The Central Coast, also known as the Capricorn Coast, offers students a diverse range of environments, including the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, beachside resorts, national parks, historic towns and cultural sites.

Getting here and around

• The Central Coast has access to domestic airports at Gladstone, Mackay and Rockhampton.
• Public transport services operate in all the Central Coast’s main towns.

Things to do

• Swim and snorkel off the pristine beaches of Yeppoon, protected by the Great Barrier Reef and Keppel Bay Islands.
• Take a guided tour at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre set in stunning natural bushland around Rockhampton, the town where the outback meets the reef.
• Visit one of Gladstone’s galleries or museums, such as the heritage experience at the Calliope River Historical Village where some of the region’s original buildings and transport have been preserved.
• Relax at the landscaped foreshore of Millennium Esplanade in Tannum Sands where families can enjoy the beach, barbecues and playgrounds or explore the coast along almost 20 kilometres of bikeway.

Industry and research

Agriculture is among the main industries of the Central Coast:
Rockhampton is known as the beef capital of Australia, while Mackay produces more than a third of the country’s cane sugar. Central Queensland University (CQU) is rated highly for its research in many areas, including maths, agriculture and VET science.
Queensland Central Coast Schools offer a choice of programs that benefit from the region’s strengths in marine industries, mining and related services, industry processing, engineering, agriculture and environmental science.