Capricorn Highway, Australia: Length, location and major towns

The Capricorn Highway in Australia runs along the Tropic of Capricorn for 575km, connecting the Bruce Highway at Rockhampton to the Landsborough Highway in Barcaldine.

The Capricorn Highway in Australia is one of the major routes across the state of Queensland. It’s not one that many tourists will end up driving, but it connects the Bruce Highway – which runs parallel to the Queensland coast – to the outback.

Where is the Capricorn Highway?

The Capricorn Highway begins, as the name suggests, very close to the Tropic of Capricorn. It branches off the Bruce Highway at Rockhampton, then heads pretty much due west until it joins the Landsborough Highway in Barcaldine.

The main street in Barcaldine, Queensland, at the end of the Capricorn Highway. Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland

The Landsborough Highway is the main route through inland Queensland.

How long is the Capricorn Highway?

The Capricorn Highway is 575km long, and is one of the main east to west routes across Queensland.

It is badged with the route number A4, and is sealed for its entire length. As well as the Bruce and Landsborough Highways, the Capricorn Highway also connects with the Leichhardt Highway at Westwood and the Gregory Highway in Emerald.

Main towns on the Capricorn Highway

Rockhampton is the biggest town on the Capricorn Highway by a long distance, with Emerald and Barcaldine the other main regional hubs along the route.

The Rockhampton to Emerald section of the drive along the Capricorn Highway passes through the small settlements of Westwood, Gogango and Blackwater. On the Emerald to Barcaldine leg of the journey, the A4 goes through Alpha and Jericho.

If driving from Rockhampton to Barcaldine or – more likely – Rockhampton to Longreach – the best place to stop on the route is Emerald.

Things to do in Emerald include the Outback Exploratorium science centre and chilling out by Fairbairn Dam.