Rockhampton

Travel Guide
Rockhampton
The Beef Capital of Australia is a big country town at heart, where you can check out heritage sandstone buildings and weekly rodeos in the sun-drenched streets.

Discover a streetscape speckled with grand Victorian-era buildings and sprawling public parks in Rockhampton. Experiencing more than 300 days of annual sunshine, the regional city is a farming hub with a reputation for great steaks and picturesque pastures. Get a taste for country Queensland at the rodeo and explore beautiful gardens with a backdrop of the forested foothills of Mount Archer.

Step back in time when you stroll around Rockhampton’s heritage streets. Along the city’s riverfront, you’ll find a stretch of fine sandstone buildings. See the grand old Customs House, the Post Office, St Joseph’s Cathedral and a pretty Victorian-era bank. Get a deeper insight into the city’s colonial past at the Rockhampton Heritage Village, where you’ll find an informative open-air museum. Visit a 100-year-old railway station to find the fascinating Archer Park Rail Museum.

As you walk around the city streets, you might spot the bull statues that represent the different breeds of cattle that are significant to the area. Cowboy culture lives on at the weekly rodeo held at the back of the Great Western Hotel.

Known as Toonooba to the local Darambal Aboriginal people, the Fitzroy River covers an important heritage area flowing through the center of the city. There are several riverfront parks, such as Queens Park and Riverside Park, where you can relax and enjoy the views. Nearby, you’ll find the magnificent Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and the free-entry Rockhampton Zoo on the banks of the Murray Lagoon.

Check out the region’s woodland wilderness when you visit Mount Archer National Park, which has a summit trail and a viewpoint that overlooks the city and surrounds. Learn about the region’s Aboriginal heritage when you explore the interpretive bushland trails at the Dreamtime Cultural Centre.

Rockhampton is located in Central Queensland, approximately a half-hour drive inland from the stunning Capricorn Coast. The city has a major regional airport and is also connected to surrounding cities by rail. Explore Rockhampton by car or local bus. There is a wide range of accommodations in Rockhampton, from inner-city inns to luxurious hotels. Rocky, as locals know it, is a captivating city in Central Queensland’s farming heartland.

Where to stay in Rockhampton

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Kawana

Kawana might not have many top sights, but Stockland Shopping Centre and Aboriginal Dreamtime Cultural Centre are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Kawana
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Gracemere

While Gracemere isn't home to many top sights, Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo and Rockhampton Golf Club are some notable places to visit nearby.

Gracemere
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Allenstown

Allenstown is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can plan an outing to Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo and Nissan Navara Arena while you're in town.

Allenstown
Aboriginal Dreamtime Cultural Centre featuring interior views

Parkhurst

Parkhurst is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Aboriginal Dreamtime Cultural Centre and Rockhampton Heritage Village.

Parkhurst
Rockhampton

The Caves

While visiting The Caves, you might make a stop by sights like Capricorn Caves and Mount Etna Caves National Park.

The Caves
Berserker which includes views, a garden and a sunset

Berserker

You'll enjoy the riverfront and shopping in Berserker. You might want to make time for a stop at Stockland Shopping Centre or Mt Archer.

Berserker
The Q Motel
The Q Motel
3 out of 5
112 Gladstone Rd, Bruce Highway, Allenstown, QLD
The price is ¥9,797 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
¥9,797
per night
Apr 5 - Apr 6
Stay at this 3-star motel in Rockhampton. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (722 reviews)
"Rooms need an upgrade, they were old and dated but clean."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

The Q Motel
Korte's Resort
Korte's Resort
4.5 out of 5
984 Yaamba Road, Parkhurst, QLD
The price is ¥12,792 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
¥12,792
per night
Apr 5 - Apr 6
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Rockhampton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (402 reviews)
"It is a great stopover between Townsville and Brisbane."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Korte's Resort
Discovery Parks - Rockhampton
Discovery Parks - Rockhampton
3 out of 5
394 Yaamba Rd, Norman Gardens, QLD
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥16,010 per night from Apr 16 to Apr 17
¥16,010
per night
Apr 16 - Apr 17
Stay at this family-friendly holiday park in Rockhampton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Stockland Shopping Centre and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (998 reviews)
"Clean very safe recommend this for family’s or any traveler"

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Discovery Parks - Rockhampton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quest Rockhampton
Quest Rockhampton
4.5 out of 5
48 Victoria Parade, Rockhampton, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Rockhampton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (360 reviews)
"Friendly staff, clean rooms, comfy beds and the bottled water and chocolate were a nice touch. I loved the proximity to the river. Thank you!"

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2024

Quest Rockhampton
Empire Apartment Hotel
Empire Apartment Hotel
4.5 out of 5
1-5 East Street, Rockhampton, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Rockhampton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (717 reviews)
"Everything was wonderfull"

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2024

Empire Apartment Hotel
The Edge Apartment Hotel
The Edge Apartment Hotel
4.5 out of 5
102 Victoria Parade, Rockhampton, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Rockhampton. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Pilbeam Theatre and Rockhampton ...
9/10 Wonderful! (468 reviews)
"Good location, good rooms. Would stay here again. Only issue was someone's exfoliation gloves were left in the shower. Everything else was ok."

Reviewed on Dec 27, 2023

The Edge Apartment Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Rockhampton

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2
" "5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 20%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 40%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 7, 2019

Lovely

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Jan 9, 2019

Loved walking the river and seeing the historic buildings.