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.

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.