Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

THE CAPRICORN COAST & THE SOUTHERN REEF ISLANDS 325
WHERE TO DINE
Rockhampton R.S.L. Club TRADITIONAL AUSTRALIAN Value How can
you beat the roast of the day when it includes three huge slices of pork with generous
servings of hot vegetables and potatoes smothered in gravy, for under A$15
(US$9.75)? By ordering the half-serve, that’s how, because that’s still enough to
fill you up. Australia’s Returned Services League (R.S.L.) clubs are renowned for
big meals at small prices. The wine is a great value, too. Sign in at the door.
Cambridge St. & 07/4927 1737. Reservations recommended on weekends. Smart dress required. Main
courses A$8–A$14 (US$5.20–US$9.10). No credit cards. Mon–Sat noon–2pm and 6–8pm. Club open 10am–
midnight.
GREAT KEPPEL ISLAND
15km (9 miles) E off Rockhampton
This 1,454-hectare (3,591-acre) island is home to one major resort, for the 18-
to-35s, and a couple of smaller, family-oriented ones. You can stay at one of the
resorts, or take a day trip from the mainland and pay to use many of the facilities
including watersports equipment, pools, and food outlets. Seventeen beaches on
the island are accessible by walking trails or dinghy (which you can rent). The
shallow waters and fringing reef make the island a good choice for beginner
divers; experienced divers will see corals, sea snakes, turtles, and rays. If you stay
overnight, you will most likely be rewarded with one of the spectacular sunsets
for which the island is famous.
GETTING THERE Launches operated by Keppel Tourist Services (& 07/
4933 6744) and Freedom Fast Ferries (& 07/4933 6244) each make the 30-
minute crossing from Rosslyn Bay Harbour, approximately 55km (34 miles) east
of Rockhampton, three times daily. The return trip costs about A$31 (US$20)
adults, A$16 (US$10) children ages 5 to 15, and A$78 (US$51) family of four.
From Rockhampton, take the Capricorn Coast scenic drive Route 10 to Emu
Park and follow the signs to Rosslyn Bay Harbour. If you’re coming to Rockhampton
from the north, the scenic drive turnoff is just north of the city, and from
there it’s 46km (29 miles) to the harbor. You can leave your car in undercover storage
at Great Keppel Island Security Car Park (& 07/4933 6670) at 422 Scenic
Hwy., near the harbor, for A$6.50 to A$8 (US$4.20–US$5.20) per day.
Rothery’s Coaches (& 07/4922 4320) runs a daily service from Kern Arcade
on Bolsover Street in Rockhampton to Rosslyn Bay Harbour and back, three times
a day. You can request a free pickup from the airport, train station, or your hotel.
Round-trip fares from town are A$14 (US$9.10) for adults, A$11 (US$7.15) for
seniors and students, A$7 (US$4.55) for children ages 5 to 14. The round-trip fare
to/from the airport is A$28 (US$18) for adults, A$22 (US$14) for seniors and
students, A$14 (US$9.10) for children, and A$69 (US$45) for families.
VISITOR INFORMATION The Great Keppel Island Information Centre
at the ferry terminal at Rosslyn Bay Harbour (& 1800/77 4488 in Australia)
dispenses information about the island’s activities and accommodations.
Fun Fact Boom in the Net
A water activity invented in Oz is “boom netting,” in which a large net is
thrown off the back of a boat, and participants hang off it (and hang onto
their bathing suits, as they sometimes lose tops or bottoms) and are towed
across the waves.