Your Ultimate 2025 7Rocky River Run Guide
Published on 11 December 2024
Get set for an unforgettable autumn running experience along the mighty Fitzroy River (Tunuba). The 7Rocky River Run returns Sunday, May 18, 2025, offering one of Queensland's most scenic running events right here in the heart of Rockhampton. Whether you're chasing a PB or running for fun, this guide will help you plan the perfect race weekend - from pre-race preparation to post-race recovery and celebrations.
Groups do it better and have more fun!
Quick Event Details
Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025
Location: Riverside Precinct, Rockhampton
Events: 2km, 5km, 10km, and 21km distances
Local Running Routes: Test out these local favourites to keep your training on track
Where to Stay
Looking for the perfect race base? These hotels put you right where the action is, with all the amenities runners need.
Just 300 metres from the start line, it's the perfect race-day base with a mix of hotel rooms and spacious apartments. Prepare for your big day in your fully equipped kitchen, or fuel up at one of three onsite restaurants. After your run, recover in style with a dip in the 20-metre tropical pool or stretch out in the modern gym. Choose from studio rooms with kitchenettes through to three-bedroom apartments, all featuring air conditioning and complimentary WiFi – ideal whether you're travelling solo or with your support crew.
A 350-metre walk from the start line, choose from modern hotel rooms with kitchenettes or spacious self-contained apartments with full kitchens and laundry facilities. Take in the views from your private balcony, then recover with a session in the glass-ended lap pool or gym. With secure undercover parking, air conditioning, complimentary WiFi and 24-hour reception, you'll have everything needed for a comfortable race weekend.
Located 650 metres from the start line, these serviced apartments provide plenty of space to prepare for race day. Each apartment features a well-equipped kitchen, laundry facilities and separate living areas - perfect for relaxing before or after your run. With free parking, complimentary WiFi, and a fitness centre on site, Quest offers all the conveniences needed for your race weekend. Most apartments include private balconies, and there are options from studios through to two-bedroom configurations to suit solo runners or those travelling with family.
Full Accommodation Directory
Fuel Your Run
Carb Loading Options
Need to fuel up for race day? As the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton knows good food. For your pre-race pasta fix, local favourite Pacino's Restaurant offers classic Italian dishes perfect for carb-loading. Whether you're craving protein or complex carbs, our diverse dining scene has you covered - from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants.
Tip: Book ahead for dinner the night before the race, especially at popular venues near the race precinct.
Full Eat and Drink Directory
Stock Your Kitchen: Fresh Local Produce
A true Rocky institution, Doblo's Farmers Markets is your one-stop shop for fresh produce. Open daily from 4am, their ready-to-eat fresh fruit selections are perfect for quick energy boosts, while their extensive vegetable range will help you prepare those all-important pre-race dinners.
Time your visit right and you can experience the bustling Rocky Sunday Markets at Stocklands 6am-midday, where local growers bring their best seasonal produce. It's the perfect way to meet our farming community while stocking up on race-week essentials.
Explore the lush historical wonders of our gardens.
Recovery and Celebration
After pushing your limits, Rockhampton offers plenty of ways to recover and celebrate your achievement. From gentle movement to professional recovery services, we've got everything you need to bounce back.
Post-Race Brunch Spots
Celebrate your achievement at Riverston Tea Rooms, housed in one of our beautiful heritage buildings and perfect for group celebrations. The Two Professors serves up hearty breakfast options in their cosy setting, while Hummingbird Cafe combines great coffee with an art gallery setting for a one-of-a-kind Rocky experience. Coffee Society offers spacious outdoor seating for your post-race catch-ups, and Artizan serves up gluten-free treats that'll change how you think about gluten-free baking.
Venture just beyond the race precinct to discover some local favourites. Along Wandal Road, Early Birds Cafe welcomes you with fresh, healthy options and plenty of space for groups to gather and share race stories. Nestled in a green oasis, Birdies Espresso offers an intimate escape for your morning coffee ritual. The Green Eat caters perfectly to health-conscious runners with nutritious recovery fuel, including house-made smoothies and fresh-pressed juices. For those seeking quality coffee paired with thoughtful seasonal menus, Kinsfolk Coffee provides a relaxed setting to unwind. Meanwhile, St Aubins Village combines a unique heritage experience with spacious grounds – ideal for families looking to make a day of their post-race celebrations.
Tip: Book ahead, as most venues will be busy on race day morning.
Gentle Recovery Moves
- A sunrise stroll along the Riverside Precinct and the Fitzroy River (Tunuba)
- Find your zen with gentle stretching in our Heritage-listed Botanic Gardens, home to century-old trees and peaceful spaces
- Join a morning yoga or pilates session to ease those muscles
Professional Recovery
Celebrate Your Achievement
Immerse yourself in a world of wonder at Rockhampton Museum of Art
Extend Your Stay
Cultural Treasures
The stunning Rockhampton Museum of Art is our $31.5M architectural masterpiece, where you can discover changing exhibitions featuring both local and international artists. Join a guided tour to learn the stories behind the artworks, then browse the gallery shop before relaxing with coffee and treats at Hummingbird Cafe.
Shop & Stroll
Shop local boutiques along East Street's tree-lined heritage strip, where you'll find unique stores nestled amongst cafes, restaurants and a micro-brewery. Discover more hidden gems in William Street and Wandal, or head to Stockland Rockhampton for major retailers and air-conditioned comfort. Take time to admire the historic architecture while you explore - it's all part of Rocky's charm.
Wildlife and Nature
Make time to visit Rockhampton Zoo, where entry is free and animal encounters are guaranteed to delight. Watch our chimpanzees play, meet our dingoes and meerkats, and time your visit for the daily feeding talks to learn more about our native wildlife. The surrounding Botanic Gardens provide shaded walks perfect for tired legs.
Mount Archer's Hidden Treasures
Our city's backdrop isn't just beautiful - it's an adventurer's playground. The Mount Archer (Nurim) experience offers something for every energy level. Start your day with sunrise from the elevated Nurim Circuit boardwalk, then choose from bushwalking trails ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Take a self-guided First Nations walk to learn about traditional bush foods and medicines or simply pack a picnic for the amphitheatre and take in the amazing city views.
Just 9km from the CBD, First Turkey Mountain Bike Reserve is our local riders' paradise. With over 30 trails of varying difficulty, it caters to both beginners and experienced riders. Bring your own bike or hire one locally, and enjoy spectacular city views between runs.
River Life
Experience the mighty Fitzroy River (Tunuba) from a different perspective. Join River Cruises CQ for a sunset journey, try your luck fishing for the famous barramundi with a charter, or simply walk and cycle the riverside trails to spot local birdlife.
Caves and Ancient Landscapes
A short drive from the city reveals some of our region's most spectacular natural wonders. At Capricorn Caves, explore the ancient Cathedral Cave and venture through hidden passages on a guided adventure tour. Over at Mount Etna, you can explore limestone caves and join a seasonal bat tour - May is perfect timing! The natural cave systems maintain a constant 23 degrees, offering a cool retreat and unique photography opportunities in these ancient landscapes.
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Written by Explore Rockhampton
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@explorerockhampton