Top 10 Family Activities to tick off in Rockhampton
THE KIDS WILL BE BEGGING TO COME BACK
Typically known as the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton has now become the trending destination for families to visit. And with 300 days of sunshine a year and a range of adventure-filled activities on offer, you and your family will never be bored when exploring Rockhampton.
1. ROCKHAMPTON ZOO
With over 30 species of native and exotic animals to discover, Rockhampton Zoo is a must-see. Located in the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens the Zoo is one of only four zoos across Australia with chimpanzees. The family of eight includes three baby chimps, with the older sibling being the first chimp to be born in Queensland since the 1970s.
Rockhampton Zoo’s latest residents also include a family of meerkats just waiting for you to meet them during a meerkat experience. Even better? Rockhampton Zoo is free making it an inexpensive, fun day out for the whole family.
2. FISH THE FITZROY
Fishing the Fitzroy River (Tunuba) is an easy way to spend a day in Rockhampton with the family. Well-known as the Home of the Barramundi, Rockhampton offers a fishing experience like no other with trophy sized barramundi to be caught right in the heart of the city. This means no early morning wake-up call for the kids, as you can get to the boat ramp and be out on the water within half an hour from your accommodation.
If you don’t have a boat, Rockhampton has three fishing charters that provide all the gear you need for a day out on the water. Or, you can fish right from the banks of the river with 13 land-based fishing spots available on the Fitzroy.
3. FARM STAYS
Coming from the city? Treat your family with an authentic farm stay experience at some of the region’s most quaint homesteads and properties where the whole family can get involved in real day-to-day activities of a farm.
The Rockhampton region has a range of farm stays to choose from, where you can feed the animals, ride horses, go hiking, cool off in the dams and head out for sunset chuck-wagon rides. The kids can even learn some whip-cracking and lasso throwing skills. To top it all off, the family can roast marshmallows by the fire under a full sky of twinkling starts that you don’t get in the city.
4. TAKE A HIKE, OR TWO, OR THREE!
Mount Archer (Nurim) National Park offers Rockhampton’s most-loved walking and hiking trails with five different tracks of varying difficulty.
If the family is up for a challenge, start at the bottom of Pilbeam Drive and make the 5km trek uphill to the top. Get ready for a steady incline the whole way up – you’ll be rewarded once you reach the top with stunning views looking over Rockhampton from the Nurim Circuit Elevated Boardwalk.
Once you’re at the top, there are four different walking and hiking tracks the family can take all with varying difficulty. Time your walk or hike with sunrise or sunset, as the best views are when the sun rises and sets around the mountain.
Around Rockhampton’s reaches are many other walking and hiking tracks, so if fresh air is what the family needs then check out our range of trails.
5. TAKE IN ROCKHAMPTON'S HISTORY
Rockhampton is home to Australia’s longest heritage-listed street, featuring historical buildings preserved in their 1900s style. The historic street is situated right in the heart of town, so when strolling along take the time to stop in at the many shops, cafes and restaurants and head down to Rockhampton’s Riverside precinct. You can also take horse carriage rides at night through the city streets.
Outside of Rockhampton, Mount Morgan is a picturesque town home to one of the richest gold mines in Australia – and for a period of time, the world. The town also has a range of museums, historic pubs and a dam where you can have a BBQ by the side so make a daytrip to this historic town and explore its golden past.
5. GO MOUNTAIN BIKING
The family doesn’t have to be pro mountain bike riders to enjoy Rockhampton’s mountain bike trails! With two ranges on Rockhampton’s doorstep, the family will be able to get on a bike, have a go and enjoy the range of mountain bike trails available to suit all skill levels.
7. GO CAVING
Take the family to marvel at nature’s wonders at the Capricorn Caves. Traverse through underground caverns where you feel like Indiana Jones and see stalactites, bats, and giant moths. A real treat is the Cathedral Cave which is also a good option if adventure caving isn’t your thing. Here you can feel like an explorer and be in awe of the beautiful, natural acoustics.
8. SEE A CROC UP CLOSE
Get up close with some of the world’s most ancient reptiles - the crocodile. A thirty minute drive outside of town, Koorana Crocodile Farm is where you can see some of the biggest crocs feed, hunt, and even hold baby crocodiles.
Spoil yourself in the gift shop, sport a Crocodile Dundee look, and even get a taste of crocodile meat in the restaurant.
9. KERSHAW GARDENS
After exploring the many attractions and activities in Rockhampton, take some time out for yourself and let the kids run wild at Kershaw Gardens. A spacious and picturesque parklands, the garden precinct also sports a world-class playground with swings, a five-level webbed obstacle course, monorail and even an artificial waterway. This park is not to be missed!
10. SNAP A BULL SELFIE
A trip to Rockhampton isn’t complete until you get a bull selfie. Head to Frank Forde Park in Rockhampton and get a selfie with the replica Santa Gertrudis bull. If you have time, why not take the full Where’s the Beef? bull statue tour!
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Written by Explore Rockhampton
@explorerockhampton
