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Rockhampton, QLD

Rockhampton, the Beef Capital of Australia is located on the Tropic of Capricorn and is the gateway to the Coast and the Outback.

Rockhampton

Founded in 1853, the majesty of Rockhampton’s historical architecture has captured the hearts of visitors for decades. Many fine public and private buildings, including the Customs House, old Post Office, Cathedrals, banks, business houses and homes, are constant reminders of the city with an exciting background. The listing of Quay Street facing the river as an historic streetscape that is unique in Australia.

Rising out of Rockhampton’s north-eastern 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 Mt Archer is approximately 604 meters above sea level.

Six bull statues representing the main breeds of the area are situated throughout Rockhampton in recognition of Rockhampton’s Beef Capital of Australia title. Gracemere Saleyards, on the outskirts of Rockhampton, handle the largest throughput of export beef cattle in Queensland, and is the largest stud-selling venue in the Southern Hemisphere. Public are welcome.

Experience the country in the city at the Great Western Hotel, which holds weekly rodeos at the back of the pub.

Rockhampton Heritage Village is an active township museum where visitors can experience Rockhampton’s rich and colourful history. You could also visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre, set in some 30 acres of natural bushland on Ancient Tribal Sites. Just 23 kilometres north of Rockhampton on Highway One is Capricorn Caverns, magnificent limestone caves.

Rockhampton Botanic Gardens are regarded as one of the best provincial gardens in Australia. Recently heritage-listed, the Rockhampton Gardens are 130 years old. Located within the Botanic Gardens, the Rockhampton Zoo is home to a diverse range of animals.

Rockhampton

Beefy Rockhampton city

Rockhampton proudly declares itself the ‘Beef Cattle Capital of Australia’.
And you won’t easily forget the city’s wealth is largely based on the cattle industry. At both ends of town visitors are greeted by large sculptures of the region’s prized bull breeds on the median strip with another reminder atop the local shopping complex.

Rockhampton

Around Rockhampton, more than three million cattle roam among the gum trees, and at local pubs, steak sandwiches and barbecued snags are a local speciality.
In the centre of town, the famous Great Western Hotel offers bull riding in its own backyard bullring. The huge 3000-seat undercover rodeo draws champion riders from all over Australia and plays host to national competitions and rodeos almost every weekend.
Visitors to the region can also enjoy an authentic taste of outback life on any number of cattle stations and host farms. Rodeos, camp drafts and mustering are all a part of life in the Capricorn region.
For slightly more sedate pursuits, just 40 kilometres east of Rocky is Yeppoon, a peaceful holiday resort surrounded by attractive beaches and great swimming. It’s also an easy access point for the Keppel Islands, another unspoiled paradise. Great Keppel Island, just north of the Tropic of Capricorn is the largest of the Keppel islands. Mostly natural bushland it boasts 28 kilometres of beaches, small secluded bays and a wealth of activities for the active – from sailing, diving and surfing to horse riding and bushwalking.

Nearest Airport: Rockhampton Airport

Where to stay?

Experiences

  • Caravan and Camping
  • Farm/Station
  • Homestay
  • Rural/Country
  • Cultural
  • Eco Tourism
  • Food and Wine
  • Historic/Heritage
  • Nature based
  • Relaxation
  • Soft Adventure

Popular Activities

  • Off Road Driving
  • Abseiling
  • Bird Watching
  • Bush Walking
  • City Sightseeing
  • Rock Climbing
  • Driving
  • Golfing
  • Horse Riding
  • Kayaking
  • Scenic Flight
  • Shopping
  • Sightseeing
  • Skiing - Water
  • National Park
  • Adventure
  • Fishing
  • Nightlife
  • Wilderness
  • Wildlife
  • Outback
  • Fishing - Estuary
  • Caving
  • Jet Boating

About Rockhampton

  • Locality: Major urban locality
  • Rockhampton Postcode: 4700
  • State: Queensland
  • Region: Capricorn
  • Latitude: -23.37894
  • Longitude: 150.51232
  • Elevation: 17m
  • Population: 1953
  • Median Income: $26156
  • Area (Sq/km): 2.601
  • Timezone: Australia/Brisbane

Tours In Rockhampton

Discover some of the tours options around Rockhampton

Explore The Outback

Australia has a vast remote interior, much of it largely untouched. By night, the outback is deathly quiet, with the only light provided by the stars and the moon - a perfect oportunity for stargazing. Explore the isolated heart of the country, meet and connect with Aboriginal people and experience one of the oldest living cultures in the world. Go ‘walk-about’ and immerse yourself with Australia’s endless outback horizons.

Outback Experiences

Luxe Accommodation

Enjoy a distinctly Australian luxury experience, such as the unforgettable reefs, islands, beaches and coast; rugged mountain ranges, rainforests and vast national parks; and the many vibrant food and wine regions. Take a once in a lifetime adventure and discover the sheer indulgence of experiencing the wonders of Australia in style and stay in total luxury.

Australia has wide variety of accommodation options to suit most budgets and travelling preferences. Choose from luxury lodges, boutique hotels, serviced apartments, motels, bed and breakfasts, caravan parks as well as youth and backpacker hostels.

Accommodation

Glasshouse Mountains

The Glasshouse Mountains in the hinterland of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast are actually the cores of 20 million year old volcanoes. The sides of the volcanoes have eroded away leaving only the hardened rock spiremountain cores we see today. Learn more about this awe-inspiring landscape.

Glasshouse Mountains