The ultimate family holiday itinerary you’ve been searching for

Published on 05 February 2025

Rockhampton, affectionately known as ‘The Beef Capital of Australia’ is the perfect destination for a mid-year family getaway. With its mild climate, endless sunny days, and a variety of family-friendly activities to suit children of all ages, this regional gem offers the ideal mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you're exploring limestone caves, enjoying scenic sunsets, or swimming at one the region’s pristine beaches or freshwater swimming holes, this four-day itinerary has something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

 

Day One:

Morning: Capricorn Caves

Start your day with a guided tour of the Capricorn Caves, an awe-inspiring limestone cave system located just 30 minutes from Rockhampton. Kids will love the Cathedral Cave acoustics where you can also spot bats and stalactites! There’s a range of tours on offer to suit all abilities and levels of adventure – from the Cathedral Cave tour that showcases the largest of the caves to the slightly more adventurous Explorer Tour that’ll have you donning helmets and headlamps as you explore some slightly more daring tunnel sections.

Afternoon: Kershaw Gardens

Head to Kershaw Gardens, a family-friendly oasis in the heart of Rockhampton for a BBQ and an afternoon of free family fun. Make use of the free electric BBQs and shady picnic areas while the kids explore the giant playground and splash around in the water play area.

Evening: Try a Famous Rockhampton Steak

After all, you can’t visit a city that’s known as the beef capital of Australia without trying a perfectly cooked steak at a local pub like The Great Western Hotel or The Criterion.

 

Day Two:

Morning: Rocky Zoo and Botanic Gardens

Spend the morning at the Rockhampton Zoo, which is home to over 31 species of animals including kangaroos, emus, koalas, meerkats, crocodiles, and chimpanzees. Entry is free for both adults and children all year round, making it one of the city’s most popular family attractions. After spending a few hours with your new furry friends, stop by the Gardens Tearooms for morning tea before strolling through the neighbouring Botanic Gardens.

Lunch: The Terrace at Stockland Rockhampton

For a bite to eat, be sure to check out The Terrace, an outdoor dining precinct with a range of family-favourite, affordable meal options from burgers and burritos to steak and sushi.

Afternoon and Evening: Alkoomi Adventure Farm Stay

Spend the night at Alkoomi Adventure Farm Stay, where the kids can ride horses, feed farm animals, enjoy a buggy or chuck wagon ride, and toast marshmallows over the campfire.

 

Day Three: Choose Your Own Adventure

Option 1: Yeppoon and Coastal Fun

Make the short 40-minute drive to Yeppoon to spend the day at one of Queensland’s best beachside secrets. Relax at Yeppoon Main Beach and take the kids for a swim at the stunning and free Yeppoon Lagoon, an infinity pool overlooking the ocean and Keppel Islands. Take a walk (or bike/scooter ride) along the Esplanade to find fish and chips and an ice-cream for lunch before ending the day with a visit to the nearby Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary. If you’re looking for a free activity alternative, drive slightly further down the coast and walk the Bluff Point Circuit, a short 2.3-kilometre circuit that offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the coastline and plenty of opportunities to spot turtles and whales.

Option 2: Byfield National Park

If you have a 4WD and a penchant for outdoor adventures, you can’t miss a visit to Byfield National Park. Swim at Stoney Creek, one of the region’s most stunning and easily accessible freshwater swimming holes and take a hike through the lush rainforest. If you have a four-wheel drive, you can continue to Five Rocks Beach and visit the impressive Queen Mary Sand Blow for some epic views. Previous 4WD experience is highly recommended as you’ll have to conquer several creek crossings and the notorious ‘Big Sandy’ sand dune to get there. It’s also necessary to reduce your tire pressures so be sure to have a compressor on hand.

TOP TIP: Stop at local favourite, the Dean Street bakery to pick up a coffee and a sweet treat for the road on your way out of Rockhampton!

 

 

Day Four:

Morning: Fitzroy River and Quay Street

Spend the morning talking a stroll along the Fitzroy (Tanuba) River, admiring its historic architecture, exploring the free playgrounds and stopping for a bite to eat at one of Rocky’s iconic cafes along the way. The Hummingbird Café at the Rockhampton Museum of Art, Riverston Tea Rooms and Boathouse are all yummy options. Check out the free Rockhampton Museum of Art, which often hosts free activities for kids, or the Alf Kele Memorial Rotary Park which offers a variety of play equipment with lots of shade and seating for the parents to unwind.

Afternoon: Swim at the Aquatic Centre

Make the most of Rockhampton’s mild, sunny ‘winters’ and spend an afternoon at the 2nd World War Memorial Aquatic Centre. With spacious parking, a kids splash zone, covered 25m and 50m pools and entry costing just $3 per adult, it’s the perfect low-cost location to unwind for your final afternoon.

Evening: Watch the Sunset at Mount Archer

For the perfect conclusion to your Rocky getaway, drive up to Mount Archer National Park for breathtaking sunset views. Stroll along the short, 500m, wheelchair accessible Nurim Circuit Boardwalk for incredible views over the city, let the kids play at the nearby playground and pack a picnic dinner to enjoy at the amphitheatre as the sun sets.

LOOKING FOR EVEN MORE THINGS TO DO?

We recommend planning your visit around one of our iconic, family-friendly festivals. Check out the Rockhampton River Festival (July 25-27) for a weekend of free, family-friendly entertainment, live music, food stalls, and more. Alternatively, visit during Capricon (August 30), regional Queensland’s biggest pop culture convention, for a fun and unique family experience.

Written by Explore Rockhampton #ExploreRockhampton @explorerockhampton