A Guide to Rockhampton
Rockhampton – or “Rocky” as its known by locals – is a historic town founded in 1853, situated 616km north of Brisbane. It’s regarded as the “Beef Capital” of Australia, with over 2.5 million cattle, all within a 250km radius of the town. The town is known for its wide streets and its prosperous past, which today can still be seen in its heritage-listed Victorian buildings that date back to the 19th-century mining boom.
From the historic architecture to the many outdoor activities, there’s plenty for visitors to see and do in town. Head for the Archer Park Steam Tram Museum where you can see one of the world’s oldest trams. Or, why not step back in time with a visit to Rockhampton Heritage Village, an open-air museum that illustrates the region's rich history and gold mining past.
Rockhampton is located on the Tropic of Capricorn, 30km inland from the cost, which means that it gets more than 300 days of sunshine every year, with temperatures and humidity rising high in summer.
Explore the Historic Centre
Quay Street is the historic centre of Rockhampton, famous for its pretty streetscape with elegant sandstone buildings dating back to the Victorian gold rush times. Get yourself to one of the many tourist centres in town and pick up a map for a self-guided walking tour that will take you to all the historic sites.
Escape the Heat
When summer comes, the heat in Rockhampton can become almost unbearable. If you’re in need of some relief, consider heading underground at the Capricorn Caves, located just 30 minutes drive from Rockhampton.
The limestone cave network can be explored on guided tours, which can include both caving and abseiling adventures. For the less adventurous, the Cathedral Cave Tour offers visitors an exceptional audio-visual experience where hauntingly beautiful music and a light show combine for something truly spectacular.
Rockhampton Botanical Gardens
Rockhampton Botanical Gardens offers visitors the chance to stroll around a beautiful oasis, with tropical and subtropical rainforest, landscaped gardens and lily-covered lagoons. One of the highlights is the Japanese garden, a tranquil spot that also features a cafe and a small zoo with koalas, wombats, dingoes, monkeys, an aviary and more. It’s the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon with a book and a nice coffee.
Koorana Crocodile Farm
For a uniquely Queensland experience, head for Koorana Crocodile Farm. Here you’ll find more than 3,000 crocs on a farm that offers visitors the chance to see these ancient animals up close. Visitors can join tours led by expert guides and see the crocs at feeding time. The chance to come within metres of saltwater crocodiles is a rare one. Make sure to stop by for a visit if you’re in this stunning part of Australia.
