QUEENSLAND
Rockhampton
WITH KIDS
Boasting more than 300 days of sunshine a year, a free zoo, treetop boardwalks, ancient caves, lush gardens, the largest art collection in regional Queensland, relaxing farm stays, exciting fishing trips, full-bull action, playgrounds, scenic bike rides and so much more, Rockhampton is the perfect place to stop, see and stay for families.
Rockhampton Zoo & Rockhampton’s heritage-listed Botanic Gardens
With more than 30 species of native and exotic animals, Rockhampton Zoo is a must to tick off your bucket list during your stay. From cheeky chimpanzees to adorable otters, mischievous meerkats, dingoes, wedged-tail eagles and more, you can enjoy learning all about the animals with zookeeper talks held throughout the day. For something truly unique and memorable, book one of Rockhampton Zoo’s animal encounters where you can get up close and personal with meerkats, otters and even snakes!
Images Rockhampton Zoo chimps, Botanic Gardens
Alkoomi Adventure Farm Stay
Farm stay experiences are a great way to bring the family together, switch off, enjoy fresh air, open spaces and be in the moment. Alkoomi Adventure Farm is a family-run cattle property that offers visitors a true Australian outback experience. There’s plenty to see and do at this authentic farm stay, from exploring the property by foot and photographing its breathtaking 360° views, feeding the farm animals, heading out on a leisurely horse ride, cooling down in the freshwater dams, or taking an adrenaline packed motorbike or quad bike ride. Once the sun sets, sit around the campfire and watch the stars while sharing stories of your day. It doesn’t get much better than this.
Image: Alkoomi Adventure Farm Stay
Rockhampton Museum of Art and Rockhampton’s Riverside Precinct
Featuring an ever-changing array of exhibitions to inspire and amaze, Rockhampton Museum of Art (RMOA) is the largest gallery in regional Queensland. Located on Rockhampton’s iconic Quay Street, the museum is free to visit and open daily from 9am to 4pm. Take a journey through the eye-catching exhibitions, programs and workshops and browse the gift shop downstairs. RMOA’s collection is regarded as one of the finest in regional Australia and is the only regional gallery in Queensland to hold a representative collection mid-twentieth century Australian art.
Images: Rockhampton Museum of Art, Riverside Precinct
Mount Archer (Nurim) Elevated Boardwalk and Mountain Biking Park
If fresh mountain air and spectacular views make you weak at the knees, then Mount Archer (Nurim) is a must-see. Wander through the trees along Nurim Circuit elevated treetop boardwalk, sit back and relax with a picnic in the amphitheatre or take a stroll along the many bush walking trails. Extending 25 metres off the side of Mount Archer, the 500-metre flat treetop boardwalk offers spectacular views of the city and the mighty Fitzroy River (Tunuba).
Image: Mt Archer
Playgrounds aplenty!
Stretch the legs, enjoy the fresh air and let the kids run wild at one of Rockhampton’s lush green parks and adventure playgrounds. The Rockhampton Botanic Gardens has a range of activities on offer with gardens to explore, a playground and barbecue facilities. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the shade of the giant canopies while the kids run around on the new playground featuring Ernie the Dingo. Kershaw Gardens is a spacious and picturesque parkland offering a sensational playground with swings, play equipment, a monorail and artificial waterway. From an amazing five-level webbed obstacle orb to the more sensory experience of following the flow of a representational Fitzroy River (Tunuba), where families can paddle and play.
Images: Mt Archer playground, Kershaw Gardens
Rockhampton Heritage Village
Authentically capturing a generous slice of an earlier generation's way of life, the Rockhampton Heritage Village is a wonderful place to enjoy for the whole family. Experience life before the iPad and electricity with a tour through the many homesteads, vintage cars, tractors, fire engines, horse drawn vehicles and wagons on display.
Image: Heritage Village
Mount Morgan – A rich past and small-town charm
Cruise along a winding scenic strip of road that takes you up into the Rockhampton regional hinterland. The Mount Morgan Range, via the Burnett Highway, is an enjoyable section of road with eye-catching lookouts, mountainous views and at the very end, the charming mining town of Mount Morgan. Delve into the township's rich gold mining history and relive its fascinating past with a range of impressive attractions on show.
Images: Mt Morgan No 7 Dam, Mt Morgan
Fishing the Fitzroy
Home of the barramundi, the Fitzroy River (Tunuba) winds through the city of Rockhampton and provides prime fishing opportunities for families looking to wet a line from a boat or from one of the many land-based fishing platforms. Even if you didn't pack the fishing gear with you, have no fear. Rockhampton has a range of fishing charters that set you up with everything you need to be able to check in and boat out in no time. No matter who you are, how you want to fish, or what you want to catch, the Fitzroy River (Tunuba) is ready to welcome you.
Image: Fishing the Fitzroy
Capricorn Caves
Grab the kids, hop in the car and take a short drive north of Rockhampton to visit the ancient chambers of Rockhampton’s oldest playground – the Capricorn Caves. The Capricorn Caves offer a range of daily tours from the mesmerising Cathedral Cave Tour to something more challenging like the Explorer and Adventurer Tours.
Images: A family exploring Capricorn Caves
Bull statue tour
It’s not a trip to Rockhampton without snapping a selfie with a bull statue – after all you’re in the Beef Capital of Australia! You’ll spot them dotted around the city, usually on the median strips on the major roads. However, you can easily and safely walk up to the one at Frank Ford Park, which is only a few minutes’ drive from the Rockhampton Zoo and Botanic Gardens.
Image: Self-Guided Audio Tour
