Things to do in Rockhampton for Families

Published on 06 January 2023

Everything you need to know to Explore Rockhampton with little travellers

We welcomed Emma and Thom Shaw (Explore Shaw) to the region, along with their baby girl Macey who had just turned one. They had an absolute ball enjoying the family friendly activities Rocky has to offer, and best of all, a lot of them are free!

Emma, Thom and Macey took on our family friendly itinerary and have since written two blogs of their own about their visit to Rockhampton.

YOUR ULTIMATE ROCKHAMPTON TRAVEL GUIDE

15 FUN THINGS TO DO IN ROCKHAMPTON

If you are travelling with a family, or even if it's a relaxed travel vibe you're going for, then take a look at what Explore Shaw got up to during their visit.

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 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 can let the kids stretch their legs at the Fitzroy Adventure Playground and then take a walk along the riverside walking paths spotting public art and having a play in the water pop jets at Rod Laver Plaza.

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Empire Apartment Hotel

Rockhampton’s most awarded and leading 4.5 star deluxe hotel offers 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.

With kitchenettes, modern conveniences and cot hire available, Empire is a comfortable and convenient base for your family adventure!

Empire Apartment Hotel Website

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. They regularly hold workshops, including classes for kids to get involved and find their creative flair.

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

RMOA Website

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

Travel back to your hotel on a horse drawn carriage!

Take the scenic route home via the beautiful city lights with a unique ride home by the gorgeous clydesdales at Capricorn Carriages.

Find out more

Day Two

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. The meerkat encounter has a minimum age of 8 years old to participate, but the littlies can certainly get a great view through the glass and see the meerkat family at play!

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.

After you've met all of our zoo friends, take a walk around the Botanic Gardens right next door. Regarded as one of the best in Queensland, the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens is heritage-listed and is home to trees more than 150 years old! You can learn all about these in our Explore Rockhampton Self-Guided Tour app, which you can download for free.

With walking paths, a lagoon and a kids playground, there's plenty of space to burn off any extra energy, then follow it up with some refreshments at the Gardens Tearooms.

ROCKHAMPTON ZOO WEBSITE

rockhampton heritage village

Step back in time and marvel at the original and reproduction buildings as well as memorabilia and artefacts portraying life in the region from the 1850s to the 1950s. The Village is set on 11.4 hectares of bushland and incorporates a charming township from yesteryear.

Be sure to check out the farm animals, the vintage vehicles, a homestead tour and jump on a 'Rory the Roadtrain' ride. The kids will love getting hands on feeding baby animals and learning about life a long time before they were here.

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GRAB SOME FRESH SUPPLIES AND CREATE YOUR OWN PICNIC 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. The Shaw family 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.

With a kids playground and plenty of green space, you can spend a whole afternoon and stay for sunset and an evening picnic. There are barbecues, picnic tables and bathroom facilities at the peak so stay as long as you like!

FIND OUT MORE

DAY THREE

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.

With purpose built stairs and an easy stroll along walking trails, this one is a great family activity and not too far for little legs.

If you're visiting during December through to February, thousands of bats rush from their roost in the caves to feed on insects, and you can get up close and personal experiencing a unique bat cleft tour! 

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Capricorn Caves

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

The Shaw family went on the Cathedral Cave Tour, a great tour for all ages. It's an easy walk and you will learn a lot along the way. For those looking for a bit more adventure, there are Adventure Cave tours where you can crawl through tight spaces with torch light and see some extraordinary natural wonders.

The Capricorn Caves are a ticketed experience with daily tour times which you can book via their website.

Grab a selfie with a bull statue

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 including all seven bulls and the history of each statue. For a quick selfie, we recommend Franke Forde Park as one of the most accessible statues. You can see all of the bulls in one tour, or spot the northside bulls today on your way to Kershaw Gardens, then follow up with the southside bulls as you make your way to Alkoomi Adventure Farm Stay tomorrow.

TAKE THE TOUR

Day Four

Have a SPLASH AND A play at Kershaw Gardens

Kershaw Gardens is a playground full of adventure for little kids, big kids, and even adult kids!

The Central Precinct is a kid’s paradise! Seen from the highway, Wyatt’s Wonder Web stands nine metres high with climbing ropes, ladders, tunnels, slides, swinging hammocks and so much more. If that doesn’t wear the kids out, you can also get peddling on the famous monorail, hold tight as you launch from the flying fox and keep your balance as you make your way over the timber play towers. And when you are ready for some food and socialising, use the free BBQ to cook up a storm, book into your local activities using the free Wi-Fi, enjoy good company under the shaded buildings. Of course, there is an amenities building to use while you spend your day having fun!

Let the kids take a splash in the wet play, or take a stroll through the parklands with walking paths in every direction. Along with beautiful gardens and green spaces, Kershaw Gardens also has a range of sensory experiences (like the Stuart Fragrant Garden) and accessible pathways to get you there.

You can spend hours or a whole day with fantastic amenities including BBQ’s, undercover seating, free WiFi and bathrooms. You’ll also likely find a local coffee van parked out front serving up great coffee and snacks during the day.

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Farm Stay fun at Alkoomi Adventure Farm

Join a fun-loving Aussie family on their cattle farm and take in the serenity of the bush and all the adventures that Australian farm life has to offer. With motorbikes for the older kids and adults, horses, cattle and an authentic chuck wagon ride, younger kids can enjoy a swim in the dam, animal feeding, egg collecting and the abundance of cute farm animals looking for a pat. 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  'One Tree 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

Be Captivated with A sunset scenic helicopter flight

Roam Aviation specialise in helicopter scenic flights to some beautiful remote locations throughout the Rockhampton region.  One of the most spectacular spots is taking off and landing from one tree hill at Alkoomi Adventure Farm - especially at sunset. Even little Macey was able to jump on board for her first ever helicopter flight!

Roam Aviation Website