Top Towns for 2022: 8 hidden gems to discover in Yeppoon

Steeped in unspoilt natural beauty and boasting old-school holiday vibes with smart options for eating, staying and playing, and not to mention a thriving arts scene, this burgeoning cultural hub is in a sweet spot. It is also sitting pretty at no. 45 in your pick of the Top 50 Aussie Towns. Here, we explore the best of Yeppoon.

Find the complete list of the Top 50 Aussie Towns here.

The new Byron Bay. It’s a phrase rolled out often as holidaymakers and sea changers continue their quest to find the perfect under-the-radar spot that hasn’t yet peaked to roll out their towel or take out a mortgage – ideally a place that blends all that Byron-esque beauty and beaches for days with a laid-back lifestyle to sink right into and just enough quirk, personality and creativity around town to keep things interesting. Plus a spot or two to get good coffee.

One of the latest recipients of this moniker, Yeppoon does indeed tick all the above boxes. Located on Queensland’s Capricorn Coast at the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef and 25 minutes’ drive from the lush Byfield rainforests (pictured above), Yeppoon is a hidden gem in an area of breathtaking natural beauty.

“Yeppoon is a friendly, small town where the community engage with each other and tourists are welcomed," says Kylie Thomasson who runs Surfside Motel with her husband Trevor.

4WD to nearby Byfield National Park. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

1. Soak up the views in Yeppoon Lagoon

Among its most immediate merits for both locals and visitors are the Yeppoon Lagoon, a 2500-square-metre resort-style lagoon pool located on the beachfront complete with swim-up infinity edge offering views over the Keppel Islands, and the nearby Keppel Kraken water-play park that could keep families with young kids diverted for days.

Swimming in Yeppoon Lagoon sunset — The sub-tropical climate in Yeppoon makes it a great year-round destination. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

2. Island hop off Yeppoon

Those islands you can see from the foreshore? A quick ferry ride will land you at Great Keppel Island, dishing up tropical getaway vibes with its 17 squeaky-clean white-sand beaches, hinterland hikes and castaway-style cabins at Great Keppel Island Hideaway. A similarly short skip over the seas, Pumpkin Island is a tiny six-hectare gem that offers a unique eco retreat for up to 34 people at a time.

Pumpkin Island near Yeppoon — Soak up the sun on Pumpkin Island. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

3. Explore Yeppoon’s great outdoors

“There are lots of sport teams, yoga and Pilates on the beach, walking groups and regular fun runs, with the Yeppoon Running Festival one of the highlights for many serious runners," says Kylie on more of her town’s merits.

“The scenic drive down to Emu Park is a must-do as well as the ANZAC Memorial Walk [once there]. And the Bluff Point Walking Track is a great lookout to spot turtles and whales from."

Views of the the Capricorn Coast. — Looking out over the Capricorn Coast. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

4. Hit the shops

Yeppoon effortlessly blends a small-town holiday vibe with city-grade dining and shopping and a thriving artistic community, Kylie says, citing among her picks of places to check out: Paint Pot Gallery and gift shop, with its collective of local artists, potters and crafters; Stir & Stitch, with its teahouse and range of cooking, sewing and creative workshops; Driftwood Boutique, with its Moroccan-inspired homewares; Coastal Funk, with locally made products including its range of handmade Capricorn Coast Collection candles to take home as souvenirs.

5. Follow the street art mural trail

Another must-do while in town is to explore the street art murals that showcase the region (combine your mural-spotting with a coffee at Two Sisters Coffee Bar and later, a wine at VUE Wine Bar & Restaurant) and the beachfront Jet James Art Gallery, where the eponymous artist and printmaker creates unique artworks and designer gifts that reflect his surrounds.

Get creative at Jet James Art Gallery. (Image: Tourism & Events Queensland)

6. Stay at the Surfside Motel

The sweet spot Yeppoon finds itself in right now might be best epitomised by the Surfside Motel, which owners Trevor and Kylie purchased 15 years ago.

“At the time it had bright green walls, gravel driveways and a busted vibe. Having over 30 years of experience in the building and design industry, and after an unplanned hailstorm event in April 2020, the epic refurb challenge was on.

“With an emphasis on keeping that old motel vibe, it was time to switch the lime green out for a neutral white linear board and ditch the gravel for beautiful timber sleeper driveways," Kylie says.

“The nostalgic holiday feel is sustained with a sitting area, beachside enclosed by breezeblocks and the old-style drive-up-to-your-door parking arrangement. As a part of the project, the pool area was completely refurbished and is now surrounded by new polished concrete, an outdoor shower and beautiful lush grass. The pool area is a summer paradise, perfect for a touch of sun and a beer or two."

Surfside Motel Yeppoon — The darling Surfside Motel. (Image: Nathan White Images)

7. Sleep at the Surf House

Recently acquired and available to be booked is the Surf House, right next door to Surfside, which rocks a 1960s vibe and boasts a vast lounge with views out to the Keppel Islands. Although not yet wholly renovated, watch this space, says Kylie. And, upon arrival, Trevor, Kylie and staff will happily share their local knowledge of the Capricorn Coast.

8. Steer a 4WD to the beach

“Some of the most beautiful, untouched coastline is a quick 4WD-only drive away at Five Rocks, Stockyard Point and Nine Mile Beach."

And unlike Byron, you might just get a beach to yourself.

View of Yeppoon — Yeppoon is a town encased by nature.

Explore more of Central Queensland in our travel guide or find out which other towns made it into your Top 50.

City buzz, gourmet trails, surf breaks and art scenes are all at your fingertips.

When it comes to planning a trip, picking a holiday destination is the easy part. The real dilemma is where to set yourself up for the night. Do you go coastal, city, or countryside? Somewhere remote and rugged, or right in the action? Luckily, the Sunshine Coast, and huge number of amazing Sunshine Coast day trips, have kindly made the choice for you.

Ditch the hotel-hopping and suitcase-lugging. Instead, base yourself at Novotel Sunshine Coast or Mantra Mooloolaba , where big-city culture, vine-covered valleys, and theme parks are all within a two-hour drive.

1. Sunshine Coast to Brisbane

Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes (105km)

Shake off the sand from your sandals and swap the beach for the throb of the Queensland capital. Ease in gently with a bougainvillea-filled stroll through South Bank, iced latte in hand, before cooling off at Streets Beach lagoon – Brisbane’s answer to the coast (but without the waves).

Once firmly in big-city mode, hit up the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) , home to Australia’s largest collection of modern and contemporary artworks. Dive into the past at the Queensland Museum, where prehistoric fossils of Australian dinosaurs and megafauna collide with First Nations cultural collections and interactive science exhibits.

All this learning got you hungry? Howard Smith Wharves calls. Here, riverside dining delivers breweries with meat-forward menus, Japanese fine dining and overwater bars. If you’ve got room for more, Fortitude Valley’s shopping boutiques await you and your wallet.

woman walking around Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) — Wander the Gallery of Modern Art. (Image: TEQ)

2. Sunshine Coast to the Scenic Rim

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (170km)

Make your way inland to the Scenic Rim for the state’s best vineyards and age-old volcanic slopes. Start your day early (like, sparrow’s breakfast early) at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park . Here, take a treetop walk through the canopy and hand-feed the wild birds who flock here.

Next, it’s your turn to eat. Here, the food scene operates where locally sourced produce is an expectation, not an exception. Order a picnic basket crammed with regional wine and cheese to devour next to the creek at Canungra Valley Vineyards . Or perhaps a grazing platter of vegan and non-vegan cheeses at Witches Falls Winery .

Feeling bold? Tackle the Twin Falls circuit in Springbrook National Park. Or keep the gourmet life going with a Scenic Rim Brewery tasting paddle, best enjoyed while taking in the rise of the Great Dividing Range.

woman with cheese and wine at Witches Falls Winery — Enjoy a cheese platter at Witches Falls Winery. (Image: TEQ)

3. Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast

Drive time: 2 hours (180km)

Surf, sand and sparkling skylines might be the Gold Coast’s MO, but there’s more to Surfers Paradise and beyond. Kick things off with a beachfront coffee at Burleigh Heads, then hike through Burleigh Head National Park to look over the ocean and whale sightings (dependent on the season, of course).

Cool off in the calm waters of Tallebudgera Creek before chowing down on the famously buttery Moreton Bay bug rolls at Rick Shores . Travelling with the kids? Then you can’t miss Australia’s theme park capital, with Dreamworld ’s big rides and Warner Bros. Movie World ’s Hollywood treatment at hand to keep the family entertained.

aerial view of Tallebudgera Creek — Dive into Tallebudgera Creek. (Image: TEQ)

4. Sunshine Coast to Tweed Heads

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (200km)

Dare to cross enemy lines? Then welcome to New South Wales. Tweed Heads blends the laid-back attitude of the Northern Rivers with high-quality dining, experimental art, and farm-fresh indulgence – a combo worth the drive.

Start strong with a long, lazy brunch at Tweed River House , then swing by Tropical Fruit World for exotic finds like red dragon fruit, handfuls of lychees and black sapote. Next, hit M|Arts Precinct – an art deco hub of micro galleries, artist workshops and one-off boutiques.

Round off the day with sunset drinks at Husk Distillers among the glowing cane fields, and order one with their famous Ink Gin. You’ll thank us later.

exterior of Husk Distillers — Taste the famous Ink Gin at Husk Distillers. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Drive time: 1 hour (70km)

Strap on those hiking boots and make tracks inland, where volcanic peaks, misty rainforest and hinterland townships beckon. Ease in with the Glass House Mountains Lookout Walk, or, if you have energy to burn, tackle the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk for a 360-degree sight of the surrounding summits.

Next: Montville. This township delivers European-style architecture and old-world appeal. Nearby, settle in at Flame Hill Vineyard, where a large pour of estate-grown wine comes with encompassing views of the countryside.

Not ready to leave the hinterland villages just yet? Of course not. Meander past art galleries and indie shops at Maleny. Nab some fudge from Sweets on Maple for a sweet fix. Or go salty at Maleny Dairies with a farm tour and a chunky wedge of their deliciously creamy cheese.

End the day among the eucalypts and rainforests of Kondalilla National Park. Here, the Kondalilla Falls Circuit winds down through trees humming with life to a rock pool beneath a waterfall – as if designed for soaking tired feet before heading back to the coast.

view of Mount Ngungun on the scenic rim queensland — Take on the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk (Image: TEQ)

Start planning your Sunshine home base at all.com.