Rockhampton

Copyright: gérard/Flickr
DESTINATIONS australia rockhampton

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 historical 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 km 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 meters 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 with 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

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.

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.

Cafes

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

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.

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.

Tourist Information