Rockhampton's Must Do Bucket List

Published on 05 November 2024

time to tick off these experiences

We could go on forever with all the things to see and do in Rockhampton but you would be here for weeks (not that that's a bad thing...). So, we've put together 15 things that should be on your Rockhampton Bucket List. See how many you can tick off on your next visit and don't forget to #ExploreRockhampton along the way.

1. SNAP A SELFIE WITH A BULL

Jump in the car and have some fun with Rocky's beef industry icons while learning a little about each of the different breeds. Whether you are seeking an insight into the city's cultural identity or looking to learn more about the history of the region's dominant pastoral industry, the "Where's the Beef?" bull statue tour is a works burger upsized with special sauce.  

2. WALK THE HERITAGE STRIP

From frontier town to bustling river port and gold rush city, Rockhampton's colonial past and fortunes are preserved in sandstone, wrought iron and topped off with a magnificent copper dome. Start your walk along Australia's longest National Trust heritage-listed street at the Quay Street Wharves that were once the gateway into Rockhampton. Continue along Quay St through Rockhampton's Riverside Precinct, turning left after the Criterion Hotel and back through East Street. 

The CBD Heritage Walk is approximately 2km one way.

3. TASTE LOCALLY CRAFTED BEER

With their exposed brick decor, you won't believe you're in Rockhampton when you take a step inside Headricks Lane. Cosy up in their micro-brewery with a locally crafted beer tasting paddle and a side of brewery bites before you slide into their laneway restaurant for a handcrafted menu focused on local seasonal ingredients. 

4. EAT A STEAK

You are in the Beef Capital of Australia after all! You won't have to look far for a good steak. A traditional rump at aheritage-listed pub, riverside dining with a delicious eye fillet or a rack of ribs for the ultimate carnivore feast, there's a lot to choose from in the Beef Capital of Australia. Check out our top steakhouses pics or view a full list of restaurants, cafes and pubs. 

5. CATCH A TROPHY SIZED BARRA

The Fitzroy River (Tunuba) is famous for barramundi, pronounced "bardda moon di" by the Darumbal people. Rockhampton is the only city in Australia where you can fly in, check in and boat out in less than an hour and target trophy sized barra right in the heart of the CBD. Plan your trip around barra season which starts at 12.01am on 1 February each year through to 11.59pm on the 1st November.  

6. RIDE ROCKY'S RANGES

Rockhampton is home to two premier mountain bike trail networks, offering elevated rides, rough tracks and a range of trails to suit all skill levels. Rockhampton's most popular trail network, First Turkey, is situated on the side of Mount Archer (Nurim) National Park and offers 28kms of trails across all skill levels. Rockhampton's newest trails, Mount Morgan Mountain Bike Trails, are found throughout Mount Morgan's recreational and water reserve area, No 7 Dam and consists of over 20kms of trails. 

7. immerse yourself in CULTURe

Located in the heart of the Riverside Precinct on Quay Street stands the newly opened Rockhampton Museum of Art. As the largest gallery in regional Queensland, this architectural masterpiece is home to a nationally significant collection and offers a vibrant 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. 

8. EXPERIENCE THE CAPRICORN CAVES

Get ready to explore the ancient chambers of Rockhampton’s oldest playground, the Capricorn Caves, 390 million years in the making. The Cathedral Cave Tour is their most popular tour, showcasing the largest and most spectacular caves and leaving you with lasting memories of ancient geological history. The Capricorn Explorer tour takes you to locations like the Deep Vault Cave where bats roost and fossils deposits, giant moths and spectacular stalactites adorn the walls. If you're ready to step out of your comfort zone a bit more, the Capricorn Adventurer tour is for you. This tour offers you the chance to explore the most remote sections of the caves where your headlamp is the only source of light. 

 

9. SNAP A TREETOP SUNSET SHOT

Mount Archer's Nurim Circuit is a must for your bucket list, especially at sunset. Extending 25 metres off the side of the mountain, the 500 metre flat boardwalk offers spectacular views of the city and mighty Fitzroy River. Take your time soaking up the views and keep an eye out for the interpretive signage of the local Darumbal culture and popular kids playground hidden amongst the trees. 

10. enjoy an authentic FARM STAY

Switch off your phone and immerse yourself in nature with an authentic Central Queensland farm stay. Sit back and relax or get involved in the daily running of the farm before bunking down around a fire and roasting marshmallows. 

There are three great farm stays in the heart of Central Queensland, all within a 90 minute drive from Rockhampton:

Alkoomi Adventure Farmstay
Myella Farm Stay
Henderson Park Farm Retreat

11. VISIT THE HISTORIC TOWN OF MOUNT MORGAN

Mount Morgan is a picturesque historic town nestled in the Dee Ranges. Rich in history, it's one of the world's most successful mines to date. With museums operating 7 days a week, the town offers a number of great opportunities to delve into the towns early successes and relive its fascinating past. 

12. DINE ABOVE THE FITZROY RIVER

The Boathouse is the perfect spot to sit back, relax and enjoy a bite to eat, coffee or cold drink and soak in the undisrupted views of the boat dotted vista that lines the mighty Fitzroy River.

13. SPOT A CROC

Jump aboard a sunset cruise with River Cruises CQ for your best chance of spotting a croc on the Fitzroy River. Their 90 minute sunset cruise is a must do and includes complimentary nibbles and bar on board for purchasing drinks. Don't forget your camera too!

14. VISIT THE ROCKHAMPTON ZOO

Nestled within the Botanic Gardens, you'll find Rockhampton Zoo where you can discover more than 30 species of native and exotic animals. Whether it is chimpanzees and cassowaries, dingoes and otters, or crocodiles, koalas and meerkats, there are plenty of animals to meet the whole family. Did we mention it's also free?!

15. CATCH SOME LIVE BULL RIDING ACTION

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. Get in on the action as man takes on beast at one of the PBR Rockhampton Invitational events taking place in Rocky each year. 

#ExploreRockhampton

Written by Explore Rockhampton
@explorerockhampton