Kershaw Gardens has been described as Rockhampton's big backyard for all people to enjoy. These magnificent gardens stretch one kilometre parallel to the Bruce Highway and provide an attractive, peaceful setting within North Rockhampton. '
Enjoy the spacious parklands with walking tracks, an off-leash dog park (fenced), play areas for the kids and spectacular photo opportunities including a magnificent waterfall. This is the place to stop if you have children!
Built for families, parties, small events and outdoor activities the central section of the Kershaw Gardens is a must to visit. Don't miss Wyatt's Wonder Web: Originally designed for New York's Central Park, this adventure playground includes five levels of play for kids and adults too! Standing nine metres high, the young, and young at heart can climb through various obstacles including climbing ropes, ladders and tunnels.
The Tropic of Capricorn is a line that represents the southernmost position of the sun on its annual journey where the sun can be directly overhead. Rockhampton lies just north of the Tropic of Capricorn.
Visit their Spire, a marker that acts as a sundial, one of the only locations in the world that allows you to observe how the earth moves around the sun and 'see' the extent of difference in length of shadows at mid-winter and mid-summer.
While your visiting the Spire, drop into the Explore Rockhampton Visitor Information Centre, offering a one-stop-shop for travel information including maps, brochures, itineraries as well as a range of souvenirs and gift ware available . Staffed by skilled and knowledgeable local volunteers, the centre provides advice on the attractions and experiences and other essential information in the Rockhampton region and surrounds.
Welcome to X-Golf Rockhampton, your local indoor golf and sports bar in Queensland!
Join in for casual rounds, tournaments, coaching sessions, or private hire. They've paired a relaxed atmosphere with a full bar and a curated menu, making it the perfect spot to catch the game or relax with friends.
The premium simulators provide accurate ball data and access to world-renowned international courses. From casual group bundles to tailored event packages, they offer flexible options for different occasions.
The heritage-listed Rockhampton Botanic Gardens are amongst the oldest public gardens in Queensland. If you are looking for a bite to eat, the Gardens Tearooms are nestled under the 150-year-old Banyan Figs and offer a range of meals and refreshments as well as catering options for special events.
The Japanese Gardens provide tranquillity and peace, while the Cenotaph honours our Australian soldiers.
Also located within the gardens is the Rockhampton Zoo which is open daily and home to more than 30 species of native and exotic animals.
Learn more about the Botanic Gardens in Explore Rockhampton's self-guided audio tours app, available for download from the Apple app or Google Play store.
Home to more than 30 different species of native and exotic animals, Rockhampton Zoo is set on 10 acres within the stunning Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.
Come and meet mischievous mob of meerkats, the beautiful chimpanzee family, or stop by the Australian Wetlands zone to marvel over their giant saltwater crocodile. Overload on cuteness as the otters play like children in the water, or take on a unique and memorable animal encounter - Rockhampton Zoo has something for everyone!
Give yourself a couple of hours to meet the animals, then take a relaxing walk around Rockhampton's Botanic Gardens and the Murray Lagoon - all free and all in the same location!
Rockhampton Zoo is owned and operated by Rockhampton Regional Council.
Search for Rockhampton Zoo on Facebook for the latest updates.
Situated at the 42nd Battalion Memorial Pool, Aqualification and fitness have waterslides and mini golf.
An excellent spot for a day or hire the venue for an event. There is a 50m pool, wading pool and play area. The venue also boasts three 10-metre waterslides and an 18-hole themed mini golf course.
The pools and waterslide have fully trained lifeguards on duty to ensure that your fun times are also safe.
Kiosk serves hot food as well as ice-creams, snacks and cold drinks. Platters are available for any party you may be hosting. Please pre-order your platters.
Nurim Circuit is a must for your Rockhampton bucket list. Extending 25 metres off the side of Mount Archer, the 500-metre flat boardwalk offers spectacular views of the city and the mighty Fitzroy River (Tunuba).
Take your time taking in the views and checking out the interpretive signage of the local Darumbal culture. The boardwalk is particularly popular with locals and tourists alike wanting to catch the spectacular sunrises and sunsets so don't forget your camera!
If you're a budding photographer or would like to pick up on some tips and tricks to shooting the sunset from Nurim Circuit, check out the blog 'Mastering that Sunset Shoot'.
If you're not in a rush when visiting Mount Archer National Park, then pick up a delicious platter of cheese, cold meats, dips and crackers or some delicious takeaway from any of the local cafes and sit back and relax with a picnic at the picnic tables or the Mount Archer Amphitheatre.
If you're a fitness fanatic, check out the many hiking and bushwalking trails throughout the national park or hit up the mountain biking trails at the First Turkey Mountain Bike Park.
The Gracemere Saleyards, located eight kilometres west of Rockhampton, began operations in 1953.The saleyards hosts the world's largest stud sale (Brahman Week) and Australia's biggest horse sale (National Quarter Horse Sale). Extensive upgrading of facilities totalling 7.5 million dollars began in 2003, ensuring that the saleyards remain one of Central Queensland's foremost attractions.
Visitors can expect an inside view of livestock sales in the comfort of the upgraded selling ring, comfortably sitting up to 1,000 people. Stud sales are conducted primarily in the spring, September through to November, and many Australian and Australasian records are held both in relation to prices and the number of stock sold.
Limestone outcrops and dense, decorated caves are roosting sites for more than 80% of Australia's breeding population of little bent-wing bats. The park is also one of the few places in Australia that supports a colony of vulnerable ghost bats.
In summer, join a ranger-guided tour to Bat Cleft and experience the rush of thousands of tiny bats flashing past you (fees apply). Tours run for about three hours in the evening under torchlight along the Mount Etna walk (2.4km return). Tours operate in summer from December to late January on Friday and Saturday evenings. Bookings are required and fees apply. Payment is accepted by credit or debit card at the start of each tour. Minimum booking numbers apply. Book your place early as tours are restricted to 10 people to ensure everyone has good views of the bats.
Explore the park on foot along the Cammoo circuit and Mount Etna trail. Enjoy a BBQ picnic in the day-use area. At the information shelter learn about the park’s unique bats, conflict-filled past and the remnant dry rainforest.
Chill out at the No. 7 Dam (otherwise known as The Big Dam) located in Mount Morgan. With picturesque natural views, the dam offers a tranquil place for a get together. Enjoy a picnic, use the free barbecues and let the kids run wild in the shaded playground. The dam also provides unique fishing opportunities including red claw and kayak fishing.
The Mount Morgan Railway Museum is a 'must do' on the Mount Morgan Golden List of things to do and see. Step back in time and experience how life and travel used to be. Through audio-visual displays and 3D presentation, experience travel of the past and feel what it was like aboard the old 'rack' system, hauling trains up the steep inclines of the Razorback in the 1800s.
Get a sense of the history of rail in Queensland and even see the railway equipment at the former station including rolling stock, goods shed and heritage listed water tank for steam engines.
The Mount Morgan Rail Museum is a pleasant 38 kilometres from Rockhampton so come and experience the history!
Come and re-live the past as you explore the hinterlands of Mount Morgan. Be sure to bring your camera, there are many lookouts and photo opportunities throughout the township and surrounds.
Stop for a bite to eat in the charming Mount Morgan Central Business District. Walk the length of Morgan Street and get a taste of the mining, rail and community history. There's so much rich history to embrace in this delightful mountain town.
Learn more about Mount Morgan in Explore Rockhampton's self-guided audio tours app, available for download from the Apple app or Google Play store.
