ROCKHAMPTON, located on the Tropic of Capricorn and just half an hour’s drive from the spectacular Capricorn Coast, is a pleasing mixture of urban and rural, bustle and calm, old and new.
Discover the diversity of the city - history and nature, culture and industry, coast and country. Then mix and match activities to create your own version of an ideal holiday.
Rockhampton sits astride Queensland’s largest and most picturesque river, the Fitzroy River. The Berserker Ranges and Mount Archer provide a glorious natural backdrop, and the sunsets from the top of Mount Archer are spectacular.
With a population of 96,000 in the greater Rockhampton area, it still has that friendly atmosphere while providing the facilities of a major city.
There is something happening in Rockhampton all year round - cattle and horse sales, rodeos, art exhibitions, craft events and music festivals. If you’re looking for excitement, adventure activities available range from bull rides in the heart of town to boom netting out on the islands.
Try diving on coral reefs, skydiving, dig for thundereggs, adventure caving or rock climbing, or experience the thrill of a MIG jet ride.
Fish for barramundi in the Fitzroy River in the middle of the city from February 1 to November 1 or come for the Rocky Barra Bounty tag and release fishing event in October.
Rockhampton is known as the beef capital of Australia and there are six bull statues situated throughout Rockhampton representing the main breeds of the area. The saleyards at Gracemere conduct some of Australia’s largest sales of stud and commercial cattle.
While you’re in town, try out some of the local beef at Rockhampton restaurants, or visit the saleyards on a day when a cattle sale is in action.
Enjoy a little culture during your visit. The Rockhampton Art Gallery offers a diverse range of touring exhibitions and an exciting program of events including lectures and workshops.
The Walter Reid Cultural Centre provides a home for various cultural, arts and crafts groups and a venue for a wide range of performances.
The Pilbeam Theatre hosts both national and international entertainers each year. Experience Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre. Take a guided tour including boomerang throwing and didgeridoo playing.
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, business houses and homes are a constant reminder of a city with an exciting background. The listing of Quay Street (pictured at right) as an historic streetscape is unique in Australia.
Experience the city’s heritage at the Rockhampton Heritage Village. It is an active township museum and is a unique recreation of original buildings, homesteads and businesses from the 100-year period between 1850 and 1950.
Take a ride on the Purrey Steam Tram on Sunday mornings at the Archer Park Station and Steam Tram Museum. The historic railway station museum has exhibits of railway memorabilia.
The Rockhampton Botanic Gardens are regarded as one of the best provincial gardens in Australia. These tropical gardens feature palms, cycads and fernhouse, Japanese gardens, children’s playground, picnic facilities and tea rooms.
Also located within the Botanic Gardens, the Rockhampton Zoo is home to Australian native fauna and exotic exhibits, bird aviaries and a lagoon with fish, turtles and eels.
The Kershaw Gardens in north Rockhampton represents an Australian natural bush environment dedicated to native plants, and features a large waterfall.
As well as its city delights, Rockhampton is only a short drive from various national parks, where easy access and walking tracks give visitors the chance to do some bushwalking and birdwatching and enjoy some great Australian bush.
