Your Fly-Drive Holiday on the Southern Great Barrier Reef

A fly-drive holiday is that perfect mix of having your own wheels for some freedom, whilst cutting out that long one-way Queensland drive.

Your Southern Great Barrier Reef fly-drive adventure begins in Rockhampton, with access from Brisbane with both Qantas and Virgin with 12 arrival flights daily. Discover a mix of heritage and modernity with a leisurely drive through the town's wide, historic streets, where charming cafes now fill heritage buildings, and East Street offers glimpses of Rockhampton's vibrant past. A short detour onto Quay Street takes you along Australia's largest heritage-listed street, where colonial-era verandas overlook the tranquil Fitzroy River, stop along the riverfront to enjoy a peaceful walk or a meal at The Boathouse Restaurant, where the sunset over the water provides the perfect backdrop.

After soaking in some of Rockhampton’s history, head out on the Capricorn Highway eastward toward the coast. Your destination is the laid-back coastal town of Yeppoon, the gateway to some of the region’s best natural wonders. As you approach the coast, turn left onto the scenic Panorama Drive. This route offers stunning views of the Coral Sea and Great Keppel Island on the horizon. Great Keppel, famous for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, is a must-visit for anyone seeking a true tropical escape. A quick ferry ride from Yeppoon takes you to the island, where you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the white sandy beaches. You might even opt to stay the night at one of the island’s eco-friendly accommodations, giving you more time to explore the coral reefs and enjoy island life.

For those seeking an even more secluded island retreat, Pumpkin Island, a tiny, private eco-island just off the coast, offers a unique and peaceful escape. Accessible by boat from Yeppoon, this hidden gem is perfect for those looking to disconnect from the world and immerse themselves in nature, surrounded by pristine beaches and clear waters.

Back on the mainland, the drive north to Byfield National Park offers a change of pace, immersing you in a landscape of towering pines and lush rainforests. The national park is an adventurer’s paradise, with rugged sand dunes, freshwater creeks, and plenty of bushwalking trails. One of the highlights is Stony Creek, where you can take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by tranquil wilderness. The park also offers camping areas if you want to extend your stay and enjoy a night under the stars.

As you wind through Byfield, the beauty of this untouched wilderness contrasts with the coastal scenery of Yeppoon and the islands. From here, it’s easy to circle back through the Capricorn Coast, where you can continue south along the coastal road, passing by the popular Yeppoon Lagoon, a stunning public pool complex with views over the beach. The road winds through a collection of retro-style beach houses and charming coastal towns like Emu Park, with its relaxed vibe and inviting cafes.

Finally, as you head back inland toward Rockhampton, you’ll connect with the Bruce Highway, leading south toward Gladstone. Along the way, you can reflect on the diverse experiences this region offers—from bustling coastal towns and island getaways to tranquil rainforests and rugged national parks, all within a scenic drive from one another.

You’ll pass over Wild Cattle Creek and drive through the industry which makes Gladstone pump, past the marina which services its outer islands, and the new Eastshores development, home to pretty public space boasting walkways, playgrounds and water parks. Head to the hill and Auckland Point for a birds-eye view over the entire region before hitting the road south, through Tannum Sands and its burgeoning beachside coffee culture before continuing south towards the Town of 1770/Agnes Water. Wind through quintessential Queensland cattle country and past archetypal Australian gumtrees, over the Calliope River and chatty creeks with bubbly names such as Gingerbeer. Drive through Bernaby with its retro café and Bororen which boasts the Baked Bean and Big Giraffe Cafes before pausing at the Miriam Vale service station and its Big Crab restaurant for a sand crab sandwich and one of the best coffees you’ve ever had on a roadtrip.

Turn left here and follow the signs towards Agnes Water and the Town of 1770. Yes, Miriam Vale and Agnes Water may sound like spinster aunties, but that’s all part of the charm of this region rich in retro and revival. Round Hill Road eventually arrives at a crossroads and again, it’s a simple choice of left or right.

Left will take you along Captain Cook Drive, past stylish resorts and tourists attractions, all the way to the 1770 headland. Turn right onto Springs Road, and you can easily access Agnes Water Beach, and the magical Paperbark Forest.

It’s a relaxing 90-minute country doddle along Rosedale Road between The Town of 1770/Agnes Water and Bundaberg North Burnett. Cruise past Baffle Creek and the home of that great local beer and the turnoff to Deepwater National Park, with three great camping areas.

You’ll pass over the Kolan River, home to some cool kayaking, and into cane country before you reach the mighty Burnett River which leads into the Bundaberg CBD. Flanked by more historic Queenslanders, again, the choice here is simple, turn left and head towards beautiful Bargara beach and the rest of the Bundaberg coastline, or right to the airport, where you can deposit your hire car. Whichever way you turn, there’s no wrong way along the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

Drive

Budget Rent A Car has four franchises in the region - one in Rockhampton, Gladstone, Bundaberg and Hervey Bay - making a fly/drive holiday to the Southern Great Barrier Reef simple. Budget does not charge a one-way drop-off fee, which gives visitors even greater choice regarding ports in which they wish to enter and exit the region. www.budget.com.au

Eat

The Waterline Restaurant, Keppel Bay Marina

The multi-award winning The Waterline Restaurant, perched on the Keppel Bay Marina, serves beef from the owners’ Banana Cattle station, on its menu. Try the Cowboys Benedict, their Banana Station rib fillet with smoked belly bacon, a poached egg, ciabatta, and black bean salsa. www.thewaterline.com.au

Lightbox Espresso and Wine Bar, Gladstone

Gladstone’s Lightbox Espresso and Wine Bar serve a colourful charcuterie menu along with French champagne, bespoke cocktails, premium wine and spirits and local and imported beer. www.lightboxgladstone.co

Water St Kitchen, Bundaberg

Water St Kitchen's ‘bare to the bone’ traditional cooking style champions local producers with both simple and creative techniques. The tiny team are passionate about our unique approach, one that values the art of craftsmanship and sharing our knowledge and values with the new generation of chefs, without shortcuts. Savour the very best ingredients from local producers into culinary experiences that celebrate the richness of our community, matching them with beautiful Australian wines & fine champagne. www.waterstkitchen.com.au

Sleep

Empire Apartment Hotel, Rockhampton

Consistently voted the best in the Rockhampton region, Empire Apartment Hotel has 120 rooms, all of which boast a balcony, and three onsite restaurants including the family-owned Italian Pacinos. www.empirerockhampton.com.au

Lagoons 1770

So named because of the gorgeous swimming lagoon which wraps around its interior, Lagoons @ 1770 is also home to a beautiful day spa. Guests who stay on the first floor have instant access to the pool from the ladders on their balcony, those on the second floor are awarded with private spa baths. www.lagoons1770.com.au

C Bargara

Situated on the Esplanade in the beachfront Bargara, every apartment enjoys spectacular ocean views. The premier accommodation offers self-contained apartments in the heart of popular Bargara. cbargara.com.au