Rockhampton is not only a major tourist destination, it’s also the perfect place for travelers to restock, recharge, and prepare for their next adventure. Strategically located halfway along the Queensland Pacific Coast Way, Rockhampton also serves as a gateway connecting the Queensland Outback to the coast. See why it’s a prime stop for explorers?
Oh—and did we mention it’s the beef capital of Australia and steeped in rich history and culture?
But without a doubt, what we loved most about Rockhampton was its surroundings. The city lies just 40 kilometers from the Capricorn Coast, home to our favorite island paradise: Great Keppel Island. It’s also framed by forests and mountains like the Berserker Ranges and Mt Archer. Nature is very much alive here, with nearby gems like Blackdown Tableland and Byfield National Parks, and the scenic Yeppoon coast.
Rockhampton is the capital of the Rockhampton Region in Central Queensland and the fourth-largest city in the state, with a population of around 83,600. It’s also the oldest city in Queensland, and while modernized, still retains much of its historic charm. Today, Rockhampton is better known as a hub of agriculture and industry—and is widely considered the beef production capital of Australia.
Geographically, the city is split by the Fitzroy River, famous for its prized barramundi fishing. The broader Rockhampton region is home to several national parks, including Byfield and Blackdown Tablelands, and its coast forms part of the iconic Capricorn Coast, where Great Keppel Island awaits.
The traditional custodians of the Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast region are the Darrumbal Aboriginal people. Aboriginal Australians were the first humans to inhabit this land—tens of thousands of years before European settlement—and their cultural legacy remains an essential part of the region’s identity today.
Rockhampton has a subtropical climate, typical of central Queensland. While northern Queensland is tropical, Rockhampton enjoys stable weather year-round, with average temperatures hovering around 27°C.
That said, here are a few tips for planning your visit:
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Rockhampton has a domestic airport with direct flights from Brisbane, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns, the Sunshine Coast, and Melbourne. The flight from Brisbane takes less than an hour. If you’re arriving from overseas, it’s best to fly into Brisbane or Melbourne, which have the most international connections, and continue from there.
If you’re driving, Rockhampton is easy to access via the Queensland Pacific Coast Way—it lies directly along the route. For example, it’s about a 7-hour drive from Brisbane. Keep in mind: Rockhampton is almost exactly halfway between Brisbane and Cairns.
You can also reach Rockhampton by Greyhound bus—direct routes from Brisbane take around 12 hours.
Another option is to travel by train. The Rockhampton station is just 1.6 km from the city center. You can choose between: The Spirit of Queensland if coming from the north; the Spirit of the Outback from central or western regions; or the Tilt Train, a high-speed service from Brisbane, which takes around 7 hours and 45 minutes.
Nowadays, finding hotels, guesthouses, or restaurants with free Wi-Fi is pretty common. However, there are still those who prefer (or need) to stay connected at all times.
That’s why we’ll show you how to get an eSIM Australia card with internet— now also available with unlimited data.
Step back in time at the Rockhampton Heritage Village. Discover remnants of the gold rush and explore the beginnings of Queensland’s oldest town.
Here you’ll find vintage cars (some you can even drive!), a classic hotel, and old machinery—a true immersion into Australia’s rural past.
Located just north of the city, Kershaw Gardens is a favorite local escape. Here, you’ll find Rockhampton locals picnicking, relaxing under shady trees, or strolling through beautifully landscaped gardens. Would you like to join us?
This massive urban park has something for everyone: a water play area for kids, waterfalls and walkways for the older ones, and even a caravan park (for self-contained vehicles only)
Mt Archer National Park rises 604 meters above sea level, not particularly high, but the panoramic views from the summit are absolutely stunning.
From the top, you’ll look out over Rockhampton, the Fitzroy River, and vast forest reserves. Multiple hiking trails—ranging from easy strolls to more challenging climbs—lead you through eucalyptus forests and subtropical rainforests to the summit.
Just 40 kilometers from Rockhampton along the coast lies the coastal town of Yeppoon, one of Queensland’s best-kept secrets. With tropical islands, perfect weather, and golden beaches, Yeppoon is a true hidden gem.
This coastal town, with its laid-back, carefree vibe, offers a true taste of the good life. Unwind on its beaches or in the lagoon, sip a coffee by the sea, or indulge in delicious fresh fish at one of Yeppoon’s many fish and chip shops.
And then there’s Great Keppel Island—a slice of paradise just a short ferry ride from Yeppoon. Located on the southern edge of the Great Barrier Reef, you already know what to expect: crystal-clear water, coral reefs, soft white sand, and sweet tropical sun.
With 17 beaches to choose from, you can snorkel almost anywhere. Or rent a kayak or SUP to access secluded beaches and hidden coves.
If you’re craving complete solitude, take a walk to the far side of the island and relax at Wreck Beach—a totally untouched paradise (clearly, we’re obsessed with this place hahaha).
Finally, Great Keppel Island is also the perfect spot for a three-day getaway from Rockhampton.
Remember how we said Rockhampton is surrounded by nature? Well, Byfield National Park is one of the best examples. Located just one hour north of Rockhampton or 30 minutes from Yeppoon.
And why drive there? This park is a true hidden treasure.
It’s a lush landscape of dense jungle, towering sand dunes, rugged peaks, and freshwater streams that form stunning natural pools—creating the largest untouched ecosystem on Australia’s east coast.
You can do almost anything: hike through its forests, camp, drive along its remote beaches, or cool off in crystal-clear swimming holes like Stoney Creek.
Embark on an adventure through the famous Capricorn Caves. Follow an experienced guide as you navigate this incredible cave system and learn about its formation and fascinating history. Several tour options are available to suit your preferences:
Looking for a carefree day where everything is taken care of? This Great Keppel Island tour offers just that. In the morning, you’ll take the ferry to the island—snorkeling gear and lunch included.
In the afternoon, you’re free to enjoy the beaches of the Great Barrier Reef on your own terms. Take your time, explore at your own pace, and savor the moment.
Enjoy a magical sunset cruise along the Capricorn Coast, with the Keppel Islands in the distance. This 1.5-hour cruise has it all: enjoying the sunset with loved ones and friends, toasting with a glass of champagne, and a cheese platter to top it off.
Honestly, though, it’s the sunset over the sea will be the perfect accompaniment to enjoying the food and drinks.
Rockhampton has no shortage of backpacker hostels, like the well-known YHA Backpackers, although to be honest, we weren’t entirely convinced by them.
Instead, we recommend the Criterion Hotel-Motel Rockhampton. Its Victorian-style architecture and décor make for a charming and character-filled stay.
The hotel is centrally located and offers private rooms for added comfort.
If you’re after a bit more comfort and privacy, we recommend the CBD Executive Apartaments. These accommodations include double beds, private bathrooms, and kitchenettes.
Some apartments even offer spas and fully equipped kitchens, and you can also enjoy an indoor pool and café within the building. The location is also quite convenient—close to downtown Rockhampton.
For the most luxurious experience in Rockhampton, we suggest staying in a suite at the Denison Boutique Hotel. This stunning property features unique architecture, beautiful gardens, and super-stylish rooms.
Highlights include a double spa bath, whirlpool tub, and elegant decor. The best part? The price is likely more affordable than you’d expect—check it out and see for yourself 😉
Want to camp in comfort in Rockhampton? Try the Riverside Tourist Park. Another option, just 15 minutes north of the city, is Country Club Accommodation, offering budget-friendly sites: AU$20 without power, AU$23 with power.
If you’re looking for a free camping option, there’s a site for self-contained vehicles at Kershaw Garden Park. If you’re not self-sufficient, you can stay at the Midgee Rest Area, just south of Rockhampton on the Bruce Highway.
For those visiting Byfield National Park, we recommend the Upper Stoney Creek Campground, a fantastic site where we stayed two nights.
And if you’re heading to Yeppoon, you can camp with ocean views at Beachside Holiday Caravan Park Yeppoon.
The best way to explore Rockhampton and its surrounding areas—like most of the Queensland Pacific Coast Way—is by car. Most attractions in the Rockhampton region are within an hour’s drive.
For public transport, Kinetic Bus connects Rockhampton with its suburbs. You can also take the private Youngs Shuttle Bus, which links Rockhampton, the airport, and Yeppoon.
If you’re visiting Great Keppel Island, take the Fast Cats ferry from Rosslyn Bay, just five minutes from Yeppoon.
Rockhampton and its surroundings offer so much to explore, you could easily spend a week here and not run out of things to do. That said, if you’re following the Queensland Pacific Coast Way, you may not want to linger too long in the city itself. Instead, focus on the surrounding highlights.We recommend that you spend 3 days in total: day 1, explore Rockhampton city; day 2, visit Yeppoon; day 3, discover Great Keppel Island.
What we truly loved about Rockhampton wasn’t the city, it was everything around it. We fell head-over-heels for Great Keppel Island, where we spent four days exploring its beaches and coral reefs. Honestly, we stopped in Rockhampton mainly to restock supplies for our island adventure.
Yeppoon and Byfield National Park were also standouts—perfect places to get lost in nature and soak in the beauty of Queensland.
And now for the verdict: Thea’s favorite place? Definitely Yeppoon. Maybe it was the market day, the perfect weather, or the relaxed vibe and delicious fish and chips—but for her, Yeppoon wins. Mine? Great Keppel Island. Especially Wreck Beach, where we spent hours exploring coral reefs.
To conclude this general guide to Rockhampton and its surrounding areas, we offer a series of recommendations and common-sense tips to help you make the most of your visit:
Click on the image and it will take you to a new Google Maps window with all the points of interest to travel to Rockhampton.
