Discover why Rockhampton is the Beef Capital of Australia

Rightfully so...

Rockhampton is commonly known and referred to as the Beef Capital of Australia. But what does that mean, and how does our region earn that title? 

Here we explore all the 'beefed up' experiences you can enjoy when visiting our region, and confirm once and for all why Rockhampton is Australia's rightful Beef Capital. 

LARGEST HEAD OF CATTLE

The greater Rockhampton region (Fitzroy Basin) currently has over 3 million head of cattle grazing throughout the region, predominately dominated by beef cattle, and is the top cattle region in Australia with the highest head of cattle numbers*. The region is also serviced by two abattoirs with a total daily processing capacity of 2,400 head, and is currently seeking investment in more cattle feedlots and abattoirs. With these numbers, it’s no wonder the Rockhampton region is commonly referred to as the Beef Capital of Australia.

*Meat and Livestock Australia. Cattle numbers – as at June 2019 Natural Resource Management Region.

HOME TO ONE OF AUSTRALIA'S MAJOR CATTLE SELLING CENTRES 

Just a 15 minute drive from Rockhampton you’ll find Central Queensland Livestock Exchange (CQLX), one of Australia’s major cattle selling centres. Beef breeders from around Central Queensland and beyond come to buy and sell their cattle at this centre, and visitors can head along and watch how livestock is bought and sold. If you are in town on a Wednesday, head along to CQLX for a true cattle experience and watch beef barons from across Queensland auction off and buy cattle. 

HOST CITY OF AUSTRALIA'S LARGEST BEEF EXPO 

Every three years Rockhampton becomes the host city of Australia’s largest beef expo, Beef Australia. Cattle producers, beef industry delegates, State and Federal politicians, international beef producers as well as locals all come together to celebrate all things beef for a full week. Everything ‘beef’ is on show from cattle sales, farm property tours, conferences, cooking demonstrations and agriculture industry trade sites, right through to pop-up restaurants, food stalls, shopping pavilions, bars, cocktail events, a black-tie ball and other third party events on the program.

Mark May 2024 in your diary to attend the next Beef Australia event. 

RODEO IN THE HEART OF TOWN

The Great Western Hotel is an iconic Queensland pub with a custom-built rodeo ring out the back. Providing quality pub-grub with some of the best steaks in town, the hotel also hosts the PBR Australia tour where Rockhampton Invitational rodeo events are held throughout the year. Where else in Queensland can you chow down on a piece of steak at a pub while watching edge-of-your-seat bull-riding action?

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LIFE-SIZE BULL STATUES

Rockhampton has seven life-size bull statues around town, and in our Where’s The Beef? Bull Statue Tour, you can discover our wonderful world of bulls by driving around town and learn more about their different bull breeds. The tour can be done at your own leisure through a self-guided audio tour or by downloading the brochure. 

AUTHENTIC FARM STAYS

Rockhampton is surrounded by three authentic Central Queensland farm stays, all based on working family run cattle properties where you can experience a true Australian outback experience. From feeding cattle to heading out on a leisurely horse ride, cooling down in freshwater dams or sitting around a campfire toasting marshmallows and watching the stars, each farm stay provides a real opportunity to switch off and ‘go bush’. 

BEEF STEAK

When you’re visiting Australia’s Beef Capital, you want to know where you can go to get the best steak. Luckily, you don’t need to look far to find a piece of quality beef on the menu. With traditional rump steaks at heritage-listed pubs, eye fillets with a riverside view, or rack of ribs for the ultimate carnivore feast, you will be spoilt for choice on where to go to get a good steak in Rockhampton.

Find out some of the locals favourite locations for Rockhampton’s best steak, or explore the many restaurants in town where the majority have steak on their menu.

If you feel like cooking up a beef storm in your own home drawing inspiration from the Beef Capital of Australia, you can also check out our Best of Beef series where we showcase some of the region’s best beef dishes.  

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Written by Explore Rockhampton
@explorerockhampton