Discover Rockhampton's Heritage and History Trail
From frontier town to bustling river port and gold rush city
Rockhampton’s colonial past and its fortunes are preserved in sandstone, wrought iron and topped off with a magnificent copper dome. Like the Fitzroy (Tunuba), these fortunes have ebbed and flowed over the years and today delivers a town full of heritage and history.
Regardless of if you consider yourself a history buff or not, immersing yourself in our city's rich history is a must for the itinerary.
Before you get started, don't forget to download the 'Explore Rockhampton' app from your app store for a more in depth experience.
QUAY STREET
Home to the city's crown jewel, Customs House and a number of spectacular heritage listed buildings, Rockhampton's Heritage Architecture trail along Quay Street provides a wealth of history to marvel at and explore.
Starting at the wharves that were the gateway into Rockhampton, and continuing through most of the early CBD, this tour is approximately 2km one way. Take your time reading the plaques found on the buildings for a brief introduction to their history or download the audio tour in the Explore Rockhampton app for a fully immersive experience.
The tour runs through Rockhampton's Riverside Precinct and CBD where you'll find cute cafes, iconic pubs and a micro-brewery, beautiful homewares and boutique shops so it's only fair you take your time, grab a coffee or some lunch before you enjoy a spot of shopping.
Don't forget to pack a hat and your camera!
ARCHER PARK RAIL MUSEUM
Constructed in 1899, the architecturally impressive Archer Park was the central railway station for Rockhampton until the mid-1920s.
Visit the heritage listed Archer Park Rail Museum on the weekend and take a ride on the fully restored Purrey Steam Tram.
The tram is believed to be the only one of its kind in the world, and is a wonderful relic of Rockhampton's tram history dating back to 1909.
Open Monday to Thursday 10am - 3pm and Sunday 9am - 1pm
51-87 Denison Street, Rockhampton
07 4936 8191
CQ MILITARY MUSEUM
Located directly next to the Archer Park Rail Museum, the CQ Military Museum offers a dive into Rockhampton's military past.
The museum has a comprehensive collection from all services ranging from the 1900's through to the present day.
Open Monday to Friday from 9am - 2pm
40 Archer Street, Rockhampton
07 4921 0648
MOUNT MORGAN TOWNSHIP
Mount Morgan is a picturesque historic town nestled in the Dee Ranges, situated approximately 38 km South West of Rockhampton.
Rich in history, the former mining town is home to one of the world’s most successful mines to date. Commencing operation in 1882, the mine became one of the richest gold mines in Australia, and for a period of time - the world. During its 99 years of mining the area declared a total of 225 tons of gold, 50 tons of silver and 360,000 tons of copper.
The town offers ideal opportunities to delve into the area’s early successes and relive its fascinating past with a range of impressive attractions on show, along with museums and tours operating 7 days. You can also find a self-guided tour in the Explore Rockhampton app.
Top historical sites to see:
- Running The Cutter Monument, Morgan Street
- Arthur Timms Lookout, Pattison Street
- Frank Golding Lookout, East Street
- The Private Victor Stanley Jones Suspension Bridge, Byrnes Parade
- The Mafeking Bell, Morgan Street
- The Mine Hooter, Morgan Street
While you're exploring the town's rich history, make sure to make time for the array of antique stores, giftware shops, local galleries and endless places to find yourself a great coffee and pub meal.
MOUNT MORGAN RAILWAY MUSEUM
The Mount Morgan Railway Museum and Accredited Visitor Information Centre officially opened in 1898 as the town's Railway Station.
The building takes you back in time and offers the opportunity to experience how travel and life in the area once was. Through impressive audio-visual displays and 3D presentation you can get a feel for early travel aboard the old rack rail; transporting trains up the steep inclines of the area’s mountains in the 1800s.
The Museum also includes an extensive range of rail memorabilia on display, including past equipment, rolling stock including steam locomotive, goods shed and water tanks for steam engines.
Open 9am - 4pm daily
1 Railway Parade, Mount Morgan
07 4938 2312
MOUNT MORGAN HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Housing an impressive collection of relics from the town's earliest years to the present, the Mount Morgan Historical Museum delves into the captivating history of Mount Morgan.
Among the extensive range, displays include mining equipment, historic household and business objects, and an extensive photographic display; taking you through the years of Mount Morgan life, and presenting the faces and stories of some of the town’s most prominent individuals.
Open 10am - 4pm daily
87 Morgan Street, Mount Morgan
07 4938 2122
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Written by Explore Rockhampton
@explorerockhampton