ATE2026 A Huge Success For Capricorn Coast, Southern Great Barrier Reef

Capricorn Enterprise proudly represented the region through 88 pre-scheduled appointments over four very busy days (Mon 11 - Thurs 14 May) at this year’s Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE2026) in Adelaide, along with several Capricorn Coast operators with their own dedicated booths, including Koorana Crocodile Farm, Great Keppel Island Hideaway, Freedom Fast Cats, Dreamtime Resorts (Stay Yeppoon properties) and our Southern Great Barrier Reef out of region members including 1770 LARC! Tours, Heron/Wilson Islands, Lady Musgrave Experience, Central Apartment Group, Ingenia Holiday Parks.

Best of Queensland Experiences 2026 - 8 Gold, 3 Silver and 54 Teal

Congratulations to our 65 regional operators who achieved Best of Queensland this year, with 8 Gold, 3 Silver and 54 Teal. We also welcomed nine (9) new operators into the BOQ program this year which is a fantastic result. Capricorn Caves were awarded 3 Gold for their Tours, Attraction and Accommodation; Freedom Fast Cats received 2 Gold for their Water Taxi and Tours; High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm received 2 Gold for their Accommodation and Tours; Keppel Dive and Water Sports received Gold for their Tours. Silver BOQ was awarded to Mount Morgan Historical Railway Museum, Empire Apartment Hotel and Poinciana Tourist Park and 54 operators achieved Teal.

International Agents Choose Capricorn Coast for Post ATE Visits

International interest in the Capricorn Coast region continues to grow, with key travel agents from the UK (Jenny Taylor-Page - Prestige Travel UK) and Germany (Birthe Kanzler and Ralf Lietze - owners of Australien und Reisen) extending their Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE26) experience through immersive post-event visits across the region. From island escapes and glamping experiences to heritage attractions and relaxing stays, these visits showcase the diverse experiences driving global interest to our destination.

Airbnb Your Home for Beef 2027 and help pay for your next holiday - Information Night Wednesday 3 June

Every three years, tens of thousands of people flood into Rocky, Yeppoon & Gladstone - and every year, there aren't enough beds. Join Airbnb for a free community information night where Airbnb will share average host earnings from previous Beef events, and what you can potentially earn — whether you have a spare room, a granny flat, or the whole house to offer while you're away. *Yeppoon - Keppel Bay Sailing Club *Rockhampton - Rockhampton Leagues Club

4RO Promotion Hits the Airwaves 

The Radio 4RO 990 AM “The Talk of Central Queensland” promotion officially launched yesterday, with listeners already tuning in for the chance to win and discover some of the region’s incredible experiences. Capricorn Enterprise has been working behind the scenes to help bring the campaign to life, with a big thank you to all of the members who generously donated prizes.

Last chance to register - Regional Tour Guide Day: Next Wed 27 May - Capricorn Caves

Passionate about showcasing Queensland and sharing stories with others? The Queensland Guiding Community of Practice is bringing its first local event to Capricorn Caves on Wednesday 27 May. This free event offers networking, industry insights and professional development for guides, tourism operators, frontline staff and anyone interested in visitor experiences.

Last chance to register - Future Ready Workforce Consultations - Yeppoon: Next Thursday 28 May

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council invites tourism, hospitality, travel and events businesses in Capricorn to take part in QTIC’s Future Ready Workforce Consultation – a practical, industry-led session focused on shaping the future workforce of our region.

Get Involved in TEQ’s New Winter Tourism Campaign

Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) has unveiled details of its upcoming statewide campaign, That Holiday Feeling Starts Here, designed to inspire travel and drive bookings across Queensland during the key winter holiday period. Explore the newly released Campaign Toolkit to learn how your business can get involved, including a campaign overview, a link to download the campaign dinkus, and opportunities to further amplify activity via IMATE.

Shell World Yeppoon Celebrates 20 Years of Coastal Wonder

This year marks a special milestone for Shell World Yeppoon – 20 years of delighting visitors with one of the most unique and captivating collections on the Queensland coast. Located within the Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Centre, Shell World has grown into a treasured local attraction, showcasing more than 20,000 shells from marine, land, and fossil molluscs.

Queensland Industry Pulse Survey

This fortnightly survey helps understand what businesses are experiencing in real time and strengthens advocacy with decision makers. The survey only takes 2-3 minutes. 

QTIC Federal Budget 2026-27 Analysis

The 2026-27 Federal Budget delivers some practical short term support for tourism businesses, particularly around fuel costs, small business investment and regional resilience. However, it falls short of the long term strategic investment.

March Quarter 2026 Pulse Survey

Have your say following the Federal Budget - More than 8 in 10 businesses have told Business Chamber Queensland they are expecting the economy to slow down. Share your valuable perspective and take the survey.

Protecting Endangered Cave Species

CQUniversity conservation students and Woorabinda Rangers have officially kicked off another year of environmental restoration work at the Capricorn Caves, helping protect a fragile dry rainforest ecosystem that supports endangered species including the ghost bat (Macroderma gigas) and cave fern (Tectaria devexa).

QLD Gov Engaging Citizen Science Grant - Ghost Net Workshop

Thanks to the Queensland Government Engaging Citizen Science Grant, Capricorn Coast Marine Community were proud to host a teacher workshop on Great Keppel Island at Great Keppel Island Hideaway with the incredible Ghost Net Collective.

Get Your ABBA On! Jabiru Events Centre -  Saturday 18 July 

ABBA Dancing Queens: Trivia, Pub Choir & Dance Party! Get ready for a glitter-filled evening of iconic hits, questionable dance moves, and big singalong energy as we celebrate the music we all secretly (or not-so-secretly) know every word to! Jabiru Events Centre - tickets on sale now. 

Rockhampton - FOGS Regional Tours: Gala Lunch - Friday 5 June 

Wally Lewis, Gene Miles, Chris Close, Steve Walters & Matt Gillett return to Rockhampton to raise proceeds for Grassroots Rugby League in the region & surrounds! Join them and enjoy lunch, drinks & legendary stories. Rockhampton Leagues Club.

Rockhampton Heritage Village Markets - This Saturday 23 May

Join in the fun for the Heritage Village Markets  – they’re on Saturday 23 May from 4pm to 8pm.

Browse the stalls, take a ride on a vintage vehicle and stay for dinner with food and drink on sale from our various food vendors.

FREE ENTRY!