Rockhampton is a diverse Australian city full of opportunity! Known as the Beef Capital of Australia, the city is rich in culture and heritage, with the coastal and rural landscapes offering a unique and inviting holiday destination. If you've chosen to drive north with car rental Brisbane, you're just a seven hour drive away from Rocky.

Sitting astride the Fitzroy River, with clear views of the Berserker Ranges and Mt Archer, this city is an integral part of the Tropic of Capricorn. Situated only a 40 kilometre drive inland from the Capricorn Coast and the Pacific Ocean, it truly is where the outback meets the reef! Offering an abundance of different activities for the whole family, Rockhampton is often called the City of Contrasts.

Action City

Rockhampton is a haven for an action-packed and adventure-filled holiday. Its status as a Beef Capital makes it the ideal place to try your luck on a bull ride. This is sure to be a laugh for the whole family and will give you a taste of the local culture and livelihood. The kids will love the local go-carting and paint ball facilities on offer and even the young at heart will get a kick out of ripping up the go-cart track at top speeds!

Take a short drive to the coast and take part in a diving adventure, exploring the colourful coral and vibrant marine life of the spectacular reef. Or catch a glimpse of the reef from the air, if you dare, and book a sky-diving adventure. Although this is not for the faint hearted, the experience is truly amazing and well worth it!

Cultural City

Rockhampton is home to several local art and craft galleries, which exhibit the talents of the skilled locals as well as more historical displays of times gone by. The Walter Reid Cultural Centre is a must-do activity while visiting as it allows you to participate in and learn about local arts and crafts. Paint, weave, quilt and photograph with the experienced guidance of the locals. Offering a unique and pleasant experience, the centre is guaranteed to give you a wealth of knowledge of the culture of this amazing city.

Festival and Event City

Home to several yearly festivals and events, Rockhampton is a hub of activity all year round. The Rocky Barra Bounty event is a popular annual event, held on the edges of the Fitzroy River every October. It is one of Australia's leading tag and release fishing events, attracting tourists' year on end.

The Beef Expo is another of the city's main attractions. See why Rockhampton is known as the Beef Capital by visiting what is known as one of the world's great beef cattle events. Attracting around 60,000 people annually, the event is host to celebrity chefs, premium beef restaurants, concerts, rodeos, fashion shows and a Gala Ball. With something to interest the whole family, it's no wonder so many people trek here for this uniquely Australian event.

Historic City

The history and heritage of this classic city are eminent in the old-style architecture and magnificent heritage buildings that line the streets of Rockhampton. Local attractions such as Heritage Village, the Railway Museum and the Glenmore Homestead give you a taste of the city's historical background while allowing you to explore some of the local treasures and keepsakes.

The Dreamtime Cultural Centre emphasises the important Aboriginal heritage of the area and has a strong focus on the culture of the original inhabitants of the land.

Nature City

The nature of the city abounds in the local gardens, parks and nature walks. The prominence of birdlife is evident in the Botanic Gardens and the local National Parks. Kershaw Gardens features a natural bush environment with an abundance of native plants for all to enjoy.

Spend a day with the kids at the Rockhampton Zoo. Explore the winding nature walks while learning about and viewing the diverse range of Australian animals. The kids are sure to enjoy it, while you relax and take in the peacefully quiet surrounds.

The sights and sounds of Rockhampton are inviting, unique and enjoyable for the whole family. It is easy to explore all that is on offer from the comfort of your car, while taking the spectacular surroundings and the historical ambience of this city of contrasts!

Christine Barton