The best stops on a Brisbane to Bowen road trip
1770 to Yeppoon on the Brisbane to Bowen drive
1770 is certainly a more appealing base than industrial city Gladstone to the north, although if you’re going to stay the night in Gladstone, beach suburb Tannum Sands has more charm.
Things to do in Gladstone include the Maritime Museum and taking the ferry to Curtis Island. But the best reason to visit is taking the Heron Island ferry to Heron Island and Wilson Island on the Great Barrier Reef.
Gladstone accommodation options include the affordable Aaron Motel, the well-reviewed Harbour Sails Motor Inn and the spacious Oaks Gladstone Grand Hotel.
Gladstone to Yeppoon
The drive from Gladstone to Rockhampton is dull, with the best stop being the Calliope Conservation Park in Calliope.
Things to do in Rockhampton, however, include the Dreamtime Cultural Centre and the Rockhampton Heritage Village.
The best places to stay in Rockhampton, Queensland
The best Rockhampton accommodation choices are:
- For character and charm: Denison Boutique Hotel.
- For heritage: Quality Hotel Regent.
- For well-equipped apartments: Quest Rockhampton.
- For really good value: Rockhampton Serviced Apartments.
- For a great pool: Korte’s Resort.
Rockhampton is the biggest city in Central Queensland, but coastal Yeppoon is a more enjoyable place to stay. Getting there requires a 35 minute detour from Rockhampton to Yeppoon. You can visit the walking trails and birdwatcher hangouts of Baga National Park en route.
Top experiences to book in and around Rockhampton
- (Highly recommended ✅) Great Keppel Island day trip – with lunch.
- Cathedral Cave tour at Capricorn Caves. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 90 minute Deep Vault Cave and Flower Pot tour at Capricorn Caves.
- Time Safaris walking tour.
Things to do in Yeppoon include going for a swim in the Yeppoon Lagoon and taking the Great Keppel Island ferry for a Great Keppel Island day trip. You can also try Lammermoor Beach, Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary and spearfishing charters.
Where to stay in Yeppoon
The top Yeppoon accommodation options are:
- For a dependable motel with a pool: Coast Motel.
- For high quality apartments near Yeppoon Lagoon: Salt Yeppoon.
- For Mediterranean-style villas: Villa Mar Colina.
- For a centrally-located boutique resort: Coral Inn Boutique Resort.
Where to stay in Yeppoon
The top Yeppoon accommodation options are:
- For a dependable motel with a pool: Coast Motel.
- For high quality apartments near Yeppoon Lagoon: Salt Yeppoon.
- For Mediterranean-style villas: Villa Mar Colina.
- For a centrally-located boutique resort: Coral Inn Boutique Resort.
Click through to the next section: Sarina and Mackay.