Rockhampton | Central Queensland Destination Guide

Prepare to be surprised by all that ‘Rocky’ has to offer! Tree-top boardwalks, visiting cheeky animals at the Zoo, exploring ancient caves, bush walks and hikes, farm stays, indigenous experiences, events to rival those of Australia’s big cities, a significant art collection that includes some of Australia’s greats, heritage and history, distilleries, breweries, bars and eateries all over town and day-trips to the Southern Great Barrier Reef… that’s just a short list of what you can experience when you Explore Rockhampton!

Stop, see, stay. You’ll be surprised.

There is such a long list of ways to #ExploreRockhampton while you’re in town for the race. Find everything you need in the information below!


Accommodation

Whether you’re looking for 5-star luxury, pub-style budget, an apartment for the family, or even a visit at a working farm – take a look at what Rockhampton has to offer by searching and booking your accommodation below.

CQ University Capricornia College

Rocky Trail have arranged a group booking with CQU, which also offers an airport shuttle option via CQ Connections for Rockhampton.

Accommodation:

  • Individual rooms containing 1 bed and shared bathroom available for all event participants and family members.
  • Each room has king single and room for storage of bike
  • Bike wash area outside the building
  • Free laundry facility available
  • Located 15mins bike ride from First Turkey MTB Park and event hub location
  • Photos of the accommodation available via this link to the uni website.
  • Rooms are single occupant, with shared facilities (bathrooms).
  • Lunch packs available
  • $101 per person per night, private room and 3 meals.
  • To book email jo@rockytrailentertainment.com with name and number of nights required.

Flying to Rockhampton – Airport shuttle:

  • CQ Connections are offering transport with bike to selected accommodation locations.
  • If interested contact Paul direct on 0422 805 922 to discuss price and service times. https://cqconnections.com.au/

Alkoomi Adventure Farm

Address: 695 Old Coach Rd, Marmor
Phone: 0423 216 412
Website: https://www.alkoomiadventurefarmstay.com.au/
Email: stay@alkoomiadventurefarmstay.com.au

If you’re looking for a more unique option for your stay in the Rockhampton region, there is nothing more perfect than this family-owned & operated farm stay.

There are both campsites and accommodation, and included in every stay is a free farm animal feeding each afternoon, plus sulky rides for the kids (and free firewood of course, for the campfire or the wood-fired bbqs). You can even grab your bike and explore the farm to warm up for the race.

There are so many activities to do and unforgettable memories to be made on the farm, but don’t worry if you’ve already booked your hotel – you can also book a day trip so that you can still experience the adventure of horse riding and motorbike/UTV riding, kayaking, or a Chuck Wagon Sunset Tour!

Give Dave and Becc a quick call or send them a text – all their information and costs are on the website, or check out their Facebook page. Join a fun-loving Aussie Family on their cattle farm and make memories that will last you a lifetime.


Our top tips for #rockytrailracers

1.
Beef it upRockhampton is commonly known and referred to as the Beef Capital of Australia, and with over 3 million head of cattle grazing throughout the region it’s easy to see why! Head to the Great Western Hotel for an iconic rodeo experience, track down all seven of the life-size bull statues around town, and make sure to sample the best steak you’ve ever had
2.
Take a walk on the wild sideRockhampton Zoo has almost 100 animals, spanning more than 30 species of native and exotic animals. Come and meet Mzuri the baby chimpanzee (born December 2021), overload on cuteness with the meerkats and otters, or stop by the Australian Wetlands zone to marvel over the giant saltwater crocodile ‘The Colonel’. Of course if you’re keen on crocs, make sure to check out Koorana Crocodile Farm as well – home to over 3,000 crocs!!
3.
Top fishing As if being the Beef Capital wasn’t enough, Rockhampton is also the Home of the Barramundi, and is the only city in Australia where you can fly in, check in, and boat out in less than an hour. You can target trophy size barra right in the heart of the CBD, not to mention king threadfin, saratoga, giant trevall and many more, and you don’t even need a boat!
4.
Fill up an eskyRockhampton isn’t short of places to pick up some local produce for a killer BBQ or afternoon picnic, with farmers markets, seafood pop-ups, award winning butchers and boutique bakeries. Make sure you check out the top spots for a BBQ, and don’t forget the coffee!
Our tip:Eat local
5.
Catch a cave tourExplore the ancient chambers of Rockhampton’s oldest playground, the Capricorn Caves, 390 million years in the making! With names like ‘Deep Vault Cave,’ ‘Jack’s Beanstalk, and ‘Whales’ Belly,’ you just know you’re going to see something amazing and have a great time underground.
6.
A little luxury never hurt anyoneEver stayed in a penthouse? Or had a meal cooked for you by your own personal chef? Or maybe you just want to splurge a little on some fine whisky and the perfect cheese platter. There’s nothing wrong with indulging yourself, so why not take the opportunity to be a little extra? You deserve it!
7.
Squeeze in some cultureRockhampton has a lively arts and culture scene buzzing with exhibitions, theatre productions, festivals and music events year-round. With public art trails and sculptures, and a range of cultural centres and museums to explore you’ll want to spend a few extra days in Rockhampton discovering its arts and culture scene.  
8.
Go for a driveThere are some truly great drives in and around Rockhampton if you’re keen on exploring some of the hidden gems of the region. Wind your way past spectacular views on your way to Mount Morgan, find some pristine beaches on the Capricorn Coast, or head for the elevated tree top boardwalk at Mount Archer.
9.
Relax by the waterMake sure you don’t miss Rockhampton’s Riverside Precinct while you’re in town! You will find heritage listed pubs, quirky cafes, high tea, or fresh cocktails, and with a kids’ playground paradise as well there truly is something for everyone!

The precinct is also the site of a self-guided walk around one of Australia’s most historically significant heritage strips – so take the 2km return walk and marvel at Rockhampton’s colonial past.
10.
Stretch those legsYou know you’re a nature lover, so stretch out those post-race legs (or warm them up) and check out the best of the best mountain and hill climbs you need to conquer when visiting Rockhampton. Make sure you have your phone ready to snap those stunning views from the top!

INS(TA)PIRATION:
There are so many experiences that await,
here are just a few to get you started:

Share your stories, tag
#ExploreRockhampton
Official Rocky Trail hashtags:
#rockytrailracer #rockytrailentertainment