rockhampton qld tourism

Rockhampton Must-See Attractions

Things to do in rockhampton, explore popular experiences, tours in and around rockhampton.

Capricorn Caves Cathedral Cave Tour

Time Safaris Walking Tour at Rockhampton

Capricorn Caves Capricorn Explorer

Great Keppel Island Day Trip Bundle from Yeppoon

Great Keppel Island Glass Bottom Boat Tour & Ferry Transfer

Great Keppel Island Day Trip with Lunch

Tours & sightseeing.

Top Attractions in Rockhampton

Other Top Attractions around Rockhampton

Walking & Biking Tours

What travellers are saying.

• Rockhampton Botanic Gardens
• Mount Archer (Nurim)
• Rockhampton Heritage Village
• Rockhampton Zoo
• Archer Park Rail Museum
• Kershaw Gardens
• Mount Archer National Park

17 Charming Things to do in Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast

Come to Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast with a sense of curiosity. Among the things to do in Rockhampton you’ll encounter rich cultural experiences, joyful outdoor activities, fascinating history museums, and awe-inspiring national parks.

Throw a boomerang at Dreamtime Cultural Centre

Get high at mount archer national park, stroll through cbd riverside park, get creative at rockhampton art gallery, groove to live music at pilbeam theatre, search for the rockhampton bulls, spot flora and fauna at rockhampton botanic gardens, see classic trains at archer park rail museum, sample craft brews at hendricks lane, find the waterfall at kershaw gardens, go vintage at rockhampton heritage village, cruise the fitzroy river at sunset, chillout with locals at sunset lookout, see a historic gold mine in mount morgan, hike bouldercombe gorge reserve, explore the capricorn caves and mount etna caves, ride a wagon at alkoomi adventure farm.

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Rockhampton, affectionately known as Rocky, is so much more than cattle country in Central Queensland. In this calm underestimated city, you can enjoy modern comforts while being 30 minutes from the Southern Great Barrier Reef and 1.5 hours from the Eastern Outback Region of Queensland.

The Traditional Owners of the Capricorn Coast are the Darumbal People for the area from Rockhampton to Marlborough and the Woppaburra People for the Keppel Islands.

Located on the East Coast of Australia, Rockhampton’s airport receives flights from Brisbane, Mackay, Townsville, and Cairns. You’ll need a vehicle to get around and can hire a car from the airport. Or if you’re planning a road trip, Rockhampton is approximately seven hours from Brisbane.

Fun things to do in Rockhampton City

We recommend at least three days to try out all of Rockhampton attractions, plus a few extra if you’re planning day trips. In this post, we’re helping you plan a remarkable trip to Rocky with the best things to do in Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast.

What better introduction to the Rockhampton region than by the Traditional Owners? The Dreamtime Cultural Centre provides an opportunity to learn from the oldest continuous culture on earth with their museum and guided tours.

We were led by Wayne, a Darumbal man, through a 34-metre recreation of caves in the Central Queensland Sandstone Belt while listening to the fascinating local history. At the end of the tour, he treated us to a didgeridoo performance and the chance to throw different types of boomerangs.

Additionally, there’s a Torres Strait Islander’s Complex with an awesome giant dugong, huts with artefacts, and plants of significant to the Torres Strait Islander Culture.

Where: 703-751 Yaamba Rd, Parkhurst When: Open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 3:30 pm with daily tours at 10:30 am How much: $15.50 adults, $10.50 seniors, $7.50 students and children with a family concession available.

Mount Archer National Park is one of the most memorable things to do in Rockhampton. Just pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes, but don’t worry if you’re not an avid hiker, there are hiking trails for every level of fitness. Plus, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over Rockhampton, the Fitzroy River, and nearby mountain ranges.

• Walking Track Circuit – an easy 500 metre circuit that is wheelchair accessible
• Bracken Fern Way – 1.4 kilometres return to look out over Mounts Badger, Sleipner and Berserker
• Sleipner Lookout Walk – a moderate 2.4 kilometres to taste the first section of the Zamia Trail, with an uphill return
• Zamia Trail – a challenging 14km hike descending from the top of Mount Archer National Park to the entrance. You’ll need to arrange to be picked up at the end or return the way you came.

Where: Pilbeam Dr, Mount Archer When: Open 24 hours a day, year round but recommended to hike with plenty of daylight hours How much: Free.

Nestled up against the Fitzroy River is Quay Street, one of Queensland’s longest National Trust heritage-listed streets. This is the heart of the Rockhampton city with gorgeous historic buildings concentrated within a few blocks for you to enjoy on foot. Take a self-guided CBD Heritage Walk with the Explore Rockhampton app or brochure with map .

Local tip: If you’re in need of refreshments, grab a cuppa the beloved Coffee Society Rockhampton or have lunch overlooking the river at our go-to, the Boat House.

Where: Start at the Harbour Board Building at 288 Quay Street, Rockhampton QLD When: Early morning or late afternoons may be best during summer to avoid the heat How much: Free.

While you’re visiting Rockhampton downtown, step inside the cool interior of the Rockhampton Museum of Art. This newly opened art museum has one of the most significant collections in regional Australia with the works of great Australian modernist painters. Their ever-changing exhibition program also features local and international artists.

Local tip: Check out the events page for guided tours, creative workshops such as calligraphy, as well as yoga and pilates classes inside the gallery.

Where: 220 Quay Street, Rockhampton When: Open seven days per week from 9am – 4pm How much: Free entrance to the gallery with some events requiring payment.

Opened in 1989, the Pilbeam Theatre is Central Queensland’s performing arts centres. You can catch a comedy show, contemporary dance performance, classical orchestra set, or hear live music from your favourite bands in a tribute show.

Where: Victoria Parade &, Cambridge St, Rockhampton When: See the Pilbeam Theatre website for upcoming shows How much: Ticket prices vary from show to show. Make sure you purchase directly from the Box Office or on their website, See It Live.

Did you know that there are seven bull statues dotted around Rockhampton? These creations are a tribute to Rocky’s status as the beef capital of Australia. You’ll need a car, a sense of adventure, and this map to follow the cowpat road.

Where: Starting at the Big Brahman Bull Statue, Bruce Hwy, Port Curtis When: Anytime. It’s estimated to take 40 minutes of driving from end to end. How much: Free.

The Rockhampton Botanical Gardens is easily one of the best things to do in Rockhampton for families and outdoor lovers. The expansive grounds feature the striking Rockhampton War Memorial, arid gardens with desert plans, a Japanese garden with a photogenic waterfall, paved walking tracks, and the Rockhampton Zoo.

Take a picnic rug to enjoy your lunch next to the Murray Lagoon. There is free parking here but it does fill quickly so you may need to park in the surrounding streets.

Where: 100 Spencer St, West Rockhampton When: Open seven days a week from 6 am to sunset. How much: Free.

Built in the 1890s, the Archer Park Rail Museum is home to a restored Purrey Steam Tram and memorabilia from the World War II ear. This is a family-friendly dose of Australian history and especially exciting for kinds during the Family Fun Days and school holiday activities.

Check the Archer Park Rail Museum website for upcoming events.

Where: 51-87 Denison St, Rockhampton When: Open Monday to Thursday from 10 am to 3 pm and Sunday from 9:00 to 1:00 pm. How much: $10 adults, $7 concessions, and $6 children with a family pass available.

Hendricks Lane is one of Rockhampton’s premier dining destination and only micro brewery in the city. The trendy venue has separate areas for the bar and restaurant both offering handpicked, uncomplicated menus featuring dishes with locally-sourced ingredients.

Where: 189 East Street, Rockhampton When: Open Tuesday to Thursday from 5 pm to 10 pm and Friday to Saturday from 5 pm to midnight How much: See the Hendricks Lane website for their brewery and restaurant menus.

For a regional city in Central Queensland, Rockhampton has a surprising amount of green spaces and one of those is Kershaw Gardens. These spacious parklands stretch one kilometre containing short walking tracks, tranquil pockets of gardens, and impressive play areas for the kids. While exploring Kershaw Gardens, it can be fun to try and find the waterfall.

This is another great spot for a family picnic.

Local tip: If you’re traveling in a self-contained campervan or motorhome , there’s a free campground at the High Street Entrance of Kershaw Gardens. It’s not suitable for tent camping.

Where: Moores Creek Rd, Park Avenue When: Open 24 hours a day, year round How much: Free.

Get an idea what life was like in Rockhampton between 1850 and 1950 with a visit to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. Owned and operated by Rockhampton Regional Council, this township museum provides a family-friendly glimpse into the past.

Explore homesteads, a blacksmith’s shop, a timber cutter’s camp, and vintage machinery. Kids can meet the farm animals and take a ride in a vintage car.

Check for the Rockhampton Heritage Village Facebook page for events and opening hours during school holidays.

Where: 296 Boundary Rd, Parkhurst When: Open seven days per week from 10 am with the last entry at 3 pm. How much: $5 for everyone aged 3 years and over.

Cap off a day in Rockhampton with a cruise on the Fitzroy River. Choose from two tours by River Cruises CQ , including a complimentary nibbles package, or by night on the City Lights Tour. Either way, you’ll get to learn more about the iconic Fitzroy River while keeping an eye out for local wildlife. You may even see a crocodile!

Where: Departing Robert Clark Drive, The Common When: Every Saturday. The Sunset Cruise runs from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. The City Lights Tour runs from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. How much: $20 – $35 per person for a river cruise.

Prefer to watch the sunset from land? In addition to stunning sunset spots on Mount Archer, there is a local lookout that most tourists don’t know about.

Situated close to the Rockhampton CBD in the suburb of The Range, there is a slightly elevated outlook frequented by locals to catch up with mates while watching the sun dip below the horizon.

Where: 1 Hawkins St, The Range When: Arrive fifteen minutes before sunset to get comfortable How much: Free

Places to visit around Rockhampton

Another fifteen minutes drive past Bouldercombe, you’ll find the delightful historic township of Mount Morgan. The local pride and join of Mount Morgan is the mine site which was once the most productive gold mine in Central Queensland. The Frank Golding Lookout is the highest point in town provided sweeping views of the town while the Arthur Timms Lookout is closer to the mine site.

There are two history museums for Mount Morgan and at the former Railway Station. While we were visiting, locals also recommended a visit to the No. 7 Dam.

Where: 87 Morgan St, Mount Morgan When: Anytime How much: Free to visit Mount Morgan. There is an admission cost to visit the Mount Morgan Historical Museum, which you can find on the Mount Morgan website.

If you’re active and adventurous, then head to Bouldercombe Gorge Resources Reserve approximately thirty minutes drive from the centre of Rockhampton.

A wonderful way to experience the ancient Australian landscape, the reserve trail is approximately 2.7 kilometres long. It requires some sections of walking through dry riverbeds and scrambling over rocks and, after recent rain, you can enjoy natural swimming holes and waterfalls.

Where: Bouldercombe Gorge Resources Reserve, Bouldercombe When: The best time is to visit after rain to see the waterfalls following. However, be careful not to go when rain is forecast in case of flash flooding. How much: Free access.

The privately owned Capricorn Caves sit just outside the Mount Etna National Park, with a short thirty minute drive from Rockhampton and five minutes between the two. Both offer unique ways to explore the caves, local geology, and surrounding national park.

At the Capricorn Caves, go underground to explore passages and caverns including the famous Cathedral Cave with its special acoustics that has hosted intimate concerts.

Above ground in the national park, you can choose from two hikings trails. Cammoo Circuit -is an easy 600-meter circuit and the Mount Etna trail, which is popular for sunrise, is a moderate 2.4-kilometre return track.

Local tip: From December to mid-February, Queensland National Parks runs a special Bat Cleft Mount Etna Caves National Park Tour . Guided by a ranger, you’ll have the incredible experience of witnessing thousands of tiny bent-wing bats emerge from the cave mouth at dusk.

Where: Capricorn Caves is located at 30 Olsens Caves Rd, The Caves. The hiking trails are located on Cammoo Caves Road and Rossmoya Road. When: Anytime of the year for the Capricorn Caves or Mount Etna National Park. The Mount Etna trail is closed to the public during the bat’s breeding season in the summer, but you’ll have the opportunity to book the Bat Cleft Tour which goes to the same location. How much: From $33 for the 45-Minute Cathedral Cave Tour and from $61 for the 90-minute Capricorn Caves Tour at the Capricorn Caves. The Bat Cleft tour run by Queensland National Parks is from $12.40 for adults. Hiking in the national park is free.

Take the whole family on a countryside escape to the Alkoomi Adventure Farm, thirty minutes south of Rockhampton. You can choose from day activities such as horse riding, motorbike riding, sunset wagon tour, or free farm animal feeding. For a longer experience, stay in their Ringers Quarters or camp on a non-powered site.

Where: 695 Old Coach Rd., Marmor When: The free animal feeding at Alkoomi Adventure Farm happens at 4:30 pm in winter and 5:00 pm in summer. How much: Wagon tour, horse and motorbike riding from $50 per person. See accommodation pricing on the Alkoomi Adventure Farm website .

We hope you enjoy these Rockhampton attractions

Looking for more day trip ideas from Rockhampton? See our top things to do in Yeppoon and surrounding sites, including Great Keppel Island and Byfield National Park.

Got a question? Head over to our Australia Travel Tips Facebook Group and ask a local.

Privacy Overview

The 11 best things to do in Rockhampton

Elizabeth Whitehead

Writer & Producer

17 February 2023

Explore the historic heart of Central Queensland with a visit to one of the state’s longest-standing cities.

Rockhampton is one of the oldest cities in Northern Australia. If you’re a fan of heritage buildings, modern history and great natural surroundings, then you’ll find plenty of things to do in Rockhampton, whether you’re pottering around town or keen to take a day trip a bit further afield. Here, we’ve listed our picks for the best things to do in Rockhampton below.

1. Rockhampton Heritage Village

There’s no better place to immerse yourself in gold-rush-era Australia than the  Rockhampton Heritage Village . Here, you’ll find authentic vintage automobiles, old machinery and homesteads that bring to life the atmosphere of rural Queensland in the days of yonder.

Take a step back in time at Rockhampton Heritage Village.

The Heritage Village is an interactive and immersive way to learn about local history, and one of the quintessential things to do in Rockhampton if you consider yourself a bit of a history buff.

2. Archer Park Rail Museum

Rail enthusiasts will find lots to love at the  Archer Park Rail Museum , where artefacts and displays tell the story of Rockhampton and  Central Queensland through its locomotive past.

Learn about all things locomotive at Archer Rail Museum. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

Featuring a restored Purrey Steam Tram from the 1930s, digital soundscapes and life-like mannequins, Archer Park Rail Museum charts the quaint yet fascinating rail history of one of the state’s oldest cities.

3. Day trip to Yeppoon

It’s all but Aussie instinct to make a beeline for the coast. And if you opt to do so from Rockhampton, you’ll certainly be making a great call. The closest beach town, Yeppoon , is a taste of the good life. Perched alongside pristine beaches, the town combines laid-back local vibes and the ebullience of holidaymakers in the know about this coastal gem.

Yeppoon is a seaside gem just begging to be discovered.

The 40-minute drive to Yeppoon from Rockhampton is a scenic trip through the luscious expanses of Darumbal country. When you arrive, hit the beach, chill out at the lagoon or explore the laid-back cafe scene.

4. Day trip to Capricorn Caves

Capricorn Caves  are Rockhampton’s local caves, located just 30 minutes from the township. On a tour of this above-ground cave system, you’ll witness ancient geology, eerie cave acoustics and if you’re lucky, a glimpse of microbats flitting about the caves.

Venture deep into this fascinating cave system, just a short drive from Rockhampton. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

The more adventurous can opt for longer, immersive tours, where you’ll don a helmet and torch as your guide leads you into the depths of the winding cave system.

There are also other activities like rock climbing to enjoy. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

5. Mount Archer National Park

Explore Rockhampton’s scenic backdrop and hit the trails at  Mount Archer National Park . Wander among towering eucalyptus and dry rainforests and stride up to scenic lookouts where you can admire the beauty of Darumbal country.

Grab your walking shoes and hit the trails around Mt. Arthur.

Ramble through bluegums and swamp mahogany on the relatively easy First Turkey trailhead to Mugul, or opt for something a little more challenging like the Nurim summit walk where you’ll be met with rewarding vistas as you reach the top.

6. Mount Morgan Historic Village

Relax in the rolling hinterland of rural Queensland. Just 30 minutes southwest of Rockhampton, the quaint village of  Mount Morgan is a time capsule of Aussie mining history.

Uncover gold-rush-era Australiana at Mount Morgan Historic Village.

Strolling around Mount Morgan is like walking in an interactive museum, where you can admire streets full of heritage-listed architecture including the school, police station and the old mine.

Check out the Mount Morgan Historical Museum, where you can pursue the impressive collection of relics that are sure to paint a picture of early local history.

7. Botanic gardens

Embrace Central Queensland’s sub-tropical climate at Rockhampton Botanic Gardens . Mosey around groves of Banyan figs, a tropical fruit arboretum, a Japanese garden and much more.

Soak up nature at Rockhampton’s Botanic Gardens.

If you’re a keen botanist, the Rockhampton self-guided audio tours app will have plenty to pique your curiosity.  The Gardens Tearooms  is the perfect pit stop to refuel as you soak up the blissful atmosphere.

When you’ve recharged, check out  Rockhampton Zoo situated within the gardens where you’ll come face-to-face with cassowaries, chimpanzees and meerkats.

8. Kershaw Gardens

If you want to soak up even more serenity, head uptown to  Kershaw Gardens . This is the go-to spot for locals and families to gather and kick back. Kids will love Wyatt’s Wonder Web, a five-level playing sphere originally designed for New York’s Central Park.

Kershaw Gardens is a favourite among Rockhampton locals.

Fitzroy River water play area is also popular, especially on balmy days. Or, pack a picnic lunch and relax in the shade surrounded by green.

9. CQ Military and Artefacts

Staffed by a friendly and passionate group of modern history aficionados,  CQ Military and Artefacts  is the place to head if you’re a modern history enthusiast. Here, you can examine an impressive collection of artefacts and exhibits that detail Australia’s involvement in various wars. Explore the history of Australia’s armed forces through historic photographs, medals and badges, diaries and dioramas that shine a light on Australia’s military past.

10. Rockhampton markets

You’re bound to find the stalls at Rockhampton markets teeming with colourful produce and sumptuous local fare. There are multiple markets in Rockhampton, from Doblo’s Farmer’s Markets open daily to Rocky Sunday Markets where you can find plenty of arts, crafts and food vans to grab a bite. Head down to peruse handmade knick-knacks, enjoy artisanal produce and farm-fresh flavours, or stop for a chinwag with one of the friendly stallholders.

11. Rockhampton Museum of Art

The Rockhampton Museum of Art is the largest regional art gallery in Queensland, pulling together the best of local and international talent.

Take your time to wander through the largest regional art gallery in Queensland. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

Fronting the Fitzroy River, this new gallery is ‘where creativity and community come together’. The museum is one of the most significant in the country, and the only one to contain a collection of mid-20th-century Australian art.

The gallery has a plum position overlooking the Fitzroy River. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

Browse the core collections and the fascinating carousel of temporary exhibitions on display.

Creativity and community come together at Rockhampton Museum of Art. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

Heading to Rockhampton? Check out our guide on the best places to eat and stay while you’re in town.

Elizabeth Whitehead has been a travel writer since she realised the most interesting stories are the ones about the world we live in. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her baking focaccia, birdwatching or exploring in her campervan.

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24 Amazing Things to Do in Rockhampton

Rockhampton, nestled on the Tropic of Capricorn in sunny Queensland, Australia, is a gem waiting to be discovered. Known as the beef capital of Queensland and the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef and the Capricorn Coast, the city blends outdoor adventures, rich cultural heritage, and modern attractions.

Driving up the coast of Queensland, Rockhampton was one of our favorite stops along Australia’s eastern seaboard for “city life.” The city and surrounding area of Rockhampton pack a lot of punch with loads to keep you busy, whether you are just passing through or planning to stay for a few days.

This list of the best things to do in Rockhampton covers it all, hiking and outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, nightlife activities, beaches, and more.

Is Rockhampton worth visiting?

We think so.

Today, Rockhampton isn’t just a stopover; it’s a destination. Rockhampton’s things to do are diverse and plenty, from great outdoor activities such as the Rockhampton Botanical Gardens and Mount Archer National Park on the city’s doorstep to cultural experiences like the Dreamtime Cultural Centre, providing a glimpse into the indigenous culture in the area and, even, a couple of great cafes and a great craft brewery. And that is just the beginning, with plenty of great day trips from Rockhampton.

So before you set off to explore the Capricorn Coast, be sure to pull a bar stool up at a local pub for a steak and then get out and explore Rocky with our list of the best things to do in Rockhampton!

Free Things to Do in Rockhampton

Some of the best things in life are free, so let’s start this list of the best things to do in Rockhampton with the ones that aren’t going to cost you a thing but will be enjoyable nonetheless!

1. Pop into the Rockhampton Museum of Art

The Rockhampton Museum of Art has been around since the 1960s and is Queensland’s largest regional art museum. The museum is home to an impressive permanent collection of more than 3,000 pieces, focusing on mid-twentieth-century Australian and First Nations art. In addition to its permanent collection, the Rockhampton Museum of Art regularly hosts exhibitions that are both nationally and internationally recognized.

The Rockhampton Museum of Art is a great place to while away the day, especially if it rains.

Useful Information

• Address: 62 Victoria Parade, Rockhampton QLD 4700
• Hours of Operation: Daily from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

2. Stroll Along the Rockhampton Riverside Walk

One of the pride and joys of regional towns throughout Australia is the city’s riverbank. As an American, it is amazing to see city councils throughout Australia investing in protecting and maintaining their coastlines and riverbanks, and it is no exception in Rockhampton.

The Rockhampton Riverside Walk is the perfect way to spend an evening as the sun sets, enjoying the beautiful Fitzroy River. The play area at the end of the walk looks especially fun for children.

3. Head Outdoors to the Rockhampton Botanical Gardens

Another great way to spend a morning or afternoon is at the Rockhampton Botanical Gardens. This sprawling parkland features an incredible array of trees and plants, including enormous hoop pines and strangler figs over 150 years old!

The park is massive, and the gardens have many different areas to explore. Meander along the pathway by the lagoon, visit the rare fruit tree orchard, walk through the Hugo Lassen Fernery, grab a coffee from the kiosk and sit under and amongst the massive Banyan Fig tree, or find solace in the Japanese Garden. With so many different things to see, there is something for everyone at the Rockhampton Botanical Gardens.

• Address: 100 Spencer St, West Rockhampton QLD 4700
• Hours of Operation: Daily from 6:00 am – 6:30 pm

4. Explore the Rockhampton Zoo

Located inside the Rockhampton Botanical Gardens is also the Rockhampton Zoo. The zoo is absolutely free and is home to over 100 different animals from across Australia and beyond.

Animals like the cassowary which we tried desperately to see out in the wild during our road trip to Far North Queensland. If it weren’t for the Rockhampton Zoo, I would not have had the opportunity to see this majestic bird!

If you have little ones in tow, the Rockhampton Zoo is also a great place to engage them in experiences such as the Meerkat Encounters. Plus, it is a great excuse to relive your childhood and obsession with Timon from The Lion King (or perhaps that is just me)!

• Hours of Operation: Daily from 9:00 am – 4:15 pm

5. Watch the Sunset from Fraser Park Lookout

One of my favorite views of a city is the view from above, so grab your hiking shoes and head up to Fraser Park Lookout on Mount Archer. Mount Archer is the absolute best place in the city to enjoy the sunset over Rocky.

The Fraser Park Lookout is located on the Nurim circuit elevated boardwalk. This 500-meter circuit is quick and easy and offers stunning views over Rockhampton. The Nurim circuit elevated boardwalk is also wheelchair accessible.

• Address: Pilbeam Dr, Mount Archer QLD 4701
• Hours of Operation: 24 Hours (Camping and overnight stays not allowed)

6. Explore the CBD Heritage with a Self-Guided Tour of Quay Street

The Rockhampton Regional Council has developed a unique self-guided walking tour of the historic downtown of Rockhampton.

This self-guided tour covers 15 locations in downtown Rockhampton and provides you with a brief history of the buildings. Examples include the listed Criterion Hotel, the Old Fitzroy Bridge, and the Cattle House. It is a great way to get your legs moving and find out a little bit more about the history behind the town.

You can download the pamphlet to your phone or stop by the visitor information center for a hard copy.

7. Go Bull Hunting

You won’t need your red cape for this one, but heading off on your very own Rockhampton Bull Tour is easily one of the quirkiest things to do in Rockhampton.

As the beef capital of Australia, Rocky has carefully constructed and placed bull statues throughout the city. The Rockhampton bull statues represent the area’s six main cattle breeds.

Part of the fun is searching for the bulls placed throughout the city. Head out on an afternoon of exploring on your own Rockhampton Bull Tour. The team from Explore Rockhampton has even put together an informational Rockhampton Bull Tour explaining a little bit about the different types of bulls and how each statue came to be.

Just remember, no cheating, and no looking online to find where they are all located! Do you think you can find them all in Rocky without any help?!

Other Great things to do in Rockhampton

Still looking for what to do in Rockhampton? Luckily, we are just getting started.

8. Immerse Yourself in Culture at the Dreamtime Cultural Center

One of the best things to do in Rockhampton is to learn about the indigenous culture of the Aboriginals and the Torres Straight islanders at the Dreamtime Cultural Center . The Dreamtime Cultural Center is an amazing educational experience for all ages.

When you visit, you can choose to explore the center at your own pace with one of the self-guided tours or on a guided tour. The self-guided tours include The Vanishing Culture of the Sandstone Belt, which recreates the sandstone caves and way of life of the Aboriginals from the Central Queensland Sandstone Belt, and the Native Plant Tour, which guides visitors through the different plants and how the Aboriginals and Torres Straight Islanders used these plants in their daily lives.

The guided tours include a didgeridoo tour, a Torres Straight Islander Village tour, and a boomerang tour. The guided tours are available at 1:30 am and 1:00 pm Monday to Friday and are included in the entrance ticket price.

• Address: 703-751 Yaamba Rd, Parkhurst QLD 4700, Australia
• Hours of Operation : 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday
• Cost: $16 per adult, $8 per child

9. Dine on a Delicious Steak Dinner (It’s obligatory!)

No trip to Rockhampton is complete without eating beef (sorry veggos!). Seriously, it is on every list as one of the best things to do in Rockhampton. And being the nation’s beef capital, there is no wonder why. Locals consider it a right of passage while visiting Rockhampton.

While there are plenty of pubs and hotels serving up steak, our favorite is the Criterion Hotel. This iconic hotel located on the Fitzroy River was ahead of its time in 1890 and continues to win patrons over year after year. Join the locals and dine on delicious pub steak at the Criterion Hotel while in Rocky. With the “popular” steak being a measly 500 g, you won’t be leaving Rocky hungry.

10. Make Grocery Shopping an Outing

One of our favorite things to do when we travel is to visit the local farmers’ market and fruit and veg stands. Usually stocked with the freshest produce and the friendliest people, we make “going grocery shopping” an activity. And while it might not sound like one of the best things to do in Rockhampton, you may be pleasantly surprised!

Doblo’s Farmers Market

In Rockhampton, you can visit Doblo’s Farmers Market EVERY DAY ! No need to wait until Saturday or Sunday for the local pop-up market. These guys are doing it daily and doing it right. So drop in for some of the freshest fruit and veg in town.

• Address: 6 Goodsall St, The Common QLD 4701, Australia
• Hours of Operation: 4:00 am – 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday and 4:00 am – 2:00 pm, Saturday & Sunday

MMM Avocado and Mangos

If you plan to check out Bouldercombe, then make sure to visit MMM Avocado and Mangos on your way into Rockhampton. With only a simple honesty box (which I think is unheard of in the US), you can pick up the avos and mangos right from the farm! Breakfast is starting to sound a little bit better, right?

• Address: 106 McEvoy Rd, Kabra, QLD, Australia 4702
• Hours of Operation: Honesty box open all day

11. Grab Coffee One of the Trendy Cafes in Rockhampton

No list is complete without a Flat White in Australia. Surprisingly, there are a number of fantastic cafes in Rockhampton. And, in Rockhampton, no one does one better than the Coffee Society! Located on the main street in Rocky, Coffee Society is the place to go to for coffee, breakfast, or lunch. Fantastic coffee, mouthwatering food, and good prices.

• Address: 126 East St, Rockhampton QLD 4700
• Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday from 5:30 am – 2:30 pm and Saturday – Sunday from 6:00 am – 2:30 pm

12. Enjoy a Meal and Craft Beer at Headricks Lane

One of Rockhampton’s only trendy restaurants, Headricks Lane is a must for foodie travelers. A perfectly curated menu will satisfy all of your cravings, from DIY pork spring rolls to braised osso bucco! And don’t forget to try one of the local brews from their microbrewery. Headricks Lane specializes in ales, from pale ales to session ales to kolsch ales, but they are always looking to expand their range, so make sure to stop by for the most up-to-date brewing list!

Headricks Lane is open Tuesday to Saturday from 5:00 pm.

• Address: 189 East St, Rockhampton QLD 4700
• Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Saturday from 5:00 pm

13. Get Festive at a Festival in Rockhampton

The busy town of Rockhampton is loaded with great arts and cultural activities throughout the year. Popular events include the Rockhampton River Festival and the Capricorn Wine and Food Festival .

The Rockhampton River Festival is generally held in September each year and is a free festival featuring arts, music, and over 100 market and food stalls.

The Capricorn Wine and Food Festival holds four events per year that showcase local restaurants and food in the region on the banks of the Fitzroy River.

For more Rockhampton events, make sure to visit the Rockhampton Regional Council Community Events Board .

14. Catch a Show at the Pilbeam Theatre

If you are looking for a night out on the town in Rocky, the Pilbeam Theatre may just be it. The Pilbeam Theatre is a local arts community, regularly hosting nationally and internationally touring shows and local community events.

There is almost always something happening at the Pilbeam Theatre, so make sure to check the schedule before you visit.

Other Things to Do Around Rockhampton

Ok, so we have already covered a lot of ground on the best things to do in Rockhampton, but we are only getting started. The area surrounding Rockhampton is diverse, with plenty of day trips, and you could easily spend more than a week exploring everything there is to do.

From the idyllic beaches near Rockhampton to the beautiful national parks and, of course, the Great Barrier Reef, there are no shortcomings of things to do around Rockhampton. So, let’s dive into the best day trips from Rockhampton.

15. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef at Great Keppel Island

Great Keppel Island is easily one of the most well-known attractions around Rockhampton. Only a 45-minute ferry ride off mainland Australia, Great Keppel Island offers a great chance to sneak a peek at the majestic Great Barrier Reef, if even only for the day.

Once on the island, there is an immense amount of things to do! The most popular, of course, is getting out on the Great Barrier Reef. Great Keppel Island has an extensive coral reef waiting to be explored, and there are many fantastic snorkeling and diving spots located on the island .

There are also some pretty great beaches as well if you prefer to keep things dry. Our favorite is Monkey Beach! Keen surfers will find their fun at Wreck Beach and Red Beach on the other side of the island from the accommodations and restaurants.

The island’s walking trails take you past stunning lookouts and picturesque bays to secluded coves. There are six bushwalking trails, ranging from a 2.6-km return trail along the Lookout Trail to the 15.4-km hike to the Lighthouse. These simple, scenic paths are a great way to reconnect with nature and perhaps even some unexpected wildlife encounters.

Great Keppel Island is a great day trip from Rockhampton, whether you want to lounge around on the beach or get active. The abundant nature and breathtaking beauty will surely impress all travelers.

16. Relax at Yeppoon Beach

If you can’t stomach the ferry ticket to reach Great Keppel Island, the mainland beaches near Rockhampton are also pretty great. The closest beach is Yeppoon, a popular tourist destination on the Capricorn Coast. The drive from Rockhampton to Yeppoon is only 45 kilometers making it close enough for a day trip although there is plenty to see and do along the Rockhampton coastline, and one could easily spend a weekend or longer at one of the Rockhampton beaches.

Yeppoon Main Beach is a stretch of stunning white sand in front of the town with lovely views over Great Keppel Island. Walk along the esplanade, enjoying these picturesque views or head down to the Yeppoon Lagoon (aka swimming pool) to cool down and escape the hot Queensland sun.

While you’re here, don’t miss some of the great cafes and bars in Yeppoon, in fact, some of the best in the area. Yeppoon offers relaxed seaside dining at its finest. Easily the best place to eat on the Capricorn Coast, Yeppoon’s James Street is packed with delicious restaurants. Head to Flour for your morning coffee and brekky or Vue Wine Bar for lunch or dinner!

If you are visiting Yeppoon on a weekend, the Yeppoon Community Markets are held each Saturday morning from 6:00 am to 10:00 am at the Yeppoon Showgrounds and are worth dropping in on.

17. Go Underground at the Capricorn Caves

Second to Great Keppel Island, the Capricorn Caves are probably the most visited attraction along the Capricorn Coast and one of the best things to do in Rockhampton. The limestone caves formed millions of years ago are, in one word, impressive.

The only way to see the Capricorn Caves is by arranging a tour. There are three different tour options to see these ancient caves. On the Cathedral Cave tour , you will experience the sound quality with a short musical performance and learn about how the caves were formed millions of years ago. The tour only lasted about 30 minutes.

Other tours of the Capricorn Caves include the Capricorn Caves Adventurer , a 2-hour tour that sees you scrambling, ducking, crawling, and more throughout the Capricorn Caves, and the Capricorn Caves Explorer , which is similar to the Capricorn Caves Adventurer but takes you to some of the more challenging and lesser explored caves.

18. Put Your Walking Shoes on for Capricorn Coast National Park

If you are headed out to the Rockhampton beaches, consider visiting the Capricorn Coast National Park, a series of reserves stretching along and throughout the coastline. Although there are technically six reserves, only four are accessible and are a great way to explore the Capricorn Coast. The most popular sections of Capricorn Coast National Park are Double Head and Bluff Point.

The Double Head section flanks Rosslyn Bay Harbor to the right on the headland. This rocky headland is home to Pebble Beach, Rosslyn Lookout, and Fan Rock Lookout . Gaze out to sea at each of these lookouts onto the famous Great Keppel Island and the stunning blue waters for which Queensland is known.

The Bluff Point section is a great day-use area and one of Yeppoon’s best things to do. The Bluff Point Walking Track is a 2.3-kilometer walking track featuring mangroves, eucalyptus trees, and more. Make sure you take time to stop at Summit Lookout for spectacular views over Great Keppel Island and Turtle Lookout and for your chance to see sea turtles!

19. Become a History Buff at Emu Park

Emu Park is another beach on the Rockhampton coastline. It is perfect for those who like long walks to the beach and is a bit quieter than nearby Yeppoon.

If you are interested in World War I history, the Centenary of ANZAC Memorial Walk thoughtfully honors the heroes of World War I and combines history with stunning coastal views.

Emu Park is also home to the Singing Ship, a sculpture paying homage to the area’s historical explorations, particularly Captain Cook’s discovery of Emu Park and Keppel Bay in 1770. The Signing Ship is designed to produce enchanting musical sounds with the ocean breeze.

• Address: Tennent Memorial Drive, Emu Park QLD 4710

20. Spot the Whale at Kinka Beach

Another quirky thing to do around Rockhampton, especially if you have children, is to visit Kinka Beach for a photo of the large Whale Statue, one of the many “Big Things in Australia.”

• Address: 37 Bauhinia Rd, Kinka Beach QLD 4703

21. Pretend You’re a Local at Nearby Bouldercombe

Set in the hinterland of Livingstone Shire is the small, and I mean a very small, community of Bouldercombe, approximately 20 minutes southwest of Rocky. The locals of Bouldercombe support the caravanning and camping lifestyle for which Australia is known. They offer a donation-based campground with free toilets and gold-coin hot showers. While there may not be much to offer around Bouldercombe, the farmlands are beautiful, and the ability to camp regardless of your vehicle (or tent) is a HUGE bonus. Make sure to be respectful of the grounds and clean up after yourself so this place can stay free and open to fellow travelers!

Nearby a short hike takes you to the Bouldercombe Gorge, but watch out for the disused mine shaft.

22. Check Out Stoney Creek in Byfield State Forest

Stoney Creek, located in Byfield State Forest, not to be confused with Byfield National Park (although I really don’t know the difference), is one of the best things to do in Rockhampton. This stunning water is set against lush vegetation, and the crystal clear water is inviting in the hot Queensland sun. Stoney Creek is the perfect place to unwind and relax after some “city life” in Rocky.

A handful of campsites are available at Stoney Creek, but it is best to book in advance as these spots fill up quickly. You’ll know the reason why when you visit!

PS. Look out for the freshwater turtle paddling about in this beautiful oasis. He is a real treat!

23. Relax in Bliss at Ferns Hideaway Resort in Byfield National Park

Tucked away in Byfield National Park is the serene Ferns Hideaway Resort . If you are looking to relax in nature, then a trip out to Byfield Mountain Retreat is a must. Nestled amongst the rainforest, these rustic cabins are picture-perfect for a weekend getaway. And with walking tracks, Stoney Creek, and 9-mile beach in Byfield National Park only a stone’s throw away, there is plenty to do.

Each room comes with a kitchen (sorry, no oven), a spa tub (hello, bubble bath), and a great outdoor space. You won’t find any internet access here at the Ferns Hideaway Resort, though. Come here to unwind, relax, and spend quality time.

• Address: 67 Cahills Rd, Byfield QLD 4703
• Cost: $170 AUD per night

24. Get Off the Grid at Stanage Bay

If you like getting off the beaten path and being off-grid, Stanage Bay is the place for you. Some 100 kilometers down a gravelly dirt road, you will find the resemblance of a small beach town. Known as a prime destination for camping and fishing, don’t come here expecting to find much. Just blue waters, white sand beaches, and stunning headlands. Basically, it’s all you could ever want and imagine from Queensland and definitely the best Rockhampton beach.

Where to Stay in Rockhampton

Denison boutique hotel.

Declared a heritage-listed building by the Queensland Heritage Registry in 2005, no trip to Rocky is complete without a stay at the Denison Boutique Hotel . The building was originally the home of the railway administration for Central and North Queensland. Today, the building welcomes hotel guests with modern amenities but retains the charm and character from an era bygone. Rooms start at $125 AUD a night and include breakfast.

Check Prices Now on Your Favorite Platform!

Criterion hotel.

The Criterion Hotel , located in downtown Rockhampton, offers both hotel and motel accommodations. The old building is absolutely beautiful, and the pub downstairs is a great, classic Australian pub. The rooms are well maintained and comfortable, making the Criterion Hotel a great stopover for a night or two in Rocky.

CocoBrew Boutique Apartments

If you are looking for a bit more space as well as access to your own kitchen, then the CocoBrew Boutique Apartments are your best bet in Rockhampton. These modern apartments have everything you would want to make your stay enjoyable. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, the staff are friendly, and the location is ideal and within walking distance to many of the attractions in Rockhampton.

So what do you think? Is Rockhampton worth visiting?

There is more to Rocky than just cattle! An abundance of outdoor activities, stunning coastlines, and even a little bit of the Great Barrier Reef await you in this central Queensland town. So what are you waiting for? Let’s put this list of the best things to do in Rockhampton to use and start planning your trip today!

Do you like our list of the best things to do in Rockhampton? Is there a Rockhampton attraction we missed? Let us know in the comments below.

Planning a trip? Check out our Favourite Resources!

We always use Booking.com when we need to book accommodation wherever possible. If you are looking for a car rental, we highly recommend booking with Discover Cars for regular cars and DriveNow for campervans . Never leave home without travel insurance; consider using World Nomads to keep you and your family safe while traveling.

Looking for More Queensland Travel Destination Inspiration?

Are you traveling the east coast of Queensland? Maybe you are planning a road trip from Brisbane to Cairns? There are so many great places to visit in Queensland, from stunning national parks to some of the world’s best beaches and even remote outback adventures. Find more Queensland travel destinations in one of our Queensland blog posts below!

• 9 of the Best Things to Do in Bundaberg
• The Best Road Trips From Brisbane: The Ultimate List
• The Best National Parks Near Brisbane to Visit in 2021
• How to See the Cape Hillsborough Kangaroos Plus 6 More Exciting Things to Do in Cape Hillsborough National Park
• The Cape York Trip Planning Guide in 11 Easy Steps

Out of a love of travel we met in a hostel in Estonia, one snowy Christmas night. Eighteen months later, we quit our day jobs in search of a more nomadic life style together.

Five years later, we are still traveling. Between us we have explored more than 80 countries, undertaken countless #vanlife adventures in more than 12 countries on 4 different continents. Most recently we have been learning to sail on our little boat whisper in the Mediterranean, falling in love with sailing and the live aboard lifestyle. While we travel and work work remotely as digital nomads.

Through this website and our vlog we hope to share some of the things we learn about the off-the-beaten path destinations we visit, about van life, sail life and working remotely from the road.

We are the Vanabonds, these are our tales.

Eddie & Kelli

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27 Comments

The beaches look amazing! We’ve always wanted to hit the Great Barrier Reef. Thanks for sharing!

The beaches and the reef are definitely part of what makes Queensland so special, thanks for reading!

What a beautiful place to visit! I can’t wait to get back to Australia!

It’s an amazing country, with an almost endless amount to do and see!

If I was to visit Rockhampton, I would definitely be buying some beef dishes at the restaurants! I like how many things there are to do here as well – something for everyone!

You haven’t truly visited North Queensland until you’ve eaten an enormous steak!

I’m hoping to visit Qld before long & was planning to stay in Yeppoon but now I’m thinking I should add Rocky to my itinerary as well. The Botanical Gardens look very pretty & so does the main street. Thanks for sharing!

Yeppoon and the islands that surround it are magic, but you should definitely make a stop in Rocky too!

Amazing post. Loved reading it. I wish I can visit Rockhampton soon.

Thanks for reading!

All of this looks amazing. Those beaches are gorgeous, love the views. And I love the sound of the distillery and all the different flavors and effort that goes into the drinks

Yes, the amount of botanicals that go into making gin is unreal!

What a beautiful post. I would live to visit. I have two neices in Australia so the call to go visit is loud. Thanks for all the info.

You should definitely visit Australia! It is pretty amazing!

What a comprehensive blog! I feel like I could spend a week there & not get bored with all your amazing suggestions… especially Great Keppel Island. I’ve pinned & saved this blog for my next trip to Oz.

Agreed! A week might not even be enough!

Rockhampton looks like an amazing place,I never heard of it before. This spiced rum sounds really interesting ,would love to try it someday.thanks so much for sharing

The spiced rum is great! We were so surprised to find an award winning rum in Rocky!

I hope to see the Barrier Reef before long. I must stop off in Rockhampton ….

It is definitely a bucket list item!

This place looks so cute!! I’ll have to make a stop here when I visit Australia 🙂

Awesome Post! I never thought to much about Rockhampton, but will have to make sure we stop when we are next in the area!

That is exactly what Eddie said until we actually visited!

I can’t wait to get home to Brisbane and do a road trip up north. Didn’t realise there were so many great things to do in Rockhampton – thank you for enlightening me!

We didn’t know either until we visited! We are currently on a road trip up north from Brissy.

Rockhampton has a special place in my heart. A friend was a nurse there and then she married at Yeppoon Beach. A beautiful part of the world. It’s a great place to explore when on a road trip up north in Queensland.

We couldn’t agree more!

Home » Travel Guides » Australia » 15 Best Things to Do in Rockhampton (Australia)

15 Best Things to Do in Rockhampton (Australia)

Set just in from the Central Queensland Coast, Rockhampton is one of the oldest cities in the state, developed on the banks of the Fitzroy River from the 1850s.

In the CBD there’s a lot of architecture surviving from Rockhampton’s first decades, especially on Quay Street on the River Front.

Much of this was paid for by a gold rush, while today the city is the capital of Australia’s cattle trade.

Being on the Tropic of Capricorn, Rockhampton has a wonderful lush botanic garden, home to one of the best zoos in the state.

Venture a little way out and you can discover ancient limestone caves, amazing mountain lookouts and the beaches of the Capricorn Coast.

1. Rockhampton Botanic Gardens

You can discover the vibrant plant life sustained by Rockhampton’s tropical climate and what is described as one of the best regional botanic gardens in the country.

Whether you’re here to unwind on a stroll, take a family picnic or do some horticultural exploration, you could lose all track of time in this gorgeous environment.

There are almost 30 different sub-gardens and precincts, among them two tracts of rainforest, 150-year-old Banyan figs, a pinetum, Japanese garden, lagoon foreshore, fernery, palm grove, tropical fruit arboretum and many more than we can list.

The gardens also provide a habitat for over 50 native animals and are the setting for a variety of local sports clubs, as well as Rockhampton’s war memorial.

2. Mount Archer National Park

Between Rockhampton and the Central Queensland Coast is the Berserker Range, the highest peak of which is protected by this national park.

Mount Archer is 604 metres, affording marvellous views from its peak over the surrounding ranges and back to Rockhampton.

This can be reached via two easy trails from the main picnic area.

In the wider park are 4250 hectares of mostly eucalypt forest, with a big pocket of dry rainforest along Moores Creek’s deep valley.

Come to the valley early in the morning or late in the day and you stand a good chance of seeing rock-wallabies hopping to the creek to drink.

3. Rockhampton Zoo

In the greenery of the Botanic Gardens, Rockhampton Zoo is a major animal attraction with more than 60 species, including a full spectrum of Australian animals, from koalas to kangaroos, dingoes, crocodiles and wombats.

The headliners though are the large family of chimpanzees, which were given a revamped enclosure in the 2010s.

The aviaries are stunning, holding more than 80 birds from over 25 species, including rose-crowned fruit doves, royal spoonbills, macaws and wedge-tailed eagles.

In every area there will be a daily keeper talk going into depth on the species’ behaviour, diet and habitat.

4. Rockhampton Heritage Village

The first century of European history in the Rockhampton region is captured at this open-air museum spread over more than ten hectares of land.

Preserved here and loaded with historic tools, artefacts and furniture are cottages, a printworks, a woolshed, fire station, school, wagon works, timber cutters’ shed and much more.

Many of these buildings are original, while others are accurate reproductions based on period photographs.

The Rockhampton Heritage Village also maintains important collections of vintage vehicles, timepieces and dolls, all worth exploring.

Every other month on a Sunday the village puts on a sprawling market for food, handmade arts and crafts, fashion and organic cosmetics.

5. Archer Park Rail Museum

The elegant railway station building at Denison Street was built between 1897 and 1908, and was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992. At the museum you can learn the fascinating story of the epic North Coast Railway, and daily transport in the Rockhampton area.

There’s a Digital Soundscape system bringing the ambience of days gone by back to life, accompanied by tons of railway artefacts and photos.

The star of the show is the French Purrey Steam Tram, which was reconstructed using parts from Rockhampton City Council’s fleet dating between 1909 and 1939. This engine is fired up on weekends for rides along a stretch of track.

6. Capricorn Caves

This hugely popular limestone cave system lies just 30 minutes north of Rockhampton and is one of Queensland’s oldest attractions, having been discovered in 1881. You can experience the Capricorn Caves through a choice of tours, the most popular being the hour-long Cathedral Cave tour.

This leads you into the phenomenal Cathedral Chamber, which has sparkling natural acoustics.

There’s also a riveting Fossil Tour, showing the many thousands of fossils that have been discovered in the system, ranging from miniscule creatures to massive prehistoric beasts.

And if you sign up in advance you can traverse the caves on a special Adventure Caving Tour, lifting you up to the surface for 360° panoramas.

7. Kershaw Gardens

This 50-hectare palm-rich park on the north bank of the Fitzroy River is laid on what until the 1980s was actually a landfill site.

The park inaugurated in 1988 and reopened its doors in 2018 after suffering damage in Severe Tropical Cyclone Marcia three years before.

If you’re in Rockhampton with the whole clan Kershaw Gardens is a go-to for its superb nine-storey playground, Wyatt’s Wonder Web, equipped with ladders, tunnels, climbing nets and ropes.

There’s also an impressive man-made waterfall, a water play area by the river, free Wi-Fi, a sensory garden, picnic shelters, winding walking tracks and a camping site.

8. CBD Heritage Walk

Rockhampton is endowed with lots of Victorian and early-20th-century architecture, recalling its merchant and gold rush past.

So it’s a great idea to spend an hour or two getting lost on the tree-lined streets of the CBD.

If you only have time to get an impression of the city you can walk this two-kilometre trail, entirely along the waterfront Quay Street.

With a downloadable map for smartphones, this walk alone takes in 20 handsome pieces of heritage, like the Criterion Hotel (1890), the Post Office and Clock Tower (1895), Cattle House (1864), Union Trustee Chambers (1887) and Luck House (1862).

9. Rockhampton Art Gallery

With a front row location next to the Pilbeam Theatre on the south bank of the Fitzroy River, Rockhampton Art Gallery is free to enter and has been around since 1967. The gallery may be compact, but its permanent exhibition draws on a formidable collection that charts Australia’s Modernist movement from the mid-20th century.

There are pieces by Fred Williams, John Brack, Sidney Nolan, Russell Drysdale and Charles Blackman, to name just a handful.

There’s also an exciting programme of temporary exhibitions, from regional, state, national and international institutions (entry fees may apply here), as well as a calendar of talk and workshops.

10. Pilbeam Theatre

The performing arts hub for the whole Central Queensland region is by the river in Rockhampton.

The Pilbeam Theatre opened in 1979 and in its time has hosted many famous Australian music artists, comedians, actors and other cultural figures, among them Baz Luhrmann, Peter Allen, Tina Arena, David Hobson, Angus & Julia Stone and Kitty Flanagan.

The auditorium seats just under 1,000 people and puts on a mix of live music, performances by the Rockhampton Symphony Orchestra, plays, tribute acts, stand-up and sketch comedy, musicals, dance and also fun for children.

When you get there you can relax with a drink at the bar, where you’ll be able to pre-order refreshments for the interval.

11. Mount Etna Caves National Park

The striking karst landscape at this national park is the remnant of coral reefs from an ancient sea.

The many rocky niches here provide a vital habitat for bats, including vulnerable ghost bats and over 80% of the country’s breeding population of little bent-wing bats.

As you might guess, Mount Etna Caves is a delicate habitat and visits are limited.

But there are trails and a picnic area at the day-use area.

December to February you can put your name down for a guided ranger tour when you can watch thousands of little bent-wing bats issuing from their roosts to hunt.

12. Yeppoon Main Beach

If you want to pass a relaxing day on the Capricorn Coast, the main beach at Yeppoon is about 30 minutes away.

With soft, pale sand, this is almost 1.5 kilometres long and at low tide can be up to 300 metres wide.

At high tide there’s no beach at all, so naturally it’s worth keeping an eye on the schedule.

Away from the deeper southern end, the surf is light and family friendly, and by the seawall backing the beach there’s a grassy reserve on the foreshore.

Yeppoon Main Beach has all the necessary facilities, including gas barbecues, and also on the foreshore is the new zero-depth water play feature, the Keppel Kraken, with a mythical sea creature emerging from its centre.

13. Dreamtime Cultural Centre

Central Queensland’s only indigenous cultural centre shines a light on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history.

Guided tours of the centre take place at 10:30 and 13:00 and feature a didgeridoo demonstration and a visit to the Torres Strait Islander Village during which you’ll find out about their spiritual beliefs and traditional lifestyle.

Your guide will also show you how to throw a boomerang, and during the school holidays there’s a performance by Djarn Djarn Dancers, a men’s dance group.

On a self-guided visit you’ll be free to explore 12 hectares of landscaped gardens, discovering the role of plants in Aboriginal life and exploring 34 metres of recreated sandstone caves from the Central Queensland Sandstone Belt.

14. Alkoomi Adventure Farm

For a taste of outback agricultural life, this cattle farm in Marmor, about 40km south of Rockhampton, welcomes guests to camp or stay at en-suite accommodation and take part in daily life on the farm.

Alkoomi Adventure Farm is in picture-perfect rolling countryside, with walking tracks up to distant lookouts.

Some of the daily chores you can get involved with include hand-feeding the cattle, grooming horses, collecting eggs and feeding chickens.

You can also take part in all kinds of outdoor activities, like horseback riding, quad biking or swimming or kayaking in freshwater dams.

15. Koorana Crocodile Farm

The first commercial crocodile farm in Coowonga has been in business for 40 years.

In its earliest years, Koorana Crocodile Farm had to catch crocodiles from the wild that were a threat to the local public.

The farm today holds more than 5,000 crocodiles and invites people on twice-daily tours every day except Christmas.

The period from February to May is a good time to visit, as this is hatching season when you may get to see a baby crocodile being born and will be able to hold a young crocodile in your arms.

15 Best Things to Do in Rockhampton (Australia):

• Rockhampton Botanic Gardens
• Mount Archer National Park
• Rockhampton Zoo
• Rockhampton Heritage Village
• Archer Park Rail Museum
• Capricorn Caves
• Kershaw Gardens
• CBD Heritage Walk
• Rockhampton Art Gallery
• Pilbeam Theatre
• Mount Etna Caves National Park
• Yeppoon Main Beach
• Dreamtime Cultural Centre
• Alkoomi Adventure Farm
• Koorana Crocodile Farm

Must-see attractions in Rockhampton

Botanic Gardens

Rockhampton

These Heritage-listed gardens, begun in 1873, are a beautiful escape from often-sweltering Rockhampton, with tropical and subtropical rainforest,…

Capricorn Caves

Riddling the Berserker Range some 24km north of Rockhampton, this vast cave complex is one of the Capricorn Coast's foremost attractions. Technically not…

Dreamtime Cultural Centre

The stories of the local Darumbal people and Torres Straits islanders are well-conveyed here. Self-guide through exhibits such as 'The Vanishing Culture…

Archer Park Rail Museum

Housed in a handsome heritage-listed railway station dating to 1899, this museum is a labour of love, telling the station’s story through photographs,…

Kershaw Gardens

Just north of the Fitzroy River, this excellent botanical park showcases Australian native plants and is a great spot for a picnic or play with the kids…

Rockhampton Art Gallery

Founded in 1967, this great regional gallery owns an impressive collection of modernist Australian paintings, including works by Russell Drysdale, Arthur…

The highest peak in the Beserker Range and the focus of a 4250-hectare national park, this mountain (604m) has walking trails weaving through eucalypts…

Quay Street

This historic streetscape, where grand sandstone Victorian-era buildings face the broad Fitzroy River, is Rockhampton's most beautiful area. You can pick…

Rockhampton Heritage Village

A great place to break up a road trip, the Heritage Village is 11 hectares of relocated and replica buildings from the 1850s to the 1950s. Offering a…

Central Queensland Livestock Exchange

The largest livestock saleyards in the southern hemisphere, the CQLX, known traditionally as Gracemere Saleyards, comes alive on Friday mornings, when the…

Tropic of Capricorn

Straddle the Tropic of Capricorn at the visitor centre on Gladstone Rd – it's marked by a huge spire.

Ultimate guide to visiting Rockhampton Queensland

Posted on Published: August 8, 2021

Home » Blog » Ultimate guide to visiting Rockhampton Queensland

If you love outdoor adventure, sunflower fields, Victorian architecture, stunning sunsets and a taste of Aussie heritage then make sure to visit Australia’s beef capital, Rockhampton, in Central Queensland. It’s a popular stop on the drive between Brisbane and Cairns, and is worth at least a three day stay to explore the city and the region. We had such a great time here – it just has a vibe, lots of sunshine, friendly locals and so much to do. We will definitely be back (and not just because I found out my Great-great-grandfather settled here and owned pubs around the region!).

Enjoy farm-stays, dig for gems, explore nature, hike, mountain bike and learn about the city’s fascinating Indigenous culture and farming and mining heritage. Rockhampton’s charming riverfront precinct, world-class gardens, parks and Rockhampton Zoo coupled with its dining and cafes make it the perfect place to spend a few days or a week.

The historic wealth of this thriving cattle region is evident in its ornate buildings, wide treelined streets and beautiful suburban Queenslander homes. Explore sunflower fields, fish and cruise on the Fitzroy River,  let the kids loose in its many playgrounds and enjoy local produce and friendly welcomes everywhere you go.

There is just so much to do in and around Rockhampton.   Read about the 10 best free things to do in Rockhampton here  and learn more about this beautiful city and adventure-packed region at Explore Rockhampton.

Rockhampton’s history:

The Darumbal people have called this region home for at least 40,000 years and continue their strong connection to the land.

Rockhampton is one of Queensland’s oldest cities, and for a time, the gold from Mount Morgan mine supported the entire country.  From the mid 1800’s colonial settlers arrived here and began running cattle and sheep on its grazing land, and with the discovery of gold at Canoona, Northern Australia’s first gold rush began. After gold was discovered at Mount Morgan the regions’ prosperity grew even further and with international trade through its busy river port, stunning Victorian architecture began to line the towns main streets.

When to visit Rockhampton:

Rockhampton is right on the Tropic of Capricorn and its weather is fabulous all year round. Be mindful the temperature can get up to the mid-30s over summer,but this is also when it can rain a lot. The upside is it breaks the heat and fills the rivers and waterholes, so you can always cool off, especially at beautiful Blackdown Tableland National Park.

From March to November the heat is milder  – it can even be chilly in the morning – and it’s much easier to get around without sweating!

Where to stay in Rockhampton:

Rockhampton has a great variety of accommodation, from the perfectly located free camp at the Kershaw Gardens, to caravan parks like Riverside Tourist Park and Rockhampton Discovery Park,  hotels or luxurious waterfront apartments.

We stayed in an at the Quest Apartments on the riverfront and were so close to everything, plus having a kitchen is so convenient. We shopped at the local Woolworths and cooked meals in the kitchen, and sat on our balcony to watch the river and the gorgeous sunsets.

Kortes Resort  is just out of town and has lovely rooms, a beautiful tropical pool and an amazing on-site restaurant. It’s just a short drive up to Mount Archer so is perfect for hiking and exploring the mountains and its walks and lookouts.

Further away, you can camp or pull up at Mount Hay Gemstone Tourist Park , Capricorn Caves has cabins with the caravan park open during school holidays,  and Alkoomi Adventure Homestay has camping and caravan sites as well as cabins.

Quest Apartments, Rockhampton

Where to eat:

Rockhampton has a diverse range of restaurants, cafes and coffee shops and there are some incredible dining options along the riverfront and in heritage buildings in the surrounding streets.

If you’re staying at Kortes Resort  or passing by, it’s worthing stopping in to dine. You can sit outside by the pool and it’s just a really lovely spot, especially after watching sunset at Mount Archer.

CocoBrew Rockhampton is a beautiful restaurant, bar and whisky lounge in a converted heritage building, just a few minutes from the riverfront. The staff and the vibe is welcoming and fun – and it’s child friendly. Our dinner here was delicious and the deserts were amazing. Bookings are essential – don’t miss out while you’re here.

Just across the road is Dingles Cafe – we didn’t eat here but I grabbed coffee a couple of times and it was delish.

The Boathouse overlooks the Fitzroy River and also makes lovely coffee, and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The outdoor tables have beautiful views, and you can finish your meal with a walk along the riverfront or take the kids for a play in the Fitzroy Adventure Park which is just next door.  

The best things to do in Rockhampton:

Rockhampton is a beautiful city, full of history and and surrounded by diverse landscapes and nature.Stay for longer if you can – you’ll always find something more to explore. Here’s how to fill your (at least) five days here.

Cultural Activities:

Visit the dreamtime cultural centre.

It’s so important to learn as much as we can about the traditional owners of the land here in Australia, and the Rockhampton Dreamtime Culture Centre   is a must do. Join a tour and learn all about the Darumbal people, their culture and experiences, listen to the didgeridoo and learn to throw a boomerang. It’s so valuable to visit here if you’re on your way to Carnarvon Gorge, as you will learn about this sacred area on the tour and from beautiful displays.  Make sure to also check out  On Country Experiences with Darumbal Enterprise  while you’re here.

Address: Dreamtime Cultural Centre, Bruce Highway Open: 10.30am – 3pm Monday to Friday, with guided tour at 10.30am Cost: Kids and students $7.50, adults $15.50

Rockhampton Heritage Village

Step back in time and explore Rockhampton’s history from 1850 to 1950 at this open air museum. This fabulous heritage village features a timber cutters camp, a heritage township with homesteads and cottages, vintage cars and machinery and a blacksmiths shop. Find it on the road into Rockhampton. Sunday markets are held here every second month.

Address: 296 Boundary Road, Parkhurst Cost: $5

Adventure & Nature Activities

Mountain biking at first turkey.

If you’re keen to ride and explore Rockhampton’s surrounding nature then head out to First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve for 35 kilometres of mountain biking trails from easy recreational rides to black runs. It’s such a great way to explore the nature that surrounds the city, challenge yourself and have a great day out. Make sure to bring your own bike, and  check out all the trails here.

Address: 249 German St, Norman Gardens QLD 4701

Walk Nurim Circuit lookout & hiking trails

Take a short drive up to Mount Archer for sunset and watech the city and Fitzroy River below turn to gold. Rockhampton sunsets are very special and it’s a rare night that’s not full of colour.

The Nurim Circuit is a 500metre elevated boardwalk that hangs over the edge of the mountain. There are seats at lookout spots, a children’s play area and signs in the local Darumbal language.

There are many hiking trails in Mount Archer, find all the details here.

See the beautiful Sunflower fields

Sunflowers bloom throughout the year here and you may be lucky enough to see them. They’re very close to town, just take a drive out on Quay St to Bowlin Road and you’ll find the fields.  They’re on private property so make sure to be respectful when you’re out there.

Spend the day at the Botanic Gardens

Rockhampton’s Botanic Gardens were built in 1873 and are the oldest public gardens in Queensland. With a lagoon, an abundance of palms, figs, flowers and fruit trees, shaded walkways and picnic areas, it’s the perfect way to get outdoors and enjoy the Queensland weather. Within the grounds are the Japanese Gardens, the Cenotaph and lawn, the Garden Tearooms and the amazing Rockhampton Zoo.

Visit the free Rockhampton Zoo

Can you believe that Rockhampton Zoo is free? And it’s such a beautiful spot inside the oasis that is the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens. There are more than 60 species of local and exotic animals here, as well as rescued koalas, and if you come in the afternoon you’ll able to join a keeper talk and see the chimpanzees being fed.

Enjoy the beautiful Kershaw Gardens

Kershaw Gardens has two beautiful waterfalls and waterholes for you to discover, shaded picnic areas and BBQs plus a huge adventure park for kids. Let the kids run free on the grass or at Wyatts Wonder Web – a huge five level adventure play area – and the water play area for smaller children. Enjoy the free campsite if you have a self contained van. There is lots of parking near the playground.

Address: Moores Creek Rd, Park Avenue QLD 4701

Farm fun at Alkoomi Adventure Farmstay

About 30 minutes from Rockhampton, Alkoomi Adventure Farmstay is a true Australian fam experience. Enjoy horse riding, campfires, kayaking and swimming the dam, feeding the farm animals, bushwalking, log swings and so much more.  Roam around the property and enjoy the stillness of nature. Sites are $10 per person and the cabins are $100, activities are extra. There is a fully equiped camp kitchen, bathrooms and your kind hosts will make your stay an incredible farm life experience.

Explore the Fitzroy River

Wander the riverside precinct.

Rockhampton has one of the prettiest riverfronts I’ve ever seen. Take a stroll along the riverside esplanade and enjoy the peace of the gardens and the water, enjoy the Indigenous art and birdlife. You can walk all the way along the esplanade and then walk back along past the stunning heritage buildings that line Quay Street and East street. Download the interactive app from the Explore Rockhampton website and learn all about the history of the buildings.

Run and jump at Fitzroy Adventure Playground

You’ll find this fabulous playground on the waterfront – and it’s conveniently located near cafes so you can grab a cuppa and let the kids climb, slide and play. It’s a great playground and perfectly located right on the river.

Try your luck at Fishing in the Fitzroy

If you have your rods you can head on down to the Fitzroy River and try your luck with barramundi fishing from the shore. Fishing tours can take you up the Fitzroy River or out into the ocean from Yeppoon. Find out more about fishing charters with   Hooked Fishing Charters.

Relax on a sunset cruise

The perfect way to see out the day is on a  guided sunset cruise with River Cruises CQ. The cruise includes a delicious snack box and drinks are available for purchase on board. Make sure to take your camera as the sunsets are spectacular.

Take your Cow Selfies

You haven’t been to Rockhampton if you haven’t taken a selfie with one of the many cow statues around town. Find one or find them all! Download the FREE Explore Rockhampton App in your app store for the Cow Selfie Trail and find more info at Explore Rockhampton.

Around Rockhampton

There is a lot of great stuff to explore just outside of Rockhampton too.

Visit Mount Morgan historical township

Mount Morgan is a historic gold mining town just 40 minutes from Rockhampton. Visit the swinging bridge, the lookout over the old gold mine, wander the streets and spend an hour or so at the Mount Morgan Heritage Railway Museum. Read more about what to do in Mount Morgan here .

Find gems at Mount Hay Gemstone Tourist Park

Try your hand at finding gemstones at the family owned and run Mount Hay Gemstone Park , just 30 minutes drive south west of Rockhampton. It’s such a fun experience digging through the dirt from the ancient volcano looking for thundereggs – round formations where minerals have seeped into gas bubbles in the lava and cooled, creating beautifully coloured crystal! Every day, fresh mounds of dirt are brought up from the lava field, and you never know what treasures could be in it.  When you find the round thundereggs you pop them into a bucket and take them up to the office where Doug, the owner, will cut and polish them for you. It’s so exciting to watch and see what will be inside.

Make sure to visit, its so much fun and kids will LOVE it.

Cost: $25 per person and fossicking gear provided

Explore the Capricorn Caves

The Capricorn Caves are on everyone’s list and there’s a good reason why – these 390 million year old limestone caves are some of the oldest in Australia, and are home to rare and endangered fauna. Make sure to book a tour – depending on your thrill-seeker level you may wish to join the adventurous caving tour that will have you squeezing through tunnels – and enjoy the serenity, especially the incredible Cathedral.

Open: 8.30 – 5pm daily Cost: From 16.50 – $159 depending on the tour

Be wowed by nature at Blackdown Tableland National Park

A few hours north west of Rockhampton is the incredible Blackdown Tableland National Park . You can camp here in the Queensland National Park camping ground and explore the waterfall, flowing pools and stunning nature. The waterfall and pools can be explored in one day.

And have a fabulous time!

Attractions

• Riverside Precinct
• Fishing the Fitzroy
• Mountain Biking
• National Parks
• Local Walking Trails
• Hiking & Bushwalking Trails
• Mount Morgan
• Heritage and History
• Arts and Culture
• Parks, Playgrounds and Pools
• Shopping & Markets
• Eat & Drink
• Getting Here
• The Beef Capital
• Accessible Travel
• Accommodation
• Explore like a local
• For the Mates
• For the Girls
• For the Families
• For the Nomads
• Guides and e-Brochures
• Explore Rockhampton Self-Guided Tours
• Visitor Information

Fun for everyone

Create lasting memories and share magical moments while making a fun, hassle-free holiday in Rockhampton. Replenish the soul and check out Rockhampton's walking, hiking and bushwalking trails while taking in some beautiful scenery.

If you're travelling with the kids, be sure to check out the beautiful parks and adventurous playgrounds where they can burn off some energy. There are plenty of amazing spaces where the kids can play, beautiful parks and loads of holiday activities.

Here are some of our major attractions, but you will find everything to see and do in the Explore Rockhampton Destination Guide .

Rockhampton Museum of Art

Sitting on the threshold of the Fitzroy River (Tunuba), Rockhampton Museum of Art is regional Queensland’s largest and most exciting art space.

Rockhampton Zoo

Nestled within the Botanic Gardens, Rockhampton Zoo has more than 30 species of Australian and exotic animals.

Rockhampton Heritage Village

Step back in time and marvel at original and reproduction buildings as well as memorabilia and artefacts portraying life in the region from the 1850s to the 1950s

Cattle Saleyards

Rockhampton is home to one of Australia's major cattle selling centres. Visit the Central Queensland Livestock Exchange (CQLX) for a full-bull experience.

Dreamtime Cultural Centre

Full details on how to get there, bookings, opening hours, and family concessions, and special events at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre.

Mount Hay Gemstone Park

A 30 minute drive west via the Capricorn Highway will lead you to the Mount Hay Gemstone Tourist Park, the place to go for fossicking thundereggs and spherulitic rhyolite. These curious volcanic formations come from the remains of an extinct ancient volcano, and you can take home your very own thunderegg you fossick for.

Koorana Crocodile Farm

Koorana Crocodile Farm produces the highest quality crocodile leather products, including, handbags, hats, book covers, wallets, purses, card wallets, and belts. Koorana is an approved farm, operating under the Australian Government’s strategic conservation program.

Capricorn Caves

Discovery caves that are over 390 million year old at Capricorn Caves.

The Big Camel

Experience your very own camel ride in Rockhampton.

The Perfect 3 Days in Rockhampton Itinerary

• Last Updated: January 2, 2024

Looking to spend a weekend in Rockhampton (or longer)? Our detailed Rockhampton itinerary will help you make the most of your time here in this up-and-coming Queensland tourist destination.

During our road trip from Brisbane to Cairns, there were a few obvious places that frequent travellers told us to check out.

The Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, Agnes Water, Mission Beach, etc. But whenever we asked about Rockhampton, known as the beef capital of Australia, most people admitted to only spending a night there and then moving on.

Once we started looking into all the incredible things to do in Rockhampton though, we realised that one night would not be anywhere close to enough time to really enjoy all these heritage outback city has to offer.

After Agnes Water and 1770, we headed straight to Rocky and spent a fantastic 5 nights there, really discovering all there was to see and do.

Once we met other travellers afterwards and told them how much time we’d spent there, they all asked how we filled our days and evenings in a place most had only breezed through.

That encouraged us to write this comprehensive Rockhampton itinerary guide to assist with your own plans here.

Table of Contents

9am – Coffee and Breakfast in Town

10:30am – go for a walk around the botanic gardens, 11am – explore the rockhampton zoo, 1pm – lunch at the boathouse, 4pm – sunset river cruise, 7pm – dinner at headricks lane, 10:30am – dreamtime cultural centre, 1pm – capricorn caves, 5pm – on-country experience with an aboriginal elder, 6pm – mount archer for sunset, 11am – walk around kershaw gardens, 1pm – drive to alkoomi farmstay, 4pm – do an activity, 6pm – sunset at the hill, 7pm – back to rockhampton or camp the night, go mountain biking at first turkey mtb park, head to the coast and book an island tour, hotels in rockhampton, 3 days in rockhampton itinerary.

Here’s our ultimate 3 days in Rockhampton itinerary blog post for you to follow so you don’t miss anything!

From sampling fresh cuisine at a local restaurant (Rockhampton is the Beef Capital of Australia!), to strolling along Quay Street, to taking a day trip out to the Pacific Coast, 3 days might not even be enough!

Need somewhere to stay? Check out the best hotels at affordable rates on Booking.com .

Day 1 – Hanging Around the City

On day one you should really hang out in Rocky and learn more about the fantastic heritage buildings while getting a feel for this Central Queensland city. Go for a walk along Quay Street which borders the Fitzroy River and enjoy the scenery before grabbing some breakfast!

Your day starts how every day should start – with a delicious coffee and tasty breakfast in one of Rockhampton’s fantastic cafes.

You’re spoilt for choice in Rocky for where to have breakfast, but Dingles Cafe, in particular, gets rave reviews .

If you’re after the best coffee in town though, you’ll have to swing by Two Professors or Birdie’s Cafe.

Birdie’s Cafe is a funky hipster container cafe serving up fresh brews and delicious pastries, while Two Professors is for serious coffee drinkers only.

The historic Quay Street is a great place to stroll around and find a cafe if you want to browse through more options.

Now that you’re stomach is filled, jump in your car and go for a short drive out to the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens , one of the prettiest places in the city.

The Botanic Gardens boast a variety of different sections with unique themes, such as the Japanese Garden, the Native Garden and more.

The best part is the entrance is completely free, so it’s a fantastic way to keep the budget down when enjoying a weekend in Rockhampton.

• Address:  100 Spencer St, West Rockhampton QLD 4700

Right next to the Botanic Gardens you’ll find the Rockhampton Zoo, a free exhibit with a large collection of native animals such as wombats, koalas, kangaroos, emus, monitors and more.

It’s a great place to visit for people of all ages, and if you’re travelling with kids they’re guaranteed to love the open-air enclosures.

It won’t take long to see everything here, so just take your time and enjoy the chance to get up close to some of Australia’s most iconic species.

• Address:  Ann St, West Rockhampton QLD 4700

After all that walking you’ve probably worked up a bit of an appetite, so it’s time to stop by one of the best places to have lunch in Rockhampton.

The Boathouse is located close to the heritage precinct right on the Fitzroy River, and besides having amazing views on the back deck, the restaurant also boasts a delectable and varied menu with something for everybody (vegetarians included).

Treat yourself to a boutique beer or glass of wine as well, as their selection is fantastic.

Afterwards walk off your meal by taking a stroll along the Riverside Precinct, then take a short break back at the hotel or caravan park if it’s close by.

• Address:  189 Quay St, Rockhampton QLD 4700
• Phone:  (07) 4927 1683

READ MORE: Don’t miss our guide to all the other best places to visit in Australia !

You’ve seen the Fitzroy River from the shore, now it’s time to get out on the water itself with a beautiful sunset river cruise.

The team at River Cruises CQ organise tranquil and fun cruises on their purpose-built boat so you can make the most of the golden hour with some of the nicest views in town.

They go all out too, with beer and wine include and plenty of banter to keep you entertained.

These are very popular tours, so it’s important to book ahead if you’re hoping to secure a few spots onboard.

• Phone: 0499 883 434

Hope you’re feeling hungry again, because it’s time to finish off day 1 of our 3 days in Rockhampton itinerary by going out for a mouthwatering meal at our favourite place in town, Headricks Lane .

Found inside a restored heritage building, Headricks Lane has become the region’s premier microbrewery, that not only serves up world-class craft beers (seriously, try their Red IPA), but also some of the best food you’ll get in Rockhampton.

The ambiance in the venue is lively yet intimate, so don’t be surprised if you end up spending a good portion of the night cozied up in a booth with conversations flowing freely.

Because Rockhampton is the Beef Capital of Queensland, meat lovers can try some truly delicious and unbelievably fresh steaks here.

Did we mention that you should try their Red IPA? Seriously, just do it.

• Address:  189 East St, Rockhampton QLD 4700
• Phone:  (07) 4922 1985

Day 2 – Aboriginal Culture and Caves

Hopefully you didn’t drink too many beers last night, because today is jam-packed with Indigenous culture and adventure.

Grab a nice breakfast in town then start making your way north towards the Capricorn Caves.

NOTE: If you’re looking for the best way to spend one day in Rockhampton, this schedule is perhaps the best one for you.

Just outside of town heading towards the Capricorn Caves you’ll pass the Dreamtime Cultural Centre on your left.

This fantastic exhibition and gallery of local Aboriginal art and culture is one of the best places to visit in Rockhampton.

While you can walk around the centre on your own, we highly recommend timing your visit to join one of the incredible free guided tours, led by Indigenous leaders Wayne and Frances.

Wayne is a Darumbal man, with deep ties to the Rockhampton region going back thousands of years, and Frances is from the island of Mer in the Torres Strait Islands.

They proudly take visitors around the centre, sharing Dreamtime stories and insights into their people and heritage.

It was honestly one of the best things we did on our Rockhampton itinerary, so make sure you do it before continuing your Rocky road trip.

The tours start at 10:30am and 1pm, and are included in the cost of your entrance, which is currently $15.50.

• Address:  703-751 Yaamba Rd, Parkhurst QLD 4700
• Phone:  (07) 4936 1655

Arguably the most popular tourist attraction in the Rockhampton region, the Capricorn Caves attract thousands of visitors every year.

The highlight of a trip here is the Cathedral Cave, a large limestone cavern that’s been carved out by thousands of years of water erosion, leaving behind a natural auditorium buried deep in the mountain.

The cave is occasionally used as a venue for events like weddings and opera, but during the days it’s opened up for travellers to wander through.

Cathedral Cave has a boardwalk to get in, making it wheelchair-accessible. The tour is 45 minutes long and costs $30 for adults and $15 for kids.

For those out there who would prefer a bit of an adventure, check out the Explorer and Adventurer tours, where you get a chance to try a bit of spelunking.

The Capricorn Caves have a whole network of narrow chutes and passages that you can crawl, climb and squeeze through.

Once you’ve worked your way through the narrowest parts of the cave, you pop out at the top of the hill to be rewarded with fantastic views over the region.

It’s definitely not a tour for those who are claustrophobic, but if you want a challenge then definitely sign up for this extreme activity on your Rockhampton itinerary.

• Address:  30 Olsens Caves Rd, The Caves QLD 4702
• Phone: (07) 4934 2883

Drive back to Rockhampton and take the turn-off for Mount Archer, the national park that offers sweeping views over Rockhampton.

You’ll be up here for sunset as part of your 3 days in Rockhampton trip, but the plan is to get here a bit early so you can do one of the most unique experiences in Queensland.

You’ve already learnt about the local Aboriginal culture at the Dreamtime Centre this morning, now you’ll get to spend time with one of the Darumbal Aboriginal Elders on top of the sacred Mount Archer.

Wade Mann is a local Elder, activist, community leader and teacher who has been working closely with governments and organisations for decades to help raise education and awareness for Aboriginal issues.

Now he is enthusiastically teaching tourists about his people and history.

Join him for a personal guided on-country experience on Mount Archer where he will share with you Dreamtime stories, bush tucker insights and plenty more.

He is more than happy to answer any questions you may have as well.

Spending time with an Aboriginal Elder isn’t the type of thing most people, even Australians, get to do in their lifetime. So the fact you can do this in Rockhampton makes it even more worth the visit.

It’s not a scheduled tour, so to book this you need to get in touch with Wade via the Darumbal Enterprise organisation.

• Email: [email protected]

Once you’ve finished your On-Country Experience with Wade, walk around to the platform on the west side of Mount Archer to enjoy a spectacular sunset over Rocky.

Marvel at the Fitzroy River carving its way through the plains below, which takes on a greater beauty now that you’ve heard the Dreamtime stories from Wade.

This place offers one of the best sunsets in Rockhampton, so make the most of the evening pastel colours with some snacks and a cheeky glass of wine.

Once you’re finished with sunset, drive back down the mountain and find a place to grab dinner.

Any of the pubs in the heritage area will provide a delicious and affordable feed.

If you only have 2 days in Rockhampton, this is where our itinerary ends.

Day 3 – Hit the Countryside at Alkoomi Adventure Farmstay

You’ve seen a lot of the best attractions in Rockhampton during your 2 days in the city. But now it’s time to head out of town and see what lies in the countryside.

But first, grab a leisurely breakfast at about 9am from somewhere in town that you haven’t been to yet.

We recommend Cafe Bliss.

NOTE: If you have a caravan, motorhome or other recreational vehicle, check out of your caravan park and bring it with you, as you’ll be staying at Alkoomi Farmstay tonight. Otherwise, you can spend an extra night in your hotel in Rockhampton.

Another one of Rockhampton’s stunning outdoor spaces, the Kershaw Gardens is a lovely spot to reconnect with nature and get away from the hustle-bustle of the city centre.

Known as Rocky’s ‘Big Backyard’, you’ll find plenty of walking trails, picnic table and little creeks to explore as you wander through the gardens, and if you have kids with you they’ll absolutely love the huge Wyatt’s Wonder Web for climbing.

The highlight is definitely the big waterfall though, and despite being manmade, you’ll be forgiven for tricking all your friends into thinking you’ve found a lush oasis in the middle of the city when taking your pictures here.

• Address:  Moores Creek Rd, Park Avenue QLD 4701

Jump in the car and drive about 30 minutes south of Rockhampton to the bucolic Alkoomi Adventure Farmstay .

Located on what used to be a working cattle farm, when the loveable Bec and Dave bought the business they decided to change it completely and turn into a tourist getaway.

The sprawling property is home to miniature and full-size horses, cows and dogs, as well as an array of fun activities to enjoy for people of all ages.

Once you arrive, spend a few hours swimming and kayaking in the dam, feeding the farmyard animals and taking in the fresh air.

READ MORE: Make sure you check out our updated guide to travelling in Australia .

Once the afternoon rolls around and the temperature starts to drop, join one of Alkoomi’s unique activities to get out and see the rest of the farm.

You can choose from either horse riding, motorbike riding, ATVing or going on a wagon wheel ride through the paddocks.

All of the activities cost $50 per person, and last about an hour.

We personally recommend the horse riding.

A short walk from the camping area you’ll find the road that leads to the top of the hill, which is the absolute best place to watch the sunset.

It’s hard to beat the golden hues you get out in the countryside, so make sure your camera is charged and beers are cold while you watch the sun dip below the horizon.

If you have your own camping gear you can stay the night at Alkoomi Adventure Farmstay for just $10 per person.

Every night Dave sets up a lovely outdoor fire for all the guests to enjoy beneath the crystal clear night sky.

They also have a couple of dongers available to stay in, but these book out well in advance so call ahead if you’re hoping to secure one.

Otherwise head back to the city and grab a bite to eat.

Extra Days – Bonus Activities

That’s it for our 3 days in Rockhampton itinerary! If you’re looking for the best way to spend a weekend in Rockhampton, then by following our blog post you would have seen most of the best attractions you can experience.

If you’re lucky enough to have some extra days up your sleeve though, here are some of our recommendations for what to do:

On the side of Mount Archer National Park is the First Turkey Mountain Bike Park, one of the best biking trail networks in all of Queensland.

Built and maintained by volunteers, you’ll find a huge selection of cross-country and downhill tracks, with jump lines, steep and flowy runs and some mellow beginner-level terrain.

You can rent a mountain bike in town, but it’s best to bring your own.

Just 40 minutes away from Rockhampton lies Yeppoon, a charming and rural coastal town that offers boat trips out to Great Keppel Island.

This day trip includes ferry transfers and opportunities for snorkelling, swimming, and bushwalking.

This is a fun way to see the coastal scenery and spend some quality time with the ocean while visiting Rockhampton.

Where to Stay in Rockhampton

To make the most of this 3 days in Rockhampton itinerary you’re going to need somewhere nice to stay.

If you’re travelling with a caravan, campervan or roof-top tent, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to caravan parks to stay at.

Alternatively, if you want to keep your costs down, you can make the most of the free campsite at Kershaw Gardens.

Just make sure you’re fully self-contained, as there are no facilities out there.

Travelling by car and don’t have a tiny home on wheels? Not a problem. Rocky has a nice selection of affordable, boutique and luxury accommodation options to rest your head at night.

Kortes Resort is the nicest accommodation in Rockhampton, and with very reasonable rates, its a fantastic choice if you’d like some serious comfort during your stay here.

Otherwise we recommend Booking.com or Airbnb to find a place to stay.

DISCLAIMER: Our trip to Rockhampton was made in partnership with Rockhampton Regional Council (Explore Rockhampton). All thoughts, opinions and selfies with cows are, as always, our own.

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Things to do in Rockhampton

More than just a stop on a road trip, Queensland’s beef capital is full of surprises!

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Travel Australia Today. He has been a journalist for more than 20 years and loves exploring different parts of Australia.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Travel Australia Today and has been a journalist for 20 years.

Last updated: September 8, 2023

The best things to do in Rockhampton

With gorgeous heritage buildings, a fantastic art gallery, and nearby national parks, here are my tips for what to do in Rockhampton.

Quay Street

East street, river cruise, archer park rail museum, rockhampton museum of art, rockhampton heritage village, dreamtime cultural centre, rockhampton botanic gardens, rockhampton zoo, mount archer, capricorn caves.

• Mt Hay Gemstone Tourist Park

Mount Morgan

Where’s the beef? If you’re taking the question literally, the answer is right here in Rockhampton. The city is considered to be the cattle capital of Queensland and agriculture is one of the biggest industries here.

Driving in from either direction on the Bruce Highway, you’ll see the vast green-brown cattle farms unfolding out from the road, with the occasional Queenslander houses as homesteads.

But arriving in Rockhampton, the city is like an urban oasis amongst all farms and national parks in this part of Queensland. And it wasn’t cattle that made it this way – it was gold!

Although British colonisers had started to use the land here for farming from the 1850s, and Rockhampton had become quite a busy port by the 1870s, it was the discovery of gold at nearby Mount Morgan in the 1880s that really changed the shape of the city.

Some of the best things to see in Rockhampton are still from this period, when the wealth was used to construct stately buildings in the city centre, particularly around Quay Street on the riverfront.

Although there was a time when Rockhampton was expected to become the capital of a new state of North Queensland, the city is rather underrated these days, and it’s not really a popular tourist destination in itself. (When I visit, one local seems incredulous that I would make an effort to spend time here.)

It’s true that most people just stop here briefly as part of a road trip along the Queensland coast , but I think you should consider staying longer, because there are actually quite a few impressive things to do in Rockhampton.

The heritage buildings are fascinating, the art gallery is one of the best regional galleries in Australia, there are some wonderful national parks, and the city is also a good base for a couple of other significant attractions near Rockhampton – the Capricorn Caves, in particular.

And as well as those main Rockhampton sights, there’s quite a cool food and drink scene here, with local beers and fine dining – and, of course, some good steaks!

Whether you’re driving along the coast, starting a road trip to Carnarvon Gorge , or just looking for somewhere different to holiday in Queensland, here are my tips for what to do in Rockhampton.

Historic sights

Of the main cities along the Queensland coast, Rockhampton has some of the most interesting history, and seeing some of the heritage sites in Rockhampton will give you a decent idea of how things were here more than a century ago.

The best place to start is Quay Street, the boulevard along the riverfront that is lined with some of the most important sights in Rockhampton. Other than a few modern constructions, most of what you see here has heritage value.

The Customs House (next to the art gallery) is one of the most striking buildings, with its circular facade topped with a dome.

Heading north from there, you’ll find a series of old shopfronts before reaching the historic Criterion Hotel . Going the other way, there’s the ABC building, the Heritage Hotel , and the old Harbour Board Building.

A block back from the Fitzroy River, on East Street, is another important collection of historic sights. The Supreme Court house (from 1888), and the Post Office (from 1892) are two of the most significant.

But while you’re on East Street, also look out for Brahman House, the Walter Reid Warehouse Building, and the John Headrick’s Building. Along with Quay Street, this was the bustling hub of Rockhampton during the Gold Rush years.

While it’s nice to wander along the streets of Rockhampton to see this heritage buildings up close, another way to get a sense of their scale is from the Fitzroy River. Joining River Cruises CQ for a trip along the water is a wonderful activity to see a bit more of the city.

I would suggest either the 90-minute sunset cruise, where you get to see the intense orange sky appear over the water, or the 60-minute evening cruise to see the city lights (many of the heritage buildings along the riverfront are lit up in the evening).

To support the burgeoning city at the end of the 19th century, a central railway station opened in Rockhampton in 1908. It was later renamed the Archer Park Railway Station and was in use until 1990 (although only as a freight terminal for the last 20 years).

The site opened as Archer Park Rail Museum in 1999 and part of the attraction is seeing the original railway station buildings that have been restored. But the main highlight, among all the renovated classic trains, is a historic Purrey Steam Tram that was used in the city from 1909 to 1939.

For a relatively obscure city (from a tourist perspective), Rockhampton has quite a lot of cultural offerings, celebrating the city and the region, through its past and its contemporary life.

I can’t speak highly enough of the Rockhampton Museum of Art, one of the best regional galleries in Australia and certainly one of the best things to do in Rockhampton. Make sure you give yourself some time to visit (and it’s free, so there’s no excuse!).

The redeveloped gallery opened in early 2022 and has artworks spread across several large exhibition spaces. The collection includes pieces by some of Australia’s top classic artists, including Sidney Nolan, Arthur Boyd, and Russell Drysdale, as well as contemporary works, such as a painting by Ben Quilty.

But what I like about the Rockhampton Museum of Art is not just its collection, but how it’s displayed. The large walls are used in unconventional ways to show creations in the foyer, and the pieces are grouped to show stories that link them and their place in the region.

Just ten minutes’ drive from the centre of the city, the Rockhampton Heritage Village is a recreation of a small Central Queensland township that shows how life might have been in the district between the 1850s and 1950s.

Cottages and homesteads give you a sense of the kind of buildings people lived in, while a blacksmiths and other shops show some of the local businesses. There’s also a schoolhouse, a shearing shed, fire station and much more along the streets, where vintage vehicles are parked.

Opened in 1998, the heritage village has long been one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rockhampton although, slightly ironically, it’s now starting to show its age.

Right next door to the heritage village, you’ll find the Dreamtime Cultural Centre , an Indigenous cultural and arts centre.

The large site is landscaped with native trees and plants plus a large waterfall. A large recreation of sandstone caves helps tell the story of this region’s important sandstone belt. There’s also a museum area, artworks, and other cultural exhibitions.

Although you can visit independently, it’s better to join one of the guided tours that the staff run, which include a didgeridoo performance, a boomerang lesson, and other activities.

It’s also worth mentioning that another organisation, Darumbal Enterprises , can run cultural tours of the region – but they need to be organised in advance.

Much of the attention along the Queensland coast is on the beautiful golden beaches and the access to the reef. Although you’ll find that at nearby Yeppoon, it’s Rockhampton’s position at the start of the state’s Sandstone Belt that explains some of its best natural offerings.

One of the oldest public gardens in Queensland, the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens was opened in 1873 and has grown into one of the city’s main attractions, even being added to the state’s heritage register.

The garden slopes down towards the Murray Lagoon, where you’ll find plenty of birdlife – particularly around sunset. The lower gardens have sections dedicated to rainforest and bamboo, while the upper gardens have areas for banyan figs, pine trees, tropical fruits, and even a Japanese garden.

There are lots of things to see here, but it’s also perfect for a picnic, a stroll, or just some quiet downtime.

Speaking of parklands, another spot you might be interested in is Kershaw Gardens. It’s more developed and has playgrounds and walking trails – a nice place for families to hang out for a bit.

Adjoining the botanic gardens, the zoo is another great family thing to do in Rockhampton. Rockhampton Zoo doesn’t seem enormous but it’s bigger than you might think, and is home to more than 30 species.

The resident chimpanzees are one of the most popular enclosures, but most of the animals here are Australian, including koalas, wombats, dingoes, and cassowaries. There are also a number of exotic birds.

The zoo has free entry and is easily combined with the visit to the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

Overlooking Rockhampton, the 604-metre-high Mount Archer is one of the dominant features of the landscape here. And heading to the summit for views across the city is a great way to get your bearings.

You can drive to the main lookouts, which are particularly spectacular at sunrise and sunset, or there are several hiking trails you can take that lead you to viewpoints and other sights of interest.

The mountain is in Mount Archer National Park , which also has picnic spots and mountain biking trails amongst the eucalyptus forest and dry rainforest. A highlight is the treetop boardwalk, which extends 25 metres off the side of Mount Archer for some incredible views!

Now, I know what you’re thinking – isn’t Mount Etna in Italy? Well, there’s one near Rockhampton too, and it’s one of the best spots for sunrise.

About 30 minutes’ drive north of the city, Mount Etna only has a short (but steep) hike through some dry rainforest to reach the summit. There are beautiful views here all throughout the day (if you don’t feel like getting up early) and a couple of other walks within Mount Etna Caves National Park .

In the evening, you can join the Bat Cleft tour run by the rangers to feel thousands of tiny bats rush past you as they leave their roost! Also within the national park are Capricorn Caves, which I’ll give you some more info about in a second.

Around Rockhampton

So, as you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Rockhampton itself. But it’s also an excellent base to explore some of the region – both towards the coast and further inland.

One of the most popular attractions near Rockhampton is Capricorn Caves , a large complex of caverns and tunnels in the limestone that was once coral around volcanic islands.

You would hardly know anything was here until you go in through the small entrances in the hillsides, where the huge caves are revealed – one of the most spectacular being the Cathedral Cave, which doesn’t just look like a church, but apparently has excellent acoustics.

You can only access Capricorn Caves with a tour and I would recommend booking in advance. There is this 45-minute tour to all the highlights, or this 90-minute tour that will take you to some more adventurous sections.

Mount Hay Gemstone Tourist Park

There are only a few places in Australia where you can fossick for your own thundereggs – and one of them is near Rockhampton at the Mount Hay Gemstone Tourist Park .

What is a thunderegg, I hear you ask? Good question. They are rocks, about the size of a baseball that are formed from volcanic lava flows. Inside, deposits form colourful patterns that you’ll discover by cutting them open.

The land around Mount Hay is filled with them and, at the Mount Hay Gemstone Tourist Park, you can fossick through mounds of dirts to find them. There are plenty here, but you need to pay attention to make sure you’re not just finding rocks.

The staff at the park will help you can then you can spend as long as you like looking – they’ll then cut some of them open and polish them for you.

When gold was found here, the town of Mount Morgan was the base for many of the mine workers, and it’s since retained much of its heritage charm.

In the main streets, there are lots of well preserved timber buildings, many of which you can go into because they’re now being used for other businesses.

Amongst the large timber pubs (a priority for the workers!), there are also remnants of mining equipment on the streets, and other artefacts from when it was at its peak.

Just 30 minutes’ drive south from Rockhampton, there’s plenty to see here, including a couple of museums, lookouts, and the old mine itself.

Heading to the coast from Rockhampton, it’s only 40 minutes to Yeppoon, a popular beach destination that is easily more than a day trip, if you’re looking for somewhere to hang out.

Aside from the beautiful golden beaches, there’s a free manmade lagoon to swim in, markets with local produce, and street art.

One of the main things to do in Yeppoon is a boat trip out to the Keppel Islands (Great Keppel Island being the most famous). Cruise around to private coves and snorkel on the reefs – there’s heaps of marine life and stunning scenery in every direction.

I would recommend this snorkelling trip to Great Keppel Island , or there are some more options here:

If you would prefer to stay on land, there’s Capricorn Coast National Park, made up of several different sections. With coastal views, forests, mangroves, and rocky volcanic outcrops, it’s easy to spend the whole day exploring!

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN ROCKHAMPTON

Because of its importance as a regional city, there are quite a few places to stay in Rockhampton, including lots of motels and a few self-contained apartment hotels.

There is a good range of motels in Rockhampton, but I think Metro Motel gives you the best value with a convenient location.

With a wide selection of different-sized cabins, Discovery Parks Rockhampton is a really easy family option.

In an 1880s heritage building, Denison Boutique Hotel has old school charm with enthralling interior decorations.

SELF-CONTAINED

With well-appointed modern apartments, Quest Rockhampton has everything you need for a longer stay or a business trip.

More Queensland stories

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Rockhampton, Queensland

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Rockhampton A vibrant, pituresque city.

Rockhampton is situated on the Fitzroy River (pictured below) , and lies 40 kilometres inland from the beautiful Capricorn Coast beaches. The City is surrounded by the Berserker Ranges and Mount Archer, posing an impressive backdrop for the vibrant City centre, coast and the outback beyond.

Founded in 1853, the majesty of Rockhampton’s historical architecture has captured the hearts of visitors for decades.

Many fine public and private buildings, including the Customs House, old Post Office, Cathedrals, banks, business houses and homes, are constant reminders of the city with an exciting background. The listing of Quay Street facing the river as an historic streetscape that is unique in Australia.

Rising out of Rockhampton’s north-eastern suburbs, Mt Archer National Park provides magnificent views of the city, and showcases a spectacular range of native Australian flora and fauna.

Frazer Park at the summit of Mt Archer is approximately 604 meters above sea level. Six bull statues representing the main breeds of the area are situated throughout Rockhampton in recognition of Rockhampton’s Beef Capital of Australia title.

Gracemere Saleyards, on the outskirts of Rockhampton, handle the largest throughput of export beef cattle in Queensland, and is the largest stud-selling venue in the Southern Hemisphere. Public are welcome.

Experience the country in the city at the Great Western Hotel, which holds weekly rodeos at the back of the pub. Rockhampton Heritage Village is an active township museum where visitors can experience Rockhampton’s rich and colourful history.

You could also visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre, set in some 30 acres of natural bushland on Ancient Tribal Sites.

Just 23 kilometres north of Rockhampton on Highway One is Capricorn Caverns, magnificent limestone caves.

Rockhampton Botanic Gardens are regarded as one of the best provincial gardens in Australia. Recently heritage-listed, the Rockhampton Gardens are 130 years old. Located within the Botanic Gardens, the Rockhampton Zoo is home to a diverse range of animals.

Rockhampton Hotels and Accommodation

Rockhampton has many great hotels and resorts, perfect of a romantic getaway, weekend escape or family vacation. See a full list of over 40 Hotels in Rockhampton where you can check availability and compare pricing.

Rockhampton Motels

A1 Motel North 30 Main Rd Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4922 4251

A1 Motel South 134 Gladstone Rd Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 4944

Albert Court Motel Albert St Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 7433

Ambassador Motor Inn Yaamba Rd Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4928 2222

Archer Park Motel 39 Albert St Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 9266

Bridge Motel Cnr Albert & Bolsover Sts Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 7488

Cambridge Hotel/Motel Cnr Bolsover & Cambridge Sts Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4922 3006

Castle Court Motor Inn 75 Gladstone Rd Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 5377

Cattle City Motor Inn 139 Gladstone Rd Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 7811

Central Park Motel 224 Murray St Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 2333

Centre Point Motor Inn 131 Bruce Hwy Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 8844

Charlton Lodge Bruce Hwy Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4928 2066

Citywalk Motor Inn Rockhampton Cnr Campbell & William Sts Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4922 6009

Country Comfort Inn 86 Victoria Pde Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 9933, 1800 065 064

Country Lodge Motor Inn 112 Gladstone Rd Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 8866

Criterion Hotel/Motel Quay St Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4922 1225

David Motel 209 Musgrave St Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 4333

Duthies Leichhardt Hotel Bolsover St Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 6733

Fitzroy Motor Inn 72 Fitzroy St Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 9255

Fortland Leichhardt Hotel cnr Denham & Bolsover Sts Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 6733

Glenmore Palms Motel 520 Bruce Hwy Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4926 1144

Golden Fountain Motel 166 Gladstone Rd Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 1055

Gracemere Motor Inn O’Shanessy St Gracemere Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4933 2233

Grosvenor Hotel/Motel (National Trust) Cnr Quay & Fitzroy Sts Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 1777

Mamelon Lodge Bed & Breakfast 329 Hobler Ave Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4928 8484

Motel 98 98 Victoria Pde Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 5322

Motel Lodge 100 Gladstone Rd Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4922 5726

Oasis Motel Bruce Hwy Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4928 2999

Parkhurst Motel Bruce Hwy Parkhurst Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4936 1126

Porky¹s Motel 141 George St Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 8100

Regency on Albert Street Motel Cnr Albert & Campbell Sts Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4922 6222

Rockhampton Court Motor Inn 78 George St Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 8277

Simpsons Motel 156 George St Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 7800

Sun Palm Hotel/Motel 160 Gladstone Rd Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 4900

The David Motel 209 Musgrave Rd Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 4333

Travellers Motor Inn 110 George St Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 7900

Tropical Gateway Motor Inn 122 Gladstone Rd Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4927 8822

Tropical Wanderer Holiday Village Motel Bruce Hwy Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4926 3822

True Blue Motor Inn Bruce Hwy Parkhurst Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4936 1777

Wintersun Motel Bruce Hwy Rockhampton Queensland 4700 Telephone: (07) 4928 8722

Map of Rockhampton

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Townsville Townsville, a thriving metropolis, is the unofficial capital of North Queensland and one of the fastest growing regions in Australia.

Rockhampton Rockhampton is set under Mount Archer, posing an impressive backdrop for the vibrant City centre, coast and the outback beyond.

Charters Towers Charters Towers is one of the most beautiful inland cities in Queensland, with unrivalled architecture and a unique history.

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• Latest news

Hutchies on the ball to convert Browne Park redevelopment

Hutchinson Builders have been awarded the tender to deliver the Stage 1 redevelopment of Browne Park in Rockhampton, funded by the Queensland Government.

Browne Park has been Rockhampton’s home of rugby league for more than 100 years and is home to the Central Queensland Capras.

The $54 million redevelopment will provide a modern, fit-for-purpose facility to be Central Queensland’s leading venue for community, national and international level sporting and entertainment events.

Stage 1 involves replacing the existing Jack Crow stand with a new 3,500-seat three tier grandstand with a roof, change rooms, food and drink outlets, broadcast facilities and offices.

Importantly, the agreement with Hutchinson Builders sees a commitment of 70 per cent local supply chain spend as well as four per cent indigenous business spend.

Stage 1 of the Browne Park redevelopment will also provide an education opportunity for disadvantaged local youth aged between 15 and 18 with an aim of creating career pathways in the construction industry.

During delivery of Stage 1, 96 jobs are expected to be supported.

Hutchinson Builders Director Paul Hart said the company was proud to be on board.

“Hutchies’ connection with Central Queensland stretches back to 1916 when we built Berserker Street State School,” he said.

“Rockhampton has remained a big part of Hutchies’ history ever since, and we’re proud to be working with the Queensland Government to unlock the next chapter for Browne Park.

“In partnership with the community, our local subcontractors and suppliers, we look forward to delivering a world class precinct that all sport lovers will be proud of.”

The Ministerial Infrastructure Designation process was completed last month (with conditions), and early works are expected to begin shortly.

Learn more about Bowne Park redevelopment.