Peppers Gladstone adds spice to the Capricorn Coast

When I first started writing about travel I journeyed from Sydney up to the Hunter Valley to interview a livewire young couple called Mike and Suzi O'Connor.

They were about to open a ground-breaking vineyard venture called Peppers Guest House.

That was in 1983. Today, Peppers is a luxe brand, part of the global Accor group, with properties in Australia, New Zealand and Bali. Mike and Suzi have long sold the business, but they must be proud of what their vision became.

Yaralla Sports Club and Accor today announced the opening of Peppers Gladstone, the region's first five-star hotel.

The 32-room Peppers Gladstone adjoins the existing 60-room Mantra Gladstone at the Yaralla Sports Club and is operated as a dual-branded hotel concept.

This is the first new-build hotel to open in the region in over a decade, setting a new benchmark for high-end accommodation in Gladstone and the broader Central Queensland region.

“The debut of Peppers Gladstone is a proud moment for Accor as it brings a new level of hospitality to Central Queensland," says Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer Adrian Williams.

"This hotel is a unique addition to our premium brand portfolio and exemplifies our commitment to creating extraordinary guest experiences, blending Peppers' signature style with the charm of Gladstone.”

Yaralla Sports Club CEO Will Schroeder, said: "The opening of Peppers Gladstone is an exciting moment for our region.

"Together with Accor, we're delivering a world-class accommodation option that's set to become the ultimate destination for visitors, whether they're here for business, a special event, or to explore our beautiful coastline."

Designed by BSPN Architects and constructed by Mettle Projects, Peppers Gladstone offers a range of accommodation options, from king studio rooms to superior two-bedroom apartments.

All guest rooms feature fully equipped kitchens, king-sized beds, large televisions with Chromecast capabilities, and a complimentary non-alcoholic minibar.

Amenities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, complimentary drinks at the pool deck bar (during select hours), access to Peppers' eight-seater cinema room, a gym, secure undercover parking, wifi, and a choice of two on-site restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Peppers Gladstone joins a network of more than 20 Peppers retreats, resorts, and hotels across Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia, expanding the brand's legacy as it celebrates its 40th anniversary.

SPECIAL OFFER: Be among the first to experience Peppers Gladstone with the hotel's opening special offer from $200* per night - a saving of 15%. To book, visit ALL.com

Walk into the past with Jurassic creatures

Queensland's Capricorn Coast is now home to a new tourim attraction where visitors can walk into the past with lifelike Jurassic creatures.

There are 30 life-sized prehistoric giants who have made their home at the Capricorn Dinosaur Park Yeppoon, which has just opened its doors to the public.

The 5-acre development is located adjacent to Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary in Woodbury on the coast of Central Queensland.

There is kilometre long walking trail and dinosaur fossil dig after a $800,000 investment from the Queensland Government's Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund. 

“We are so proud to now combine our three unique experiences in one spot including Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, Capricorn Dinosaur Mini Golf and Capricorn Dinosaur Park,” said operator Kieron Smedley.

“In 2023, we are celebrating the 50th birthday of Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, so we believe to double the attraction size on the property this year is a massive achievement for both our family and the entire Capricorn Coast community.”

The Capricorn Dinosaur Park is the first private major tourism attraction built in Central Queensland for more than 30 years and will be open daily from 10am-3pm.

Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll said the new experience "will further complement our strong and growing destination".

“Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary has been a drawcard for our destination for 50 years now, and we are absolutely thrilled to see the Capricorn Dinosaur Park take its final step forward and open to the public,” she said.

Sink your teeth into more information here: https://capricorndinosaurpark.com.au/