Yeppoon Beach

Yeppoon’s main beach lies on Queensland’s Capricorn Coast, just a 30-minute drive from Rockhampton.

The tropical climate here makes this a popular spot all year round, and the soft caramel coloured-sands and cling film-clear waters keep locals and visitors coming back again and again.

There’s a surf club and a sailing club at either end of the beach, plus a whole load of places to eat and drink at just behind the beach. There are barbecue and picnic facilities too if you fancy preparing your own food.

Not quite in the shelter of the Great Barrier Reef, the waters here can get quite rough, so pay close attention to the flags and only go in if it’s safe to do so. Like most Australian beaches, lifeguards are on duty every day.

One of the big draws for visitors here is the kids’ splash park which sits right next to the beach. With colourful sea creature sculptures like starfish and turtles, plus jets, water cannons and a tipping bucket, it’s a huge hit with little ones. There are picnic tables and barbecues right next to it too, so parents can chill out while the youngsters make a splash.

Just a little further along the beach, you’ll also find the Yeppoon Lagoon. This public swimming pool’s completely free to use, and is a good alternative to swimming in the sea if you’re not the most confident of swimmers. This infinity pool has sunbeds, grassy areas for sunbathing and first-class sea views going for it, along with public barbecues and a shallow spot for kids.

And after a day spent sunbathing and swimming, you can stroll five minutes into the town, where you’ll find plenty of places to eat and drink.