Explore Accessible Rockhampton

Published on 01 June 2024

An informative guide with lived experience insights

Rockhampton, the vibrant heart of Central Queensland, is dedicated to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all visitors.

Jam-packed with exciting fishing adventures, charming encounters with zoo animals, delicious dining experiences, thrilling tree-top adventures, immersive art scenes and rich historical explorations, Rockhampton's offerings are as abundant as they are truly authentic.

There's no doubt you'll adore our city, just like the countless visitors have before you.

This guide will help you plan a trip that's enjoyable and well informed, with insights from Nick B, a T4 paraplegic and advocate for accessible travel.

Here’s everything you need to know about exploring Rockhampton with ease .

A young couple standing in a spacious gallery looking at paintings of an exhibition. The man is in a wheelchair and his wife stands closely beside him as they gaze upon the artworks. — From art and culture, beautiful parks and picnic areas to delicious dining and boutique shopping, there's plenty of accessible activities to explore.

Inclusive Activities

Rockhampton boasts a variety of activities and experiences designed for accessibility:

Rockhampton Museum of Art (RMOA): This modern facility offers accessible amenities on all three levels, spacious exhibition areas, and a vibrant program of talks, events, and workshops.

Rocky Bowl and Leisure Centre: Enjoy family entertainment with easy wheelchair access to bowling lanes, special bowling ramps, lightweight balls, and a range of arcade games.

Kershaw Gardens: This picturesque parkland features accessible walking paths, picnic areas, playgrounds with accessible equipment, barbecue facilities, and accessible toilets.

Rockhampton Riverside Precinct: Experience accessible pathways and amenities along the Fitzroy River, a variety of dining and shopping options, and scenic views.

Nick B: "Equivalent to the hosting of Art exhibitions of local, national and international significance, the RMOA experience is as if access was at the forefront of the design of this space. This experience is a must in the region. Keep an eye out for upcoming exhibitions on the RMOA website, there's some pretty amazing ones coming up!"

Learn more about Accessible activities and experiences.

A young couple enjoying a delicious dinner at a high end restaurant. A male waiter is serving up a mouth-watering
Italian dish, smiling. — Explore the delicious mouth-watering dining options of Rockhampton.

Shopping & Dining

Enjoy Rockhampton’s inclusive retail and dining scenes:

Shopping: Rockhampton offers convenient shopping with Stockland Rockhampton providing air-conditioned comfort, easy parking, and a wide selection of retail stores and dining options, while the East Street CBD and leafy suburbs feature boutique stores.

Dining and Nightlife: Rockhampton offers a variety of dining options within city reach, including iconic hotels, international cuisine, fast foods, fine dining, and cocktails. Enjoy traditional Italian cuisine at Pacinos Restaurant in the Riverside Precinct, delightful breakfasts and lunches at Hummingbird Cafe in the Rockhampton Museum of Art, and Indian subcontinental dining with top-shelf whiskeys and cocktails at Trufusion Indian Bar & Grill overlooking the Fitzroy River.

Nick B: "Rarely do restaurants with the charm of Pacino's have the best amenities, however clean, accessible shower and toilet facilities are found in this precinct and it is worthwhile keeping in mind when leisurely exploring the Rockhampton Riverfront."

Check out Accessible retail and Accessible dining and nightlife.

A young man (in a wheelchair) and his wife enjoying a lovely day out doors after a spot of fishing from one of Rockhampton's accessible fishing based platforms. — Rockhampton offers a wide range of accessible outdoor activities to get hooked on.

Thrilling Adventures

For adventure enthusiasts, Rockhampton offers accessible outdoor activities to ensure everyone can enjoy the natural beauty and excitement of the region:

Fishing: The Fitzroy River provides wheelchair-accessible fishing platforms near the CBD, with easy ramp access and nearby parking and amenities.

Rockhampton Zoo and Botanic Gardens: Enjoy encounters with native and exotic animals on accessible paths, and FREE entry to boot. The zoo offers daily keeper talks and animal feedings, ensuring an inclusive experience for all.

Mount Archer (Nurim) National Park: Nurim Circuit elevated treetop boardwalk is a 500-metre flat, accessible path offering spectacular views of the city and the Fitzroy River, perfect for enjoying sunrises and sunset.

Nick B: "For a more immersive outing, the Meerkat Encounter is a wonderful option to consider. Access here is at the main entrance to the Zoo and just off track, downhill, and over a small-grassed area into the meerkat waiting areas. With careful manoeuvring, it’s accessible to most persons with reduced mobility and the keepers are expertly trained, providing a full debrief on responsibly enjoying the meerkats in their enclosure."

Discover more about the available options on the Accessible Adventure page.

A large crowd gathers on the banks of a river enjoying the starry night and beautifully lit surrounds as live music plays in the background for the Rockhampton River Festival. — Rockhampton is alive with events to enjoy all year round.

Events & Festivals

Rockhampton hosts a variety of inclusive events and festivals throughout the year, ensuring everyone can join in the fun:

Rockhampton River Festival – 26-28 July 2024: This vibrant festival celebrates the city's rich culture with art installations, live music, and food stalls. The event has been designed with accessibility and mobility in mind and the entire festival is accessible via wheelchair, mobility scooters and prams.

Capricon – 31 August 2024: A popular event that includes a range of activities such as comic book workshops, cosplay contests, and artist panels. The festival offers comprehensive accessibility options, including accessible parking, entrances, and restrooms. There are also quiet zones and sensory-friendly areas for those who may need a break from the hustle and bustle of the festival. Companion Cards allow free entry for carers, and assistance animals are welcome.

For more information about these events and their accessibility options, visit the official pages for the Rockhampton River Festival and Capricon.

A young man sitting in his wheelchair while his wife is by his side awaiting their transportation to explore Rockhampton. — Travelling to Rockhampton has never been more convenient.

Getting here

Travelling to Rockhampton is straightforward with a variety of accessible transportation options:

Flying: Rockhampton Airport offers accessible facilities, including wheelchair ramps and assistance services. For more information, you can check the airport's official accessibility guide.

Driving: The city is connected by well-maintained highways with rest stops that offer accessible amenities.

Train: Queensland Rail provides accessible services on its trains to Rockhampton.

For more details, visit Accessible ways of getting here.

A young couple relaxing with a coffee on the couch of an apartment smiling an enjoying the creature comforts of their accommodation. — Rockhampton has a wide range of accessible accommodation options to suit all budgets and needs.

Comfortable Accommodation

Rockhampton offers a range of accessible accommodations to ensure a comfortable stay. There are options to suit all budgets. Whether you're looking for a stylish riverfront apartment or an affordable place to sleep close to the convenience of the CBD, Rockhampton has a wide selection of self-contained apartments, hotels and motels with excellent accessible facilities.

Explore the best options, and lived experience insights, at Accessible accommodation.

A young man sitting in his wheelchair while his wife overlooking the breath-stealing views of Rockhampton city from a treetop boardwalk. — The city of Rockhampton welcomes you with open arms.

Experience the warmth of Rockhampton

Preparation is key to a smooth trip. Rockhampton’s resources on Accessible Travel provide all the necessary information, including transportation guides, accommodation options, activity recommendations, and event details.

Rockhampton is committed to making every visitor feel welcome and included. With its vibrant culture, accessible amenities, and friendly community, it’s the perfect destination for an inclusive holiday. Start planning your accessible adventure today and discover why Rockhampton is a top choice for travellers of all abilities.

We invite you to come and explore Rockhampton and share your visit with us by tagging @ExploreRockhampton and #ExploreRockhampton.

For more information and to plan your visit, Explore Rockhampton.

Written by Explore Rockhampton #ExploreRockhampton @explorerockhampton