The rise of Rockhampton

Rockhampton is well known for being the Beef Capital of Australia, and for its legendary steaks - but there's more to this regional city than meets the eye.

Rockhampton is located on the Tropic of Capricorn, a short flight from most major cities on the east coast. With a mix of history, architecture, and natural beauty, the region is arguably one of Queensland's most attractive.

With a wider population of over 120, 000 and real estate prices continuing to rise, Rockhampton is well on its way to leaving the ‘cattle town' image behind.

The city has become a metropolitan hub for industry, commerce, education and health services, attracting major new investment and supporting the Central Queensland region.

Visitors to Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast are offered plenty of ‘must see' attractions to suit a range of budgets, from playing a round of golf on an international-standard course, to snorkeling on the southern Great Barrier Reef, exploring the Capricorn Coast beaches, or dining in a riverside restaurant.

The city has not forgotten its roots, however, with the Great Western Hotel offering a taste of the country in the CBD for those in search of cold beer, quality steak, and the occasional bull ride.

The Rockhampton Art Gallery houses an extensive permanent collection of works by Australian and Queensland artists, featuring iconic Australian painters Sidney Nolan, Russell Drysdale and Arthur Boyd.

The Winter Racing Carnival is held in Rockhampton over several weekends every June, encompassing a series of social functions including Breakfast with the Stars, the Carnival Calcutta, and the Cup Day Festival of Fashion.

Venturing further afield, the Caves Township, 23 kilometres north of Rockhampton, is home to the Capricorn Caves, Queensland's oldest tourist attraction.

The above-ground limestone caves were formed from an ancient coral reef over 400 million years ago.

Thirty minutes north-east of Rockhampton, the coastal town of Yeppoon offers a beach holiday experience, including an esplanade walk, and provides a gateway to the off-shore islands.

The Keppel Islands, including Great Keppel Island, are 30 minutes from the Keppel Bay Marina, the largest marina in Northern Queensland, and offer snorkeling, diving and trekking opportunities.

North of Yeppoon, the Byfield National Park and State Forest combine mountains and rainforest with beaches, sand dunes, swampland and freshwater swimming holes, with overnight and retreat accommodation available.

To the west, the gemfields and the former gold-mining town of Mt Morgan offer a trip back in time.

Must Dos
• Enjoy a succulent steak in the "Beef Capital of Australia".
• Stroll through the Botanic Gardens, and see the waterfalls
at the Kershaw Gardens.
• Enjoy the Riverfront's Heritage Walk and take in views of the Fitzroy River and many heritage-listed buildings.
• Pack a barbecue and head to Mount Archer to enjoy city
views and cool breezes - by day or by night.
• Take a dip in one of the local rainforest swimming holes
at Byfield.
• Grab some snorkel gear and explore the fringing reefs.
• Tee off at one of the quality
local golf courses.
• Visit the Rockhampton
Art Gallery, home to an
impressive collection.
• Sail around Keppel Bay
and explore the secluded
bays and private beaches.
• Take advantage of free entry to visit the animals at the Rockhampton Zoo.
• Have your photo taken at The Spire when you cross the Tropic of Capricorn.
• Explore the mysterious Capricorn Caves by day - or by candlelight.
• Fossick for your own Thunder-Eggs at Mount Hay Gemstone Park.