Rockhampton

Australia’s ‘Beef Capital’ is located in the central Capricorn Region and boasts an abundance of rich heritage and natural wonders. Located around 40km inland from the Capricorn coastline and 640km north of Brisbane, Rockhampton offers both culture and natural beauty.

This bustling town sits upon the Fitzroy River and is surrounded by national parks and historic sites all nestled upon the doorstep of the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

Dating back to the 1850s, Rockhampton was once one of Queensland’s major inland cities. The township was built on a rich cattle, coal and gold rush history with many heritage buildings and sites just waiting to be discovered. Take a walk down the historic Quay Street and East Street precincts and discover the abundance of heritage listed buildings including the Customs House, the Town Hall, Railway Workshops and stunning cathedrals.

Rockhampton offers a range of accommodation for all types of travellers ranging from backpacker hostels to hotels. 

Top things to do: 

• Rockhampton Heritage Village is the local township museum and is well worth a visit, having you step back in time and discover the cultural significance of the region.
• The ancient Aboriginal tribal sites and bushland at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre should also be on your bucket list.
• Just a short drive from the town centre will have you arrive at Mount Morgan, a township that once boasted a rich gold mining community.
• There are many historic pubs around town and we highly recommend indulging in one of Queensland’s best cuts of Steak.
• For an authentic Outback Queensland experience, be sure to attend the weekly Rodeo held at the Great Western Hotel. We also highly recommend a visit to the Gracemere Saleyards, the largest stud selling venue in the southern hemisphere.
• Surrounding Rockhampton you will find an array of natural wonders including Mount Archer National Park. Enjoy the walking trails that will lead you through the region’s native wildflowers and plants or take a walk to the top of the park for some spectacular photo opportunities and views of Rockhampton and the surrounding coastline.
• Around 20km from Rockhampton, you will stumble upon the stunning Capricorn Caves. These caves are situated above the ground and boast fascinating limestone formations.
• The Rockhampton Botanic Gardens are also well worth a visit. The gardens are over 130 years old and were recently deemed a heritage site. It is a great place to pack a picnic and relax for the day or take a stroll through Rockhampton Zoo.