Getting to the Capricorn Coast
Fly to Rockhampton and drive 40 minutes to the sea, road-trip the Bruce Highway, or take the train — and the ferry from Rosslyn Bay to the islands.
Getting to the Capricorn Coast
The Capricorn Coast sits on the Tropic of Capricorn in Central Queensland, a short hop east of Rockhampton. For most visitors the quick way is to fly to Rockhampton (about 1h20 from Brisbane) and drive the last 40 minutes to Yeppoon; for a road trip, the Bruce Highway runs the whole east coast. Either way, the last stretch — cane fields giving way to the sea and the Keppel islands on the horizon — tells you you’ve arrived.
Distances to the Capricorn Coast
Approximate times — always check current road and ferry information.
| Route | Distance | Time | Via |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane → Rockhampton | ~640 km | ~7.5 hrs | Bruce Highway (or 1h20 flight) |
| Rockhampton → Yeppoon | ~40 km | ~40 min | Rockhampton–Yeppoon Road |
| Yeppoon → Rosslyn Bay (ferry) | ~7 km | ~10 min | then ~30 min ferry to Great Keppel |
| Yeppoon → Emu Park | ~19 km | ~20 min | Scenic Highway |
| Yeppoon → Byfield | ~40 km | ~45 min | Byfield Road (sealed to town) |
Fly, Drive or Take the Train
By air. Rockhampton Airport (ROK) has direct flights from Brisbane and connections beyond, and it’s only about 40 minutes from Yeppoon. Hire a car at the airport — you’ll want one on the coast — or arrange a transfer.
By road. The Bruce Highway links Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg and Gladstone to Rockhampton (about 8 hours from Brisbane), then it’s a 40-minute run east to the coast. A great leg of a longer Queensland road trip.
By rail. Queensland Rail’s Tilt Train and other services reach Rockhampton from Brisbane; from the station it’s a short drive or transfer to Yeppoon.
To the islands. Great Keppel and the Keppel Bay islands are reached by ferry from Rosslyn Bay Harbour, a 10-minute drive south of Yeppoon. No car goes to Great Keppel — you travel on foot and by island transfer.
Rather not drive it? Our Capricorn Coast tours can include transfers and the island crossing.
Plan the Rest
You’ve arrived — here’s what’s next.
Getting Around
The coast road, Rosslyn Bay, Byfield and when you'll want a 4WD.
Getting around → 🛏 StayWhere to Stay
Yeppoon, the island, Emu Park or Byfield — where to base yourself.
Where to stay → ⚓ GatewayRosslyn Bay
The harbour and marina — your departure point for Great Keppel and the reef.
Rosslyn Bay →Getting There — Quick Answers
How do you get to the Capricorn Coast?
Most visitors fly into Rockhampton Airport (about 1h20 from Brisbane) and drive ~40 minutes east to Yeppoon, or drive the Bruce Highway — roughly 8 hours / 700 km from Brisbane. Queensland Rail's Tilt Train also serves Rockhampton.
What is the nearest airport to Yeppoon?
Rockhampton Airport (ROK), about 40 minutes' drive from Yeppoon, with direct flights from Brisbane and other centres. Hire cars and transfers are available; there is no commercial airport on the Capricorn Coast itself.
How do you get to Great Keppel Island?
Drive to Rosslyn Bay Harbour (just south of Yeppoon) and take a ferry — about a 30-minute crossing. Parking is available at the harbour. See our Rosslyn Bay guide.
How far is the Capricorn Coast from Brisbane?
About 700 km, or 8 hours' drive up the Bruce Highway. Flying to Rockhampton and hiring a car is the quicker option for a short trip.
Do you need a car on the Capricorn Coast?
Effectively yes — the coast's towns, beaches and Rosslyn Bay are spread out and public transport is limited. A guided tour is the alternative. See our getting around 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