Explore the host city of Rare Spares Rockynats
TICK OFF THESE ROCKY EXPERIENCES
Rare Spares Rockynats may be the biggest horsepower party of the year, but if you take the time to explore the event’s host city you’ll find there’s a lot more on offer.
From trophy Barramundi to be caught in the heart of town, world-class mountain bike trails, full-bull adventures, treetop boardwalks, breweries, bars and eateries all over town, exploring all that Rockhampton has to offer may just be the highlight of your Easter long weekend.
We’ve put together a list of the top things to do while you’re in town, including some great drives you can take around the region in your hot rod.
BUCKET LIST
As a lover of high-octane automotive horsepower, we know you’re looking for adrenaline filled activities that can get your heart pumping.
We’ve compiled a list of must-see experiences in and around Rockhampton that will ensure you have a revving-good time – even after you’ve seen the cars take centre stage.
- Get out on the water, fish the Fitzroy and try your hand at catching a metre-long barra. Rockhampton is the Home of the Barramundi after all! You’re sure to get your heart racing if you manage to get a barra on your line – they are known to put up a fight when reeling them in.
- Ride Rocky’s MTB trails with two ranges on our doorstep offering elevated rides, rough tracks and a range of trails to suit all skill levels. No bike? No worries. Head along to Giant Rockhampton and they will sort you out with the necessary equipment.
- A visit to Rockhampton Zoo is a must if you’re bringing the kids. From our cheeky mob of meerkats to our family of seven chimpanzees, your kids will have a whale of a time exploring over 31 native and exotic animals. Best of all? It’s free.
- Go caving at Capricorn Caves and discover an underground cave system that’s over 390 million years old. If you’re a thrill seeker, take their Capricorn Adventurer tour – your headlamp will be the only source of light for most of the tour as you wind through the most remote sections of the caves.
- See a croc up close at Koorana Crocodile Farm and watch the world’s most ancient reptiles feed, hunt, or even hold a baby crocodile.
- Go snorkelling and soak up the sunshine in the Southern Great Barrier Reef, just 90 minutes from your Rockhampton accommodation. Book a day trip with Freedom Fast Cats or Keppel Konnections, or catch the ferry to Great Keppel Island and you’ll be snorkelling off the beach in no time.
TAKE A DRIVE
Hit the road and experience one of the many great drives in and around Rockhampton. From Rockhampton to Mount Morgan, to the Capricorn Coast and Emu Park, or just taking a drive up to the top of Mount Archer (Nurim) National Park, there are many hidden gems to discover in our region. All drives are suitable for caravans but take caution on the winding roads.
GET BEEFY IN THE BEEF CAPITAL
A visit to the Beef Capital isn’t complete unless you tick off the following beefy experiences.
- Find out what it means to be a cowboy at PBR Australia's Rockhampton Invitational, live at the iconic Great Western Hotel on Saturday 16 April.
- Snap a bull selfie at Frank Forde Park and take a drive to see all of Rockhampton’s bull statues on the “Where’s the Beef” bull statue tour.
- Visit one of Australia’s major cattle selling centres at Central Queensland Livestock Exchange (CQLX). Just a 15 minute drive from town, this is where Queensland’s beef breeders come to buy and sell cattle.
- Sit down and feast on a juicy rump steak at some of the best steakhouses in town, as voted by the locals.
- Have some extra time on your hands? Extend your stay and visit one of Central Queensland’s farm stays. All of them are real, family-run cattle properties offering an authentic country experience of life on the land.
ENJOY A COLD ONE WITH THE MATES
With almost a pub on every corner there’s no shortage of cold beers and chicken parmy’s in Rockhampton. We’ve put together our top picks of pubs (and a local micro-brewery) that are either in the event precinct, or just a short walk or drive from town.
Event precinct
Rockynats main events will be held in Rockhampton’s Riverside Precinct, home to Australia’s longest national trust heritage-listed street. If you’re looking for a cold brew at the event and are wanting to visit a traditional, historic country pub then ‘the Cri’ (as the locals call it) is the place to be. Featuring an internal beer garden, the Heritage Hotel is also a good option for traditional pub grub. Fancy yourself a beer connoisseur? Head over to Headricks Lane micro-brewery and taste locally crafted beer with a side of tapas.
Near Tent City
If you’re staying at the official Tent City of Rockynats, there’s two pubs within walking distance that will become your local while in town. Rocky Sports Club has a restaurant, bar and gaming facilities available promising a great night out with the mates. For traditional pub-grub, head along to The Lionleigh. Both are family friendly, so if the kids are in tow you’re sorted.
You can find a full list of pubs, bars, and restaurants on our website that are just a short drive away from your accommodation in town.
GET YOUR DAILY CAFFEINE FIX
Whether your coffee is served from a shipping container, on the deck with panoramic views of the Fitzroy River, or in a fancy pottery coffee mug, Rockhampton has some of the best brews in Queensland. To help you find your daily grind when in town, we’ve put together a list of some of Rockhampton’s best boutique brews as voted by the locals.
For a full list of top things to do while you’re in town for Rare Spares Rockynats, read up on all of Rockhampton’s travel inspiration here.
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Written by Explore Rockhampton
@explorerockhampton
