The epic four-day road trip you need to take this winter

Published on 05 February 2025

Rockhampton is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure in the sunshine this winter, along with those all-important Instagram-worthy moments. Whether you're travelling as a couple, with mates, or on an unforgettable girls' trip, this four-day itinerary is packed with iconic events, breathtaking scenery, and foodie highlights.

 

Day One:

Start your day with a guided tour of the Capricorn Caves, an awe-inspiring limestone cave system located just 30 minutes from Rockhampton. There’s a range of tours on offer to suit all abilities and levels of adventure – from the Cathedral Cave tour that showcases the largest and most caves in the system to the slightly more adventurous Explorer Tour that’ll have you donning helmets and headlamps as you explore some of the narrower and more daring tunnel sections.

While you’re in the area, be sure to also check out one of the region’s hidden gems, the Mount Etna summit. This 2.4km walk along an out and back trail will reward you with a stunning Instagrammable view of the surrounding limestone formations from the top. For the early birds, we’d recommend heading to Mount Etna before the Capricorn Caves and hiking it in time for sunrise.

If the caves alone didn’t quench your thirst for adventure, head to Rockhampton’s premier mountain bike trail network, First Turkey, for an adrenaline-packed ride through scenic bushland. Offering 33 different trails to suit everyone from beginners to experienced riders and located on the site of Mount Archer National Park, it’s a great option for thrill-seekers that’s only 9km from the CBD!

For those wanting a more relaxing way to spend the afternoon, head to the Rockhampton Museum of Art, the largest art gallery in regional Queensland. With a nationally significant art collection including works from Sidney Nolan, Arthur Boyd and Ben Quilty as well as one-off world-class exhibitions, RMOA is the perfect place to unwind and immerse yourself in culture. Visit before 3pm to grab a bite to eat at the adjoining Hummingbird Café, one of the city’s most popular dining options and the ideal place for lunch or a mid-afternoon sweet treat.

For the perfect conclusion to your day, make the short drive up to Mount Archer National Park for breathtaking sunset views. Stroll along the short, 500m, wheelchair accessible Nurim Circuit Boardwalk for incredible views over the city or pack a picnic to enjoy at the amphitheatre as the sun sets.

Return to the CBD to enjoy a perfectly cooked steak at The Criterion Hotel, a historic pub with a classic Aussie vibe. After all, no visit to the ‘Beef Capital of Australia’ would be complete without sampling an iconic local steak.

 

Day Two:

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Kinsfolk Café, a local favourite known for its bougee breaky, seasonal menu and great coffee.

With an event on the calendar to suit every taste and season, we recommend planning your visit around one of Rocky’s iconic mid-year events, including;

• Pop Up Polo (June 7): Glam up for a stylish day of sports, entertainment, fashion and hospitality.

• Rockhampton River Festival (July 25-27): Enjoy live music, art installations, markets, food trucks and more at this free three-day riverside festival.

• Capricorn Food and Wine Festival (Sept 4-7): Indulge in the best local flavours and beverages that the Capricorn region has to offer, including wine tastings and cooking demos.

 

Day Three: Choose Your Own Adventure

Make the short 40-minute drive to Yeppoon to spend the day soaking up the sun at one of Queensland’s best beachside secrets. Relax at Yeppoon Main Beach or the Yeppoon Lagoon before taking a walk along the Esplanade to enjoy lunch and an ice-cream from one of the many cafes and eateries along the beachfront.

For adventure lovers looking to get their steps in or add to their Strava feed, the Yeppoon area also offers a range of short, yet stunning hiking options. Local favourites include Bluff Point Circuit, a short 2.3-kilometre walk that offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the coastline and plenty of opportunities to spot turtles and whales, and Mount Baga, a short yet steep 1.8km moderately challenging hike to the top of a trachyte plug that’s a remnant of an extinct volcano.

If you have a 4WD and have a penchant for outdoor adventures, you can’t miss a visit to Byfield National Park. Swim at Stoney Creek, one of the region’s most stunning and easily accessible freshwater swimming holes and take a hike through the lush rainforest. You can also continue to the secluded beaches of Five Rocks and visit the impressive Queen Mary Sand Blow for some epic views. Note that previous 4WD experience is highly recommended as there are several creek crossings and the notorious ‘Big Sandy’ sand dune to conquer to get there. It’s also necessary to reduce your tire pressures so be sure to have a compressor on hand.

If sipping margarita on the sand is more your vibe, take the ferry from Rosslyn Bay Marina to Great Keppel Island for a day of snorkelling, swimming, and lounging on pristine beaches with a drink in hand. Part of the Great Barrier Reef, Great Keppel Island’s turquoise waters will forgive you for thinking you’re holidaying in a far more exotic location

TOP TIP: Stop at local favourite, the Dean Street bakery to pick up a coffee and a sweet treat for the road on your way out of Rockhampton! 

Unwind from a busy day at Headricks Lane, a trendy inner-city spot for creative cocktails, delicious share plates, and a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.

 

Day Four:

Make the most of your final day with a leisurely brunch at one of Rockhampton’s favourite inner-city cafes, The Hummingbird, Café Bliss or the Riverston Tea Rooms. All serve up incredible coffee and Instagram-worthy dishes.

Get up close with the adorable meerkat family at Rockhampton Zoo with a Meerkat Encounter that includes a private feeding session and keeper talk. While this memorable experience is paid, the remainder of the zoo offers free entry year-round with over 31 different species including kangaroos, koalas, chimpanzees and otters.

Embark on a sunset river cruise along the Fitzroy (Tunuba) River with River Cruises CQ for a magical end to your Rockhampton adventure. Their 90-minute sunset cruise will see you watching the sun set over the water with Rocky’s historic buildings and wildlife in the background while enjoying a complimentary nibble package. They also have a licenced bar on board.

Treat yourself to a memorable final dinner at Rockhampton’s best eateries along the Fitzroy River. Choose from burgers, brisket or barra at Boathouse, fresh pasta and wood fired Pizza at Pacino’s, or a culinary journey through India at TruFusion for delicious food paired with unbeatable waterfront views.