Queensland, Australia · Oceania
Rockhampton sits on the route: 10 minutes from Kawana.
Rockhampton is a town located in Queensland, Australia. With a population of 81,021, it is an important destination in Oceania.
On a road trip, Rockhampton sits in Australia, where you drive on the left. It's in the Australia/Brisbane time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Rockhampton to your route.
Rockhampton is a city in the Rockhampton Region of Central Queensland, Australia. In the 2021 census, the population of Rockhampton was 79,293. A common nickname for Rockhampton is "Rocky", and the demonym of Rockhampton is Rockhamptonite.
The Scottish-Norwegian explorers Charles and William Archer came across theRead more
Toonooba River in 1853 and named it in-honour of Sir Charles FitzRoy; they also named many local landmarks after figures in Norse mythology, including the Berserker Range named after the Norse warrior "Baresark". The Archer brothers took-up a run near Gracemere in 1855, and more settlers arrived soon thereafter, enticed by the fertile valleys. The town of Rockhampton was proclaimed in 1858, and surveyed to a design that closely resembled the Hoddle Grid of Melbourne, and consisted of a grid of wide boulevards and laneways, which was uncommon for Queensland cities. Within a year, gold was found at Canoona, and led to the first North Australian gold rush. The Canoona gold rush led to an influx of migrants that transformed Rockhampton into the second-largest port in the state; during this period, Rockhampton became infamous for crime and violence, and was described by the then visiting English novelist, Anthony Trollope as the "City of the Three S's"—"sin, sweat, and sorrow". Subsequent gold discoveries at the Mount Morgan Mine, which was at that time one of the most-productive gold mines in the world, laid the foundations for much of the city's Victorian architecture, and recast Rockhampton into a grand northern city.
The economy of Rockhampton has strengths in tourism, health, and agriculture, with a GRP of $5.7 billion as of 2023. The Central Queensland University founded in 1967, has its main campus at Norman Gardens, and is the only Australian university with a campus presence in every mainland state. The city is served by Rockhampton Airport, and Port Alma, located at the south end of the Fitzroy river delta.
Rockhampton is renowned for its architecture, cuisine, and music, in particular for its jazz scene, and has been sometimes referred to as the "Melbourne of the North", in reference to the city's tree-lined boulevards and laneways. The city's historic quarter is one of Australia's most significant 19th-century streetscapes and is listed on the National Trust; the quarter comprises three city blocks along Quay street, from Fitzroy to Derby street, and is known for its neoclassical architecture, dining and nightlife. Some of the historical sites and landmarks of the city include: St Aubins, Kenmore House, the Alexandra Railway Bridge, St Joseph's Cathedral and the nearby Central Park. The Rockhampton Botanic Gardens are one of the oldest public gardens in the country, being founded in 1869 and is also the location of the Rockhampton War Memorial, as well as the Rockhampton Zoo. Rockhampton has nationally prominent cultural institutions, including the Rockhampton Museum of Art, one of the most extensive regional galleries in Australia, and the Dreamtime Cultural Centre.
Compare prices across Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia, and more. Select your dates to see availability.
Pick your must-haves once: provider links open pre-filtered. Each filter lists which sites it applies to.
Compare before you book!
Prices can vary significantly between platforms. We recommend checking at least 2-3 sites to find the best deal for your stay in Rockhampton.
Discover famous landmarks, scenic roads, and more near Rockhampton.
Rockhampton offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
Plan your road trip to Rockhampton with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Rockhampton as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.
Rockhampton is located in Queensland, Australia, Oceania. The coordinates are -23.3803 latitude, 150.5060 longitude.
Rockhampton has a population of approximately 81,021 people, making it a town in Australia.
Add to your itinerary
Start planning your road trip with Rockhampton as a destination. Create a custom route and discover more amazing places along the way.
Start Road TripDiscover destinations like Tinder
Swipe through stunning destinations near Rockhampton. Save your favourites and add them to your trip.
Essential numbers in Australia
112 works from mobiles. Distances between fuel stops in the outback can exceed 200 km: plan ahead. Wildlife is most active at dawn/dusk.
Full driving guide for AustraliaYear-round
Tropical latitude: plan around the wet season rather than temperature.
Other places to explore near Rockhampton.
Create your perfect itinerary with our calendar-based planner. Add stops, discover attractions along the way, and share your trip with friends.
Start Planning