Capricorn Coast

ECO Certified Destination (Ecotourism) since 2024.

Discover the enchanting Capricorn Coast, a gem nestled in Queensland, Australia. This coastal paradise boasts an abundance of local produce celebrated by the “Taste Capricorn Coast” project, where you can savour fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and artisanal delights.

The coast is a gateway to the stunning Southern Great Barrier Reef and its idyllic islands, perfect for snorkelling and diving adventures. Explore the awe-inspiring Capricorn Caves, a labyrinth of limestone wonders, and immerse yourself in the lush tranquil rainforest of Byfield National Park, home to diverse wildlife and scenic hiking trails. The Capricorn Coast offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and culinary delights.

The Capricorn Coast celebrates a vibrant mix of cultures and demographics, where people from all walks of life honour their heritage. The local First Nations People, the Darumbal people of the mainland and the Woppaburra people of the sea country and islands, share invaluable stories and knowledge, visible throughout the urban and natural landscapes.

This region fosters a strong environmental culture with frequent community events and ceremonies.

Tourism and local initiatives focus on sharing Indigenous heritage, history, stories, and artworks. Public artworks tell the story of the ancient connection to the land, which the Darumbal & Woppaburra people maintain. The Capricorn Coast is dedicated to protecting and conserving areas of cultural and spiritual significance.

Sustainability Commitment

The Capricorn Coast is 1 of 19 councils that participate in the Reef Guardian School project and is home to 12 Reef Guardian Schools.

The Capricorn Coast is focused on creating a sustainable economy that supports and connects local businesses, community groups, and organisations. “Support local, buy local” promotes the use of local produce and services and helps reduce carbon emissions, by reducing food miles, whilst supporting local businesses. The “Plastic Free CQ” initiative helps local cafes, restaurants, bars, and venues minimise or eliminate their single-use plastic waste.

Both the council and the community actively support projects that prioritise sustainable practises including waste management, water conservation, transportation, and energy usage. Innovative approaches to everyday business operations are fostering collaborations among groups and individuals, leading to achievements aligned with global best practices. Some notable local projects include:

Capricorn Conservation Council

• Watercourse Ecosystems Conservation: Our efforts to preserve and restore vital waterways are crucial for maintaining the ecological balance in Central Queensland. We focus on initiatives that ensure the sustainability of these essential ecosystems.
• Wildlife Habitat Restoration: We are dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating wildlife habitats. Our projects aim to conserve local biodiversity and enhance ecological resilience.
• Community Education Programs: Engaging and educating the community is at the heart of what we do. Through various programs, we raise awareness about environmental conservation and empower individuals to act.

Upcycle CQ

• The Upcycle CQ team take unwanted items from people, which would otherwise go to landfill and give them a second life by refreshing them or creating an entirely new product!

Surfrider Capricorn Coast

• Surfrider Foundation Australia is a registered not for profit sea-roots organisation dedicated to the protection of Australia’s ocean, beaches and waves through conservation, activism, research and education. Their Mission is to inspire an engaged surfing and coastal community who are passionate about protecting 100% of Australia’s coastlines. Current Capricorn Coast projects include beach clean up at Big Dune (Farnborough Beach) and Pandanus dieback project, sponsoring and supporting Pandanus Management Guru, Joel Fostin to improve community activity to combat this disaster and are working to achieve effective biological control into the future.

Explore off the beaten track

Our destination is “off the beaten track” in terms of exploring Queensland, however our National Parks and islands have wonderful walking tracks to stick to, to protect our patch of paradise.