When you’re on the lookout for a tremendous place to spend a couple of days between Brisbane and Cairns, you’re going to like this information to the perfect issues to do in Rockhampton, Queensland!
What was as soon as a working-class Queensland city greatest recognized for being the meat capital of the state, Rockhampton has quietly been redeveloping its repute to now grow to be one of many high up-and-coming vacationer locations on the east coast of Australia.
Boasting a beautiful riverside heritage precinct, bustling cafe and restaurant scene, a plethora of journey actions and jaw-dropping pure landscapes, Rocky is the type of place you cease in for a day and keep every week.
The stunning quantity of issues to do in Rockhampton is assured to maintain you busy regardless of how lengthy you go to.
Couple all that with an interesting Aboriginal historical past and also you’ll all of the sudden realise why 1000’s of individuals are making the detour away from the coast to profit from the town.
We not too long ago spent 5 days exploring what to do in Rockhampton on this fantastic itinerary and are happy to carry you this epic information of all of the actions Rockhampton in Central Queensland has to supply.
Our Information to the Finest Issues to Do in Rockhampton
When you’re eager to know what’s on in Rockhampton, or what to see in Rockhampton, our weblog submit goes to assist with all of your planning.
This underrated Australian city in cattle nation is bound to impress any traveler who wanders via.
There are many out of doors actions, strolling tracks, and insights into the native historical past and tradition.
Let’s get into it!
READ MORE: Take a look at our checklist of all of the best places to visit in Australia!
Go to the Dreamtime Cultural Centre
Australia is dwelling to the longest dwelling indigenous individuals on the earth, with a wealthy Aboriginal history courting again 60,000 years!
Any journey to the nation, whether or not you’re from right here or visiting from abroad, must have a while devoted to studying all about our cultural heritage.
Among the best locations to do that in Queensland is true right here in Rockhampton, the place the native Darumbal individuals are the standard custodians of the land.
The Dreamtime Cultural Centre in Rockhampton is an interesting exhibition of each Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander historical past.
As you wander via the galleries you’ll discover examples of paintings alongside outdated footage and detailed tales from round Central Queensland.
Whereas the centre itself is worthy of a go to any time of day, we suggest you attempt to time your journey to be 10:30 or 1pm, when you’ll be able to leap on a free guided tour.
Native guides Wayne (a Darumbal man) and Frances (from the island of Mer within the Torres Strait) passionately share their historical past and insights into their individuals.
They aren’t solely extraordinarily knowledgable with nice presentation expertise, they’re very open to answering any questions you will have concerning the Aboriginal tradition.
As a part of the tour, Wayne will present you his unimaginable didgeridoo taking part in expertise, and even train you the right way to throw a boomerang.
Entry to the Dreamtime Cultural Centre is just $16, and the guided tour is free.
After this you can too try the Rockhampton Heritage Village, which is only a 3 minute drive away. On the Rockhampton Heritage Village you’ll be able to see a recreated historic village full of markets and vintage buildings.
- Deal with: 703-751 Yaamba Rd, Parkhurst QLD 4700
- Telephone: (07) 4936 1655
Wander the Riverside Precinct
Rockhampton has a beautiful assortment of heritage buildings courting again as early because the 1800s, so should you’re on the lookout for a leisurely method to spend a couple of hours, we suggest grabbing a espresso from one of many improbable cafes and strolling round city.
Our favorite a part of Rocky although is the newly refurbished Riverside Precinct, the place you’ll be able to stroll alongside Quay Avenue on the sting of the Fitzroy River surrounded by trendy artwork, native bushes and Indigenous historical past.
The Riverside is gorgeous at any time of day, however to actually profit from the beautiful mild, head to Quay Avenue within the morning earlier than the crowds or discover the paths at sundown when locals and vacationers alike flock to the Precinct.
It additionally comes alive at night time when the buildings have a vibrant mild present.
Feeling hungry? Be sure to seize a desk on the Boathouse for improbable breakfast and lunch choices with views over the river.
Go Underground on the Capricorn Caves
One of many actual jewels on this checklist of what to do in Rockhampton is the Capricorn Caves, and chances are high you have already got it in your itinerary.
The Capricorn Caves are one among Australia’s largest privately-owned cave methods, and there are a variety of various caverns you’ll be able to discover on a visit right here.
The most well-liked, and visually beautiful, tour is to Cathedral Cave. This big chamber is surrounded by limestone columns and even hosts occasions comparable to opera and weddings due to the immense audio high quality as sound reverbs off of the partitions.
READ MORE: Travelling elsewhere in Queensland? Take a look at our Cairns activities and attractions weblog submit!
When you’re on the lookout for extra of a problem although, don’t miss the Explorer and Adventurer excursions.
Right here you’ll end up crawling via slim chambers and over rocks as you wander into the stomach of the caves.
When you occur to be claustrophobic you would possibly battle a bit with these choices, however if you’re prepared for an journey, that is the very best method to discover the Capricorn Caves.
- Deal with: 30 Olsens Caves Rd, The Caves QLD 4702
- Telephone: (07) 4934 2883
Mountain Biking at First Turkey
Searching for some journey on this checklist of issues to do in Rockhampton? You’re in for a deal with…
When you love a little bit of cross-country and downhill motion you’re in for a deal with as a result of Rockhampton is dwelling to what could be the perfect mountain bike park in all of Queensland – First Turkey.
With 35km of trails unfold over 37 perfectly-manicured inexperienced, blue and black runs, you’re assured to discover a monitor for each ability degree right here.
Positioned on the aspect of Mount Archer Nationwide Park, the trailhead begins from the German St parking zone and follows Moore’s Creek in direction of the Zamia mountain climbing path.
You’ll discover a couple of totally different trailheads to start out your ascent in direction of the highest of the paths. Take Jackhammer for a straightforward, however lengthy, uphill jaunt, or get your coronary heart burning on the technical Two-Up blue run. Decrease Wild Pig is one other good choice to get to the highest.
When you’ve climbed up the enjoyable half begins. On the north finish, Cactus and Whip Snake are quick and flowy trails to get again down, or if you would like an epic leap line try Assume Tank.
Our private favorite path is Megatron, which leaves from the Ants Nest Hub on the south aspect of the park, with steep berms, rolling doubles and a protracted trip down, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear.
If the youngsters are with you, we suggest sticking to the inexperienced runs to start out with. It’s all effectively signposted too, with path maps scattered all through the world.
The nationwide park is maintained by the volunteers at Rockhampton Mountain Bike Membership, and also you’ll discover particulars on all of the runs on the app Trail Forks.
- Deal with: 249 German St, Norman Gardens QLD 4701
Have an On-Nation Expertise with a Darumbal Elder
Having the prospect to spend time with an Aboriginal Elder is an actual privilege and honour, and one thing that many Australians by no means have the chance to do.
However should you’re visiting Rockhampton, there’s a method to take pleasure in this uncommon expertise.
Native Elder, Wade Mann, is an activist, group chief, function mannequin and entrepreneur, who has been doing every little thing he can to uplift the Aboriginal individuals in his space for his complete life.
He’s greatest recognized for organising faculty displays and dealing carefully with authorities officers on vital issues, nonetheless at this time he’s shifting his focus to educating vacationers about his individuals.
Wade runs particular ‘On-Nation Expertise’ excursions on the summit of Mount Archer Nationwide Park, sharing Dreamtime tales and the historical past of the Darumbal individuals.
For a couple of hours he’ll stroll round with you, speaking about bush tucker, the best way the Rainbow Serpent carved out the land, historic tales and insights into the non secular aspect of Darumbal beliefs.
It’s an unimaginable tour, and Wade doesn’t shrink back from any questions.
You may get in contact with Wade to organise this tour via Darumbal Enterprise ([email protected])
Escape the Metropolis at Alkoomi Journey Farmstay
When you’re on the lookout for a countryside escape and at all times wished to attempt your hand at being a farmer, e-book in for a few nights on the improbable Alkoomi Adventure Farmstay.
Simply half-hour from downtown, Alkoomi is pretty new on this checklist of Rockhampton vacationer sights, and it’s producing a whole lot of hype.
What was an outdated cattle farm has been rejuvenated by the brand new house owners Bec and Dave, who’ve taken their ardour and expertise with outback dwelling and created an expertise that’s enjoyable for the entire household.
On the property, you’ll discover horses (each miniature and regular measurement), cows and canines, and friends are welcome to feed them at time for supper, and even go for a horse trip!
Bec and Dave have put collectively various actions that friends can take pleasure in as effectively, each free and paid. All people is welcome to swim within the dam or go kayaking, calm down by the hearth within the evenings or hike across the farm.
ADDITIONAL READING: This guide to travelling around Australia will enable you profit from your time right here.
When you’re on the lookout for one thing a bit extra lively, you’ll be able to lease an ATV or bike to discover the property, leap on a horse and even take an ATV-driven buggy to the highest of Sundown Hill.
Every of the actions value $50 per particular person.
Lodging is especially for caravans, campervans, motorhomes and folks tenting, however they do have two small dongers obtainable to lease.
Value for tenting is $10 per particular person, per night time, and consists of sizzling showers, bogs and kitchen amenities.
- Deal with: 695 Outdated Coach Rd, Marmor QLD 4702
- Telephone: 0423 216 412
Climb Mount Etna for Dawn
A brief drive from Capricorn Caves is the Mount Etna Nationwide Park, dwelling to bat caves, rocky outcrops and lovely views over the Rockhampton area.
Mount Etna is nice at any time of day, however should you’d prefer to kick the morning off with a bang, throw on some strolling footwear and hike up the path for dawn.
The pathway is effectively maintained, and shouldn’t take greater than 20 minutes from the small carpark to get to the perfect viewpoint, the place you’ll discover a boardwalk twisting across the limestone.
Be sure to carry your digicam, as the colors are improbable.
When you’ve seen the dawn within the nationwide park, preserve strolling one other 5 minutes and down some steep stairs to take a look at the bat cave, dwelling to one of many rarest bats in all of Australia.
Watch Sundown from Mount Archer
Mount Archer Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the jewels of Rockhampton, and no journey to city is full with out heading to the summit for sundown.
Not solely are you assured top-of-the-line views in Rockhampton, you can too drive straight to the highest, making it accessible for all.
Park your automotive and observe the path round to the west, seize a seat (and perhaps a glass of wine or some snacks), and luxuriate in nature’s mild present.
Discover the Waterfall at Kershaw Gardens
Rocky has a bunch of beautiful gardens to wander round, and one of many nicest ones is Kershaw Gardens.
You’ll see loads of locals stress-free and strolling in Kershaw throughout the day, and there’s no difficulties with discovering a pleasant place to roll out a picnic rug.
Be sure to try the waterfall in Kershaw Gardens. Whereas it might be man-made, it’s completely beautiful and provides a way of being a tropical oasis in the course of the town.
Hike the Zamia Path
From the summit of Mount Archer you’ll discover the Zamia Path, a 14km hike that winds its method via the nationwide park proper all the way down to the German Avenue Reserve.
The path begins in rocky forests, earlier than descending into typical Australian bushland. Periodic views over the Berserker ranges and proper out to the Pacific Ocean peek out between the bushes, and also you’ll discover loads of wildlife alongside the best way.
One of the best ways to deal with the Zamia Path is to park one automotive on the trailhead, and if in case you have entry to a second car, park it on the finish so you’ll be able to shuttle again.
Alternatively you’ll be able to name a taxi (or Uber) to drive you again to your automotive, or for an actual problem stroll again the best way you got here.
When you stroll downhill, it’s a straightforward hike, however do be sure you carry water and snacks.
Test Out the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens
Searching for some Rockhampton sights which can be tranquil and stress-free? Head all the way down to the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens!
This free garden is totally splendid, and an ideal method to spend a couple of hours should you’d prefer to go for a leisurely stroll, or just arrange a picnic amongst the native flora.
The grounds are break up into 3 totally different sections; the Higher Gardens, Decrease Gardens and Outer Gardens. There are a couple of totally different themes (such because the Japanese Backyard), and many inexperienced area to wander.
You’ll discover a cafe shut by should you want a snack, and there’s loads of free parking.
Entrance to the gardens is free as effectively.
Discover the Rockhampton Zoo
One other one of many free actions in Rockhampton is the Rockhampton Zoo, situated subsequent to the Botanic Gardens.
Residence to a big number of Australian animals, the Rockhampton Zoo is a good place to go to should you’d prefer to study extra about our nation’s distinctive wildlife.
You’ll be able to stand up near emus and kangaroos within the open pen, and have the prospect to see giant lizards, crocodiles, snakes and even koalas.
Seize a Beer and Dinner at Headricks Lane
When you’re questioning what the perfect issues to do in Rockhampton at night time are, grabbing a beer and meal at Rocky’s signature microbrewery is not going to disappoint.
Positioned proper downtown in a renovated heritage constructing, Headricks Lane is a classy and trendy restaurant providing a variety of delectable bites, in addition to boasting a mouthwatering choice of craft beers brewed proper on website.
The vigorous but intimate ambiance makes it an ideal place for a romantic dinner or a meet up with a gaggle of associates.
If beer isn’t your factor, don’t fear, as a result of they’ve a complete vary of native and worldwide wines on supply as effectively.
However should you’re a beer lover like us, don’t miss out on their IPA.
- Deal with: 189 East St, Rockhampton QLD 4700
- Telephone: (07) 4922 1985
Take pleasure in a Sundown Cruise on the Fitzroy (Tunuba) River
The Fitzroy River meanders its method via the Rockhampton area, and has been a supply of life and inspiration for the native Darumbal mob for millennia (the river is known as Tunuba of their language).
As we speak the Fitzroy River is a hive of exercise for boaters and fisherman, and if in case you have your individual vessel there’s loads of ramps you’ll be able to launch from.
When you don’t have your individual boat although that doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t take pleasure in being out on the Fitzroy River.
The staff at River Cruises CQ supply a improbable expertise the place you’ll be able to leap on one among their purpose-built boats for a spectacular cruise via city.
Snacks and drinks are included, alongside beer and wine, and you’ll even lease out your entire boat if in case you have a gaggle of associates.
On the subject of Rockhampton actions, this one is tough to beat.
Take pleasure in a Espresso at A few of Rockhampton’s Finest Cafes
The cafe scene within the metropolis has been rising like loopy over the previous few years, and now you’ll haven’t any issues discovering a scrumptious brew.
Birdie’s Cafe is a quaint, bohemian and hipster place, with the house owners serving espresso and do-it-yourself desserts straight out of a transport container.
Dingles does a pleasant espresso as effectively, and will get rave evaluations from locals (though we discovered their meals to be costly with small parts).
READ MORE: Travelling from Queensland’s capital? You’ll love our different weblog submit on the best things to do in Brisbane!
However the perfect place for a espresso in Rockhampton is The Two Professors on William St.
These guys are the consultants for espresso beans, and so they often get totally different blends in from all over the world.
Do your self a favour and go on a little bit of a espresso crawl.
Go 4-Wheel Driving
Australia is dwelling to a few of the greatest four-wheel driving on the planet, and if you’re travelling round with your individual 4×4 car, you’ll be in heaven with the tracks discovered round Rockhampton.
When you don’t have your individual 4WD automotive although, don’t stress as a result of the blokes at Rockhampton Tours have your adventures sorted.
Because the consultants in four-wheel driving in Rockhampton, they’ve a couple of totally different excursions obtainable, together with tropical seaside eco-tours and the highlights of Rocky.
If time is in your aspect you’ll be able to even e-book into some multi-day tenting journeys with them.
Rockhampton Journey Information
Now that you understand all the superb issues to do at Rockhampton, we wish to share with you some insider tips about the place to remain and the place to eat to profit from your time right here.
The place to Keep in Rockhampton
There’s no scarcity of fantastic lodging choices discovered round city. Listed below are a few of our favourites.
Kershaw Gardens Free Tenting
When you’re in a caravan, campervan or 4×4 with a rooftop tent, you’ll be able to’t go previous the Kershaw Gardens free campsite.
The Rockhampton Council has graciously devoted part of Kershaw Gardens to being a free campground, which suggests should you’d like to remain on the town a couple of days whereas saving your price range for experiences and good meals, you are able to do so legally.
There aren’t any amenities right here so that you should be self-contained, though there’s a public rest room should you stroll for 10 minutes.
Please be clear and respectful right here so the council can proceed to supply this excellent website to future campers.
- Deal with: Moores Creek Rd, Park Avenue QLD 4701
Capricorn Caves Campground
The Capricorn Caves has a small campground obtainable with powered and unpowered websites, making it an ideal place to park up after a full day exploring the caverns.
There’s additionally a choice of beautiful cabins to remain in should you’re not in a van, all totally self-contained.
It’s good to e-book forward, however costs are very cheap. Plus as an added bonus you’ll be rewarded with a few of the clearest night time skies within the area.
- Deal with: 30 Olsens Caves Rd, The Caves QLD 4702
- Telephone: (07) 4934 2883
Alkoomi Journey Farm
Alkoomi Journey Farm is one other glorious campground for caravaners and van lifers.
Bec and Dave fortunately welcome individuals to park up at their property on the discount value of $10 per particular person per night time.
There’s sizzling showers and bogs, in addition to free entry to actions like kayaking, swimming, animal feeding epic view factors.
Friends may go on paid actions like bike driving, horse driving and a sundown cart trip.
The property is tranquil and delightful, and it’s possible you’ll end up extending your keep by a couple of days (or extra).
When you don’t have a campervan, caravan or tent, there’s additionally a few donger-style lodging choices obtainable. They do e-book up effectively prematurely although, so get in contact early.
- Deal with: 695 Outdated Coach Rd, Marmor QLD 4702
- Telephone: 0423 216 412
Kortes Resort
Searching for the perfect resort in Rockhampton? E book your self in for a keep at Kortes Resort!
Positioned simply on the northside of city off of the freeway, Kortes Resort is a family-run lodging with big resort and apartment-style rooms, a stunning pool for cooling off on these sizzling Rocky days, an unimaginable restaurant and bar onsite and huge convention centre.
The grounds are splendid with some good native gardens to calm down by, and is surprisingly quiet regardless of being near the freeway.
It’s a fantastic place to getaway for a couple of nights of luxurious when out exploring the issues to do round Rockhampton.
- Deal with: 984 Yaamba Rd, Parkhurst QLD 4701
- Telephone: (07) 4936 3153
DISCLAIMER: Our journey to Rockhampton was made in partnership with Rockhampton Regional Council (Discover Rockhampton). All ideas, opinions and selfies with cows are, as at all times, our personal.
