Get hooked on Rocky's fantastic fishing experiences
Published on 19 September 2023
Are you ready to tackle the mighty Fitzroy River (Tunuba)?
Reel talk - is there any better feeling than being out on the water, wetting a line and bagging a trophy-size Barramundi?
We think not!
Every year the 2023 Humminbird Fitzroy River Barra Bash sees 200 competitors from across the country flock to the Rockhampton region and onto the stunning Fitzroy River (Tunuba) to compete in one of the biggest fishing competitions in Australia. This year's competition (held 5 - 8 October, 2023) is sure to be an epic event with Aussie anglers proving their fishing prowess and reel in the biggest catch of their life!
Rockhampton is the only city in Australia where you can fly in, check in and boat out in less than an hour, targeting trophy Barramundi (Barra) and King Threadfin.
The Fitzroy River (Tunuba), which snakes through the city, is famous for Barramundi, pronounced “bardda moon di” by the Darumbal people, the traditional owners of the land. This defines the Fitzroy River catchment as the genuine Home of the Barramundi in Australia.
No matter who you are, how you want to fish, or what you want to catch, the Fitzroy River (Tunuba) will have you hooked, line and sinker!
Cast your rod from one of our many land-based fishing platforms.
Where to fish?
Fishing enthusiasts are spoilt for choice when it comes to prime fishing locations in the Fitzroy River (Tunuba). Accessing the water is easy, whether you have a boat, a charter or just a fishing rod and a dream! Rockhampton has several boat ramps and land based fishing pontoons to cast a line from so you'll never be short on places to fish.
The perfect time to come for a fishing adventure in Rockhampton is always! Image courtesy of Explore Shaw.
The best time to come
With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, plus warm winter weather, fishing the Fitzroy is always a pleasure.
Barramundi Season | 1 February to 31 October - Want to Bag a trophy barramundi? Come during the Barramundi Season! Barra Season kicks off from 12.01am on 1 February each year, and ends midnight on 1 November. During the three month off-season, barramundi must not be targeted to allow the fish to spawn. If you happen to catch a barra within season close, just remember to release it back into the water. During the barramundi off-season, the Fitzroy River is prime for King Threadfin. For more information about Rockhampton's Recreational Fishing, visit the Voluntary Code of Practice (VCOP).
The ultimate fishing adventure deserves a trophy...sized fish!
Trophy sized fish
As the largest river system on the eastern seaboard of Australia, the Fitzroy River (Tunuba) provides prime estuary and freshwater fishing options with a range of fish species available to catch. As well as trophy-sized barramundi, you can also catch:
King Threadfin - Threadies are a spectacular, hard-fighting fish that rapidly reach a similar status to barramundi in the eyes of keen sport fishers. There are plenty of trophy-sized threadfin over a metre in length, and while they may be easy to find, they can be a challenging catch.
Giant Trevally - Giant trevally, otherwise known as 'GT', provide a spectacular sport fishing experience. Similar to a barra fight, GT are aggressive when reeling in the catch. They can be found in deeper blue waters around reefs and rocks, due to their predatory nature. To fish for GTs, head out to the Port Alma area and launch your boat. Make your way out to deeper blue waters to the top of Curtis Island. Look for islands, reefs and rocky outcrop areas to fish from. GTs are best caught on a popper lure, with a long rod and big reel.
Saratoga - Saratoga are well-known in the Fitzroy River system. Usually a solitary fish, they prefer muddy outcrops with overhanging vegetation. Saratogas are jumping fighters and can be caught by fly fishing. They have a minimum legal size of 500mm (50cm), with a possession limit of one fish, per angler, per day. Head to Fitzroy River's freshwater areas or Mount Morgan No. 7 Damn, located in Rockhampton's hinterland, to try your luck at catching them.
Prepare yourself before you tackle the river.
Get the goods
Hook yourself up with the best in fishing and tackle equipment, repairs and maintenance stores before you wet a line. Rockhampton region's local fishing shops are stocked with everything you need and the best local advice to prepare you for your trip.
If you're looking for a guided experience, a charter might be for you.
Fishing Charters
Rockhampton offers a range of guided fishing experiences for all fishing enthusiasts from beginners to the pro angler.
Bon appetit the best seafood in the region.
Did someone say seafood?
Even if you are unlucky on the water, Rockhampton has plenty of choices to enjoy a great dish from the deep during your stay
Rest and recover after your fishing adventure.
Come. Fish. Stay.
A big day of fishing calls for a comfy place to rest the head afterwards. Rockhampton offers a range of accommodation options to suit all needs and budgets. If you're looking for accommodation that has room for a boat, check out these options below:
Experience our region
During your stay in Rockhampton, we also invite you to make the most of your visit by taking on some of the region's great experiences our region has to offer. We've listed some of the best experiences, attractions and events to stick around the enjoy!
Explore Rockhampton and share your visit with us by tagging @ExploreRockhampton and #ExploreRockhampton.
Celebrate all things German with the annual Oktoberfest event.
Rockhampton Oktoberfest
Stick around in Rockhampton for a little while longer for some un-beer-lievable fun, food and festivities at Riverside Precinct. Dust off your lederhosen & dirndls and get ready to raise your glasses to good times, good mates & good beer at OKTOBERFEST presented by Capricorn Food and Wine Festival. The Rockhampton Riverside Precinct will be transformed into a celebration of Bavarian food, beer and entertainment. Taste your way across a large selection of imported German beer, cider, wine and a range German inspired foods. There’ll be a competition for best dressed and authentic Bavarian Oom-pah music to entertain you into the evening – prost!
When: Saturday, 14 October, 2023
Where: Rockhampton Riverside Precinct
Time: 3pm - 11pm
Find out more
Catch all the automotive action at the Monster Thrillmasters Live.
Monster Thrillmasters Live
Enjoy an action packed weekend for the whole family at Rockhampton Showgrounds when the Monster Thrillmasters roll into town! Featuring four awesome Monster Trucks, Jet Van, Wheelstanding Jeep, Comedy Cars and an incredible fireworks sky show, the evening promises to be an epic thrill seeker for the whole family.
When: Saturday, 14 October, 2023
Where: Rockhampton Showgrounds.
Time: 5pm
Find out more
Rockhampton Museum of Art.
Be inspired at Rockhampton Museum of Art
220 Quay St, Rockhampton QLD 4700
Featuring an ever-changing array of exhibitions to inspire and amaze, Rockhampton Museum of Art (RMOA) is the largest gallery in regional Queensland. Located on Rockhampton’s iconic Quay Street, the museum is free to visit and open daily from 9am to 4pm. Take a journey through the eye-catching exhibitions, programs and workshops and browse the gift shop downstairs. RMOA’s collection is regarded as one of the finest in regional Australia and is the only regional gallery in Queensland to hold a representative collection mid-twentieth century Australian art.
Current Exhibitions
Red Rag Press: Women's Work | Now - 8 October, 2023
Utilising North Queensland’s decommissioned letterpress printing equipment, Red Rag Press is for writers, poets, and printmakers. Lead by Townsville artist Sheree Kinlyside, the press facilitates connections with collaborators near and far. ‘Women’s Work’ showcases the press’s finest editions from over two decades, many now found in major institutions in Australia and the world.
Piinpi: Contemporary Indigenous Fashion | 28 July - 22 October, 2023
Featuring the work of First Nations artists and designers from the inner city to remote desert art centres, ‘Piinpi’ highlights the strength and diversity of the rapidly expanding Indigenous fashion and textile industry. See creations by Australia’s leading creatives in a design movement fast becoming an international fashion phenomenon.
JamFactory ICON Jessica Loughlin: of light (selected works) | 19 August - 5 November, 2023
A studio glass artist for over twenty years, Jessica Loughlin creates ethereal kiln formed glass works that explore her fascination with the beauty of emptiness and her extensive research into light and space. Known for her understated aesthetic, Loughlin takes her artistic cues from the vastness of the Australian landscape and is particularly drawn to the inherent quietness and stillness of the land. This display features a curated selection of works from the major touring exhibition.
Collection Focus: William Yaxley | 30 September - 10 February 2024
Central Queensland artist William Yaxley paints and sculpts Mount Morgan and Capricornian landscapes in his signature mix of naivety and humour. Rockhampton Museum of Art has invited the artist to select artworks from the RMOA Collection, by friends and colleagues he admires, to display alongside pieces by Yaxley himself, to tell the story of his artistic life.
Find out more
See it live at the Pilbeam Theatre.
See it live at the Pilbeam Theatre
Victoria Parade &, Cambridge St, Rockhampton QLD 4700
From national and international touring acts to local theatrical and musical productions, the Pilbeam Theatre is Central Queensland’s performing arts centre. Book a show and be entertained during your stay in the region. The winter calendar features a wide range of performances for all ages.
What's on
Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase | 8pm, Friday, 13 October, 2023
The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour will be tearing up the freeways of Australia to bring the best of the festival to Rockhampton! Expertly curated and lovingly presented, the Showcase will feature some of the Festival’s hottest acts live on stage for an incredible two hours of hard-hitting laughter. Boasting a line-up of veteran favourites and some of the freshest emerging talents, this jam-packed night of pure entertainment will leave you sore from belly laughs.
Book Tickets
Get your cuteness overload at Rockhampton Zoo.
Our cheeky mob at Rockhampton Zoo are keen to meet you!
100 Spencer Street, West Rockhampton, QLD, 4700
With more than 30 species of native and exotic animals, Rockhampton Zoo is a must to tick off your bucket list during your stay. From cheeky chimpanzees, adorable otters, mischievous meerkats, dingoes, wedged-tail eagle and more, you can enjoy learning all about the animals with zookeeper talks held throughout the day. Alternatively you can Meet the Crew at Rockhampton Zoo and discover more about our amazing animals from the comfort of your apartment by downloading our FREE Explore Rockhampton Self-Guided Tour app.
Animal Encounters
For something truly unique and memorable, book an animal encounter.
Meerkat Encounter The cheeky meerkat mob at Rockhampton Zoo is waiting to have an encounter with you. Your encounter will include a feeding session that's guaranteed to have meerkats climbing all over you, as well as a private keeper talk.
Otter Encounter Are you someone who's otter-ly obsessed? Come and meet Tomio and Misumi, our cheeky otters! Your encounter will have you getting to know these cute little critters through the mesh, feeding them afternoon tea while having a private keeper talk to learn more about these playful creatures.
Snake Encounter Are you brave enough to enter the snake's den? Meet one of our adorable Pythons and maybe even hold one, while learning all about their quirky natures and why they are an important part of our natural environment.
Find out more
Get lost amidst nature's beauty at Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.
Visit Rockhampton's Heritage-Listed Botanic Gardens
100 Spencer Street, West Rockhampton, Qld, 4700
Next door to the Zoo is the breath-taking Rockhampton Botanic Gardens - one of the oldest and most established public gardens in Queensland. These gardens sprawl across 33-hectares and feature a stunning arrangement of beautifully landscaped greenery, exciting new playground, winding pathways, tranquil Japanese Gardens and expansive Murray Lagoon, where you can spot turtles! Relax and unwind with a bite to eat from the Garden Tearooms under the giant canopy of the 150-year-old Banyan Figs. Rockhampton's Botanic Gardens is a picture-perfect place to explore for nature lovers. Take the free Self-Guided Tour of the Botanic Gardens and discover more.
Find out more
Nothing brings people closer together than food.
Too hot to handle! Check out Rocky's best barbecue spots
Nothing beats the great outdoors and now is the perfect weather to take advantage of it. Make a day of it with a barbecue picnic at one of the region's beautiful locations. Whether you’re after a scenic river view or a tranquil garden setting, the Rockhampton Region has it all. Discover how you can host the ultimate barbecue picnic experience in Rockhampton, from buying the best produce from our local butchers, farmers markets and bakeries, to seeking out the popular picnic locations in our region!
Rocky's Top Barbecue Spots
Sail away as you enjoy the sun set over the city of Rockhampton.
Kick back with a coldie on a relaxing river cruise
Departing from 80 Reaney St, The Common QLD 4701
Picture yourself gently rocking upon the waters of the mighty Fitzroy River (Tunuba) as you enjoy a refreshing drink and watch the sun set over the horizon. River Cruises set an incredibly relaxing tone for those who wish to enjoy the riches of Rockhampton from a different perspective. The popular 90-minute sunset cruise, which includes complimentary nibbles and drinks available for purchase, offers breathtaking views of the city - you might even be lucky enough to spot some of the amazing wildlife along the banks including crocodiles!
Find out more
Now here's something you can sink your teeth into.
Satisfy your hunger - dine out!
Foodies are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options in Rockhampton. While you are always guaranteed a great sizzling steak to sink your teeth into, there is also a wide range of international cuisine, quirky cafes, restaurants with aesthetically stunning views and pubs topped off with loads of character. A massive day out on the water can bring on a huge appetite. So, why not try some of our suggestions out locals regularly enjoy.
Feeling hungry?
The views from Nurim Circuit and the greater Mount Archer National Park are outer worldly.
STROLL the tree tops of mount archer national park (nurim)
Pilbeam Drive, Mount Archer, QLD, 4701
If fresh mountain air and spectacular views make you weak at the knees, then Mount Archer (Nurim) is a must see. Wander through the trees along Nurim Circuit elevated treetop boardwalk, sit back and relax with a picnic in the amphitheatre or take a stroll along the many bush walking trails. Extending 25 metres off the side of Mount Archer, the 500 metre flat treetop boardwalk offers spectacular views of the city and the mighty Fitzroy River (Tunuba). Soak up the views and check out the interpretive signage of the local Darumbal culture. The boardwalk is particularly popular with locals and tourists alike wanting to catch the spectacular sunrises and sunsets, so don't forget your camera!
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Rockhampton Heritage Village.
Step back in time with one of our many historical adventures
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 region full of heritage and history. You can spend hours on end, and even days, discovering the region's colourful past. We've listed some of the best historical experiences in our region for you to explore.
All aboard! Archer Park Railway Museum | 51-87 Denison St, Rockhampton QLD 4700
Take a ride upon one of a fully restored one-of-a-kind Purrey Steam Tram and discover the wonders of Rockhampton’s rail history. Constructed in 1899, the architecturally impressive Archer Park was the central railway station for Rockhampton until the mid-1920s. Today, Archer Park Rail Museum is one of Rockhampton’s iconic historic locations you will surely love! The museum is open Monday to Thursday, 10am to 3pm and Sunday 9am to 1pm.
Find out more
Rockhampton Heritage Village - A blast from the past! | Boundary Rd, Parkhurst QLD 4702
Authentically capturing a generous slice of an earlier generation's way of life, the Rockhampton Heritage Village is a wonderful place to enjoy. Experience life before electricity with a tour through the many homesteads, vintage cars, tractors, fire engines, horse drawn vehicles and wagons on display. Watch how a 1950's print press works and visit the Blacksmith Shop and take in the traditional skills from a bygone era. You even have the unique chance to try a range of transport options including horses and ponies, a horse and cart, vintage double-decker bus, vintage fire engine and several other vintage vehicles, plus meet some adorable farm animals. The Village is set on 11.4 hectares of bush land and incorporates a charming township from yesteryear with original and recreated homesteads, buildings and businesses and is open from 10am - 4pm daily (excluding public holidays).
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Time Safaris Rockhampton - Bushrangers, bank heists and mayhem, oh my!
From historic stories of female bushrangers, bank heists, floods and World War II efforts to twisted tales of murder and mayhem, Time Safaris Rockhampton Tours is the history lesson you won't soon forget. Join an experienced tour guide and along Rockhampton's scenic Riverside Precinct and travel back in time and learn about the history of Queensland's historic buildings, the ghosts that haunted Quay Street, the city's first recorded murder and the Rockhampton gold heist that created Sherlock Holmes and modern forensics!
Book a tour
CQ Military Museum - Explore Rockhampton's war history | 40 Archer Street, Rockhampton QLD 4700
Preserving the military history of Central Queensland, visit the Central Queensland Military and Artefacts Museum, the only military museum in the region. Browse through their extensive collection ranging from the 1900s through to present day
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Mount Morgan - A rich past and small town charm! | Mount Morgan QLD, 4714
Cruise along a winding scenic strip of road that takes you up into the Rockhampton regional hinterland. The Mount Morgan Range, via the Burnett Highway, is an enjoyable section of road with eye-catching lookouts, mountainous views and at the very end, the charming mining town of Mount Morgan. Delve into the township's rich gold mining history and relive its fascinating past with a range of impressive attractions on show. While you are there, be sure to:
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Make tracks this winter on our MTB Trails.
Mountain Bike Trails
First Turkey MTB Park | 249 German Street, Norman Gardens QLD 4701
Rockhampton’s Mountain Biking Trail is open all year round, but the winter months is when the tracks truly come alive! Situated on the side of Mount Archer (Nurim) National Park, First Turkey offers more than 30 different trails fit for all skill levels. First Turkey has a range of trails from Gravity Enduro and Cross Country through diverse terrain, meaning you can easily pick the perfect ride for your level to explore and enjoy. Even if you aren’t equipped with your own bike, bike hire is available from Giant Rockhampton who will ensure you're set with the right gear ready to make tracks.
Enjoy the outdoors with a Farm Stay.
Experience an authentic farm stay
Put down the phone, switch off, relax and immerse yourself in a farm stay experience. Enjoy the fresh air, open spaces and the smell of the bush. Rockhampton is home to several farm stays, all within a 90 minute drive from the city. For the activity seeker, some of our farm stays let you feed the farm animals, ride a horse or you can even try your hand at quad bike riding across the property.
Find out more
Take flight with a heli-adventure
The skies the limit
Rocky's clear winter skies make it perfect for experiencing the Region from a great height. Seek your thrills from above with a joyride helicopter adventure. Rockhampton has a range of aerial experiences. Tours cover a wide distance throughout the region from the mighty Fitzroy River to coastlines. The possibilities are endless with fully customised flight paths and packages available.
Frank Ford Park makes for the prime location to photograph our bull statues safely
Snap a selfie with an iconic bull statue
It’s not a trip to Rockhampton without snapping a selfie with a bull statue – after all you’re in the Beef Capital of Australia! You’ll spot them dotted around the city, usually on the median strips on the major roads. However, you can easily and safely walk up to the one at Frank Ford Park, which is only a few minutes’ drive from the Rockhampton Zoo and Botanic Gardens.
Explore a 400 million year old cave.
Visit the Capricorn Caves
30 Olsens Caves Rd, The Caves QLD 4702
A short drive north of Rockhampton will take you to the ancient chambers of Rockhampton’s oldest playground – the Capricorn Caves. The Capricorn Caves offers a range of daily tours from the mesmerising Cathedral Cave Tour to something more challenging like the Explorer and Adventurer Tours. As an Advanced Eco-Tourism attraction Capricorn Caves is a home to an abundance of native wildlife and endangered species which you can discover on tour. Experienced local guides deliver the captivating stories of this ancient Australian landscape on small-scale interpretive tours
Book a tour
Written by Explore Rockhampton
#ExploreRockhampton
@explorerockhampton