Looking for the best things to do in Rockhampton? Queensland's beef capital offers everything from legendary barramundi fishing on the Fitzroy River (Tunuba) to stunning mountain lookouts, heritage buildings and Australia's largest regional art gallery. Here are our top picks for your Rocky adventure.
1. Mount Archer (Nurim)
Drive to the summit of Mount Archer National Park to discover the iconic Nurim Circuit Boardwalk, a fully accessible walkway offering breathtaking city views. Start your day with a spectacular sunrise from multiple lookout points, or time your visit for an unforgettable sunset. The mountain caters to every adventure level - from family-friendly BBQ areas and playground to challenging hiking trails through natural bushland. Mountain biking enthusiasts flock to First Turkey Mountain Bike Park, while the stunning amphitheatre is the perfect spot for a picnic.
Nurim Circuit, Mount Archer's Elevated Boardwalk
2. Riverside Precinct
Rockhampton's Riverside Precinct is where heritage meets dining along the mighty Fitzroy River, home to Queensland's most famous barra fishing spot. Historic landmarks like The Criterion Hotel, The Heritage Hotel, Customs House, and Riverston Tearooms stand alongside contemporary venues like the Boathouse, Rockhampton Museum of Art and Rod Laver Plaza. The wheelchair-accessible riverside features public artworks, while kids splash in the pop jets and explore the adventure playground. Join the anglers chasing monster barra, take a river cruise, go on a walking tour, or time your visit for the Rockhampton River Festival or Barra Bash competition.
Riverston Tearooms along Quay Street
3. Botanic Gardens and Zoo
Rockhampton's heritage-listed Botanic Gardens is 33-hectares of tropical beauty and family fun. Stroll beneath 150-year-old Banyan figs, discover the tranquil Japanese Gardens, or spot native wildlife at Central Queensland's only free zoo, home to koalas, dingoes, wombats and so many more. The all-abilities playground features zoo-inspired play equipment, while walking and cycling trails connect to Murray and Yeppen Lagoons, great spots for birdwatching. The Gardens Tearooms offers a bite to eat and drink in this peaceful oasis.
Meerkat Encounter Experience at Rockhampton Zoo
4. Rockhampton Museum of Art
Home to a nationally significant collection valued at over $16 million, the Rockhampton Museum of Art stands as Queensland's largest regional gallery. The stunning riverside building hosts major touring exhibitions alongside works by celebrated Australian artists. Beyond the galleries, visitors can join guided tours, attend artist talks, or engage children in hands-on workshops. The gallery's café offers river views and local flavours, while the design-focused gift shop features unique Australian-made items. Free entry makes this cultural hub accessible to everyone.
Rockhampton Museum of Art building
5. Beef, Bulls and Cowboys
In Australia's Beef Capital, experience the country's most unique pub, the Great Western Hotel, where professional bull riding and headline music acts entertain crowds in a National Trust-listed arena. This bucket-list destination features four bars, a restaurant serving Rocky's famous steaks, and a mechanical bull for those brave enough to try. For an authentic taste of station life, Alkoomi Farm Stay offers hands-on animal feeding experiences, while weekly cattle auctions at CQLX showcase the region's finest livestock. Witness the region come to life triennially during Beef Australia, the nation's biggest celebration of all things beef, or catch the adrenaline of the annual Paradise Lagoons Campdraft, Australia's richest campdrafting competition.
Professional Bull Riding at the iconic Great Western Hotel
6. Mt Morgan
A 45-minute drive from Rockhampton brings you to Mount Morgan, once home to the world's richest gold mine. Take in panoramic views from various lookouts over the Mine Site and Big Stack, then explore the heritage-listed Rail Museum and historical buildings including the iconic suspension bridge. Cool off at No.7 Dam, where you can swim, boat, or fish for Saratoga, Sleepy Cod, Yellow Belly and Red Claw. The dam offers shaded BBQ areas and a playground for family fun. Don't miss the annual Golden Mount Festival celebrating the town's rich gold mining heritage with markets and entertainment.
Historic Mount Morgan, a short drive from Rockhampton
7. Fishing
Cast a line in Queensland's Barramundi Capital, where Fishing the Fitzroy River (Tunuba) is famous for producing monster barra over a metre long. As a net-free zone, the river supports sustainable fishing and thriving fish populations, with anglers invited to join a voluntary code of practice protecting this world-class fishery. Try your luck from the wheelchair-accessible fishing pontoons along the riverbank, perfect for anglers of all abilities to target these prized fish and hefty threadfin salmon. Join expert local guides on a charter for insider knowledge of the best spots or launch your own boat from ramps at Quay Street, North Rockhampton and Port Alma. The Fitzroy River Barra Bash and other regular fishing competitions bring anglers together to compete for impressive prizes and bragging rights.
World-class barramundi fishing on the Fitzroy River (Tunuba)
8. Rockhampton Heritage Village
Rockhampton Heritage Village is a living museum that brings Rockhampton's past to life. Explore over 20 historic buildings, from heritage cottages to a traditional schoolhouse, each telling unique stories of early Queensland life. For groups of 10 or more, take a tram tour, or wander at your own pace with a souvenir map. Watch blacksmiths at work, enjoy vintage car rides, and see horse-drawn carts traverse the village streets. Monthly markets add extra charm, while Arnold's Café, open from 10am most days, provides the perfect spot for a cuppa. Entry is $5 per person (free for under 3s). Allow two hours to explore this remarkable slice of history from the 1850s to 1950s.
Rockhampton Heritage Village demonstration
9. Capricorn Caves
Venture 23km north of Rockhampton to explore one of Queensland's longest-running tourist attractions, the ancient limestone Capricorn Caves. Choose from adventure caving, wheelchair-accessible cathedral cave tours including a walk through surrounding dry rainforest. Experience the acoustic perfection of the cathedral cave during an underground opera performance, and if you're visiting during summer, you might catch the natural light spectacular of the solstice. Next door, Mount Etna Caves National Park offers QPWS-guided twilight tours every Friday and Saturday evening from December to late January, where thousands of rare bent-wing bats emerge from Bat Cleft.
The stunning Capricorn Caves
10. Keppel Islands and The Beach
Just 30 minutes' drive from Rockhampton along the stunning Capricorn Coast Scenic Drive, the Southern Great Barrier Reef beckons with the Keppel Islands and coastal town of Yeppoon. Take a day trip to Great Keppel Island via ferry from Rosslyn Bay Marina, where pristine beaches and snorkelling adventures await. Back on the mainland, Yeppoon's relaxed main street offers cafés and boutiques, while the Saturday Yeppoon Community Markets showcase local producers. Don't miss the famous Koorana Crocodile Farm enroute or explore the spectacular coastal walking trails connecting beaches and lookouts along the Capricorn Coast.
A daytrip drive on the Capricorn Coast
Plan Your Trip
From natural wonders to cultural experiences, Rockhampton's attractions cater to families, adventure seekers, road trippers and history buffs alike. Whether you're planning a mate's getaway, family holiday or nomad adventure, we can help build your perfect itinerary.