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Those who love the great outdoors will find plenty of things to do, from gardens to national parks. For more local natural pursuits, visit Kershaw Gardens or the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, both of which are filled with beautiful plant life. If you’re happy to venture out of town, head to the Mount Archer National Park or the Mount Etna Caves National Park. The latter is especially important for a number of bat species; tours are available.

Those who are interested in the history of the local area or of Australia as a whole should check out the Archer Rail Park Museum (which contains many exhibits associated with railways and the Rockhampton tramway), the Central Queensland Military Museum (which houses artifacts associated with the military history of the town and surrounding area), and the Rockhampton Heritage Village (which showcases the history of the district from 1850 to 1950).

If you’re more interested in the artistic or cultural side of things, these attractions will tick all your boxes! Visit the Rockhampton Art Gallery (known for being one of the finest in regional Queensland) and the Walter Reid Cultural Centre (which is often used as a gallery, world cinema, theatre and music performances). You should also check out each of the 6 bull statues situated around the town, which represent the main breeds of the area.

The regions speciality produce is harvested from coast to country and means premium, export quality beef, select seafood, tropical produce and a smorgasbord of diverse cuisines.

The Riverside Precinct and East Street, City center, are key zones for finding a cracking meal from riverside dining to a Bloody good Pub with sensational grub.

Golden sand beaches are only a short drive away - the popular Capricorn Coast is located just 35 minutes northeast of Rockhampton. Yeppoon Main Beach and Emu Park Main Beach are both patrolled. Other beaches in the area include Farnborough, Cooee Bay, Lammermoor, Kemp, Causeway, Mulambin, Kinka, Fisherman's, Zilzie and Keppel Sands. Great Keppel Island is also well-worth the visit; it is accessible via plane from Rockhampton or by launch.