Queensland’s Yeppoon is the ‘new Byron Bay’

With rainforest, surf, whales and farmer’s markets, this laid-back Queensland coastal town has been deemed the new Byron Bay — but its median house prices are still an unbelievable $425,000.

With its lush rainforests, peaceful beaches, farmers’ markets and laid-back charm, this tranquil Queensland town is being billed as the new Byron.

Like Byron Bay, Yeppoon in central Queensland is a haven of natural beauty and creative locals. But unlike the overpriced northern NSW town, Yeppoon remains affordable, with the median house price at just $425,000, compared to Byron’s staggering $2.78m.

Ever since Byron was invaded by influencers, billionaires and Hollywood stars pushing house prices to astronomical levels, the hunt has been on to find the next unspoilt coastal paradise.

Yeppoon has been likened to the ‘old Byron Bay’. Picture: supplied

And many believe it is Yeppoon, which has all the elements of the “old Byron” before it was ruined.

“It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen” – that’s Mary Carroll’s take on a flood of professionals moving their families and businesses to the Capricorn Coast. The Capricorn Enterprise chief executive said value for money, combined with lifestyle factors, drove southerners north in search of paradise.

“In terms of property and house prices, the Capricorn Coast is remarkably better than other destinations in Queensland,” she said.

Queensland’s answer to Byron’s famous lighthouse walk? Turtle lookout, Bluff Point. Picture: Supplied

“As a result, we have professionals moving here to take advantage of raising their family on large blocks, and a quick walk to a quiet beach, rather than living in an apartment complex. If there’s anything Covid has proven, we can live in more regional areas without sacrificing contact with business headquarters and clients in capital cities which are only a Zoom call away.”

Many Capricorn Coast properties for sale under the $1m mark come with landscaped gardens, in-ground pools, room for boats and tractors, and some have separate accommodation quarters that could be offered to family or rented to tourists.

Yeppoon Market has offerings from organic local farmers. Picture: Rural Weekly

“Those professionals with a more disposable income who demand a quality lifestyle – cafes and restaurants, entertainment and outdoor living – are paving the way for people from all walks of life to gain work in hospitality and other trades,” Ms Carroll said.

“And inspired by the 4.6 billion dollars worth of infrastructure works going on around the region, there are trades people with young families who choose to live on the coast and commute for work.”

Guests enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of The Bungalow at Yeppoon. Picture: Supplied

Aside from the gorgeous scenery, be it the view from Bluff Point, the white sand and clear waters of Great Keppel Island or the rainforest of Byfield, Yeppoon has a lot going for it.

The foreshore has been transformed with a sparkling 2500sq m resort-style lagoon enclosed by luxury accommodation. High-end apartment complexes are multiplying along the seaside strip, where stylish boutiques butt right up against old-fashioned fish and chip shops.

A couple explore street art in Yeppoon. Picture: Jack Harlem

Purveyors of stylish cafes turn their hands to planning chic weddings, resident artist Jet James’ designs are being commissioned to decorate luxury spas in the Swiss Alps, and there’s a massive foodie culture emerging. But come the weekend, as the fisherfolk try casting off Farnborough, retired farmers hitch their boat trailers and head for one of the ramps to take the grandkids over to Great Keppel Island for the day. It’s that kind of town.

And the rapidly-growing coastal mecca could soon have its answer to Byron Bay’s famed music festivals, with the owner-operators of dining venue The Bungalow putting on the inaugural So Cal Music & Arts Festival on August 28 at Yeppoon Showgrounds, which is set to sell out to 4000 people.