'Beef Capital of Australia'

Also known as Rocky, this city of over 100,000 residents in the greater Rocky area sits astride the famous Fitzroy River and the Tropic of Capricorn only 40 km inland from the Capricorn coast and the Pacific Ocean. The Bezerker Ranges and Mt Archer provide a magnificent backdrop to this historic Queensland city.

The Rockhampton Regional Council area is bordered by the Isaac Regional Council area and Banana Shire in the south, and the Central Highlands Regional Council area in the west. The main urban area are Rockhampton and Yeppoon to the north-east.

Settled in 1855 Rockhampton was named by Queensland first Land Commissioner Mr W Wiseman, who apparently was inspired by the rocks in the Fitzroy River. Gold was also discovered nearby which brought new residents trade and industry into the area. Rocky was proclaimed a city in 1902.

Major attractions in the region include a number of national parks and state forests, Great Barrier Reef, Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, Cammoo Caves, Capricorn Caves, Johannsens Caves, numerous beaches and islands including Great Keppel Island.

Other items of interest include the imposing colonial buildings along the river and throughout the city centre, the Military Museum, Big River Jazz Festival, Beef Expo, Barra Bounty, Railway Museum, Chinese Festival, Glenmore Homestead and many of the more usual holiday pursuits such as skydiving, bull rides, go karting, art and craft galleries, shopping and more.

Today Rockhampton is the centre of a beef industry, pineapple and fruit growing, forestry and mining. Tourism is also another important industry.

Check out our listing of Rockhampton accommodation. In addition to our listed online travel guide information, contact the local tourism visitor centre for your destination for more attractions, tours, local maps and other information.