A-frames near Emu Park with swimming
This friendly coastal town on Queensland’s Capricorn Coast overlooks the Keppel Islands.
- Emu Park
Popular camping styles for Emu Park
A-frames near Emu Park with swimming guide
Overview
A small coastal community on the shores of Keppel Bay, Emu Park offers a year-round sunshine-laced climate typical of southern Queensland. Captain Cook named Keppel Bay after sighting it in 1870, with the town of Emu Park evolving as cattle station owners established holiday homes on the beach. It has retained much of its small-town charm and serves as a popular holiday spot, particularly along the waterfront where parklands and the famed Singing Ship sculpture capture the breeze.
Where to go
Benarkin State Forest
At Emu Creek Camp Site, a large open camping area for caravans and tents sits adjacent to Emu Creek. Clancy’s Camping Area is adjacent to the Bicentennial National Trail, popular among horse riders, mountain bikers, and hikers. Wood-fired BBQs (bring your own wood) are available (except when fire bans apply) at both sites. Book your camping permit through the state’s Parks and Forest department.
Keppel Bay Islands
Camping is permissible on a number of islands within Keppel Bay Islands National Park. Book your camping permit through Queensland’s Parks and Forest department for campsites on North Keppel Island, Humpy Island, Miall Island, Conical Island, Divided Island, Pelican Island, Middle Island, and Hummocky Island—here, campsites are suitable for tent campers only and facilities are limited mostly to picnic tables and toilets.
Byfield National Park
Byfield National Park, Byfield State Forest, and Byfield Conservation Park all combine to form the Capricorn Coast’s park area. Here, massive sand dunes, rainforest-edged creeks, dramatic mountain ranges, and dense pine plantations are dotted with camping areas on the beach and in the forest. Park campsites are suitable for caravans, camper trailers, and motorhomes along with tents and swags, although some are only accessible by 4WD vehicle.
When to go
Emu Park, Yeppoon, and the Capricorn Coast are a year-round holiday destination. Summer storms that roll in from the north may impact the area, but summers are generally warm and humid, and winters are mild. Southeast trade winds blow from around April to October.
Know before you go
- Swim for free at the waterfront Yeppoon Lagoon, an aquatic playground for all ages.
- 4WD vehicles can drive on 17 km of sand at Farnborough Beach, with entry access at Bangalee.
- Look for humpback whales passing through Keppel Bay on their annual migration between June and October.
- Almost 30 islands sit offshore from Emu Park, with boat trips departing from Keppel Bay Marina.
