, and taxis, rideshare and pre-booked transfers are all available at the terminal.
Driving
The Bruce Highway runs straight through Rockhampton, and the Rockhampton–Yeppoon Road covers the 40-minute run to the coast. Once you’re there, the Scenic Highway between Yeppoon and Emu Park is one of Queensland’s great short coastal drives — headlands, lookouts and beaches the whole way.
North of Yeppoon, Byfield’s forest and national park tracks are a local favourite; the sandy tracks beyond the day-use areas are strictly high-clearance 4WD. Car hire is available in Rockhampton and at the airport.
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.