Rockhampton
Outback Queensland
You can buy this photo at AllPosters.com
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.
Rockhampton Attractions
Capricorn Caves
The Capricorn Caves, 25 minutes on the Bruce Highway travelling north of Rockhampton, sounds a rather fascinating place to visit and it is! This is the home of the Capricorn Caves. They are above ground and with wheelchair access, they are popular with all. There is something about an above ground cave, as it can dilute that fear associated with claustrophobia.
Cathedral Cave Tour is the most popular with its wheelchair access and the amazing natural acoustics of the Cathedral Chamber. It's a popular venue for weddings, Carols at Christmas and orchestral performances. In December, the natural phenomenon of Summer Solstice Light can be seen on the 11.00 a.m. tour.
For the adventurous, there are wild caving explorations or abseiling. The adrenalin charged caving tours involve underground exploration with the light of a cave helmet and are available on request.
There is a good old character-type pub on hand, along with cabin and camping facilities.
Mount Archer National Park
With a height of 604 metres, Mt Archer dominates Mt Archer National Park and provides a dramatic backdrop to Rockhampton. The park protects a range of plants and animals, including plant species with restricted distributions, also the glossy black-cockatoo. Named in honour of the Archer brothers who explored the Fitzroy area, it is part of the Darumbal Aboriginal people's traditional country.
From Mount Archer view spectacular sunsets and stroll around the plateau for views across the city and the Capricorn Coast. Walk 11 kilometres from the summit to German Street. Enjoy a picnic in Fraser Park, which is managed by Rockhampton City Council.
Mount Etna Caves National Park
Mount Etna Caves National Park contains some of Australia's most cavernous limestone formations. Protected from fire by the limestone karst, dry rainforest thrives amongst sharp pinnacles and shady crevices. The national park is especially important to a number of bat species. 80 per cent of Australia's breeding population of female bent-wing bats use a single cave in the national park for birthing and rearing their young. During this time ranger guided tours are offered to see the spectacular nightly emergence of over 100,000 bats.
Tours operate during the bat breeding season, from December to February (fees apply). Outside of this time the track is open to the public. Picnic at the Cammoo Caves picnic area and go on a self-guided walk.
Mount Etna Caves National Park
Rockhampton Weather - Average Temperatures and Rainfall
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Avg. Max (°C) | 31.9 | 31.3 | 30.5 | 28.8 | 26.0 | 23.4 | 23.1 | 24.7 | 27.3 | 29.6 | 31.2 | 32.1 |
| Avg. Min (°C) | 22.1 | 22.1 | 20.8 | 17.8 | 14.2 | 10.9 | 9.5 | 10.6 | 13.6 | 17.0 | 19.5 | 21.2 |
| Avg. Rain (mm) | 127.6 | 142.2 | 96.5 | 44.4 | 48.1 | 39.0 | 29.6 | 27.6 | 23.1 | 50.2 | 69.8 | 101.4 |
| Avg. Rain Days | 11.2 | 12.1 | 9.9 | 6.6 | 6.2 | 4.9 | 5.1 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 6.5 | 7.8 | 9.6 |