Heritage and History
Rockhampton is renowned for its beautiful historic buildings, many of which are heritage-listed.
Discover our Colourful past
From frontier town to bustling river port and gold rush city, Rockhampton’s colonial past and its fortunes are preserved in sandstone, wrought iron and topped off with a magnificent copper dome. Like the Fitzroy (Tunuba), these fortunes have ebbed and flowed over the years and today delivers a town full of heritage and history.
Heritage Building Architecture Tour
Start tour at Quay Street, Rockhampton | Rockhampton CBD
If you only have a short time and would like to take in as much of Rockhampton's history as possible, Quay Street is your destination. It is one of Queensland's longest National Trust heritage-listed streets and provides a wealth of historic buildings to marvel at and explore.
Starting at the wharves that were the gateway into Rockhampton, and continuing through most of the early CBD, this tour is approximately 2km one way, or you can add on the river walk for a lovely return trip.
You can take the tour at your leisure via our Self-Guided Audio Tours App.
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The historic Mount Morgan township
Mount Morgan Township | 40km from the Rockhampton CBD
Cruise along a winding scenic strip of road that takes you up into the Rockhampton regional hinterland. The Mount Morgan Range, via the Burnett Highway, is an enjoyable section of road with eye-catching lookouts, mountainous views and at the very end, the charming mining town of Mount Morgan. Delve into the township's rich gold mining history and relive its fascinating past with a range of impressive attractions on show. While you are there, be sure to:
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Rockhampton Heritage Village
Boundary Road, Parkhurst | 10km from the Rockhampton CBD
Partake in a history lesson with a visit to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. One of the most popular stops for visitors to Central Queensland, step back in time and marvel at original and reproduction buildings as well as memorabilia and artefacts portraying life in the region from the 1850s to the 1950s.
Authentically capturing a generous slice of an earlier generation's way of life, the Rockhampton Heritage Village is a wonderful place to enjoy. Experience life before electricity with a tour through the many homesteads, vintage cars, tractors, fire engines, horse drawn vehicles and wagons on display. Watch how a 1950's print press works and visit the Blacksmith Shop and take in the traditional skills from a bygone era. You even have the unique chance to try a range of transport options including horses and ponies, a horse and cart, vintage double-decker bus, vintage fire engine and several other vintage vehicles, plus meet some adorable farm animals. The Village is set on 11.4 hectares of bush land and incorporates a charming township from yesteryear with original and recreated homesteads, buildings and businesses.
The Heritage Village is open from 9am - 3pm daily (excluding public holidays).
Bi-monthly, the Heritage Village Markets take place at the Heritage Village (January, March, May, July, September and November each year).
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Archer Park Rail Museum
51-87 Denison Street Street, Rockhampton | 900m from the Rockhampton CBD
Take a ride upon one of a fully restored one-of-a-kind Purrey Steam Tram and discover the wonders of Rockhampton’s rail history. Constructed in 1899, the architecturally impressive Archer Park was the central railway station for Rockhampton until the mid-1920s. Today, Archer Park Rail Museum is one of Rockhampton’s iconic historic locations you will surely love! The museum is open Monday to Thursday, 10am to 3pm and Sunday 9am to 1pm.
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