In May this year, 11 of our Kenmore Gardens Club Members flew to Rockhampton to join a four-day Opera in the Caves coach tour in Yeppoon.

Along the way we visited the Rockhampton Regional Art Gallery, we passed at least a couple of Bull Sculptures whilst wondering why no Cows are similarly celebrated. Heading to Yeppoon, about a 45-minute drive, we were soon admiring the magnificent views of Rosslyn Bay from our balconies at the Bayview Tower Hotel.

The next morning, at Rosslyn Bay Boat Harbour, we boarded a catamaran for a 20-minute voyage to Great Keppel Island in glorious sunshine albeit a little windy. There is no longer a resort on Great Keppel, but people live on the island. After a walk on the beach and lunch on board, it was time for the highlight of the day, a mini-cruise in a glass bottom boat slowly gliding over beautiful coral on a nearby reef. There was more free time on Sunday to explore Yeppoon before boarding the coach for the signature event of the tour “Opera-in-the-Caves”.

Attracting tourists since the 1880s, the Capricorn Caves are found just north of Rockhampton in what was a coral reef 400 million years ago. On arrival we were served drinks, bubbly and otherwise, as well as Hors d’oeuvres at an open-air reception area surrounded by rain forest. A brief cave tour led us to the Cathedral Cave, a magnificent high limestone void set up with pew type seating for 90. This cave is said to have the best acoustics of any venue in Australia. Better than the Sydney Opera House, it is claimed. Four opera singers and a piano player treated us to a varied operatic programme including Gibert and Sullivan and Rogers and Hammerstein. A very memorable event. Our return to Brisbane was a very comfortable and relaxing trip in First Class on the Tilt Train. Arriving at Roma St, limousines were waiting to take us back to our homes. Fantastic! A most enjoyably 4 days.

Alex Campbell