The 11 best things to do in Rockhampton

Explore the historic heart of Central Queensland with a visit to one of the state’s longest-standing cities.

Rockhampton is one of the oldest cities in Northern Australia. If you’re a fan of heritage buildings, modern history and great natural surroundings, then you’ll find plenty of things to do in Rockhampton, whether you’re pottering around town or keen to take a day trip a bit further afield. Here, we’ve listed our picks for the best things to do in Rockhampton below.

1. Rockhampton Heritage Village

There’s no better place to immerse yourself in gold-rush-era Australia than the Rockhampton Heritage Village . Here, you’ll find authentic vintage automobiles, old machinery and homesteads that bring to life the atmosphere of rural Queensland in the days of yonder.

The Heritage Village is an interactive and immersive way to learn about local history, and one of the quintessential things to do in Rockhampton if you consider yourself a bit of a history buff.

2. Archer Park Rail Museum

Rail enthusiasts will find lots to love at the Archer Park Rail Museum , where artefacts and displays tell the story of Rockhampton and Central Queensland through its locomotive past.

Archer Park Railway Rockhampton — Learn about all things locomotive at Archer Rail Museum. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

Featuring a restored Purrey Steam Tram from the 1930s, digital soundscapes and life-like mannequins, Archer Park Rail Museum charts the quaint yet fascinating rail history of one of the state’s oldest cities.

3. Day trip to Yeppoon

It’s all but Aussie instinct to make a beeline for the coast. And if you opt to do so from Rockhampton, you’ll certainly be making a great call. The closest beach town, Yeppoon, is a taste of the good life. Perched alongside pristine beaches, the town combines laid-back local vibes and the ebullience of holidaymakers in the know about this coastal gem.

Yeppoon Coastline Aerial View — Yeppoon is a seaside gem just begging to be discovered.

The 40-minute drive to Yeppoon from Rockhampton is a scenic trip through the luscious expanses of Darumbal country. When you arrive, hit the beach, chill out at the lagoon or explore the laid-back cafe scene.

4. Day trip to Capricorn Caves

Capricorn Caves are Rockhampton’s local caves, located just 30 minutes from the township. On a tour of this above-ground cave system, you’ll witness ancient geology, eerie cave acoustics and if you’re lucky, a glimpse of microbats flitting about the caves.

Capricorn Caves Rockhampton — Venture deep into this fascinating cave system, just a short drive from Rockhampton. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

The more adventurous can opt for longer, immersive tours, where you’ll don a helmet and torch as your guide leads you into the depths of the winding cave system.

Capricorn Caves Rock-climbing — There are also other activities like rock climbing to enjoy. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

5. Mount Archer National Park

Explore Rockhampton’s scenic backdrop and hit the trails at Mount Archer National Park . Wander among towering eucalyptus and dry rainforests and stride up to scenic lookouts where you can admire the beauty of Darumbal country.

Nurim Circuit — Grab your walking shoes and hit the trails around Mt. Arthur.

Ramble through bluegums and swamp mahogany on the relatively easy First Turkey trailhead to Mugul, or opt for something a little more challenging like the Nurim summit walk where you’ll be met with rewarding vistas as you reach the top.

6. Mount Morgan Historic Village

Relax in the rolling hinterland of rural Queensland. Just 30 minutes southwest of Rockhampton, the quaint village of Mount Morgan is a time capsule of Aussie mining history.

Strolling around Mount Morgan is like walking in an interactive museum, where you can admire streets full of heritage-listed architecture including the school, police station and the old mine.

Check out the Mount Morgan Historical Museum, where you can pursue the impressive collection of relics that are sure to paint a picture of early local history.

7. Botanic gardens

Embrace Central Queensland’s sub-tropical climate at Rockhampton Botanic Gardens . Mosey around groves of Banyan figs, a tropical fruit arboretum, a Japanese garden and much more.

Rockhampton's Botanic Gardens. — Soak up nature at Rockhampton’s Botanic Gardens.

If you’re a keen botanist, the Rockhampton self-guided audio tours app will have plenty to pique your curiosity. The Gardens Tearooms is the perfect pit stop to refuel as you soak up the blissful atmosphere.

When you’ve recharged, check out Rockhampton Zoo situated within the gardens where you’ll come face-to-face with cassowaries, chimpanzees and meerkats.

8. Kershaw Gardens

If you want to soak up even more serenity, head uptown to Kershaw Gardens . This is the go-to spot for locals and families to gather and kick back. Kids will love Wyatt’s Wonder Web, a five-level playing sphere originally designed for New York’s Central Park.

Fitzroy River water play area is also popular, especially on balmy days. Or, pack a picnic lunch and relax in the shade surrounded by green.

9. CQ Military and Artefacts

Staffed by a friendly and passionate group of modern history aficionados, CQ Military and Artefacts is the place to head if you’re a modern history enthusiast. Here, you can examine an impressive collection of artefacts and exhibits that detail Australia’s involvement in various wars. Explore the history of Australia’s armed forces through historic photographs, medals and badges, diaries and dioramas that shine a light on Australia’s military past.

10. Rockhampton markets

You’re bound to find the stalls at Rockhampton markets teeming with colourful produce and sumptuous local fare. There are multiple markets in Rockhampton, from Doblo’s Farmer’s Markets open daily to Rocky Sunday Markets where you can find plenty of arts, crafts and food vans to grab a bite. Head down to peruse handmade knick-knacks, enjoy artisanal produce and farm-fresh flavours, or stop for a chinwag with one of the friendly stallholders.

11. Rockhampton Museum of Art

The Rockhampton Museum of Art is the largest regional art gallery in Queensland, pulling together the best of local and international talent.

Rockhampton Museum of Art Interior — Take your time to wander through the largest regional art gallery in Queensland. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

Fronting the Fitzroy River, this new gallery is ‘where creativity and community come together’. The museum is one of the most significant in the country, and the only one to contain a collection of mid-20th-century Australian art.

Rockhampton Museum of Art Aerial View — The gallery has a plum position overlooking the Fitzroy River. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

Browse the core collections and the fascinating carousel of temporary exhibitions on display.

Rockhampton Museum of Art Exhibition — Creativity and community come together at Rockhampton Museum of Art. (Image: Tourism Events Queensland)

Heading to Rockhampton? Check out our guide on the best places to eat and stay while you’re in town.

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.