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TravelTips24 : Oceania : Australasia : Australia : Queensland : Rockhampton

Rockhampton

Rockhampton [1] is in Queensland.

Culture and History

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 flowing 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.

Travel to Rockhampton & Visa Requirements

By Plane

There are regular flights direct to Rockhampton from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney as well as connecting flights from many other major Australian destinations. QANTAS, Virgin Blue and JetStar all have flights servicing Rockhampton. In November 2007, Tiger Airways Australia will launch it's direct Melbourne-Rockhampton service.

By Car

Rockhampton is accessible by sealed road, most notably the Bruce Highway which travels north from Brisbane, through Rockhampton and on to Cairns.

Tours & Getting around Rockhampton

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. 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.

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.

By Bike

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.

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.

Rockhampton attractions and sightseeing

  • Dreamtime Cultural Centre, Bruce Highway, Phone: 07 4936 1655, [2]. 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.

Rockhampton city tours

  • Koorona Crocodile Farm, 65 Savages Road, Coowonga (north of Rockhampton), Phone: (07) 4934 4749, [3]. hundreds of crocodiles. $14 admission.

Rockhampton souvenirs & shopping

Rockhampton Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

Rockhampton nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

Rockhampton cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

Get out

Rockhampton is a great base if travelling Central Queensland to the Gem Feilds, Great barrier Reef and Islands, Gladstone, The Coast, Gracemere, Mount Morgan

This page was last edited at 06:08, on 31 October 2008 by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by David and Niels Elgaard Larsen, Wikitravel user(s) Darth Shatner and QazPlm and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.

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