NORTH Queensland is not just water fun, reefs and wonderful marine creatures - there's plenty of great walking to be had, especially in winter, when the weather is little less, well, bracing than down south.
And the Capricorn Coast has more than its share. Here are some tip-top suggestions.
Pineapple Rail Trail: An increasingly popular track for walkers, the Pineapple Rail Trail, which opened in 2014, takes visitors through picturesque bushland and urban landscape on a 4.5km adventure.
The railway line was built back in 1909 and originally stretched 53km between Yeppoon and Rockhampton. It was closed down in 2006 when pineapples moved to road transport.
Starting on Braithwaite Street in Yeppoon's town centre, the trail is a family-friendly asphalt path that is safe for young bushwalkers and bike/scooter riders with little legs.
Lammermoor Shared Path: The Lammermoor shared path is part of a growing shared path principal network that will eventually link either end of the Capricorn Coast, supporting healthy lifestyle and recreation for cyclists and pedestrians travelling along Scenic Highway in the vicinity of Lammermoor Beach.
The path design seamlessly follows the natural coastline, creating more recreational opportunities and important connectivity for pathway users.
Feel the wind in your hair and salt on your lips as you enjoy a relaxing stroll, energetic run or bike ride along the water's edge.
Bluff Point Circuit: Enjoy stunning views of the Capricorn coastline and the Keppel Bay islands on the Bluff Point 2.3km circuit.
Start by climbing the steep 600m to Turtle Lookout and be rewarded for your efforts at the top with a glimpse of turtles swimming in the water beneath you.
Continue further a short distance to Ritamada Lookout, take in the beauty and then continue along the track through the open grassland, sneaking views of the hinterland and dense rainforest before you return whence you started.
Double Head Track: With glorious views of Rosslyn Bay Harbour, the Keppel Bay islands and the Byfield Ranges, it would be a good idea to pack your camera for this walk.
Located in the Double Head section of Capricorn Coast National Park, this trail is sometimes called the Fan Rock Track or Rosslyn Bay Lookout track by locals.
The walk will take you past magnificent fig trees and then through scrub and open grasslands.
Fan Rock is one of the highlights - a remnant of an old volcano. Double Head Track is considered a moderate grade. It's a steep hike that will take about 40 minutes to complete.
Queen Mary Track: For something a little more challenging, head to the majestic Queen Mary Track.
Located at the southern end of Nine Mile Beach in Byfield National Park, walk through this "moonscape" to see the power of nature at work among the shifting sands.
The track, which offers spectacular coastal scenery and an endless stretch of rolling dunes, brings you to the largest active sand bowl in the region, which is likened to the surface of the moon.
Allow two hours to complete this 4km moderate grade walk.
Byfield Rainforest: Venusta (900m return), Stony Creek Circuit (4.3km return) and Bowenia Rainforest Circuit at Water Park Creek (1.2km return) weave their way throughout Byfield Rainforest and offer a wide range of walking opportunities for beginners and experienced walkers.
Exploring all of the beauties that this wonderful landscape have to offer, be sure to keep an eye out for fabulous flora including the Byfield Grevillea and Bowenia Serrulata (Byfield fern).
The stunning eucalypt forest and bush groundcover lead to natural freshwater creeks where you can dip your feet and take a moment to become one with nature.
Blackdown Tableland: Blackdown Tableland National Park is full of rainforest gullies, scenic waterfalls rock pools and ancient Aboriginal rock art.
Walking is the most popular thing to do in Blackdown and plentiful walking tracks take you to the park's heritage sites, creeks and through a variety of plant communities.
There are many lookouts where you can hone your selfie skills and take in stunning views. From 200m strolls to 4km options, there is something for everyone here.
Note that some of the tracks run alongside cliff faces that are sheer and may have crumbly edges, so do your research before your journey.
Mount Archer: Not only does the scenic Mount Archer provide a beautiful backdrop to Rockhampton, it is also engrained with incised valleys, dry rainforests and fleeting glimpses of forest inhabitants.
With walks from 500m to 14km, explore as little or as much as you like. Located at the summit is Nurim Circuit - a 500 metre walk with impressive views of the region. Not for the light-hearted, Pilbeam Drive is a 5km one-way adventure providing fun and fitness.
Riverside Walk: Looking for a relaxing stroll first thing in the morning or late on a sunny afternoon? Let the gentle Fitzroy Rriver breezes refresh your senses as you wander the paved walkways or Rockhampton's Riverside, taking moments to sit and enjoy the views on your heritage walk.
Along the way, turn your gaze to the road and see the sandstone Customs House, revealing the Classic Revival period architecture that was all the rage in Rockhampton around the turn of the century.
The walkway runs alongside the Rockhampton Central Business District so there is loads of fantastic cafes and great places to grab a coffee or bite to eat.
Carnarvon Great Walk: For a longer, more adventurous trek, check out the Carnarvon Great Walk - an 87km journey, venturing down deep, mysterious gorges before wandering along a magical plateau dubbed the "Roof of Queensland".
For more ideas on things to do to fill your winter days, drop in at the Capricorn Coast Visitor Information Centre, Ross Creek or go to visitcapricorn.com.au
