Rev up for Rockynats 03

Fishing the Fitzroy

Home of the barramundi, the Fitzroy River (Tunuba) winds through the city of Rockhampton and provides prime fishing opportunities for those looking to wet a line from a boat or from one of our many river platforms. Even if you didn't pack the fishing gear with you, have no fear. Rockhampton has a range of fishing charters that set you up with everything you need to be able to check in and boat out in no time. No matter who you are, how you want to fish, or what you want to catch, the Fitzroy River (Tunuba) is ready to welcome you.

No boat? No worries! Book a Charter or hire a boat

For the fishing enthusiast looking for a guided experience out on the water, charters are available.

Guided Fishing DownUnder offers a range of fishing charter options for those looking for a great day out on the water. Rockhampton local Nathan Johnston specialises in exclusive fishing experiences for up to three people focusing on the Fitzroy River and Capricorn Coast. Target species in the Fitzroy’s’ expansive delta include the iconic wild saltwater Barramundi and King Threadfin using lure and live bait techniques.

Hooked provides fishing adventures for fishing enthusiasts for all experience levels (novice to professional). Their fishing charters offer full or half-day trips with tackle, live bait and refreshments supplied. Your local fishing guide on board your trip will also share their expertise and knowledge during your adventure.

Reel Fishing CQ offers Barramundi Charters which include all fishing equipment, lunch, refreshments and fish caught during the trip. For the angler with a boating licence but no boat, Boat Hire CQ also have a 4.5 metre Polycraft Drifter featuring 60hp Yamaha outboard, motor guide 80lb electric motor and Hummingbird Helix 9 GPS side scan sounder that can take up to 4 people out on the water. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your mates and get set for a memorable fishing trip in the Fitzroy.

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Need a lift, cruise style?

For a quick and enjoyable way to capture all the Rockynats action throughout the three days, River Cruises CQ is offering a free water taxi service across the Fitzroy River (Tunuba) for Rockynats entrants and VIP's (Gold and Platinum Passes). The service will run between the SWL Racing 4x4 Zone in the CBD and Buddy's Fire Burnouts Precinct on the northern side of the river.

Please note: Operating hours are dictated by tide times.

River Cruises

Outside of the racing fever, one way to relax after an intense couple of days is to book yourself a River Cruise. Kick back with a cold one and experience the city from a different perspective with your mates while the sun sets on the banks on the historical buildings of Quay Street. We recommend the 90-minute sunset cruise, which includes complimentary nibbles, drinks available for purchase plus breathtaking views of Rockhampton’s historic buildings along Quay Street and wildlife along the banks of the river.

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Stunning location shoots with your car

A good-looking car deserves an equally good-looking photo shoot during Rockynats. We've listed a few of our favourite locations to capture some prime pics of your four-wheel pride and joy below:

• Mount Archer - several lookout locations along Pilbeam Drive
• Rare Spares Rockynats 03 Billboard - Yaamba Road, North Rockhampton (near CQUniversity)
• Mount Morgan Railway Museum
• Archer Park Rail Museum
• Mount Morgan Range Lookout
• Port Curtis - Tree Alley
• Old Bruce Highway, Port Curtis (past Hastings Deering)

Rockhampton Zoo

With more than 30 species of native and exotic animals including cheeky chimpanzees, mischievous meerkats and adorable otters, Rockhampton Zoo is a must-see during your stay in Rockhampton. Stroll through the leafy pathways and enjoy Zookeeper talks throughout the day.  Want to learn more about our amazing animals that call Rockhampton Zoo home? Download our FREE Explore Rockhampton Self-Guided Tour app.

Meerkat Encounter

For an experience like no other, book a meerkat encounter ($100 per person, or $300 for a group of up to 4 people). Your encounter will include a feeding session that's guaranteed to have meerkats climbing all over you, as well as a private keeper talk.

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Stroll Rockhampton's Heritage-Listed Botanic Gardens

100 Spencer Street, West Rockhampton, Qld, 4700

Next door to Rockhampton Zoo is the Heritage Listed Botanic Gardens. Sprawled across 33-hectares the gardens feature tranquil Japanese Gardens and expansive Murray Lagoon, where you can spot turtles an an array of beautiful bird life. Kick back and relax with a coffee and a mouth-watering meal from the Gardens Tearooms Cafe and bask in the beauty of the 150-year-old Banyan Fig Trees that create a crochet-like canopy over the cafe surrounds.

Explore the Botanic Gardens

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 is the largest gallery in regional Queensland. Located on Rockhampton’s iconic Quay Street, Rockhampton Museum of Art is free to visit and open 9am to 4pm daily. Take a journey through the eye-catching exhibitions, programs and workshops and visit the gift shop afterwards.

Embellished in architectural beauty, this $36 million museum was officially opened in February 2022, forming part of the Cultural Precinct, connecting heritage elements such as Customs House with contemporary art and culture. Its 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. Through its collection holdings of historic paintings, objects and photographs, as well as more recent artworks, the museum interprets the history and heritage of Rockhampton, Queensland and Australia.

Current Exhibitions

Collection Focus: Dwelling | Now until 28 May, 2023 | Free Entry

From private to public, and the comforting to the menacing, the impact urban design and architecture can have on people’s lived experiences has been at the centre of many sociological studies and ‘livability’ contests. Dwelling features painting, new media and photography from the Rockhampton Museum of Art Collection by artists including Jeffrey Smart, Noel McKenna, John Brack, Valerie Albiston and Belyndah Waugh.

Pattern & Print: Easton Pearson Archive | 18 February until 10 May, 2023 | Free Entry

Pattern & Print showcases a selection of vibrant garments that highlight the technical innovations, bespoke fabric, distinctive prints and embellishment choices of the iconic Brisbane fashion house Easton Pearson, who collaborated with individual artists and artisans to create unique designs, which range from colourful Indian beading to designs painted by hand directly onto a finished dress.

Man of Letters: Derek Lamb and the Officina Athelstane | 18 February until 25 June, 2023 | Free Entry

The Officina Athelstane, led by internationally recognised printmaker Derek Lamb, is a private press workshop based in Rockhampton’s Walter Reid Cultural Centre since 2011. Lamb’s impress practice is devoted to traditional, pre-digital letterpress techniques, created from vintage machines and founded in historical research. Lamb’s fine press editions are held by the National Library of Australia; Oxford and Cambridge University Libraries; the National Library of Ireland; and several state libraries and universities across Australia.

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Snap a selfie with an iconic bull statue

It’s not a trip to Rockhampton without snapping a bull selfie with the iconic statues in the city – after all you’re in the Beef Capital of Australia! You’ll spot them dotted around the city, usually on the median strips of 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 away from the Rockhampton Zoo and Botanic Gardens.

Fuel your appetite

Feeling peckish between all the auto-mania action? We've got you! Here's where you can feed your hunger while you enjoy the trackside entertainment over the long weekend.

• Boathouse | OPEN Thursday 7am - 2pm, Friday 7am - late, Saturday 7am - late, Sunday 7am - 2pm
• The Goat Cafe & Restaurant | OPEN Thursday 6am - 2pm, Friday 6am - 2pm, Saturday 6am - 2pm, Sunday 6am - 2pm
• Frencvhille Sports Club | OPEN Thursday 10am - late, Friday, 10am - late, Saturday 10am - late, Sunday 10am - late
• Heritage Hotel | OPEN Thursday, 11am - 10pm, Friday 11am - midnight, Saturday 11am - 1am, Sunday 3pm - 10pm
• Milliwayz / Millennium Comics and Collectables | OPEN Thursday 9am - 5pm, Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 5pm, Sunday 9am - 5pm
• The Oxford Hotel | OPEN Thursday 10am - midnight, Friday 10am - 10pm, Saturday 10am - 2am, Sunday 10am - midnight
• Royal Punjabi Tandoori Indian Bar and Restaurant | OPEN Thursday 11.30am - 2.30pm, 4.30pm - 9.30pm, Friday 11.30am - 2.30pm, 4.30pm - 9.30pm, Saturday 11.30am - 2.30pm, 4.30pm - 9.30pm, Sunday 11.30am - 2.30pm, 4.30pm - 9.30pm
• Riverside Restaurant | OPEN Thursday 6am - 9am, 5pm - 9pm, Friday 6am - 9am, 5pm - 9pm, Saturday 6am - 9am, 5pm - 9pm, Sunday 6am - 9pm
• Zambrero | OPEN Thursday 10am - 8pm, Friday 11am - 4pm, Saturday 11am - 7pm, Sunday 11am - 7pm
• Rocky Sports Club | OPEN Thursday 10am - late, Friday, 10am - late, Saturday 10am - late, Sunday 10am - late
• Ribs and Rumps | OPEN Thursday 5pm - 10pm, Friday midday - 3pm, 5pm - late, Saturday midday - 3pm, 5pm - late, Sunday 5pm - late
• Gracemere Hotel | OPEN Thursday 10am - late, Friday 9am - 5pm, Saturday 8am - 4am, 9am - 5pm
• Great Western Hotel | OPEN Friday 5pm - 8pm, Saturday 11am - 9pm, Sunday 11am - 9pm
• Cocobrew | OPEN Thursday 7.30am - midnight, Saturday 7.30am - late, Sunday 7.30am - 2pm
• Cocobrew Express | OPEN Thursday 5am - 4pm, Saturday 7am - 1pm, Sunday 7am - 12pm
• The Two Professors | OPEN Thursday 5.30am - 3pm, Saturday 6.30am - 2pm, Sunday 6.30am - 2pm
• Coffee House Cafe | OPEN Thursday 7am - 2pm, Saturday 7am - 2pm (meals), 10am - late (bar), Sunday 7am - 2pm (meals), 10am - late (bar)
• East Street Buffet | OPEN Thursday 11am - 2pm, 4.30pm - 8pm, Friday 11am - 2pm, 4.30pm - 8pm, Saturday 11am - 2pm, 4.30pm - 8pm
• The Goat Corner Bar | OPEN Thursday 7pm - midnight, Saturday 10am - 3am
• The Stirling Motel | OPEN Thursday 7am - 8.30am, 5.30pm - 8pm, Saturday 7am - 8.30am, 5.30pm - 8pm
• Cafe Bliss | OPEN Thursday 7am - 2pm
• Pacino's | OPEN Thursday 5pm - 9.30pm
• Renny's Cafe | OPEN Thursday 5.30am - 2pm
• Skyring's Restaurant & Bar | OPEN Thursday 3pm - 9pm

Ride Rocky's MTB Trails

Ditch the four wheels for two and bring on a different kind of adrenaline-pumping fun on Rockhampton’s Mountain Biking Trails. Our trails are open all year round and are ideal for the active adventurer to escape the city limits and enjoy some outdoor fun. The region offers two main areas: First Turkey Mountain Bike Park and Mount Morgan Trails. Even if you’re not equipped with your own bike, bike hire is available from Giant Rockhampton who will ensure you’re all set to make tracks.

Make tracks on one of our two great locations!

First Turkey Mountain Bike Park | 9km from the Rockhampton CBD

Situated on the side of Mount Archer (Nurim) National Park, First Turkey offers more than 30 different trails fit for all skill levels. The park is open most days of the year, except after heavy rainfall in the region. First Turkey has a range of trails from Gravity Enduro and Cross Country trails through diverse terrain, meaning you can easily pick the ride to suit your level of experience.

Mount Morgan Trails | 39.1km from the Rockhampton CBD

Mount Morgan's bike trail network consists of 25kms of track through the town's recreational and water reserve area, the No 7 Dam. The trails feature green level trails, offering less challenging rides, through to blue level trails, providing a more remote, steeper and rockier terrain for the adventurous rider.

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Shop all things auto with ease

Don't be surprised if all the drifting, drag racing, show and shines, burnouts and cruising has you feeling motor-vated and inspired to class up your classic or give your machine a bit of a makeover. You will be spoiled for choice in terms of the number of auto shops around Rockhampton. Whether you're in need the mood to shop spare parts, auto accessories, detailing, car washes, repairs, maintenance, tyres or electronics, check out these supporting Rockynats businesses to satisfy your shopping needs.

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GREASE IS THE WORD!

Rare Spare Rockynats 03 isn't only about motors and machines. There's a world of Rockabilly and garage glamour that is also deeply seeded in the realm. Returning to Rockynats for it's second year is the Rockabilly-Nats Pinup Competition. Everyone deserves to look their best! Whether you're looking for a special accent piece to top off your fashion statement, or wanting to upgrade your wardrobe, a visit to Atomic Beauty is a must for all cool cats and kittens. While you're at it, why not pamper yourself with a glamorous hairstyle from Cut Throat and Curls and top it off with a professional pinup photoshoot with Eye Spy A Studio. Make sure you book in early to avoid disappointment.

Dyno-mite!

You've talked the torque, now it's time to put your mean machine to the ultimate test? Get in early and book yourself a spot in the Insane Performance Dyno Competition. The dynamometer, better known as a "dyno", is a device for simultaneously measuring the torque and rotational speed (RPM) of an engine, motor or other rotating prime mover so that its instantaneous power may be calculated, and usually displayed by the dynamometer itself as kilowatts (kW) or brake horsepower (bhp).

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Take a Heli-Adventure

Looking to see Rockhampton from a different perspective? Take a joyride with Helifish CQ across the region and seek your thrills from above! Helifish CQ has a range of aerial adventures to choose from. Their tours cover a wide distance throughout the region from the mighty Fitzroy River to coastlines - possibilities are endless with their fully customised flight paths and packages.

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Pilbeam Theatre

From national and international touring acts to local theatrical and musical productions the Pilbeam Theatre is Central Queensland’s performing arts centre.

What's on in April

Leaving Jackson | Saturday 1 April

Relive the moments that captured the life of a Legend. Leaving Jackson - The Johnny Cash & June Carter Story is played out through some of the greatest songs ever written including Folsom Prison Blues, Jackson, Walk the Line, Boy Name Sue, Ring of Fire, San Quinten, The Man in Black, Big River, Hurt, Get Rhythm, Sunday Morning Coming Down and much more. Starring Jeff Carter and Melanie Lewin with full backing band.

Cirque Mother Africa | Thursday 6 April

The heartbeat of Africa pulsates throughout this jaw-dropping show as the musicians and artists transport audience members to the breath-taking continent of Africa. This 90-minute entertainment extravaganza combines the very best talent from nine African countries and features the amazing hand-to-hand balancing act as seen on Australia’s Got Talent performed by the Ramadhani Brothers.

See it live

Hit the road - driving day trips

If you're in town for a few days, why not experience one of the many great drives in and around Rockhampton to discover the hidden gems of our region.

Mount Archer (Nurim)

Breath-taking views, peaceful walking tracks, kids adventure playground and cool and tranquil temperatures, Mount Archer (Nurim) has it all when it comes to delivering natures very best in beauty. Once you're at the top, pull into Fraser Park and make your way on foot to the 500m elevated boardwalk, Nurim Circuit. Soak up the spectacular views as the sun sets over the city of Rockhampton - don’t forget your camera!

Mount Morgan

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 including:

• Drop into the Mount Morgan Railway Museum, which also houses the town's Information Centre
• Take a trip to the Mount Morgan Historical Museum and learn about the town's rich history
• Pack a picnic or barbecue and unwind by the banks of the Mount Morgan No.7 Dam
• Capture breath-taking views of the Mount Morgan Range Lookout
• Snap an insta-worthy picture on the Private Victor Stanley Jones Suspension Bridge
• Tuck into a delicious pie or pastry at the popular Mount Morgan Hot Bread Shop and head to the Arthur Timms Lookout  for remarkable views of Mount Morgan Mine

Capricorn Coast & Emu Park

For a leisurely drive rewarded by stunning ocean views and seaside towns, set a course for the Capricorn Coast. Starting your journey in Rockhampton, head to the coastal town of Yeppoon via Yeppoon Road. After a pit stop strolling down James Street, head towards Emu Park via the Scenic Highway. The drive is lined with several pristine beaches to stop and enjoy along the way so take your time. Emu Park is a quaint seaside town, making for a perfect lunch stop before stretching your legs along the seaside ANZAC Memorial Walk and Australia’s Singing Ship.

Capricorn Caves

Delve into the ancient chambers of Rockhampton’s oldest playground – the Capricorn Caves. The Capricorn Caves offers a range of tours from the easy going and mesmerising Cathedral Cave Tour to something more challenging like the Explorer and Adventurer Tours, which takes you to deeper and more remote sections of the Caves, where your headlamp is your only source of light.

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