Let's get festive Rocky!
Published on 24 July 2023
Come celebrate the city with us
Winter has arrived, and with it, one of the biggest festivals in the year on the Rockhampton calendar.
From 28 - 30 July, 2023, the Rockhampton Riverside Precinct comes to life in a kaleidoscope of colour, culture, and celebration to captivate audiences of all ages.
Rockhampton River Festival is a vibrant celebration of music, art, food and culture that showcases the region with unforgettable experiences, live entertainment, workshops, epic food and so much more.
Best of all, entry is free to all who come to experience this amazing event.
To find out the full program of events, map of the Riverside Precinct and more, download the free Rockhampton Events app (from the App Store or Google Play) and select the 'Rockhampton River Festival' to plan your visit.
During your stay in Rockhampton, we also invite you to make the most of your visit by taking on some of our great experiences our region has to offer.
Explore Rockhampton and share your visit with us by tagging @ExploreRockhampton and #ExploreRockhampton.
Rockhampton River Festival.
What's on at Rockhampton's River Festival
Live music
Friday
Rockhampton will celebrate the incredible talent that originated right at home with the inaugural HOMEGROWN concert in the Shipyard featuring The Stone Apes, Transvaal Diamond Syndicate, MATH and Weathered. Friday night will also showcase Country on Quay with Australia's biggest country music starts hitting the stage including Andrew Swift and Amber Lawrence, Zac Cross Band and Brad Butcher.
Saturday
One of Australia's most celebrated indie-rock bands The Delta Riggs and will headline the festival on Saturday, bringing their explosive energy and genre-bending compositions that have refined rock 'n' roll. The night will also feature artists including Chavez Cartel, Katanak, Leonie Kingdom, Lucid Safari, Mitch King, Owls of Neptune, The Shortfall and Weathered.
Sunday
Headlining the Sunday program is none other than BIRDZ, a proud Butchulla man, renowned for his unique brand of hard-hitting Hip Hop embodying strong messages of hope and self-determination. Born in Rockhampton, Nathan Bird, professionally known as BIRDZ is thrilled to have the opportunity to perform at the River Festival and return to his roots. He will be supported by artists including Charlie Needs Braces, Dave Dow, Kate Mahood, Kirk Lorange's Mumbo Gumbo, Scott Foden, Sunday Lemonade and Tom Mac.
Things to do - for the kids!
Get ready for a sensational family experience at the Rockhampton River Festival with a brand-new River Kids Precinct, filled with a variety of free workshops and performances for children of all ages.
The River Kids Precinct is the ultimate destination for endless fun throughout the festival weekend and will feature stage show and workshops:
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
Collection Focus: Paper Planes | 10 June - 17 September, 2023
‘Paper Planes’ brings together a selection of works on paper from Rockhampton Museum of Art Collection to explore several different but related themes. With multiple approaches to form, mark making, abstraction and representation, the 36 artists of ‘Paper Planes’ explore the graphic sensibility as an expanded response to the world, visually shaping, analysing and commentating through the contained, world-in-miniature of the picture plane.
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.
What's on during Rockhampton River Festival
Rockhampton Museum of Art will hold a variety of workshops and activities throughout Rockhampton River Festival to enjoy. Some of the activities are free to the public and some require bookings.
- Healing Many Tribes Activity Space | 6pm - 9pm, Friday, 28 July, 2023
- Nights at the Museum | 7pm - 9.30pm, Friday, 28 July 2023
- Rockhampton River Festival | Pilates and Pastries | 9am - 10am, Saturday, 29 July, 2023
- Rockhampton River Festival | Footprints Tour | 9.30am - 10am, Saturday, 29 July 2023
- Rockhampton River Festival | Badge Making | 10am - 12pm, Saturday, 29 July 2023
- Rockhampton River Festival | Paper Florals Workshop | 10am - 12pm, Saturday, 29 July 2023
- Rockhampton River Festival | Art Adventure | 10.30am - 11am, Saturday, 29 July 2023
- Rockhampton River Festival | Gallery Tour | 1pm - 1.45pm, Saturday, 29 July 2023
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 during Rockhampton River Festival week
Rhythms of Ireland | 7.30pm, Tuesday, 25 July, 2023
Highly successful and critically acclaimed, choreographed by two time world Irish dance champion Michael Donnelan, Rhythms of Ireland is set to captivate audiences young and old with heart pounding music, spectacular dance routines and vibrant costumes. With a cast of talented musicians and world class dancers, this show blends traditional Irish step- dancing with contemporary choreography, creating a thrilling and unique experience for all ages.
The Barber of Seville | 7.30pm, Friday, 28 July, 2023
Beyond haircuts and beard trims, this canny barber is the city’s matchmaking maestro! Almaviva is wealthy, stealthy and head over heels. Rosina is witty, pretty and equally smitten. She’s also betrothed. They need a plan. Time to call on: Fi-ga-ro! Figaro! Figaro! The stage is set for comic chaos. The Barber of Seville pops with lyrical acrobatics and irrepressibly funny characters. Rossini’s most famous ‘opera buffa’ is a musical masterpiece with a storyline that would be equally at home in a Hollywood rom-com. Opera Australia’s finest voices and a live orchestra deliver a score that is instantly familiar from movies, cartoons and commercials. Delight in a riotous romp along the road to true love! This is opera at its light-hearted, effervescent best.
1960s Variety TV Show | 8pm, Saturday, 29 July, 2023
Geoff and Ben Robertson are back as your charming and cheeky hosts for this nostalgic night of entertainment as they pay tribute to the musical giants of the 1960’s - The Bee Gees, Simon & Garfunkel, Roy Orbison, Cliff Richard & The Shadows, Frankie Valli, The Everly Brothers, Neil Sedaka and The Seekers. Unlike anything you have ever seen before this 150 minute ground-breaking and interactive theatrical TV experience is filled with all the fun, music and long forgotten memories of the fabulous 1960’s. The Variety TV Show audience is taken on a unique and emotional journey back to the best years of their lives.
Human Nature 'People Get Ready' | 8pm, Wednesday, 2 August, 2023
Due to popular demand Australia’s homegrown heroes & Hall of Fame inductees Human Nature are doing a select encore run of their hit 'People Get Ready AAA show'. Human Nature return to their roots, bringing together their 30 year history in one show. Get ready for a night of the best songs ever written, including their original hits, Motown classics and more - all performed with vocals upfront in an acoustic mode. Hits including Telling Everybody, Wishes, When You Say You Love Me, Reach Out I’ll Be There, Will You Love Me Tomorrow and many more.
Find out more
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 lots 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.
Bask in Rocky's best Barbecue spots
Nothing beats the great outdoors during Rockhampton's winter. 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 BBQ Spots
Sail away as you enjoy the sun set over the city of Rockhampton.
Kick back with a cold one on a 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
Tantalise your tastebuds with a delicious dish.
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 at the Rockhampton River Festival 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!
Find out more
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).
Find out more
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
Find out more
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:
Find out more
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.
Alkoomi Adventure Farm | 45.8km from Rockhampton CBD
Alkoomi Adventure Farm is a family run cattle property that also offers visitors a true Australian outback experience. There’s plenty to see and do at this authentic farm stay, whether it be exploring the property by foot and photographing its breathtaking 360° views, heading out on a leisurely horse ride, cooling down in their freshwater dams, or taking an adrenaline packed motorbike or quad bike ride. Once the sun sets, sit around the campfire and watch the stars while sharing stories of your day.
Find out more
Hedlow Retreat | 30.7km from Rockhampton CBD
Hedlow Retreat is set amongst 14 hectares of lush hinterland scenery, perfectly placed on the banks of Hedlow Creek just 25 minutes drive from Rockhampton. With its spectacular backdrop of towering volcanic plugs and expansive grounds, it’s a visual feast for the senses. Indulge in a self-contained cabin and take part in farm activities, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet at this stunning location.
Find out more
Myella Farm Stay | 125km from Rockhampton CBD
Escape to the country at Myella a 1040 hectare cattle farm. Myella Farm Stay offers farm drive tours and many real life experiences like cow milking, animal feeding, horse riding, whip cracking and lasso lessons. Relax knowing that although the activities are fun, safety is our priority. Connect with nature, go bush walking or bring your bicycle and explore. At the end of the day sit by the campfire and unwind. Visit for a ½ day tour or stay overnight in the original homestead, comfortable en-suite room or use the campgrounds and swimming pool. Self-cater or enjoy home cooked meals where many ingredients are from the paddock to your plate. Myella is located 90 minutes from Rockhampton, the only dirt is 600m into the homestead; otherwise it’s all sealed roads to the front gate.
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.
Shop the latest styles from Rockhampton's retailers and boutiques
Shop till you droP
Rockhampton's retail scene is a kaleidoscope of boutique shops, great retail giants and alternative styles. Nestled among Rockhampton's shady tree-lined East Street, is the perfect place to get your boutique shopping fix. Venture a little further out of the CBD to William Street and Wandal and you'll be even more surprised. Grab a coffee from one of the cafes and spend a morning or afternoon wandering through these fantastic shops, all while admiring the heritage architecture along the way. For a major retail fix, our major shopping centres Stockland Rockhampton, City Centre Plaza and Allenstown Square are loaded with goods to suit every shopper!
Find out more
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