No Matter the Season, Rocky has a getaway reason

Published on 06 November 2024

Rockhampton, affectionately known as the Beef Capital of Australia, is brimming with events and attractions that are perfect for a weekend getaway year-round. Whether it be for the ultimate mate's trip, a girl's weekend away, an anniversary getaway with that special someone or a bestie road-trip, the Rockhampton region really does have something for everyone. Consider this your ultimate seasonal guide to Rocky's dynamic events line-up, leaving you with nothing to do but pick a date and book.

Summer: Celebrate in the Sunshine

There's nothing quite like a summer holiday that makes the most of Central Queensland's sunshine! Kick off the new year by experiencing some of Rockhampton's most fun-filled and laid-back events.

Australia Day Country Music Concert (26th January): Celebrate Australia Day in great company while enjoying the best in country music from a host of talented local and national artists. Gather your friends, throw on your Akubras and cowboy boots, and belt out your favourite tunes from top Aussie country acts.

Big Beer Festival (8th February): Love craft beer? This festival is a must-visit! Held in February, the Big Beer Festival showcases local craft beers, alcoholic ginger beers and cocktails along with live music from 3pm and a fun set of beer-related challenges for anyone who wants to take their shot at being crowned the 'Big Beer Cup Champions'. For those prefer more than just beer, there'll also be plenty of wines, spirits, and a range of tasty delights from food vendors on offer. It's a perfect way to beat the summer heat while indulging in delicious beers and great food.

Beyond these events, make time to cool off by exploring Rockhampton's lush Botanic Gardens and Zoo or head to Mount Archer National Park for breathtaking panoramic views at sunrise or sunset. Don't forget Yeppoon and the Great Keppel Islands are also just a short drive away.

Rather stay indoors and beat the heat? Immerse yourself in culture (and air-conditioning) at the Rockhampton Museum of Art. As the largest gallery in regional Queensland, this architectural masterpiece is home to a nationally significant collection and offers an excellent program of talks, events and workshops. Be sure to also stop by the uber-chic onsite restaurant Hummingbird Cafe for a coffee and sweet treat.

Autumn: Saddle Up for an Unforgettable Experience

As the weather cools, Rockhampton's event calendar heats up with adrenaline-pumping sports and race day events.

The Archer Rocky Amateurs Race Day (27 April): This exciting race day combines horse racing, high fashion, and a festival atmosphere, making it a great excuse to dress up and enjoy a day at the races with your besties.

PBR Australia Rodeo (May): Nothing says 'Beef Capital of Australia' like experiencing the thrill of a PBR Australia event inside a pub as iconic as the Great Western Hotel. Watch as some of the best cowboys from the PBR circuit try their hand at staying on massive, bucking bulls on an action-packed evening of thrills, spills, and incredible horsemanship.

7Rocky River Run (18th May): Calling all run clubbers! If you and your friends have found recently found yourselves addicted to the running bug, the Rocky River Run is a scenic fun run that's not to be missed. With distances for all abilities, the 7Rocky River Run takes you along the picturesque, shady, and flat Fitzroy River, giving you stunning views as you run for a cause. Choose between 2km, 5km, 10km and 21km distances.

Autumn is also a fantastic time to explore the Fitzroy River (Tunuba), where you can enjoy fishing, paddleboarding, a relaxing sunset cruise or just relax by the water with friends.

Winter: Make the most of CQ's mild winter temps with outdoor events

As the temperatures become more mild, Rockhampton becomes the place-to-be for a range of major outdoor events.

Pop-Up Polo (7th June): Get ready for a touch of glamour and sophistication! The Pop-Up Polo event combines sport, champagne, fashion, fine food, and fun, creating the perfect excuse for a day of dressing up and mingling in an atmosphere of luxury.

Rocky Show (12th - 13th June): The annual Rockhampton Agricultural Show is a family-friendly event that will take you back to your childhood. With rides, show bags, and a variety of exhibitions, this is the perfect winter outing for couples and friend groups alike.

Rockhampton River Festival (25th - 27th July): Winter in Rocky wouldn't be complete without the iconic River Festival. With street performances, live music, markets, art installations and delicious food stalls, it's an unmissable cultural celebration that takes over the city for an entire weekend.

Winter is also a great time to take advantage of the cooler weather and check out the Capricorn Caves or one of Rocky's many hiking trails! From local fitness favourite, The Summit, and the more challenging 14km Zamia walk at Mt Archer, to the Mt Etna Walk at the Mount Etna Caves National Park, all offer stunning instagrammable views that'll be sure to make the winter photo dump.

Spring: Cheers to Food, Wine, and Outdoor Fun

Springtime in Rockhampton is all about indulgence, food, and adventure. With pleasant temperatures and longer days, it's a great time to experience the best the city has to offer.

Capricorn Food and Wine Festival (4th - 7th September): Calling all foodies! This festival is your chance to indulge in local gourmet food and premium wines. Whether you're a couple looking for a romantic night out or a group of friends seeking the perfect excuse to wine and dine, this event has something for everyone.

Fitzroy River Barra Bash (28-31 October): Fishing fans won't want to miss the annual Barra Bash, where you'll be able to test your angling skills in this action-based fishing competition with more than $90,000 in prizes and giveaways up for grabs.

Oktoberfest (11th October): Don't miss Rockhampton's largest Bavarian celebration, Oktoberfest, which sees the Riverside Precinct transformed into a festival of German beer, cider, wine, food, and entertainment. Dust off your lederhosen and dirndls and get ready to party in true Bavarian style.

Spring is also the perfect time to making the most of the many dining experiences Rockhampton has to offer from riverfront cafes to iconic heritage pubs and everything in between.