If you’re planning a few meals back at the park, you’re well set up. There’s a Camp Kitchen and BBQ facilities on site, making it easy to cook breakfast, throw together a relaxed dinner, or keep things simple after a day at the beach.

For coffee with kids in tow, Secret Garden Cafe in Yeppoon is hard to beat. The coffee is excellent, the staff are genuinely welcoming, and the menu focuses on simple, well-executed breakfast plates that appeal to all ages. What really sets it apart is the outdoor space, complete with a swing and a mud kitchen that gives little ones room to play while you enjoy a proper cup of coffee.

If you feel like heading a little further afield, the Byfield General Store and Bush Café is a destination in itself. Set among bushland, this quirky spot is full of personality and known for generous serves. The burgers and wraps have built a loyal following and are often talked about as some of the best you’ll find this side of the tropic.

Seafood lovers are well catered for along the coast. For the freshest catch, head to the Rosslyn Bay Fisherman’s Co-op at Keppel Bay Marina. You’ll find daily local reef fish, prawns, bugs and mud crabs, perfect for taking back to the park and cooking yourself. If you’d rather sit back and let someone else do the work, book a table at The Waterline Restaurant nearby. Open daily, it pairs premium seafood and quality steaks with beautiful marina views, making it a great option for a relaxed but memorable meal.

Nature lovers are spoilt for choice here, and some of the best experiences sit less than half an hour from the park. Byfield State Forest is an easy place to start, offering a mix of lush rainforest, winding creeks, coastal scenery and spectacular mountain views across more than 15,000 hectares. Wildlife spotting is part of the fun, and there are plenty of walking tracks that let you take it all in at a relaxed pace.

4WD enthusiasts can venture further into Byfield National Park and Conservation Park, where bush and beach tracks open up more remote corners of the region. It’s a rewarding way to experience the landscape and one of the best places nearby to really feel immersed in nature.

For a classic Capricorn Coast experience, take a short trip offshore to Great Keppel Island. With long stretches of white sand and crystal-clear blue water, it feels a world away from everyday life. The island is perfect for day trips, whether you’re keen to snorkel over coral gardens, try stand up paddle boarding or jet skiing, or simply wander between the island’s 15 beautiful beaches. Getting there is easy, with regular ferry services operated by Keppel Konnections and Freedom Fast Cats running multiple times each day.

If you’re planning a day trip to Great Keppel Island, it’s worth checking ferry times and weather conditions in advance, particularly during peak holiday periods when services can book out.