5 Ways to Slow Down across the Capricorn Coast

In a world that’s constantly connected, the pressure to see and do everything can be overwhelming.

Enter JOMO – the Joy of Missing Out.

It’s a new travel trend, where slowing down, switching off, and savouring the moment takes priority over a packed itinerary.

And if there’s one destination made for this mindful kind of escape, it’s the Capricorn Coast.

From secluded island retreats to tranquil rainforest hideaways, the Capricorn Coast invites you to trade scrolling for strolling, notifications for nature, and urgency for utter relaxation.

Here’s where you can truly tap into the ‘Joy of Missing Out’ across our region.

Pumpkin Island

A private eco-island paradise, Pumpkin Island is the ultimate JOMO destination. With no TV, limited mobile reception, and an emphasis on sustainability, it offers a total break from the digital world. Home to just seven self-catering bungalows and cottages, the island hosts a maximum of 34 guests at any one time—meaning you’ll often feel like you’ve got the whole place to yourself.

Spend your days snorkelling pristine reefs, paddleboarding in calm, clear waters, beachcombing in solitude, or swinging in a hammock with a good book. Powered entirely by wind and solar energy, Pumpkin Island invites you to embrace the elements and rediscover the art of doing nothing at all. You won’t miss the noise—only wonder how you lived with it for so long.

Great Keppel Island

Great Keppel Island offers that spot between laidback island life and gentle adventure. With 17 white sandy beaches and minimal development, it’s easy to slip into island time. Lounge under a pandanus tree, take a paddle around the bay, or walk the hiking trails that weave through bushland. There’s no pressure to post about it—just pure pleasure in the moment.

Stay at Great Keppel Island Hideaway or Great Keppel Island Holiday Village for a relaxed, no-fuss island stay—where shoes are optional, schedules don’t exist, and island time truly takes over. It’s not off-the-grid, but it’s a world away from your everyday.

Byfield Rainforest

Byfield is where the rainforest meets calm. This Capricorn Coast hinterland gem offers natural tranquillity in spades—think cool creeks, rustling palms, and the soothing soundtrack of birdsong. Whether you’re staying at a private cabin, indulging in a forest bath, or dipping your toes in the crystal-clear waters of Upper Stony Creek, Byfield is the place to truly slow down and breathe in the peace.

Stay at Ferns Hideaway Resort, where rustic log cabins sit surrounded by rainforest, and wildlife wanders freely across the grounds. There’s no rush—just paddle a canoe, soak in the bush spa, or enjoy live music on weekends under a canopy of trees.

For something even more tucked away, Castle Rock Farm offers eco-conscious, off-grid cabins that blend into the landscape. With no phone reception, it’s the perfect place to unplug and truly connect—with nature, your partner, or yourself.

High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm

Located just a short drive from Yeppoon, High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm invites you to unplug and get your hands dirty—in the best possible way. This working permaculture farm offers eco-stays in tiny homes and a chance to slow down with the land. Feed the animals, harvest your own veggies, and wake to the sounds of nature rather than an alarm clock. JOMO here looks like homegrown meals, mindful mornings, and a reconnection with the simple life.

Rosslyn Bay Wellness

Sometimes JOMO is about pausing for deep inner renewal. The Rosslyn Bay area, near the Keppel Bay Marina, is fast becoming a centre for wellness retreats and ocean-side tranquillity. Join a guided yoga class, book a massage overlooking the sea, or simply take a meditative walk up Bluff Point for panoramic views that remind you how beautiful stillness can be. Here, joy comes in slow sips of salt air and self-care.

For the ultimate coastal escape, stay at Rosslyn Bay Resort, nestled between the beach and national park. Wake to sea breezes, enjoy a spa treatment, and take a short stroll to the award-winning Beaches Restaurant, where the menu showcases fresh local produce (some of it sourced directly from High Valley Dawn Permaculture Farm). It’s all about comfort, calm, and coastal charm—no schedules required.

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