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Rockhampton is one of Queensland's oldest cities, established in 1855.
Rockhampton was named by Queensland's first Land Commissioner, Mr W. Wiseman, who was supposedly inspired by the rocks in the river which flow through the town.
During the late 1800s, several nearby gold discoveries ensured continued economic growth of the region, and of Rockhampton itself. Subsequently, as mining, grazing, farming and meat processing industries developed in Central Queensland, Rockhampton thrived as a regional service centre.
Rockhampton was finally recognised as a city in 1902, and has continued to grow slowly but steadily ever since. Rockhampton’s current population is around 59,000. The Rockhampton area is surprisingly busy, with considerable traffic on the roads, and a substantial suburban area. It has a feel much more of a developed city than of an outback town.
Rockhampton is almost universally called Rocky. Just about every business has some variation of Rocky in their name or their promotion.
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By plane
Rockhampton Airport (ROK) is just to the west of the city. Signposted road access is from the Bruce Highway heading south from the city centre.
Qantaslink [url=http://www.qantas.com.au]]has seven direct flights a day to [[Brisbane[/url]] during the week, slightly less on the weekends.
Virgin Australia [url=http://www.virginaustralia.com]]flies direct to [[Sydney[/url]], to [wiki=759302fb84c5f72078746e7358ba44a0]Brisbane[/wiki] and to [wiki=bbd0d31b86adca50c585411ca8aada0c]Townsville[/wiki].
Qantaslink also operates a twice daily all stops flight north and south, to [wiki=b517632e7dcb30ae0bf22256731dfedb]Gladstone[/wiki] then to [wiki=759302fb84c5f72078746e7358ba44a0]Brisbane[/wiki] heading south, and to [wiki=2cf2a1ebd5cc233ed8a5387ad55c08f9]Mackay[/wiki], [wiki=bbd0d31b86adca50c585411ca8aada0c]Townsville[/wiki] and [wiki=c0f6d8f516f49d2e7a21306270f8c21a]Cairns[/wiki] heading north.
The discount airlines flying the route mean that cheap fares from the eastern capitals are commonly on offer.
Rockhampton airport has a central cafe, in a fully air conditioned terminal. It has an ANZ ATM available, and car hire facilities. There is a small Qantas regional lounge situated next to the Qantas check-in area. There is also an outside observation area.
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By car
Rockhampton is accessible by sealed road, most notably the Bruce Highway which travels north from [wiki=759302fb84c5f72078746e7358ba44a0]Brisbane[/wiki], through Rockhampton and on to [wiki=c0f6d8f516f49d2e7a21306270f8c21a]Cairns[/wiki]. It is 7-8 hours driving time along the highway from [wiki=759302fb84c5f72078746e7358ba44a0]Brisbane[/wiki].
Road access from [wiki=1fc91e86962825bb745de53d1657b3e4]Sydney[/wiki], [wiki=7c885b9c7c703a77befcabeea54944d5]Melbourne[/wiki] and other areas further south and inland is shorter via an inland route. Rockhampton is the terminus of the Liechhardt Highway. Driving time from [wiki=1fc91e86962825bb745de53d1657b3e4]Sydney[/wiki] is around 17 hours (non-stop).
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By train
Tilt train services run to Rockhampton from [wiki=759302fb84c5f72078746e7358ba44a0]Brisbane[/wiki] once daily, six days a week. The Spirit of the Outback ends its journey up the coast from [wiki=759302fb84c5f72078746e7358ba44a0]Brisbane[/wiki] here, and turns inland towards [wiki=0b6e98d660e2901c33333347da37ad36]Emerald[/wiki] and [wiki=9f927120191b777782cbb59b9c57463e]Longreach[/wiki]. The Sunlander continues from [wiki=759302fb84c5f72078746e7358ba44a0]Brisbane[/wiki] up the coast to [wiki=c0f6d8f516f49d2e7a21306270f8c21a]Cairns[/wiki].
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By bus
Greyhound [url=http://www.greyhound.com.au]]have daily services from both [[Brisbane[/url]] and [wiki=c0f6d8f516f49d2e7a21306270f8c21a]Cairns[/wiki].
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By car
The towns and areas around Rockhampton are all accessible by sealed roads. Most major car rental companies offer car hire in Rockhampton, either at offices in the city or at Rockhampton airport such as:
*[url=http://www.redspot.com.au]Redspot Car Rentals[/url]
*[url=http://www.avis.com.au]Avis Car Rentals[/url]
*[url=http://www.hertz.com.au]Hertz Rentals[/url]
*[url=http://www.europcar.com.au/]Europcar[/url]
Roads are typically uncrowded, making driving in the area enjoyable, though drivers are advised to be cautious of the many large trucks on the Bruce highway. When travelling on back roads, watch out for straying livestock.
There is actually a bit of peak hour in Rockhampton, especially on a Friday afternoon travelling over the bridges towards [wiki=03f89e0e8c7dd7d3807acdded7497f77]Yeppoon[/wiki]. Expect up to around 10 minutes of delay due to traffic.
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By taxi
Taxis are useful for those wishing to travel to places of interest within the city, or to and from the airport. Travel time from the airport to the city centre is only 15 minutes. Rocky Cabs can be reached on the national taxi number, 131 008. The taxis also service [wiki=03f89e0e8c7dd7d3807acdded7497f77]Yeppoon[/wiki] although a fare there is expensive, and a bus or hire car may be a better option.
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By bicycle
Rockhampton is fairly flat, and most roads are uncrowded, which is good for those wishing to cycle around the city. Those wanting to venture further a field should be warned that the combination of rural drivers, and large trucks and cars with roo-bars, is not particularly bicycle-friendly. Be cautious.
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By foot
Rockhampton’s flat topography and compact size mean many attractions can be visited on foot, especially those in and around the city centre.
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Many of the attractions in Rockhampton are operated by the local council, which has a focus on tourism promotion.
* 3pm is feeding time at the zoo. A variety of Australian wildlife, including wallabies, kangaroos, goannas, wombats, and koalas. There is also a freshwater crocodile display. Also seeming somewhat out of place is a chimpanzee, a baboon and a monkey. 3pm is also the chance to get up close to a Koala for photos.
* Surrounding the zoo, includes a Japanese Garden and the Rockhampton War Memorial. The Giant Banyan Figs in the gardens are a feature. There are tea rooms in the garden, serving cappuccinos. ice-creams and lunch.
* A large site, with around 20 historical buildings from between 1850 and 1950 reconstructed on the site, including a school, hospital and church. Takes around 1 hour to walk around the site, but if you are interested in historic machinery it may take longer. Volunteers run kiosk on site, serves devonshire teas until 2pm (but only instant coffee)
*Dreamtime Cultural Centre, Bruce Highway, Phone: +61 7 4936 1655, [http://www.dreamtimecentre.com.au/]. M-F 10AM-3:30PM. The Dreamtime Cultural Centre showcases Aboriginal culture, heritage and artwork. Local Aboriginal guides give regular tours through the centre, and describe regional tribal history, myths of the Dreamtime and the process involved in producing Aboriginal artworks. There are also displays of didgeridoo playing, bush tucker and boomerang throwing. A convention centre and accommodation are located on the site. It is located 6 kilometres to the north of Rockhampton city centre.
* Access to 2-wheel drive vehicles. If you are an experienced caver in a group, you can go caving independently here. Guided tours are available at the nearby Capricorn Caves
* Guided tours
* The tropics are caused by tilt of the earth on its axis, with the tropic of Capricorn marking the line of latitude when the sun is directly overhead at the summer solstice. Rockhampton lies pretty much on the tropic of Capricorn with the temperate zone to the south of the city, and tropical zone to the north. A spire marks the Tropic of Capricorn but the position is inexact, and varies by a few kilometres a year because of the wobble of the earth on its axis. The position here is a convenience, and an older marker lies on the Bruce Highway 3km south of this location.
* Immigrants to Australia used to arrive by the boatload at Rockhampton. The sandstone Customs House building now houses the tourist information centre. Just across the road is a modern riverside esplanade on the banks of the Fitzroy river.
* In south Rockhampton a tram line runs through the city streets, and a restored steam tram runs on Sundays. The museum is also open Monday to Friday.
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Cafe serving croc and other dishes, mains over $20. The only possibility of getting value for money here is to turn up for the tour. You will get an idea of the entrepreneurial nature of the operations here. The tour involves feeding and viewing the crocs that are in the pens visible as you approach the farm entrance, which is basically the breeding pairs. Also offers the opportunity to hold a younger croc.
*Pleasant views of Rockhampton are available from Mount Archer, including the locally known Hell Nights at night.
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Great homey Italian food. Recently moved to the corner of George and Fitzroy Streets, facing the river. Consistent quality and for those nostalgic customers, they can prepare signature dishes from the old menu upon request.
*Fantastic food and coffee. Try the corn fritters. The eggs and Turkish bread with caramelized onion marmalade is heaven.
*In Yeppoon. International quality with local fresh seafood. Try the fisherman's basket if you can't make up your mind.
*Surprisingly authentic Thai cuisine in Rockhampton. Great variety of dishes with beautiful plates and local beer. Friendly smiles from the staff and a good looking garden in front of the restaurant are extra bonuses.
*"Relaxed environment and close to fine dining". Unfortunately, this has changed. Recently, service is slow, food is so so and lousy rock music is contradicting the restaurant's ambience and clientele.
*Great location by the river. A combination of Vietnamese and Chinese food. Vey tasty but the service can be a bit slow and disorganized.
*The Ascot Hotel serves large portion steaks on a StoneGrill. If you like steak, this is one of the best in Australia.
*Serves lunch and dinner. Good and fresh food. (Sadly, will be closing)
*Wine and dine spot, with accommodation. (Sadly, has been closed).
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Rockhampton has 4 nightclubs located at the Quay Street end of William Street, and many bars scattered throughout the city.
The Criterion Hotel situated at 150 Quay Street has a lively atmosphere and the bar and club is open till 3am Friday and Saturday. The "Cri" as it's locally known is a great place for food and a few drinks in the afternoon as well. Locally known to have a ghost as well.
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There are many motels in Rockhampton, mostly on the roads into and out of town. Many offer standby rates. There is also a choice of accommodation in nearby [wiki=03f89e0e8c7dd7d3807acdded7497f77]Yeppoon[/wiki], tending to have an nicer aspect, and still within easy reach of downtown Rockhampton.
*The hotel consists of 25 guest rooms, offering a choice executive, deluxe and standard queen rooms. On-site restaurant, indoor swimming pool and sauna.
*The hotel consists of 18 guest rooms, offering luxury suites with king beds and complimentary gourmet breakfast.
*The hotel consists of 49 spacious guest rooms including Standard, Premium Queen, King, King Deluxe Suites and Premium Queen. Outdoor pool, hotel bistro and cocktail lounge.
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Rockhampton is about as far south as the habitat of the salt water crocodile extends. These animals are dangerous to humans. If you are travelling north along the east coast of Australia, Rockhampton is where you have to start being aware of crocodiles Crocodiles are seen in the Fitzroy River.
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[wiki=b517632e7dcb30ae0bf22256731dfedb]Gladstone[/wiki] and [wiki=e5a4d6bf330f23a8707bb0d6001dfbe8]1770[/wiki] are both possible day trips. Trips to the [wiki=9b36d354ed6d3178ed1d6b392849ed0c]Great Barrier Reef[/wiki] and the Keppel Islands are available from [wiki=03f89e0e8c7dd7d3807acdded7497f77]Yeppoon[/wiki], just 30 minutes drive away.
Rockhampton is a great base if you are travelling Central Queensland to the Gem Feilds, Great barrier Reef and Islands, Gladstone, The Coast, Gracemere, Mount Morgan
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