Rockhampton is a city in central Queensland, in the Rockhampton Region. As the state’s fourth largest city, it is an industrial and agricultural centre of the north.
It’s considered to be Australia’s “Beef Capital”, known for its beef production. So much does this city love its beef, there’s even a few cow statues around town.
It is also one of Queensland’s oldest cities, founded in 1853. This history in evident in the city’s architecture, with its heritage post offices, historic streetscapes, impressive cathedrals and quaint homes.
Divided by the Fitzroy River, this city has several popular tourist attractions mixed in with some impressive natural beauty.
It’s also the home town of tennis great Rod Laver.
Here’s everything you need to know about renting, buying, selling and living in Rockhampton.
Top things to do in Rockhampton
1. Immerse yourself at Rockhampton art gallery
Rockhampton Art Gallery is one of the most extensive regional art galleries in Australia. Aside from the impressive range of artworks, they host a number of fun and unique events and classes such as ‘Pilates Among the Paintings’ to ‘Pinot and Pastels’ as well as art classes for kids.
2. Explore the Capricorn Caves
Located 23 kilometres north of Rockhampton CBD, the Capricorn Caves are one of the longest running tourist attractions in Queensland. Discovered in 1881, these limestone caves are one of the largest privately owned cave systems in Australia.
While great do go and have a look, they also offer some more daring options including abseiling, rock climbing, fossiling, animal viewing and an adventure course featuring a climbing wall and rope obstacles.
They offer school education programs as well as hourly tours. At the end of each tour there’s an option for the more gutsy guests to navigate their way through water-formed passageways, lit by candle light or fairy lights.
This impressive cave system even has a cathedral chamber used for weddings.
3. Mount Archer National Park
Mount Archer National Park is the backdrop to Rockhampton and is a great place to immerse yourself in some nature.
There’s a road leading to the summit of Mount Archer which will allow you some impressive views over the region, and there are some options for bush walking and rock climbing.
4. Step back in time at Rockhampton Heritage Village
Travel back in time in this township museum which showcases the Rockhampton district in the period from 1850 – 1950.
You’ll see heritage vehicles, old-world clocks, a blacksmith shop, a timber cutters’ camp, homesteads, cottages, vintage machinery and some friendly farm animals.
Quick stats
- Postcode– 4700
- Median house value– $179,701
- Median unit value– $409,448
- Price growth – House prices in Rockhampton have decreased by 21.88 per cent in the past three years while unit prices have grown by 5.17 per cent in the same period
- Rental returns– The average house in Rockhampton has a weekly median rent of $255 and average rental returns of 7.32 per cent, while units have a median weekly rent of $175 and average returns of 5.84 per cent
- Average listing duration– 448 days for houses; 301 days for units
- Average weekly income– $650
- Dwelling type– The majority of properties are houses (62 per cent)
- Occupation– The majority of residents are labourers
- Ownership– The majority of properties are rented (54 per cent) while 22 per cent are fully owned
- Birthplace– 78 per cent of Rockhampton residents are Australian
- Age – The majority of residents are in the 0-19 years age group, however there is a fairly even distribution amongst age groups in Rockhampton
Places to eat in Rockhampton
It’s known as the beef capital so if you love a good steak, you won’t be short of choice with a number of dedicated steakhouses and grills in Rockhampton.
The Ascot Stonegrill restaurant is a firm favourite and a unique dining experience. As its name may suggest, meats are stone grilled at a temperate of 400 degrees Celsius. This eatery has many number one rankings as the best place to eat in Rockhampton, so make sure you visit at least once for a truly local experience.
There are of course options other than hearty steaks. There is Malaysian, Indian, Thai, modern Australian, and a number for well known fast food chains.
The Criterion Hotel is another must visit while in Rockhampton. Set in a grand heritage building and steeped in Australian history, it’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Café Bliss is also a hot spot. It’s a café by day, restaurant by night and well worth a visit for their decadent desserts alone.
Transport in Rockhampton
There is a local bus service to get you around Rockhampton as well as a train station at Depot Hill. There’s also an airport to get you to and from farther destinations.
Hospitals and healthcare in Rockhampton
Rockhampton has its own general hospital, as well as the Hillcrest Rockhampton Private Hospital. There is a women’s health centre, a community health centre and several general medical centres as well as services for physio, dental, optical and naturopathy. There are also several pharmacies.
Education and childcare in Rockhampton
There are a number of options for education and schooling in the area. Central Queensland University has a Rockhampton City Campus and there is also a University of Queensland Rural Clinical School. In terms of schooling, there is The Rockhampton Grammar School and Kindergarten, Rockhampton Girls Grammar School, Rockhampton Special School and The Cathedral College. There are several options for childcare in the area.
Shopping in Rockhampton
While there are a large variety of shops scattered around, there are two large shopping centres in the area – City Centre Plaza and Stockland Rockhampton shopping centre.
Sports and recreation in Rockhampton
There are several parks you can visit to keep active, soak in some sunshine or take the kids for a play. The picturesque Rockhampton Botanic Gardens in a great place to do this, and there is even a zoo in the grounds.
There are several gyms and fitness centres, personal training services, tennis courts and also a kids’ amusement centre.
Entertainment
There are lots of ways to stay entertained in Rockhampton. There are a number of bars, pubs, night clubs and live music venues.
For performance arts, you can visit The Pilbeam Theatre.
And with something for all ages, there is also a cinema, ten pin bowling and laser tag.
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