Prepare for a ‘fin-tastic’ time in Rockhampton! Unearth the city’s secrets, from Fitzroy River fishing to savouring culinary delights with these things to do in Rockhampton. It’s worth adding in some extra days to your trip for exploring the city and then retiring to the relaxing coastline or heading inland.
Things to do in Rockhampton
Get ready to have your socks charmed off by Rocky’s transformation! Strolling through town, you might wonder if you’ve accidentally stumbled into a bustling big city. But don’t worry, the city’s one-of-a-kind country charisma is still here to surprise you. Here’s your insider’s guide to rediscovering the latest and greatest things to do in Rocky.
Look what I caught! A 96cm threadfin while enjoying Fitzroy River fishing.
Fitzroy River fishing
You probably know Rockhampton as Australia’s beef capital, and it still is, but their side hustle has grown fins and taken off. In 2015, nets were removed from the Fitzroy River, creating barramundi heaven judging from the increasing numbers of trophy barra sized over one metre being pulled from the river during the season.
Rockhampton’s Fitzroy River is back in action, folks, and it’s not just for the barra fanatics anymore. The river is hosting the granddaddy of angler adventures – Fishing The Fitzroy’s $10K Thready Competition! That’s right. We’re talking cold, hard cash and fierce fishing in one beautiful package.
Sure, Rockhampton is known as the Barra Capital, but it’s also the secret lair of those monster king threadfin – the tough guys of the river. So, if you’re a fisherman with a hint of adventure in your tackle box, Rockhampton is your jam, and this competition is your jelly.
It’s open to everyone, whether you’re a pro angler or just someone who thinks a fishing rod is an excellent accessory for a beach day selfie. This epic showdown goes down during Rockhampton’s Barramundi closed season, from November 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024. And what’s at stake, you ask? A cool $10,000 for the lucky soul who nabs a tagged king threadfin in the Fitzroy River. It’s like winning the fish lottery!
Fishing The Fitzroy’s $10K Thready Competition is another shiny gem in Rockhampton’s major events calendar. We’re talking about adding more bling to our already glittering reputation as the place to chase fish the size of small cars right in the heart of the city. It’s fish-tastic, trust us.
No boat? No problemo! Rockhampton has you covered with fishing charters and boat rentals, so you can get on the water in style. Don’t have your sea legs yet? No worries, you can fish the Fitzroy from solid ground on one of our many land-based fishing platforms. We’ve even got two wheelchair-accessible platforms because we’re all about inclusivity, baby!
So, don’t be a fish out of water, dive into the action, and reel in the good times. For all the nitty-gritty details and to join the fishy frenzy, head over to Fishing the Fitzroy. Also, follow the Fishing the Fitzroy Facebook page for the freshest updates on fishing in the Rockhampton region. It’s time to get hooked!
Nathan Johnston of Guided Fishing Down Under in the Fitzroy River. Photo: Kerry Heaney
Out of season even the most inexperienced angler like me can, and did, catch decent-sized and very edible threadfin salmon when Fitzroy River fishing. Mine was 96 cm so with a little more tuition from Nathan Johnston of Guided Fishing Down Under. Nathan’s goal is to connect anglers with Barramundi, King Threadfin and Saratoga while enjoying the Fitzroy River Delta environment.
I will be heading back for another Fitzroy River fishing session to join the much prized by anglers One Metre Club.
Reeling in the fish starts to get very exciting!
Fitzroy River fishing nearly mastered with a 96cm catch! Photo: Kerry Heaney
The Fitzroy River boat ramp croc warning is a real reminder to look out for these creatures. Photo: Kerry Heaney
Fitzroy River Sunset Tour
Sunset on the Fitzroy River paints the sky and river pink and orange as River Cruises CQ skipper Craig Robertson takes passengers on his boat to show off Rockhampton from the river. As I sip on champagne and dine from a finger food platter, Craig motors downriver past the lights on Quay Street. Rockhampton’s historic heart dates from the 1850s and recently received a $36 million facelift.
Along with the eight crocodiles who reside here, you might also spot dolphins relaxing in the river. The best time for croc spotting is low tide in winter when the reptiles are gathering warmth from the sun-drenched riverbanks. Their croc mudslides on the riverbanks can be seen at any time and are a reminder that you will find these fearsome creatures further south than you think.
Hop on the sightseeing boat for a sunset river and croc spotting cruise.
Crocodile Farm
Koorana Crocodile Farm is located in Coowonga, between Rockhampton and Yeppoon. There are daily tours where you can see crocodiles being fed and learn about their life cycle. When I visited the farm I was amazed at the interaction between the handlers and the crocodiles.
More about Koorana Crocodile Farm.
Rockhampton eats – high tea at Riverston Tea Rooms.
Historic High Tea
Set in a former Queensland National Bank building, Riverston Tea Rooms on Quay Street is a food and antique lover’s dream. Established in 2018 by Jim and Maria Ellrott, it is a café lined with cabinets full of desirable collectables and a jewellery display that has caught the eye of many a visitor. Head here to try Rocky’s old-time favourites and stay for a Sunday high tea.
Jim Ellrott at Riverston Tea Rooms with a collection of antique rings. Photo: Kerry Heaney
Micro Brewery
Headricks Lane is another heritage-listed building that has been renovated to become a must-visit coffee shop, along with a microbrewery and restaurant. It all hides behind a minimalist exterior in the heart of town.
Gluten-free goodies
When it comes to pastries and pies, locals will tell you that the range at Artizan Gluten Free Bakery is second to none. It is a double bonus for gluten-free followers.
Artizan Gluten Free Bakery makes the most delicious treats. Photo Kerry Heaney
Rockhampton Museum of Art
Opened in February 2022, the Rockhampton Museum of Art takes the crown as regional Queensland’s largest art space with six exhibition spaces. It is located on Quay Street, opposite the Fitzroy River it includes paintings by many of the greats of Australian art – Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan, Judy Cassab, Charles Blackman, Lloyd Rees, Kenneth Macqueen, Russell Drysdale and John Coburn. The collection is valued at $14 million and includes a representative collection of mid-20th century Australian art.
The Museum includes a cafe which opens every day from 7.30 am to 3 pm.
More on Rockhampton Museum of Art (RMOA)
Visit Pumpkin Island
When you really want to get off the grid, Pumpkin Island is the perfect getaway. It is located offshore from Rockhampton’s coastal getaway Yeppoon and is a perfect location for group getaways or a couples retreat with a range of accommodation options. This is a small island, and you can have it all to yourself.
More on Pumpkin Island.
View from the Mount Archer platform walk. Photo: Kerry Heaney
See the city from Mount Archer
At 604 metres above sea level, Rockhampton’s Mount Archer offers spectacular views over the city. Fitzroy River and surrounds. The 500-metre Nurim Circuit Elevated Boardwalk is a relatively new addition to the pea. It extends out 25 metres off the side of Mount Archer, around 7.5 metres off the ground, with viewing points and seating platforms so you can stop and enjoy the vista.
Interpretive Indigenous signage from the local Darumbul culture adds another level of understanding to the walk. Enjoy this walk at any time, but sunrise and sunset are particularly popular with locals.
Add this as a must-do stop on your list of things to do in Rockhampton.
The elevated Mount Archer walking platform offers panoramic views. Photo: Kerry Heaney
Fitzroy River view from the bedroom at Empire Apartment Hotel. Photo: Kerry Heaney
Rockhampton accommodation
The Empire Apartment Hotel in Rockhampton’s CBD riverfront precinct is offers excellent Rockhampton accommodation. The rooms are spacious and there is a long balcony off the apartment where you can watch all the river action including breathtaking sunrise and sunset.
I stayed in a two-bedroom river view apartment which included a large kitchen and offered both indoor and outdoor dining. Room rates start at $204 per night for a King Studio Room, ranging up to $314 a night for the two-bedroom river view apartment. (Prices March 2022).
Disclaimer: Eat drink and be Kerry travelled in the region as a guest of Capricorn Enterprise.
The spacious living area at Empire Apartment Hotel. Photo: Kerry Heaney