YEPPOON - GET RACING DESTINATIONS

Where: Yeppoon - a coastal town about 40 minutes drive from Rockhampton in Central QLD - "where the country meets the sea."

Card: Five races headlines by the Yeppoon Newmarket (1300m) which is the final race

Punters Pal: Alan Jenkinson’s runners are often good ones to follow, he’s the only on course trainer and has been for many years! But without a runner from his stable this meeting – why not follow local hoops Justin Stanley and Ash Butler? Tony McMahon does well with a small team as well.

Attire: Smart Casual… with the tropical climate and seaside location, you won’t look out of place in shorts! But given this is the town’s one major TAB meeting of the year – you’ll find a lot of the locals will make a big effort with their outfits.

Directions: The actual address for the Yeppoon Turf Club or “Keppel Park”, is Racecourse Road, Barmaryee, Yeppoon. If driving from Rockhampton, swing a left at Millroy Drive à go past Yeppoon Hack and Pony Club on the left à keep driving (may hit a dirt road) and you can’t miss the track on the left!

What’s On: There’s a lot to do in Yeppoon and surrounding areas if you’ve got a few days up your sleeve, some of the highlights…

• Visit Great Keppel Islands – Join Hans and Di on their Funtastic Cruises, if you’ve never been to Keppel than add to the bucket list. The once thriving resort is no longer – but the island remains one of the most beautiful along the barrier reef – snorkelling is a must

• Visit Byfield and the famous Nob Creek Pottery, or the small neighbouring town of Emu Park and its ‘singing ship’, also stop at the museum and learn about the locality’s fascinating history

• Kemp Beach Hill walk – you’ll see turtles and a great view of Yeppoon, Emu Park, the Keppels and beyond

• Opera in The Caves: Opera in the underground Cathedral at The Capricorn Caves, Rockhampton  (runs the whole Derby weekend) 

• Fig Tree Markets: First Sunday of each month (Nov 5) near Ross Creek roundabout and Capricorn Coast Tourist Info Centre – stalls of homemade, home-grown food, handmade crafts, live entertainment as well
• Breakfast at Whisked in the morning, Fish and Chips from Cedar Park at night!
• Book a stay at one of the new apartment blocks on the beachfront, take the kids to the Keppel Kraken Water feature across the road!