Welcome to Rockhampton

WELCOME TO Rockhampton

Rockhampton is nestled along Queensland’s largest river, the Fitzroy. The magnificent Berserker Ranges and Mount Archer provide an imposing backdrop to the city.

Rockhampton was founded in 1853, soon after the pioneering Archer Brothers settled at Gracemere 6.5kms to the west. It was named by Queensland’s first Land Commissioner, Mr W. Wiseman, who was inspired by the rocks in the river.

Known as the Beef Capital of Australia, six bull statues representing the main cattle breeds in the region are situated throughout Rockhampton to pay tribute to the industry. Be sure to visit the Great Western Hotel which brings the rodeo to you with events held at the back of the pub. Buckle in and enjoy a beer with an action-packed night of bullriding.

Rockhampton is the perfect holiday destination. With a laidback lifestyle the city offers plenty of things to see and do, from natural attractions to cultural heritage to great dining.

The city boasts a number of heritage buildings that hark back to the gold rush days. Be sure to take the CBD Heritage Walk to marvel at Rockhampton's striking architecture.

Rockhampton is located on the Tropic of Capricorn and is approximately 40kms drive from the Capricorn Coast. The Capricorn Coast boasts white sandy beaches contrasted by perfect turquoise waters. Enjoy the sun and the surf on a day trip to the coast, exploring some of the seaside villages on your way. Skip over to Great Keppel Island to completely lose yourself in an island paradise.

If you’re around in October, don’t miss the Rockhampton River Festival or the Capricorn Food and Wine Festival in September.

View of Fitzroy River, Credit: Explore Rockhampton

Visit Rockhampton to experience world-class mountain bike trails, trophy Barramundi to be caught right in the heart of town, full-bull adventures, 4WD'ing, treetop boardwalks, visiting cheeky animals at the Zoo, exploring ancient caves, bushwalks and hikes, farm stays, indigenous experiences, events to rival those of Australia's big cities, a significant art collection that includes some of Australia's greats, heritage and history, distilleries, breweries, bars and eateries all over town and daytrips to the Southern Great Barrier Reef... that's just a short list of what you can experience when you Explore Rockhampton.

#explorerockhampton

Customs House, Credit: Explore Rockhampton

Things to See & Do

CAPRICORN CAVES

Embark on a tour of the Capricorn Caves to witness these incredible 390 million years in the making limestone caves.

The popular Cathedral Cave Tour showcases the largest and most spectacular caves on a 45 minute all accessible walk leaving you with lasting memories of the ancient geological history, early explorers, the wonders of wildlife and special cave acoustics.

For the more adventurous, there is a 120 minute Capricorn Adventurer guided tour where you will travel to the depths of the most remote sections of the caves before you emerge to spectacular 360 degree views of Mount Etna National Park and Baga National Park.

Don’t miss the spectacular illumination of Belfry Cave during December to early January.

ROCKHAMPTON BOTANIC GARDENS

Take a stroll through the picturesque heritage listed Rockhampton Botanic Gardens located at the edge of native wetlands. Discover tranquil Japanese Gardens, The Central Queensland War Memorial and shady bamboo lined avenues. Treat yourself at the Gardens Tearooms and relax under the canopy of the 150 year old Banyan fig trees.

ROCKHAMPTON HERITAGE VILLAGE

For a unique historical venture, visit the Rockhampton Heritage Village which pays tribute to relics of the past.

ROCKHAMPTON BARRA TRAIL

Try your hand at barra fishing on the Rockhampton Barra Trail along the Fitzory River.

STATUES

Keep an eye out around town for the six bull statues replicating the main cattle breeds in the region.

GREAT KEPPEL ISLAND

Take a short drive to the Capricorn coast where you can swim, picnic and take a boat across to beautiful Great Keppel Island for more aquatic adventures.

DREAMTIME CULTURAL CENTRE

Drop into the Dreamtime Cultural Centre located on Bruce Highway to discover more about the local Aboriginal culture.

BULLRIDING

Don’t miss an action-packed evening of bull riding at the Great Western Hotel. Check the website for rodeo dates and other events and entertainment happening at the Great Western: greatwesternhotel.com.au

HISTORIC QUAY STREET

Meander down the historic Quay Street, Australia’s longest National Trust heritage-listed street, to view glorious architecture that harks back to the maritime and gold rush days.

NATIONAL PARKS

Explore the pristine national parks within proximity to

Rockhampton Botanical Gardens, Credit: Explore Rockhampton

Selfie with a bull statue, Credit: Explore Rockhampton

Exterior view of Dreamtime aboriginal cultural centre in Rockhampton

Capricorn Caves, Credit: Explore Rockhampton

Rockhampton. Hike, spot wildlife and be at one with nature.

COOBERRIE PARK WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Get up close and personal with the wonderful wildlife. Open 10am - 3pm daily.

CEDERIC ARCHER PARK

Cedric Archer Park has a Wet Play Area playground that features state of the art play experiences with mega soakers, tipping buckets, spray tunnels, and shaded play spaces for a relaxed day out with the kids.

KEPPEL KRAKEN WATER PARK IN YEPPOON

Free zero depth water play feature with sea creature sculptures on the Yeppoon foreshore.

KERSHAW GARDENS

Be sure to visit Kershaw Gardens, the spacious and picturesque inner-city oasis which stretches one kilometre along the Pacific Coast Way. Starting in the central precinct, follow the accessible paths towards the waterfall before taking the shady trails back to Wyatt’s Wonder Web and adventure playground.

KOORANA CROCODILE FARM

Working crocodile farm with tours, training courses and restaurant. Open daily at 10am.

ROCKY BOWL AND LEISURE CENTRE

Bowling, mini golf, laser tag, bumper cars. Musgrave Street, Berserker.

ROCKHAMPTON RIVERSIDE PRECINCT

The new Rockhampton Riverside Precinct features an amazing kids’ playground along the Fitzroy River (Tunuba). Equipped with a wonder web, slides and rock-climbing walls, there's plenty to keep the kids entertained.

ROCKHAMPTON MUSEUM

OF ART

Located in the heart of town on Quay Street, the new Rockhampton Museum of Art has a vibrant program of talks, events, workshops and world-class exhibitions.

ROCKHAMPTON ZOO

Be sure to visit the Rockhampton Zoo which is situated within the Botanic Gardens. The Rockhampton Zoo is home to more than 31 different species of native and exotic animals. Here you will see chimps, meerkats, kangaroos, koalas and ‘The Colonel’, the 4.3m long resident salty croc. Free entry 7 days a week.

MOUNT MORGAN

Nestled in the Dee Ranges 40 minutes from the Rockhampton CBD, Mount Morgan is home to one of Australia’s richest gold mines. Step back in time at the Mount Morgan Railway Museum so the kids can jump aboard the old ‘rack’ system and relive what life used to be like in the 1900’s. Stop by the Mount Morgan Bakery, Arthur Timms Lookout & Mount Morgan No 7 Dam.

MOUNT ARCHER (NURIM) NATIONAL PARK

Mount Archer (Nurim) National Park is a must on your itinerary. Take your time exploring the Mount Archer Amphitheatre before following the accessible paths to Nurim Circuit, a 500m elevated treetop boardwalk offering up some of the best views, sunrises and sunsets you’ve ever seen.

Rockhampton Zoo, Credit: Explore Rockhampton

Mount Archer (Nurim) National Park, Credit: Explore Rockhampton

Mount Morgan Mine Lookout, Credit: Explore Rockhampton

Riverside Precinct, Credit: Explore Rockhampton

Aquatic Adventures

The Rockhampton region provides the best of both worlds boasting beautiful golden beaches and Queensland's largest river system.

Just 30 minutes’ drive east of Rockhampton lies the beautiful Capricorn Coast. The coast sweeps along the Pacific Ocean taking in the main townships of Yeppoon and Emu Park, and Byfield Rainforest north of Yeppoon. Enjoy beautiful beaches, take walks along the coastline at Bluff Walking Track, cuddle a koala at the local fauna park or visit the crocodile farm to see the baby croc’s hatch in season.

At Rosslyn Bay, visitors can catch a cruise boat to Great Keppel Island and enjoy activities such as swimming, snorkelling, diving, bushwalking, birdwatching and whale watching in season. Rosslyn Bay is also a popular fishing destination, but if you’d prefer someone to catch it for you then visit Fisherman’s Co-op for a range of fresh, tasty seafood.

The Fitzroy River, Queensland’s largest and most picturesque river, flows through Rockhampton. You can enjoy many recreational activities on the Fitzroy, including fishing, water skiing or rowing. Enjoy a barbecue or picnic at the pleasant facilities on the riverbank parkland near the central business district, and a stroll along the riverside walking paths.

With over 300 days of sunshine a year and warm winter weather, Rockhampton is a fishing destination to visit all year round.

There are plenty of fishing spots along the Fitzroy River (Tunuba) allowing you to choose your fishing adventure right in the heart of town - whether you have a boat, are taking a charter or just bring your fishing rod.

The Fitzroy River (Tunuba) is famous for Barramundi, pronounced “bardda moon di” by the Darumbal people.

Barramundi fishing season starts 12.01am on 1 February each year and stretches right through till 11.59pm on 1 November. When the season closes, barramundi must not be targeted to allow the fish to spawn. If you happen to catch a Barra within season close, just remember to release it back into the water.

If you’re looking for a guided fishing experience, then a charter might be for you. There’s a range of charter experiences on offer when fishing the Fitzroy, including boat hire options.

Great Keppel Island, Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Rural Townships

GRACEMERE

Gracemere, located just 9kms from Rockhampton, boasts the biggest cattle salesyard in Australia. Sales are conducted during the week. Top off your day of authentic country experiences with some pub grub at the Gracemere Hotel.

MOUNT MORGAN

The township of Mount Morgan is located 40kms south-west of Rockhampton. In 1870 gold was discovered at Mount Morgan which was considered one of the most important gold discoveries in the world. Visit the historic museum and explore the historic railway complex.

MOUNT HAY

Mount Hay located 41kms west of the city is an extinct volcano where visitors can fossick for thundereggs. Thundereggs are 120 million year old gem stones which form when gas bubbles in molten lava crystallise on cooling, giving unique colours and patterns in the centre of the stone.

DUARINGA

Located 107kms from Rockhampton, Duaringa is worth a day trip to explore the township's pioneering heritage. Keep an eye out for the Budgeroo trees and colony of Little Red Flying Foxes in Mackenzie Park.

ALKOOMI ADVENTURE FARM STAY

For a slice of country life, visit Alkoomi Adventure Farm Stay. Located 45km from the Rockhampton CBD, Alkoomi Adventure Farm is a family-run cattle property where you can stay overnight and experience a true Australian outback experience. Here you can experience a slice of country life, with horse riding, feeding the farm animals, ride a buggy and chuck wagon, motorbike or quad bike ride, and sit around the campfire at night toasting marshmallows.

TRAVEL Distances

FROM ROCKHAMPTON TO

Gracemere 9kms

Capricorn Caves 23kms

Mount Etna 26kms

Mount Archer National Park 29kms

Yeppoon 40kms

Mount Morgan 40kms

Mount Hay 41kms

Emu Park 50kms

Byfield 78kms

Duaringa 107kms

Mount Morgan Railway Station, Credit: Explore Rockhampton

Gracemere Sale Yards, Credit: Explore Rockhampton

Alkoomi Adventure Farm Stay, Credit: Explore Rockhampton

Culture & Heritage

Culture and heritage come alive in the rockhampton region. Discover ancient aboriginal history and grand architecture that harks back to yesteryear.

Explore Aboriginal culture and history at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre located on Bruce Highway. The complex is Australia’s largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural centre set on an ancient tribal site in about 30 acres of natural bushland. You can discover first-hand how the original inhabitants of this country lived for thousands of years before Europeans arrived.

Take a leisurely walk down the historic Quay Street in Rockhampton to discover one of the most impressive avenues of architecture in Australia. Harking back to the maritime and gold rush days, the street showcases magnificent sandstone and brick buildings featuring delicate iron lace work. Many of Rockhampton's buildings have been heritage listed including St Christopher’s Chapel, a non-denominational chapel built during World War II by American servicemen.

Unearth more local history at the Rockhampton and District Historical Society which showcases a collection of local books, photographs and memorabilia. The historic Archer Park Rail Museum houses the old Purrey Steam Tram, which was once the method of transport for residents in the city. The museum is open Monday to Thursday, 10am to 3pm, and Sundays 9am to 1pm with the tram operating Sundays (February to November) 10am to 1pm. The museum is closed on public holidays.

Located just north of the city, the Rockhampton Heritage Village pays tribute to the period between 1850 and 1950 in a unique township consisting of original buildings and replicas.

Marvel at fully restored cottages, horse drawn and motorised vehicles, steam engines and agricultural machinery. This attraction is open 9am to 4pm daily (except for public holidays) with last entry at 3pm.

Capricorn Coast Pineapple Rail Trail is an asphalt track that extends four and half kilometres from Yeppoon to the local golf course. The trail was originally built in 1909 connecting Rockhampton and Yeppoon for the transportation of pineapples. Today visitors can enjoy walking and cycling along the trail through the lovely hinterland.

The Rockhampton Art Gallery showcases a range of works by notable Australian artists such as Sidney Nolan, Charles Blackman, Arthur Boyd, among many more. Visitors can also enjoy a rotating calendar of both national and international art.

Take the time to visit the new Rockhampton Museum of Art. The largest art space in regional Queensland, Rockhampton Museum of Art has a vibrant program of talks, events, workshops and world-class exhibitions. With six exhibition spaces there will be something for everyone. Make a day of it and relax at the café on the precipice of the Fitzroy River cantilevered over the Quay. Been inspired by an exhibition and want to learn more? See what is on offer at the shop. Located in the heart of town on Quay Street. Free entry. Open 7 days, 9am - 4pm. Café open 7:30am - 3pm.

Dreamtime Cultural Centre, Credit: Explore Rockhampton

Natural Wonders

Located a short drive north of Rockhampton, the Capricorn Caves are Australia’s largest privately owned cave system. Daily guided tours offer visitors the opportunity to explore the ancient limestone caves which showcase spectacular natural formations. Tours range from the Cathedral Tour (wheelchair accessible) to wild caving on an Adventure Tour.

If you're around during December and early January, a special event occurs when light penetrates a vertical shaft of Belfry Cave illuminating the cavern in a spectacle of light. This feat of nature can be witnessed on the 11am Cathedral Cave Tour in season. Cathedral Cave also plays host to underground opera twice a year in May and November. What better way to enjoy opera than with stunning cave acoustics.

The Rockhampton Botanic Gardens are over 140 years old, and are uniquely nestled at the edge of native wetlands. Walk through the Japanese Gardens, view displays of tropical plants, visit the tea gardens, feed the ducks on the lagoon and pop into the Rockhampton Zoo. There's so much to enjoy about these beautiful gardens.

The Kershaw Gardens showcase an Australian natural bush environment which is dedicated to native flora. Take a leisurely stroll throughout these lovely gardens. It's a short drive from Rockhampton to various National Parks with easy access and walking tracks to discover a different side of the region. Rising out of Rockhampton’s north-eastern suburbs, Mount Archer National Park provides magnificent views of the city and showcases a spectacular range of native Australian flora and fauna. Fraser Park at the summit of Mount Archer is approximately 604 metres above sea level. Sunsets from the top of the mountain are spectacular, with golden hues from the setting sun bathing the city as it becomes a mass of twinkling lights. Within Fraser Park, there are a number of walks that boast amazing views and are suited to all levels of fitness.

From the Mount Archer lookout to the north you will see Mount Etna, famous around the world as it is home to one of the few remaining colonies of the little bent-wing bat. The colony makes up 80 per cent of the species in Australia. For one of the best sunrise locations, visit Mount Etna National Park located near the Capricorn Caves, 30-minutes north of Rockhampton CBD. A short, steep hike through dry rainforest leads you to the summit, where you will find stunning views of limestone formations and the surrounding landscape.

Experience some of the finest Aboriginal rock imagery in Australia at Carnarvon Gorge. Ochre stencils, rock engravings and freehand paintings on sandstone overhangs showcasing the Aboriginal people's long and continuing connection with the gorge.

The Bouldercombe Falls provides a popular local swimming hole in Bouldercombe Gorge Regional Park. The gorge cuts into the Razorback Range and Crocodile Creek runs along the gorge floor. The best time to visit is after a good rain where a system of creeks, waterfalls and waterholes are present.

Lying at the north-east edge of the central Queensland sandstone belt and rising above the surrounding dry plains, Blackdown Tableland protects spectacular sandstone scenery with gorges and waterfalls.

Experience the natural wonders and coastal scenery at Byfield National Park. Giant parabolic sand dunes occupy most of the southern part of the park. In the north, the rugged pinnacles of The Peaks and Mount Atherton dominate the landscape.

The Rockhampton region boasts a range of fascinating natural attractions, from spectacular caving systems to pristine national parks with amazing views.

Carnarvon Gorge, Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Blackdown Tableland, Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland/Blink Photography

Mount Archer National Park

Mount Archer (Nurim) National Park is a popular attraction with locals and visitors. Experience the Nurim Circuit elevated treetop boardwalk, sit back and relax in the amphitheatre, walk or hike one of the many bushwalking trails throughout the national park or take a ride on First Turkey’s mountain bike trails.

At the top of the mountain, you will also find a kids adventure playground with totem poles, a trampoline and swing amongst the trees.

TREETOP BOARDWALK

Rockhampton’s treetop boardwalk, Nurim Circuit, is a 500 metre flat boardwalk which extends 25 metres off the side of Mount Archer, offering spectacular views of the city and the mighty Fitzroy River. Take in the views and check out the interpretive signage of the local Darumbal culture. Don’t forget to bring your camera for the striking sunrises and sunsets.

AMPHITHEATRE

Pack a picnic or grab some takeaway from any of the local cafes and sit back and relax in Mount Archer’s amphitheatre. The best time to go is at sunset, so you can look out across the region. If you're lucky, you might be in town when a yoga class or live music is happening in Mount Archer's amphitheatre. Keep an eye out on the local's insider account, My Rockhampton, to see what’s on when you're in town.

WALKING & HIKING TRACKS

Allow time to enjoy one of the many walking and hiking tracks throughout the national park. The tracks vary in difficulty and are well worth the stunning views on the way up or down the summit.

• Nurim Circuit | Grade: Easy, wheelchair accessible | Distance: 500m | Time: Allow 20 minutes

• Bracken Fern Way | Grade: Easy | Distance: 1.4km return | Time: Allow 45 minutes

• Sleipner Lookout Walk | Grade: Moderate | Distance: 2.4km return | Time: Allow 1 hour

• Zamia Walk | Grade: Difficult | Distance: 14km one way | Time: Allow up to 5 hours

MOUNTAIN BIKING

You will find Rockhampton’s mountain bike trail network on the side of Mount Archer (Nurim) National Park.

First Turkey has 33 mountain bike trails from Gravity Enduro and Cross Country trails through diverse terrain. Suiting all skill levels, the trails are open most days of the year, only closing after heavy rainfall. First Turkey is a great place to get out and ride on raw, elevated tracks.

Nurim Circuit, Mount Archer National Park, Credit: Explore Rockhampton

First Turkey Mountain Bike Park, Credit: Explore Rockhampton

Zamia Walk, Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland/Blink Photography

Zamia Walk, Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland/Blink Photography

Calendar of Events

JANUARY

• Jan 26th, Australia Day. Great Australian Bites, Kershaw Gardens

FEBRURARY

• Barra Season Opens, Fitzroy River (Tunuba)

• PBR Rockhampton Invitational, Great Western Hotel

MARCH

• Big Beer Festival, Rockhampton Riverside Precinct

APRIL

• R are Spares Rockynats, Rockhampton CBD

• PBR Rockhampton Invitational, Great Western Hotel

MAY

• The Archer - Rocky Amatures, Callaghan Park

• 7 Rocky River Run, Rockhampton Riverfront

JUNE

• Pop Up Polo, Victoria Park

• Rockhampton Agricultural Show, Rockhampton Showgrounds

• PBR Rockhampton Invitational, Great Western Hotel

JULY

• Rockhampton Cup Day, Callaghan Park

• Fox Superflow, Rockhampton - First Turkey MTB Park

AUGUST

• CapriCon - Steampunk & Pop Culture Convention, Rockhampton Showgrounds

SEPTEMBER

• Women That Fish Barra Classic, Fitzroy River (Tunaba)

• Capricorn Food and Wine Festival, Rockhampton Riverside Precinct

OCTOBER

• Rockhampton River Festival, Rockhampton Riverside Precinct

• Barra Bash, Fitzroy River (Tunuba)

• PBR Rockhampton Invitational, Great Western Hotel

• Oktoberfest, Rockhampton Riverside Precinct

NOVEMBER

• $10k Thready Competition Launch, Fitzroy River (Tunuba)

DECEMBER

• Rocky New Year's Eve, Rockhampton Riverside Precinct

• PBR Rockhampton Invitational, Great Western Hotel

Credit: Tourism Australia

Shopping & Markets

Rockhampton has a range of great shopping options. For major retailers head to Stockland Rockhampton on Yaamba Road, home to nearly 200 speciality stores, a six-screen cinema complex, and plenty of eateries and dining options. City Centre Plaza, Allenstown Square and Parkhurst Town Centre are also great central shopping centres with all your speciality stores including Woolworths, Coles and bottle shops.

Set along a shady tree lined avenue with quirky cafes, restaurants and a micro-brewery, East Street offers boutique shopping. Venture a little further out to William Street and Wandal and grab a coffee and leisurely meander through shops, admiring the heritage architecture along the way.

BUSH TO BAY MARKETS

Held on a Saturday every month, 8am-1pm

Robert Schwarten Pavilion, Rockhampton Showgrounds

EMU PARK MARKETS

Held third Sunday of each month, 8am-12pm

Bell Park, Rockhampton

FIG TREE CREEK MARKETS

Held first Sunday of each month, 9am-1pm

Merv Anderson Park, Yeppoon

HERITAGE VILLAGE MARKETS

Held on a Sunday every two months, 8am-1.30pm

Rockhampton Heritage Village

LUNA MARKETS

Held second Saturday of each month, except July, 5pm-9pm, Queens Park, Rockhampton

ROCKY SUNDAY MARKETS

Held every Sunday, 6am-12pm

Stocklands Carpark, Rockhampton

YEPPOON BOUTIQUE MARKETS

Held every Saturday of the month, 8am-12pm

Queen Street, Yeppoon

YEPPOON COMMUNITY MARKETS

Held every Saturday of the month, 6am-10am

Stevenson Park/Showgrounds, Yeppoon

Fishing the Fitzroy River, Credit: Explore Rockhampton

Kershaw Gardens Playground, Credit: Explore Rockhampton