Your Ultimate Rockynats Guide

Published on 28 March 2025

Start your engines for an epic full-throttle experience like no other. Autumn is the season when Rockhampton stages Queensland's loudest car and bike festival: Rare Spares Rockynats 05. Whether you're a keen car nut, an entrant geared up to claim that glorious title, or simply seeking inspiration for a "fast and furious" weekend with the family to kick off the School holidays, this guide will help you plan the perfect Rockynats itinerary from start to finishing line, plus loads more to explore after the event!

Quick Event Details

Date: Friday, 4 April - Sunday, 6 April, 2025.

Locations: Rockhampton Showgrounds, Riverside Precinct, CBD and Reaney Street, North Rockhampton.

Events: Burnouts, Street Drags, Drifting, Cruise Route, JDM Showcase, Skid Row, Elite Pavilion, 4x4 Zone, Bikes, Trucks, Show 'n' Shine, FMX Kaos, Street Parade, Live Music (including legendary Australian singer-songwriter Pete Murray), Little Tokyo, Pro Wrestling, Mower Racing, Pinup Competition, Mulletfest, Off-Road RC Racing, Tattoo Competition and Rev it Up Racing Junior Racing Experience.

Full Program: Download the Rockhampton Events App for all programming information, maps and more or visit rockynats.com.au/program.

Before the event

Got a few days to spare before Rockynats is in full swing? We've put together a bucket list of experiences before the real event revs up.

Be entertained

Time your visit right see some epic entertainment.

• Saturday 29 March Book a spot on the Time Safaris Ghost Tour  and listen to the gritty true crime tales of the region.
• Friday 28 March Catch one of the last shows of RENT at the Pilbeam Theatre.
• Sunday 30 March Craving the live music scene? Catch the epic country line up at the Great Western Hotel with Australian country music artists Tori Darke and Brad Butcher.

Stunning location shoots for your wheels

From breath-taking mountain views to gritty urban alleyways, historically stunning architectural backdrops, to lush greenery and beautifully landscaped gardens, Rockhampton offers an amazing locations to take eye-catching insta-worthy photos of your car! Here's a few to consider.

• Mount Archer provides several stunning locations along Pilbeam Drive from mountainous backdrops to shaded leafy canopies as you head towards the peak.
• Archer Park Rail Museum offers an iconic historical backdrop of one of Rockhampton's most popular forms of transport more than a century ago. Plenty of space to capture all angles of your pride and joy.
• Quay Lane offers a striking urban look with towering heritage buildings on either side right in the heart of the city. For camera enthusiasts looking to capture a rustic yet dynamic shot, this is the place. Note: the lane ways are one way traffic so please take care when photographing.
• Quay Street on one side provides a picturesque boulevard of beautiful historical architecture from one of the longest heritage-listed building strips. On the other side, stunning river views and lush landscaped parklands. Sunrise will provide a well-lit backdrop of the buildings, while sunset will offer a luminous halo peaking atop of the roof lines for a more dramatic shot.
• Stopford Way Lookout take a drive up the Mount Morgan range and soak up the glorious mountain views.

Shopping

Don't be surprised if Rockynats has you feeling motor-vated and inspired to class up your classic, or give your machine a makeover. Rockhampton offers a wide range of auto shops across the region, whether you're interested in shopping spare parts, auto accessories, detailing, car washes, repairs, maintenance, tyres or electronics, these supporting Rockynats businesses will help you shop all things auto with ease!

During the event

Pit stop - great dining spots to recharge and refresh

• 15 minutes walk from Showgrounds Precinct will take you to Red Poppy Coffee, the perfect place to recharge your batteries. The relaxing rest stop is nearby the Alf Kele Memorial Rotary Park adventure playground, perfect for the kids to blow off some steam.
• Take a relaxing riverside stroll along Victoria Parade and Quay Street just before lunch and soak up the street parade action grab a seat at one of the many delicious dining spots along the parade route. Anyone up for prime parade views with a prime cut? The Criterion Hotel outdoor balcony is the perfect place to park up and kick back with a coldie and a succulent steak.
• Take to the beautifully arched balconies of Riverston Tearooms and enjoy a cafe lunch and coffee while you watch the action along the Riverside Precinct.
• Feeling extra famished? Wrap your mouth around one of the local's worst kept secrets - a sub from Rocky's iconic sandwich bar Captain Nemo's. Located 350m from the CBD Precinct in William Street. Locals are known to boast about their home-made mayo, but if you're looking for something a little more spicy, jump onboard their special Supercharged Sriracha Mayo made just for Rockynats 05!
• A 15 minute walk from the Burnouts Precinct will take you to the Victoria Tavern where you can fuel your appetite with one of their Rockynats themed feeds. Sink your teeth into a Burnout Burrito, Nats Tats or brave the Drifting Death Wings with their deadly Carolina Reaper Sauce!
• Take a break from the sunshine and the drags and 'hop' on over to Rocky's newest brewery, Big Rock Brewing (just 500m from the street drags). The perfect watering hole to cool off and explore a unique range of delicious beers.
• Feed your hunger with a filling pub meal from one of the local nearby hotels. Heritage Hotel offers epic views of the street drags while you down that parmi and beer. For a more quiet setting, Headricks Lane, located 200 metres from the street drags, offers a more quiet setting to kick back with a cold one among friends for lunch and dinner.
• A short 2 minute walk from the Showgrounds Precinct will take you to one of Rockhampton's local hotel The Lionleigh boasting delicious hearty meals for lunch and dinner! Perfect pit stop before catching the evening's Speedway Action at Rockynats 05.
• Check out more dining options around the region here.

Alternative action

• Enjoy an action-packed evening Friday and Saturday night (4th and 5th of April) and watch man verse a different kind of beast: a bull! Enjoy epic bull-riding action at it's best with the PBR Monster Energy Tour Rockhampton Invitational kicking off at the Great Western Hotel. The biggest names in Australian bull riding go head-to-head in a new season of Professional Bull Riders, delivering a competition like no other. Grab the gang for a bite to eat from their feast of a menu while you strap yourself in and watch the pros battle the toughest 8 seconds of their life.

Art, culture & History

• Conveniently located amidst the Rockynats action along the Riverside Precinct, the stunning Rockhampton Museum of Art is the perfect break from the high energy excitement and discover an array of inspiring exhibitions featuring both local and international artists. Their exhibitions include Maverick painter and certified Australian Icon Ken Done: Poems from Home and Other Paintings, Artists in CQ: Of the region (featuring Pin Carlyon, Jacky Chan, Remy Faint, Qing Huang, Hanbing Lu and Anitha Menon, Lincoln Austin: The Weight of Experience, Abdullah M. I. Syed: Cabinet of Curiosities and D Harding. Join a guided tour to learn the stories behind the artworks and browse the gallery shop before relaxing with coffee and treats at Hummingbird Cafe.
• Explore Rockhampton Riverside CBD Art Trail or discover the rich history of Rockhampton's Heritage Architectural Trail through Explore Rockhampton Free Self-Guided Tour App. Rockynat's CBD Precinct has you perfectly situated to explore both tours covering more of the region's arts and historical facets.

Browse, shop and discover

• Located 200 metres from the CBD Precinct, East Street features a great collection of retail shops to browse and explore between the automotive action. Browse beautiful boutiques displaying the latest autumn fashion and great bargain stores that have been known for stocking unique automotive gear including novelty licence plates. There's something for everyone.
• If it's vintage threads and op shopping destinations you're seeking, Rocky has a variety of bargain fashion gems to rev up your wardrobe. A short 9 minute walk up William Street from the CBD Precinct will take you to Veronica's Closet - the perfect place for browsing pre-loved clothing and adding some extra flair to your #ootd (outfit of the day).

Extend your stay

With the school holidays kicking off straight after Rockynats, Rockhampton offers a plethora of family fun and amazing attractions to enjoy and stick around for.

• From mischievous meerkats and cheeky chimpanzees, otterly adorable otters and Aussie animal favourites, Rockhampton Zoo provides a unique and enjoyable experience for the whole family. For something truly memorable, animal encounters are available - but be sure to book early as school holidays can be busy!
• Take a stroll along the winding pathways of Rockhampton's heritage-listed Botanic Gardens and let the kids blow off some steam at the giant playground, featuring Ernie the Dingo. The Garden Tearooms provides refreshments throughout your journey so you can take a break between the attractions.
• Mount Archer (Nurim) is a slice of paradise all on it's own offering tranquil and scenic views of rolling mountains towards the east and stunning city views from the west. Nurim Circuit's accessible boardwalk is ideal for snap happy families looking to capture the perfect insta pic, with a playground nearby for the kids to enjoy. The national park offers a range of walking tracks to wander and explore while you immerse yourself in the beautiful sounds of nature. We recommend sunrise or sunset to truly experience this place!

Take a Day Trip

• 40 minutes west of Rockhampton, along the Burnett Highway, will take you to the charming hinterland town of Mount Morgan. Rich in history, stunning views and a delicious bakery, the township offers a day of exploration and enjoyment.
• 20 minutes north of Rockhampton, along the Bruce Highway, will take you to the ancient Capricorn Caves where you can take on a tour and explore Queensland's oldest playground 400 million years in the making!
• 30 minutes east of Rockhampton, along the Rockhampton Yeppoon Road, will take you to the beautiful coastline of Yeppoon boasting gorgeous golden beaches, boutique shops and lovely cafes to enjoy. Take the coastal scenic drive from Yeppoon to Emu Park and soak up the coastal vibe. Jump aboard a 30 minute ferry ride to Great Keppel Island where you can wade through the crystal clear island waters, snorkel, kayak or kick back and enjoy a refreshing cocktail and watch the sun set over the mainland.
• 40 minutes south of Rockhampton, along the Bruce Highway, will take you to Alkoomi Farm Stay, an authentic farm stay that's perfect for those looking to switch off (literally!) Saddle up for a horse ride around the property, or ride a 'steel horse' (motorcycle) instead, cool off in the dam, feed the farm animals or kick back around the firepit with a cold one and good conversations with friends

Explore more

Keen to explore more of the Rockhampton region? click here to discover more unmissable family experiences.

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