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Rockhampton Top 10 Things to Do
- Oct 14, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 31
Rockhampton, Queensland, Heritage Streets, Scenic Lookouts & the Beef Capital of Australia
Located 617 kilometres north of Brisbane, Rockhampton is the historic heart of Central Queensland. Founded in 1858, the city quickly became the region’s commercial centre during the gold rush and developed strong maritime connections along the Fitzroy River. Today, Rockhampton is best known as the Beef Capital of Australia, while also offering beautiful heritage streets, impressive cultural attractions and easy access to beaches, islands and national parks.
Whether you’re stopping for a night or using Rockhampton as a base to explore the Capricorn Coast, there’s plenty to see and do both in the city and nearby.
Explore Botanic Gardens & Zoo
The heritage-listed Rockhampton Botanic Gardens are among Queensland’s oldest public gardens and a lovely place to wander. Nestled within the gardens is the Rockhampton Zoo, home to more than 30 species of Australian and exotic animals, including meerkats, otters and chimpanzees. Entry is free, making this a popular spot for families and relaxed afternoons.
Enjoy the Views from Mount Archer
Rising 604 metres above sea level, Mount Archer is the highest peak in the Berserker Ranges and offers stunning views over Rockhampton. At Fraser Park, the Nurim Circuit features a 580-metre elevated treetop boardwalk extending 25 metres from the mountainside. The area also has picnic facilities, walking tracks and a nature playground.
Just 40 kilometres from Rockhampton, Yeppoon is a relaxed seaside town known for its beaches, oceanfront lagoon, Keppel Kracken water park, colourful murals and excellent cafés. Read more → Click Here!
Located 23 kilometres north of Rockhampton, Capricorn Caves is one of the largest privately owned cave systems in Australia. Guided tours take you through spectacular limestone chambers, including the famous Cathedral Cave. Read more → Click Here!
A short ferry ride from Yeppoon brings you to Great Keppel Island, where white sandy beaches, snorkelling, bushwalks and relaxed island dining await. Read more → Click Here!
Enjoy Kershaw Gardens
Kershaw Gardens is a one-kilometre stretch of lush subtropical parkland with waterfalls, walking trails, playgrounds and picnic areas — perfect for a peaceful break in the city. The gardens also have picnic areas, gas BBQs, toilets, and free Wi-Fi.
Discover Heritage Village
The Rockhampton Heritage Village is set on 11.4 hectares of bushland and incorporates a charming township that portrays life in the region from the 1850s to the 1950s. It is open every day from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. and has a heritage cafe, farm animals, vintage cars, and many interesting buildings and displays to enjoy.
Rockhampton Museum of Art
The Rockhampton Museum of Art is a spacious, multi-level building at 220 Quay Street. It is open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and has a selection of permanent and touring exhibitions that showcase artists and artworks with a deep resonance to Central Queensland.
Eat Beef in the Beef Capital
Rockhampton is known as the Beef Capital of Queensland, as more than 3 million head of cattle graze in the region. You will be spoilt for choice, with many traditional Rockhampton pubs serving delicious T-bones, Rump steaks, and other specialty beef meals.
Rockhampton Heritage Walk
Rockhampton has many wonderful, elegant buildings that are a remnant of its wealthy merchant, maritime and gold-rush heritage. Many of these buildings are on Quay Street, Queensland’s longest National Trust heritage-listed street. Some of them have information plaques, or you can pick up a brochure from the visitor centre to learn about their fascinating history.
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