A riverside city in Queensland known for its 1800s colonial buildings, cattle industry and warm climate. Home to the Fitzroy River barrage and Capricorn Caves.
Rockhampton sits on the Tropic of Capricorn in Central Queensland, where Victorian-era banks and customs houses line Quay Street, and century-old fig trees shade the paths of the city's botanical gardens. You can catch barramundi in the Fitzroy River right downtown, explore limestone chambers at the Capricorn Caves, or walk through the treetops at Mount Archer National Park. The city puts you within easy reach of Yeppoon's beaches and the coral reefs of Great Keppel Island, making it an ideal starting point for discovering Central Queensland.
Getting Around Rockhampton
The city center follows a grid pattern with wide boulevards and laneways, similar to Melbourne's layout. You can explore most central attractions on foot, particularly along Quay Street and the riverside area. Local buses connect major points of interest, including the Botanic Gardens and Mount Archer. The airport lies 6 kilometers west of the city center, with regular flights to major Australian cities.
Climate and When to Visit
Rockhampton has hot summers and mild winters, with more than 116 clear-sky days annually. Winter (June to August) brings comfortable temperatures and low rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the city and surrounding areas. Summer months (December to February) are hot and humid, but the nearby coastal areas provide relief from the heat.
Exploring the City Center
Quay Street's three blocks contain Victorian-era buildings from the 1880s and 1890s, including former banks with elaborate stonework and decorative columns. The street runs parallel to the Fitzroy River, where these historic buildings now house restaurants and shops. At the Rockhampton Museum of Art, you'll find Australian artworks from colonial times to the present. The Dreamtime Cultural Centre spans 12 hectares, where you can learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through hands-on experiences and guided tours.
Natural Attractions
At the Capricorn Caves, 23 kilometers north of the city, you can take guided tours through limestone chambers and narrow passages. Mount Archer National Park rises above the city, with walking trails leading to a treetop boardwalk where you can see across the region. Many locals and visitors fish for barramundi from the banks of the Fitzroy River in the city center.
Gardens and Wildlife
The Rockhampton Botanic Gardens contain rare cycads, 150-year-old banyan figs, and a collection of native and exotic palms. Next door, Rockhampton Zoo houses koalas, kangaroos, and chimpanzees. Both facilities are free to enter and connected by walking paths.
Day Trips from Rockhampton
You can reach Yeppoon in 45 minutes, where ferries depart for Great Keppel Island's clear waters and coral reefs. Mount Morgan, 38 kilometers southwest, tells the story of Queensland's gold rush through its preserved mine site and railway museum.
