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As you roll into ‘Rocky’ in central Queensland, either by plane, train or automobile, you can’t help but get a sense of the vastness of this state.
Rockhampton is located 600 kilometres north of Brisbane, and it’s another 700 kilometres on to Townsville. Head west from Rocky for 700 kilometres and you’ll eventually reach Longreach. This region is big.
Tracts of rich grazing land around the city sprawl against a backdrop of the hazy purple mountains of the Great Dividing Range. This is cattle country and if you were unaware of that fact before you arrived, the six ‘Big Bulls’ that stand sentinel at various entry points to the CBD (representing the six key breeds farmed here) will set you straight.
It feels like Rockhampton is on the verge of something bigger than its bulls. The redeveloped Riverside Precinct is absolutely stunning, as is the new Rockhampton Museum of Art — which would be the envy of any major metropolis. Heritage and natural attractions abound, and new players are revolutionising the city’s culinary scene. Visit now, before the rest of the country catches on!
Here’s a checklist of our top ten things to do in Rockhampton.
Watch our video of ten amazing things to do in Rockhampton:
10 Top Things to Do in ROCKHAMPTON, Queensland, Australia | Ultimate Rockhampton Travel Guide
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1. Explore the Riverside Precinct
The CBD runs parallel to the Fitzroy River and the stunning Customs House building — constructed at the turn of the 20thcentury — is testament to the city’s historic importance as a river port. Today this classical edifice sits squarely in the middle of Rocky’s spectacular $36 million Riverside Precinct redevelopment, which opened back in 2018. Centred around Denham and Quay Streets, the project delivered a fabulous waterfront promenade and extensive street-scaping. The plethora of fine Victorian-era buildings that line the riverfront are the icing on this particular urban renewal cake. There’s a dancing fountain to keep the kids entertained and free Wi-Fi is available.
If you’re up for a self-guided stroll to see more of the CBD’s considerable inventory of period gems (on a street grid that was modelled on that of Melbourne!), access Rockhampton Regional Council’s excellent walking tour app on your mobile device and take a wander back in time.
2. Visit the Rockhampton Museum of Art
Rockhampton Museum of Art (formerly the Rockhampton Art Gallery) occupies purpose-built digs in the Riverside Precinct. Architecturally stunning, and with airy exhibition spaces and state-of-the-art facilities, it’s a fitting home for the gallery’s highly significant holding of mid 20th century Australian art. You’ll see works by Albert Tucker, Fred Williams, John Brack, John Perceval, Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan, and the list goes on. The story of how the collection came about is a cracker!
3. Step back in time at the Rockhampton Heritage Village
European settlers had first contact with the Darumbal first people of Central Queensland from the mid 1850s. The Darumbal Enterprises website is well worth a visit to do some pre-holiday research on the nation’s history and culture.
To gain some insight into the pioneering life of early colonial settlers, a visit to the Rockhampton Heritage Village — 15 minutes’ drive from the CBD — is well worth the modest entry fee. It’s home to a mix of original and reproduction buildings that are packed with memorabilia from the 1850s to the 1950s. The village is beautifully presented and what’s really amazing is the facility is maintained and manned almost entirely by volunteers.
4. Ride the rails at Archer Park Rail Museum
Back in town, the Archer Park Rail Museum is another fascinating opportunity to step back in time. Again, largely staffed and maintained, magnificently, by volunteers, the museum features lots of interactive activities that families will love. Climb on board several heritage rail cars and take a spin in what is believed to be the world’s only operating Purrey Steam Tram.
5. Head down under at the Capricorn Caves
Millions of years of natural history are on display at the privately owned Capricorn Caves, located about 30 minutes’ drive north-east of the city. This is one of the region’s most popular attractions. Take a guided tour through a number of impressive surface caves which are home to tiny ducking and weaving bent-wing bats. The soaring Cathedral Cave is a popular spot for weddings and comes complete with chapel-style seating and a stone pulpit.
6. Indulge your inner foodie
From cheap-and-cheerful to sophisticated concept dining, Rockhampton’s culinary scene may come as one of the biggest surprises of your visit. Boathouse sits within the Riverside Precinct and offers an awesome (and very affordable) menu, along with superb views over the Fitzroy River. Happy hipsters rub shoulders with glowing baby boomers as the cool tunes flow and faultless waitstaff ride the wave of popularity.
The same team is behind Headricks Lane — a funky mixed-use venue housed in a heritage warehouse on East Street. There’s an upscale laneway-style eatery, and a micro-brewery and bar. Lots of interesting textures and industrial finishes work together to create an amazing ambience.
7. Enjoy a great steak
If there’s anywhere you’d expect to get a great steak, it would be in Rockhampton. The historic Criterion Hotel on Quay Street is a popular option. Alternatively, head for the Great Western Hotel (which dates back to 1862). It has an award-winning steakhouse, and hosts a live rodeo in its indoor arena on Wednesday and Friday evenings. Cowboy boots and hats are the unofficial dress code!
8. Hit the markets
Rockhampton offers plenty of opportunities for shopaholics to get their fix and has all the stores you’d expect to cross paths with in any large Aussie town. For a slightly more organic retail experience, swing by the Rocky Sunday Markets. They’re held in the Stockland Shopping Centre carpark — just a short drive north of the city centre. Shop for locally made cakes and biscuits, chutneys and preserves, jewellery, children’s wear, collectables, handcrafted timber products, and much more. It’s also a great way to interact with local residents on a non-tourist basis.
9. Chill out in the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens
The 33-hectare Rockhampton Botanic Gardens offer tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city. Families will love the onsite zoo, which is home to 30 native and exotic animal species. Entry is free. Other highlights include the Japanese Garden, Banyan fig forest, and tropical lagoon. The Gardens Tearooms do a mighty fine scone with jam and cream.
10. Admire the views from Mount Archer
You can also get away from it all at the top of nearby Mount Archer. The drive from town to the summit takes around 40 minutes. Enjoy a stroll on the Nurim Circuit Elevated Boardwalk, which provides sweeping views of the city far below, along with the surrounding region.
Need a place to stay?
Quality Hotel Regent Rockhampton
There’s a lot to love about the centrally located Quality Hotel Regent Rockhampton, which occupies a fully restored former TAFE college. And while the heritage-listed main building dates back to 1914, no expense has been spared upgrading the interior to 21st century standards.
Take the sweeping main staircase (or lift) up to the 49 spacious guest rooms and suites with soaring ceilings and plush modern bathrooms. Some rooms have kitchen facilities, which makes self-catering a breeze.
The hotel has a tropical pool surrounded by a verdant garden, and a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (and one of the best lattes in town!). The dinner menu features a fabulous range of well-priced mains. Try the chicken breast stuffed with spinach and camembert, and leave room for a traditional sticky date pudding with butterscotch sauce for dessert. You can’t go wrong.
The writer travelled as a guest of Choice Hotels.
For more travel inspiration, visit www.visitcapricorn.com.au.
Browse our range of Queensland tours and experiences here.
Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best things to do in Rockhampton? We would love to hear from you. Join the conversation on our Facebook page.
Cover image: Tourism and Events Queensland
About the writer
Adam Ford is editor of Top Oz Tours & Travel Ideas, and a travel TV presenter, writer, blogger, and photographer. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. Adam worked as a travel consultant for a number of years with Flight Centre before taking up the opportunity to travel the world himself as host of the TV series Tour the World on Network Ten. He loves to experience everything a new destination has to offer and is equally at home in a five-star Palazzo in Pisa or a home-stay in Hanoi.
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