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The Central Queensland region is made up of three main areas...
> Capricorn region
> Gladstone region
> Bundaberg
Visit Rockhampton Qld
Rockhampton, the Beef Capital of Australia is located on the Tropic of Capricorn and is the gateway to the Coast and the Outback.
Founded in 1853, the majesty of Rockhampton's historical architecture has captured the hearts of visitors for decades. Many fine public and private buildings, including the Customs House, old Post Office, Cathedrals, banks, business houses and homes, are constant reminders of the city with an exciting background. The listing of Quay Street facing the river as an historic streetscape that is unique in Australia.
Rising out of Rockhampton's north-eastern suburbs, Mt Archer National Park provides magnificent views of the city, and showcases a spectacular range of native Australian flora and fauna. Frazer Park at the summit of Mt Archer is approximately 604 meters above sea level.
Six bull statues representing the main breeds of the area are situated throughout Rockhampton in recognition of Rockhampton's Beef Capital of Australia title. Gracemere Saleyards, on the outskirts of Rockhampton, handle the largest throughput of export beef cattle in Queensland, and is the largest stud-selling venue in the Southern Hemisphere. Public are welcome.
Experience the country in the city at the Great Western Hotel, which holds weekly rodeos at the back of the pub.
Rockhampton Heritage Village is an active township museum where visitors can experience Rockhampton's rich and colourful history. You could also visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre, set in some 30 acres of natural bushland on Ancient Tribal Sites. Just 23 kilometres north of Rockhampton on Highway One is Capricorn Caverns, magnificent limestone caves.
Rockhampton Botanic Gardens are regarded as one of the best provincial gardens in Australia. Recently heritage-listed, the Rockhampton Gardens are 130 years old. Located within the Botanic Gardens, the Rockhampton Zoo is home to a diverse range of animals.
Activities you can engage in:
Visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre, Australia's largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre. Set in some 30 acres of natural bushland on Ancient Tribal Sites. Open Monday to Friday 1000 to 1530. Guided tours available from 1030.
Animal Viewing: The Rockhampton Zoo nestled between the Botanic Gardens and Murray Lagoon is a perfect place for families to see native Australian fauna. The zoo is open daily from 0800 to 1700 and entry is free. Feeding times for the koalas and lorikeets is 1500 each day.
Birdwatching: Mount Archer National Park provides magnificent views of the city and showcases a spectacular range of native Australian flora and fauna. Take a leisurely walk along one of Mount Archer's many walking tracks. Frazer Park is the top plateau of Mount Archer and is approximately 604 metres above sea level. It is a steep five kilometre drive to the summit and there are three lookouts located along the way providing extensive views of the city and surrounding countryside. Frazer Park has excellent barbecues and picnic tables. Amenity blocks with disabled facilities are also available.
Bush Tucker: Visit the Kershaw Gardens dedicated to Australian Native Flora and take a guided bush tucker tour.
Bushwalking: Mt Archer National Park has many walking tracks with views from several lookouts.
Camping: There are several caravan parks in Rockhampton where camping is available.
Caving: Capricorn Caves is just 23 kilometres north of Rockhampton. These magnificent limestone caves are open daily with guided tours and wild caving adventure tours also available.
Farm/Station: The Capricorn Region is Australia's largest producer of beef. Cattle stations and host Farms deliver the authentic 'outback' experience. There are a variety of farm stays within the Rockhampton area where you can experience campdrafts and mustering, milking the cows, collecting eggs, campout under the stars or simply relax and soak up Australian country life. Farm hosts can also offer four wheel drive experiences, campoven cooking, bushwalking, bush craft and didgeridoo making. Each cattle station in the Capricorn Region is unique and a place where you will make friends that will last a lifetime.
Fishing Estuary: The Fitzroy River flows through the centre of Rockhampton is one of the best places to catch a barramundi. Other species of fish in the Fitzroy include blue threadfin, king threadfin and gold spot estuary cod. The Rocky Barra Bounty held annually on the Fitzroy River in October has become a leading tag and release fishing event.
Visit the recently heritage-listed 130 year old Rockhampton Botanic Gardens. Open daily 0600 to 1800 accessible from Spencer and Ann Streets. The Rockhampton Kershaw Gardens represent an Australian natural bush environment, dedicated to native plants. Open daily, access via Charles Street, High Street, Dowling Street and the Bruce Highway at Knight Street.
Horseriding: Horseriding is available at some of our farmstays or trail rides available from behind the Oaks Service Station on the Rockhampton/Yeppoon road.
Jet Boating: Jet boating and skiing on the Fitzroy River in the heart of town.
Kayaking: The picturesque Fitzroy River is the perfect place to kayak.
National Parks: Mount Archer National Park provides magnificent views of the city and showcases a spectacular range of native Australian flora and fauna. Take a leisurely walk along one of Mount Archer's many walking tracks. Frazer Park is the top plateau of Mount Archer and is approximately 604 metres above sea level. It is a steep five kilometre drive to the summit and there are three lookouts located along the way providing extensive views of the city and surrounding countryside. Frazer Park has excellent barbecues and picnic tables. Amenity blocks with disabled facilities are also available.
Scenic Flights: Scenic flights available from Rockhampton airport, treat yourself to a birdseye view of Rockhampton or take a coastline tour over the Capricorn Coast and over the Keppel Islands.
Skiing Water: The Fitzroy River right in the heart of Rockhampton is a great place to go water skiing.
For more information regarding Queensland National Parks and reserves go to Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service.
If travelling to Queensland have a look at Queensland Holidays.
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