Where Ancient Reefs, Dinosaurs & Living Landscapes Collide
Drive itinerary
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Day 1
Rockhampton & Capricorn Caves
Ancient Coral Reefs in Stone
Begin underground. At Capricorn Caves, walk through limestone chambers formed from Devonian coral reefs over 390 million years ago. Guided tours reveal how marine life became rock, preserving one of Queensland’s oldest geological stories.
Explore Rockhampton’s heritage streets and riverside dining along the Fitzroy River – a landscape shaped by deep time and flowing water.
Overnight: Rockhampton
Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Centre
Scenic Hwy, Yeppoon
P: 1800 675 785
www.visitcapricorn.com.au
Day 2
Rockhampton to Mount Morgan
Volcanoes, Gold & Gemstones
Travel inland to Mount Morgan, once home to one of the richest gold mines in the world – its mineral wealth born from ancient volcanic activity.
Follow the self-guided heritage trail and learn how fire beneath the earth shaped this region millions of years ago.
At Mt Hay Gemstone Tourist Park, fossick for thundereggs – volcanic nodules formed in cooling lava flows and cracked open to reveal colourful crystal interiors.
Return to Rockhampton for the night.
Overnight: Rockhampton
Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Centre
Scenic Hwy, Yeppoon
P: 1800 675 785
www.visitcapricorn.com.au
Day 3
Rockhampton to Yeppoon (Capricorn Coast)
From Fire to Sea
Drive east as volcanic country gives way to coastal headlands and the Coral Sea.
Explore Capricorn Coast National Park, where rocky cliffs and sweeping beaches reveal changing sea levels over millennia. Walk coastal trails shaped by shifting oceans and weathered stone.
Relax along Yeppoon’s foreshore as sunset lights volcanic headlands.
Overnight: Yeppoon
Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Centre
Scenic Hwy, Yeppoon
P: 1800 675 785
www.visitcapricorn.com.au
Day 4
Capricorn Coast discoveries
Dinosaurs & Living Survivors
Visit Capricorn Dinosaur Park & Mini Golf, where fossil displays and life-sized replicas bring prehistoric giants into a coastal setting.
At Koorana Crocodile Farm, encounter crocodilians – modern reptiles whose lineage stretches back to the age of dinosaurs. Few animals connect past and present so powerfully.
Enjoy local produce grown in fertile soils created by ancient volcanic activity.
Overnight: Yeppoon
Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Centre
Scenic Hwy, Yeppoon
P: 1800 675 785
www.visitcapricorn.com.au
Day 5
Optional extension: Great Keppel Island & Southern Great Barrier Reef
Living Marine Worlds
Extend your journey offshore.
Explore volcanic island landscapes and snorkel fringing reefs shaped over millions of years. Here, living coral ecosystems continue a marine story that began long before dinosaurs walked the land.
Overnight: Great Keppel Island
- Days 4
- Start Rockhampton
- End Yeppoon
Travel along the Tropic of Capricorn on a journey shaped by ancient coral seas, volcanic fire and living ecosystems.
Dig the Tropic links Queensland’s Outback and Sapphire Gemfields to Rockhampton, in a drive where limestone caves preserve prehistoric reefs, volcanoes forged gemstones beneath your feet, and modern coastlines echo ancient marine worlds.
It’s where science, story and scenery meet – above and below ground.
Palaeo & geo highlights
- Walk through 390-million-year-old fossilised coral reefs
- Explore dinosaur discoveries and life-sized replicas
- Fossick for volcanic thundereggs
- Encounter crocodiles – living links to the dinosaur age
- Connect inland geology with the Southern Great Barrier Reef
What makes Dig the Tropic unique?
Dig the Tropic brings Queensland’s geological and dinosaur story to the coast. This region reveals:
- Coral reefs transformed into limestone caves
- Volcanoes that created gemstones and fertile soils
- Coastal cliffs shaped by shifting oceans
- Living reptiles descended from deep time
Unlike remote outback fossil drives, Dig the Tropic delivers deep-time discovery within easy reach of major centres – ideal for families, short breaks and coastal explorers seeking something unexpected.
Travel tips
- Fully sealed roads – caravan friendly
- Book guided cave tours in advance
- Plan gemstone experiences during school holidays
- Combine inland geology with reef adventures
Extend your journey
Dig the Tropic connects with:
For further information, local recommendations and accommodation options, contact the Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Centre, Scenic Hwy, Yeppoon. P: 1800 675 785.
