Spend a romantic getaway in Rockhampton
YOUR TWO NIGHT ITINERARY TO ROMANCE, Rocky style
Nothing says romance like remote picnics, scenic flights, riverside dining and cosy accommodation with waterfront views.
If you’re looking to impress your special someone, read on for our guide to a two night romantic getaway, Rockhampton style.
DAY 1
9AM - Break the Fast
Start your morning with a stroll along the heritage soaked sandstone boulevard of Quay Street, soaking in the sights and sounds of the boat dotted vista of the Fitzroy River (Tunuba). Home to Customs House and the soon to open Rockhampton Museum of Art, Quay Street runs through Rockhampton’s Riverside Precinct and is the heart and soul of the city, celebrating art, culture, lifestyle and history. If you’ve got time, take Explore Rockhampton’s self-guided tour of the historical architecture trail and learn more about our frontier town to bustling river port to gold rush city.
There are a number of trendy Riverside Precinct cafes to choose from when you’re ready to enjoy breakfast. Dine under the chandeliers at Riverston Tea Rooms, indulge in a fresh acai bowl from The Goat or enjoy the views on the Boathouse deck with a decadent eggs benedict.
If you feel the need to walk off your breakfast, continue your stroll along Victoria Parade and take a walk across the train bridge, looping back over the Fitzroy Bridge to the city, keeping your eyes out for the wildlife that call the Fitzroy River home.
11AM - Rockhampton Zoo
If you really want to impress your special someone, a meerkat experience at the Rockhampton Zoo will have you racking up romance brownie points in no time. The Zoo is open 7 days a week with FREE entry and is home to over 31 species of exotic and Australian animals. The up close and personal meerkat experience is definitely a crowd pleaser, giving visitors the chance to feed and cuddle the mischievous mob of 6. Venture a little deeper into the zoo and you’ll meet the chimpanzees, including the zoo’s newest addition Mzuri, born in December 2021, as well as snapping crocs, sleepy kangaroos and cute koalas.
After the zoo, wander down the road to the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens. If you’re feeling peckish, grab some morning tea or lunch from the Gardens Tearooms or pick up one of their picnic boxes and find yourself a spot of shade on the rolling garden lawns. Meander through the gardens and you’ll find the Japanese Gardens with tranquil waterfalls, the Central Queensland War Memorial, bamboo lined avenues and a lagoon that ducks and turtles call home. If you’re a lover of sunsets like us, we recommend coming back in the late afternoon to watch the colours of the sun bounce off the water.
2PM - Check In
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation to suit all budgets in Rockhampton. For 4.5 star accommodation with stunning river views, we recommend Quest Rockhampton or Empire Apartment Hotel. Both with a range of suites available, free under cover parking and balconies with views to Mount Archer National Park to relax on with a book and wine in hand.
If AirBnb is more your style, check out Liberty Cottage. This beautifully curated heritage style cottage is centrally located in Allenstown, a short drive to the CBD and screams lux boho vibes.
For bonus romance points, chat to reception to organise some flowers to be delivered on arrival. We recommend Shannon Hawkes Artisan Florals or Lily & Lotus, both specialising in dried flowers and beautiful gifts that are suitable to take home with you.
5PM - Sunset Drive
A romantic Rockhampton getaway isn’t complete without a pre-dinner date cruise to Nurim Circuit at sunset. Nurim Circuit is a 500m elevated boardwalk that sits off the side of the mountain amongst the clouds and trees, giving you undisrupted views over the city. Take the winding scenic drive up Pilbeam Drive, parking at Fraser Park before taking the well signed path to the boardwalk to watch the sky slowly turn 50 shades of pink and orange before the city disappears into the night below you.
For an even more romantic sunset, pack yourself a picnic full of artesian goodness from Archer Cottage Cheese and your favourite bottle of bubbles and relax in the amphitheatre.
7PM - Dinner for Two
Since you’re here on a romantic getaway, we recommend sliding into Headricks Lane for dinner. The micro-brewery come fine dining laneway restaurant with their exposed brick décor is best known for their first class steaks and handcrafted menu focused on local seasonal ingredients. Don’t worry if you’re not much of a beef fan, you’ve got other delicious options to choose from like Pan Fried Duck Breast and Potato Gnocchi.
DAY 2
9AM - Couples Massage
It’s time to relax together with a couples massage, leaving the world behind and ridding any unwanted tension. Rockhampton’s The One Life Centre is a complete health, wellness, recovery and beauty centre for the mind and body. Not only do they deliver a fabulous and relaxing massage, they also have float sessions, cryotheraphy, and facials. We recommend booking in for their Wellness Hour – go on, you both deserve it.
11AM- Scenic flight of Rocky
Nothing says taking your love to new heights like a scenic helicopter ride around Rockhampton. For a truly memorable experience, book a ‘Morinish Range’ tour for you and your significant other with Roam Aviation. The two hour tour begins by exploring the Morinish Range waterfalls and mountains, stopping atop Mt Moonlight or Mt Lion where you can enjoy the geological observations points and undisrupted views over the region. Do yourselves a favour and incorporate your tour with the picnic and drinks package… because nothing says romance like a remote picnic.
5PM - Sunset River Cruise on the Fitzroy
Sometimes, all you need is an afternoon to sit back and enjoy your surroundings and River Cruises CQ is perfect for just that. River Cruises CQ offer a range of cruises along our mighty Fitzroy River (Tunuba), but we recommend their 90 minute sunset cruise. Sit back, relax and enjoy the rewarding views of the historic buildings and wildlife that call the banks of the river home with a complimentary nibbles package. They even have a licensed bar on board and if you’re lucky enough, you might even spot a croc.
7PM - Bellissimo...
After another big day of relaxing, you will be feeling quite famished.
Enjoy the final evening of your Rockhampton romantic getaway at Pacino’s. The restaurant is conveniently located on the riverfront, a walking distance from most CBD accommodation options but take a seat and you’ll feel like you’re sitting in the middle of Italy. Share an appetizer or two and indulge in a fresh pasta and wood fired pizza - we can highly recommend the Lobster Ravioli with Asparagus in a Champagne Sauce.
After dinner, take a nice walk through the Riverside Precinct to see the beautiful historical buildings along Quay Street lit up and reflecting off the Fitzroy River.
And there you have it. A romantic two night getaway in Rockhampton.
If you have more time to spare, here are some more romantic things to do in Rockhampton:
#ExploreRockhampton
Written by Explore Rockhampton
@explorerockhampton