The Ultimate Mates Trip

Published on 21 December 2022

Six days, seven nights, one Jam-Packed Itinerary!

We welcomed 'Live to Create' mates, Sam Buchwald (@sam.buchwald) and Zac Freuden (@zacfreuden) to come and take on our ‘Ultimate Mates Trip’ itinerary in Rockhampton.

Sam and Zac told us they liked natural encounters, adventure, beautiful scenery, amazing food, craft beer and good times, so we put together a spectacular itinerary of adventure, fun and a little luxury and got them straight on a flight to the Beef Capital!

The boys are from Sydney, so a quick flight to Brisbane airport connected them on to Rockhampton airport and they were here in no time. They picked up their car at the airport and so the adventure began!

Rocky is a surprise package of action, adrenaline and adventure with fishing, mountain biking and helicopter tours, with a side of boujee including a micro-brewery, historic caves, traditional culture, farm stays and EPIC food. By the end of the week the boys had some great stories to tell, and some pretty amazing barramundi to cook up.

Here is the itinerary we sent them on…

Day One

Fly in, check in and explore the Riverside Precinct

Rockhampton’s Riverside Precinct, situated right in the heart of the city, offers the best views of the Fitzroy River (Tunuba) and is an exemplary example of modern, integrated urban design that sits along the city’s strip of heritage-listed buildings.

There's plenty of pit stops along the way with an assortment of pubs, clubs and cafes to refresh and tantalise the taste buds.

Stroll along the heritage-soaked sandstone boulevard on Quay Street and across the lower bank boardwalk surrounded by lush plantings, public artworks and a picturesque boat dotted vista.

Whilst exploring the riverside precinct, you may like to stretch your legs with a run, walk or quick workout, taking advantage of extensive riverside paths and outdoor gym equipment.

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Empire Apartment Hotel

Rockhampton’s most awarded and leading 4.5 star deluxe hotel is located in the heart of the Riverside Precinct offering stunning views of the Fitzroy River (Tunuba), Mount Archer (Nurim) and Rockhampton City. Make sure you include some time to relax by their rooftop pool or catch a sunset with a cold drink in hand from your balcony– this one is worth it!

Empire Apartment Hotel won best 4.5 star accommodation at the Australian Tourism Awards in 2022, crowning them as the best in the nation. With 24 hour reception, secure parking and onsite dining, the hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the Riverside Precinct surrounded by dining and entertainment.

The perfect base for your Rockhampton adventure!

Empire Apartment Hotel Website

 

Bag a barra on a fishing charter

Rockhampton is known as Australia’s Home of the Barramundi, where you can try your hand at catching a metre-long Barramundi and King Threadfin.

The boys bagged their barras with Guided Fishing Downunder, however you can book with any of our local charters for a great day on the river.

Find out more

 

Day Two

Mount Lion Heli Adventure

Roam Aviation specialise in helicopter scenic flights to some beautiful remote locations throughout the Rockhampton region.

The boys took the opportunity to cook up some barra from their catch on their fishing charter the day before, and enjoyed a feast with a view atop Mount Lion.

Roam Aviation Website

Dinner at The Criterion Hotel

Built in 1889, the Criterion, affectionately known as 'the Cri' by locals, is one of Rockhampton’s most iconic watering holes. It’s well known for serving up much-loved traditional country hospitality and the most tantalizing beef dishes.

Not just a great steak but a tourism attraction on its own with historic treasures throughout. Located just one block from your hotel, you can enjoy a few beers and listen to some live music, then stroll back to bed at your leisure.

Criterion Hotel Website

Dinner at CocoBrew

Every taste bud is covered at CocoBrew with an expansive menu, welcoming visitors to eat, drink and laugh. A café by day and a restaurant by night, this stylish venue also has its own themed Whiskey Lounge.

Find them on Facebook

Day Three

MTB the First Turkey Trails

Get ready to send it! Rockhampton’s premier mountain bike trail network, First Turkey, is situated on the side of Mount Archer National Park offering 33 trails for all skill levels. From gravity enduro to cross country trails through diverse terrain, you can easily pick the ride you’re chasing.

The boys hired their bikes from Giant Rockhampton for a hassle-free ride without having to fly their own bikes up.

Find out more

 

Professional Bull Riding

Time your visit with a PBR to experience authentic bull riding at its best!

Buckle up for the toughest 8 seconds in sports and find out what it means to be a cowboy when the best in bull riding battle it out in a premier entertainment experience at Rocky’s iconic Great Western Hotel.

PBR Australia Website

Day Four

Climb Mount Etna, for stunning morning sunrise hues

Beautiful scenery and viewing points along this 2.4km bushwalk located near the Capricorn Caves. Photography enthusiasts will love this walk, or even just enjoy the fresh mountain air and take it all in.

The panoramic views take in surrounding farms of local produce which you can buy fresh from farm gates or from local produce stores.

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Capricorn Caves ADVENTURE CAVING

Get ready to explore the ancient chambers of Rockhampton’s oldest playground, the Capricorn Caves, 390 million years in the making.

The boys took on the Capricorn Adventurer tour: the ultimate caving experience, offering the chance to explore the most remote sections of the caves where your headlamp is the only source of light. Once you emerge from the darkness, you’ll find yourself above the caves with spectacular 360-degree views of Mt Etna National Park.

Capricorn Caves Website

 

Discover Mount Morgan

Mount Morgan is a picturesque historic town nestled in the Dee Ranges, and home to one of the world’s most successful mines.

Mountain bike or hike the trails around the No 7 Dam, check out the views from Stopford Way Lookout, Arthur Timms Lookout and cross the Victor Stanley Jones Suspension Bridge. When it’s time for a pit stop, grab a pie from the Mt Morgan Hot Bread Shop and explore the quaint CBD or grab a counter lunch and a beer at one of the iconic local pubs.

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Dinner and Beer Tasting at Headricks Lane

With a nod to its history and a look to the future, Headricks Lane will draw you from its grand exterior façade into its breathtaking modern interior featuring stunning raw materials contrasted with natural bespoke beauty.

The handcrafted menu focuses on seasonal ingredients with their micro-brewery offering locally crafted beer.  

Find them on Facebook

Day Five

Wellness on William

After all of the fishing and mountain biking, the boys needed a little realignment and balance so headed to Rockhampton’s dedicated health & wellness collective, Wellness on William, that consists of a Pilates studio, naturopath, herb dispensary, sustainable fashion boutique, organic cold-pressed juices, artisanal desserts and grain free recipe bases - so much to leave you feeling good!

Take part in a one-hour Pilates session at The Pilates Studios and then explore the rest of the precinct including Two Botanicals, a health dispensary bringing healthy, sustainable, organic and local products to the region.

Wellness on William Website

 

Meet the Meerkats at Rockhampton Zoo

Take part in an intimate meerkat encounter which will have you up close and personal with the mischievous mob of 6 and includes a feeding session and private keeper talk.

Home to almost 100 animals spanning more than 30 species of native and exotic animals, Rockhampton Zoo is set on 10 acres within the stunning Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, located in the leafy suburb of The Range.

Afterwards you can take a stroll through the heritage-listed Botanic Gardens next door. A lush green setting with trees over 150 years old with a quaint tearoom onsite.

Rockhampton Zoo Website

Lunch at Kinsfolk

Kinsfolk serve up a perfect brew in a gorgeous setting. Offering a diverse menu, including bacon and eggs, pastries and some plant-based options, with a focus on sustainably sourced ingredients. Their boho vibe and relaxed atmosphere will have you thinking you are in Byron Bay!

Find them on Facebook

 

Tour Rocky’s Iconic Bull Statues

It’s not a trip to Rocky without grabbing a selfie with one of the iconic Bull Statues. pick up a bit of bull breed 101 and have some fun with Rocky’s beef industry icons. Download the Explore Rockhampton app for the full tour and history of each statue, and for a quick selfie, we recommend Franke Forde Park as one of the most accessible statues.

Take the Tour

Day Six

Rockhampton Museum of Art

Take some time to wander through RMOA, the largest gallery in regional Queensland and home to one of the most nationally significant collection of works.

This is not just an art gallery, it is a modern institution and full cultural experience in one of the newest and advanced buildings in Rockhampton. Sitting majestically on the Rockhampton riverfront, it is the jewel in the crown of our Riverside Precinct and features exhibitions for all different ages. For example the 'Wrestlemania' exhibition, one of the 2022 highlights at RMOA proved popular among all audiences.

Following your visit, grab a tea or coffee or tea from the Hummingbird Café, located within the museum.

RMOA Website

Lunch at Boathouse

Boathouse is waterfront dining at its best with panoramic water views from every table!

Enjoy a cool breeze and spectacular river views as you tuck into some delicious food made from the finest seafood and produce, overlooking the Fitzroy River (Tununba).

Cool off with some locally crafted beer from the micro-brewery at their sister restaurant, Headricks Lane.

Boathouse Website

Grab some fresh supplies and create your own BBQ adventure atop Mount Archer (Nurim)

Rockhampton is of course the Beef Capital of Australia, producing some of the best beef but our Region’s sub-tropical climate is also well suited for growing a range of seasonal produce. There are many amazing local producers in the know. The boys got their supplies from Parkhurst Quality Meats and Berry Good Produce, both located within the Parkhurst Town Centre.

Mount Archer National Park is a must see when you visit Rockhampton.

Extending 25 metres off the side of Mount Archer, the 500 metre Nurim Circuit boardwalk offers spectacular views of the city and the mighty Fitzroy River.

Looking out across the region while eating some local cheese and produce - the amphitheatre is the perfect spot for a sunset barbecue. You can set one up yourself, or for special occasions you can take advantage of a local event organiser to do the hard work for you.

Find out more

Day Seven

Farm Stay fun at Alkoomi Adventure Farm

Join a fun-loving Aussie family on their cattle farm and enjoy the serenity of the bush and all the adventures that Australian farm life has to offer. With motorbikes, horses, cattle and an authentic chuck wagon ride, there are activities galore! When the day is done you can take a relaxing dip in the dam and then enjoy a cold one by the campfire.

If a good country sunset is your thing, this is the ultimate place to grab that Instagram shot. Take a chuck wagon ride up the hill to watch the sun go down over some drinks and nibbles – or even better, you can book a helicopter flight from Roam Aviation and see it from the skies!

Alkoomi Adventure Farm Website

 

 

Written by Explore Rockhampton | Images by Live to Create + Explore Rockhampton #ExploreRockhampton #LiveToCreate @explorerockhampton @sam.buchwald @zacfreuden