Rockhampton

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Rockhampton

Rockhampton is known by many as the unofficial capital of Central Queensland and as the official beef capital of Australia, with three million head of cattle calling the region home. With its historic buildings and tree-lined streets facing the Fitzroy River, Rockhampton is a great place to visit. Its location on the Tropic of Capricorn gives the city over 300 days of sunshine a year. Enjoy the beaches of the Capricorn Coast, or explore the region’s national parks and caves.

The City

A gateway to the Capricorn Coast and the Queensland Outback, Rockhampton (the Beef Capital of Australia), is located on the Tropic of Capricorn. Founded in 1853, Rockhampton’s Victorian architecture shows off the city’s long history. Quay Street, facing the Fitzroy River, has a historic streetscape that is unique in Australia. There is plenty to do in the city and the surrounding area. Rockhampton is 40 kilometres away from the seaside village of Yeppoon, which is well known for its idyllic beachside setting amid towering palms and sparkling seas. Thirteen of Queensland’s most beautiful beaches lie between the main townships of Yeppoon and Emu Park. Only a 30-minute ferry ride away lies the Great Keppel Island, a popular spot for visitors. Ferry services operate daily out of Keppel Bay Marina and Rosslyn Bay. The sand is pristine white and the waters are sheltered by the stunning Great Barrier Reef. Rising out of Rockhampton’s northeastern 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 Mount Archer, is approximately 604 metres above sea level. West of Rockhampton is Gracemere, which is home to the largest cattle saleyard in the Southern Hemisphere. The small town of Mount Morgan gives you a glimpse of the gold rush era and the rich gold and copper mining history in the region. Emerald and the Sapphire Gemfields are only 4 hours west of Rockhampton, along the Tropic of Capricorn. Visitors have the chance to strike it rich and fossick for high-quality sapphires and zircons. 25 kilometres from Rockhampton are several limestone caves worth exploring.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Rockhampton offers you beautiful gardens, museums displaying local history, crocodile farms, cultural centres and much more. You will have a great time staying in the city itself, as well as travelling to the near-lying Great Keppel Island and nature parks.

Rockhampton Heritage Village

The Rockhampton Heritage Village is located just off the Bruce Highway, close to the Yeppoon turnoff. It is an active township museum that covers 18 hectares of bushland and gives a taste of Rockhampton's past, with homesteads and other buildings dating back from 1850 until …

Great Western Hotel

This is the only hotel in Australia with its own indoor rodeo ring. The iconic Great Western Hotel is not only a hotel but also an entertainment venue. They offer exciting events like rodeo or bull riding, live music and great food. Watch the amazing rodeo as you dine on the best steak in …

Archer Park Rail Museum

The museum tells the story of the development of railroad transportation in Rockhampton, and is set in the 120-year-old Archer Park Rail Station. The main attraction of the museum is the fully restored Purrey Steam Tram, which still operates every Sunday. The station also features a revolutionary digital soundscape system that provides an audio …

Koorana Crocodile Farm

Whether you want to see a crocodile that weighs over three-quarters of a tonne or just to see a baby croc hatch out of its egg, Koorana Crocodile Farm has it all. You can try crocodile meat or buy products made from the highest quality crocodile skin. Koorana Crocodile Farm and Restaurant is approved …

Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo

With specimens of over 200 palms, cycads and ferns, the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens are regarded as one of the best provincial gardens in Australia. The heritage-listed Botanic Gardens are 130-years-old and perfectly suited to spend a sunny afternoon with the family. Located within the Botanic Gardens, the Rockhampton Zoo is home to a wide …

Kershaw Gardens

Kershaw Gardens are a peaceful oasis in the heart of Rockhampton with a collection of native plants. Its special features are the combination of natural bush environment and tropical rainforest. Make sure not to miss the impressive waterfall. This is a man-made park and a truly marvellous example of how formerly polluted places can …

Dreamtime Cultural Centre

Australia’s largest Aboriginal Cultural Centre set in natural bushland with local indigenous culture exhibited. Get insight into the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and history through guided tours, educational visits and hands-on cultural activities. The Centre depicts a remarkable display of the traditional people of the Central Queensland Sandstone Belt and their culture …

Rockhampton Museum of Art

Located next to the Fitzroy River, the new Rockhampton Museum of Art is a major architectural and cultural attraction in the CBD. Originally established as the Rockhampton Art Gallery in the late 1960s, the museum boasts an impressive collection of twentieth-century Australian paintings. The collection spans from mid-twentieth century works to contemporary art, comprising …

Capricorn Caves

Described by explorers in 1882, the Capricorn Caves are a system of aboveground caves in a limestone ridge. Learn about the caves' ancient geological landscape with marine fossils, watch thousands of bats leave the caves to feed on insects or listen to the natural acoustics of the Cathedral …

Mount Morgan Gold Mine

This heritage-listed Gold Mine was once the deepest man-made pit in the Southern Hemisphere. Visit this historic township to travel back in time to the gold rush era, learn about the amazing mining history and see Jurassic dinosaur …

Mount Archer National Park

Mount Archer is the highest peak and provides fantastic views of Rockhampton and surroundings. Watch the sunset over Rockhampton while having a picnic or explore the summit on one of the …

Stoney Creek in the Byfield National Park

Byfield National Park is a forested recreation area stretched along the coastline with a view out to the Keppel Islands group. Enormous sand dunes and a picturesque coastal scenery dominate the southern part of the park, while in the north you can hike through rainforest and take a bath in Stony Creek, one of …

Quay Street

Go for a stroll along Quay Street with its heritage-listed sandstone Victorian-era buildings alongside Fitzroy River. You can pick up leaflets that map out walking trails around Rockhampton from the visitor …

Pilbeam Theatre

With traditional old-fashioned style and character and a great variety of shows, the Pilbeam Theatre is one of the finest theatres in the region. Productions are offered all year round and range from the best local to national and international …

Walter Reid Cultural Centre

Walter Reid Cultural Centre is the place for community activities, arts and leisure. Visitors can join arts and crafts workshops, movie programs, photography, pottery, woodwork or even rail …

Great Keppel Island

Located just 15 km off the Queensland coast and part of the Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, you can’t help but be impressed by the stunning landscape and the relaxed atmosphere on this island. Coral gardens, turquoise waters, pristine, white beaches and native wildlife — Great Keppel Island has it all. The island is perfect …

Rockhampton Post Office

The Post Office was built in 1895 during the era of the gold rush. The interior has been modified, but the outside still features the originally constructed street frontages with colonnades on both levels and a central clock …

C.Q. Military & Artefacts Museum

This museum is definitely worth a visit if you are interested in war history. The museum displays a comprehensive collection ranging from the 1900s to the present. It includes artefacts from the military history of Rockhampton and surroundings like American Army uniforms from World War II, badges and medals, personal collections from Vietnam veterans, …

Rockhampton Bull Statues

In the city of Beef, bulls are displayed proudly in all their glory. Six bull statues that represent the main cattle breeds of the area can be found throughout Rockhampton. They have been set up as a part of the Beef Expo Competition taking place in …

Rockhampton Golf Course

Play a few balls at the Rockhampton Golf Course with a great scenery looking over lagoons next to the zoo. The course is designed with wide and forgiving fairways. The club is open to the general public. Equipment rental, as well as private lessons, are …

Dining

Rockhampton isn’t just about beef, but you will certainly find no shortage of excellent steaks in the nation's beef capital. You could also head on to the Capricorn Coast and sample some of the freshest and most tantalising seafood that is literally straight off the trawler. Relax on the beach with fish and chips or dine at one of the many waterfront restaurants.

Great Western Hotel

Great steaks, great beer and great rodeo is what this place is all about. Since Rockhampton is dubbed the beef capital of Australia, this place fits right …

Stonegrill Restaurant

Stonegrill Restaurant is housed in a good old Aussie pub. The owners are very passionate about their steaks served on a hot volcanic rock. If you like a pure tender steak, this is the place. The menu also includes seafood …

The Bush Inn Bar & Grill Steak House

This family-owned restaurant in a heritage building provides simple wholesome food. It offers a reasonably priced menu, boasts an excellent atmosphere and provides very decent …

Hog’s Breath Cafe

Modern Australian food is on offer at this informal steakhouse chain with a saloon bar. On the menu you will find grilled ribs, seafood, pasta and burgers. Try the unique mouth-watering steaks which are slow-cooked for up to 18 …

Ferns Restaurant

Ferns Restaurant is a top class restaurant with service second to none and delicious food. Portions are more than generous and ingredients are freshly sourced from local producers. Try their smokey BBQ pork ribs that fall off the …

Cloud9

Cloud9 Restaurant & Bar offers locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce in an unpretentious location. It is renowned for being one of Rockhampton’s premier dining establishments. Honest service and classic Rocky charm along with great restaurant quality food at a very reasonable …

Thai Taste Restaurant

Thai Taste is a long-running restaurant with simple decor, serving up authentic, yet not too spicy, Thai cuisine and ice-cold …

The Victoria Tavern & Skyfire Brazilian BBQ

The Victoria Tavern, more affectionately known as ‘The Vic’, is comprised of multiple bars, gaming room and a restaurant. SkyFire Churrasco Brazilian Barbeque is here to give you the most succulent churrasqueria experience this side of the ocean. They have seven different cuts of meat to tempt tastebuds and the food is brought to you …

The Stirling

Whether you are staying at The Stirling Rockhampton or not, the Stirling is a dining experience not to be missed. Well-trained staff and a nice atmosphere with modern deco, plus a great live band will enhance the experience. Choose from the extensive steak menu or from a variety of other mains or …

Pacino's

Enjoy exceptional Italian cuisine overlooking the Fitzroy Riverfront at Pacino’s Italian Restaurant. Authentic Italian food is served in a beautiful atmosphere with dim lighting and art on all the walls. Dine al fresco for better …

Cafes

A good cup of coffee is never too far away in Rockhampton, and neither is a pleasant brunch spot.

Gardens Tearooms

Gardens Tearooms is located under a Giant Banyan Fig inside the Botanic Gardens. Beyond the Gardens Tearooms, picnic tables and free barbecue facilities are available, making for an ideal spot for a picnic — all underneath the refreshing shade of age-old …

The Coffee House

The Coffee House is a modern and fully licensed cafe and wine bar with breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. It holds the reputation of serving the best coffee in the area and offers an excellent brunch …

Captain Nemo's

Captain Nemo's is described as the best sandwiches place in town. This true Rockhampton icon offers fresh subs at great prices in a variety of delicious flavours. Salami sub with hot chilli sauce comes highly …

The Goat Cafe & Bar

With its trendy decor and extensive menu, the Goat Cafe & Bar and Bar is the perfect place to stop for a coffee and snack. The food is excellent and the prices are quite affordable. The establishment is a great spot for both breakfast and a more substantial meal later in the …

Cafe Bliss

Cafe Bliss is a lovely place to enjoy delicious cakes and savoury dishes made on site, all accompanied by a broad selection of teas and coffees. The famous cinnamon scrolls are perfectly suited to go along with your morning …

The Two Professors

The Two Professors is a hip busy cafe in the centre of Rockhampton. They serve delicious breakfast and lunch, excellent coffee and desserts. Locals say that their pancakes with bacon are out of this world. Also a good place to catch up on your emails during the off-peak …

Bars & Nightlife

Despite its size, Rockhampton offers plenty of different venues with a wide range of music and entertainment, with coastal beach bars and clubs enjoying a particular popularity. You can also go for low-key drinks at the pub or night-long partying out on the town if that's your jam.

O'Dowds Irish Pub

Why not try one of their delicious meals served with a pint of Guinness? There is an open courtyard and weekly live entertainment including Irish …

Allenstown Hotel

Allenstown Hotel occupies a roomy 1860s pub with a steakhouse, a playground for the young ones and a balcony. Live bands playing gigs every Friday and Saturday night, otherwise you can catch the sports on TV and have a fun night with your buds. The bar boasts a selection of Australian and imported beers …

Beaches Restaurant Rosslyn Bay

Rosslyn Bay is located 45 kilometres from the city centre, and is a top restaurant and bar located on premises of a top-notch beach resort. Linen tablecloths and wicker chairs give the place a touch of class. It offers the ultimate experience of a high quality establishment. A great stop on your way to …

The Criterion Hotel

Live bands play at the Criterion Hotel on Fridays and Saturdays. Expect the place to be packed until midnight (at least), regardless of which one of the many on-site bars you end up spending the evening at. Check the website for band show …

The Lionleigh

The Lionleigh is renowned for good, honest pub food ranging from traditional pub grub such as bangers and mash to more contemporary dishes. Have a game of pool or darts with your friends or just relax watching sporting events on the big screens. Live music every Friday and Saturday nights, and Sunday …

Footlights Theatre Restaurant

Footlights Theatre Restaurant offers an enjoyable comedy variety show accompanied by a delicious three course dinner. Book in advance and enjoy the …

The Spinnaker

Dine with a great view of the ocean and Great Keppel Island or have a drink in the comfortable lounge. The relaxed atmosphere in the Keppel Bay Sailing Club will definitely not disappoint you. Located diagonally opposite The Clubhouse, you can find theme night specials and endless gaming options …

Shopping

The city centre has plenty on offer with lots of well-known international chains, as well as independent stores. Allenstown is the shopping area on the corner of Canning Street & Upper Dawson Road. Those looking for jewellery need to make for East Street, which is also home to local retail and food outlets. A bit further out, Stockland Centre is one of the biggest shopping centres between Brisbane and Cairns. North Rockhampton’s major retail centre on the corner of Highway One and Yaamba Road is a shopper’s paradise with retail outlets and a sensational food court.