What to do and see in Rockhampton, Queensland: The Best Free Things to do

Rockhampton Botanic Gardens are amongst the oldest public gardens in Queensland. Entry to the gardens and zoo is FREE. They open daily from 6am to 6pm. Located within the Gardens is the Rockhampton Zoo. It is home to over 50 species of native animals from across Australia and exotic animals from around the world! Its the perfect place for families to see animals in their natural surroundings. The Gardens Tearooms is the café nestled under the 150 year old Banyan Figs and offer a range of meals and refreshments as well as catering for special events. Indoor and outdoor dining options are available. The Japanese Gardens provide tranquillity and peace, while the Cenotaph honours our Australian soldiers.

Rockhampton Art Gallery was established in 1967 and houses a group of mid-twentieth century paintings and works on paper that is arguably the finest in regional Queensland, and one of the most significant in regional Australia. Artists include Charles Blackman, Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan, Russell Drysdale, John Brack, Fred Williams, Grace Cossington Smith and Jeffrey Smart. The Gallery manages two art awards: the Gold Award, an acquisitive art prize worth $50,000 for contemporary Australian paintings; and the Bayton Award, a non-acquisitive prize worth $5,000 for Central Queensland residents. Through these Awards, the Gallery has re-energised its collection of paintings to now include works by contemporary artists Michael Zavros, Sally Gabori, Victoria Reichelt and Ben Quilty. The Gallery offers an innovated exhibition program, with displays drawn from the Gallery’s collection, and through hosting touring exhibitions from international, national, state, regional and university galleries. A diverse range of education and public programs are offered to visitors of all ages, from toddlers through to lifelong learners. The Gallery has a gift shop, and is supported by Rockhampton Regional Council; Rockhampton Art Gallery Trust and; Friends of Rockhampton Art Gallery.

Established in 1862, Rockhampton’s iconic Great Western Hotel has a rich history and is today a national tourist destination. With four bars, beer garden, award winning Bullhead Steakhouse, air-conditioned gaming room, keno, pool table, mechanical bull and a large undercover entertainment arena the Great Western Hotel is unrivalled and is often referred to as ‘Australia’s Most Unique Pub’. The venue is renowned for attracting major events to the region including bull riding and many headline music acts. The Great Western Hotel caters to in excess of 260,000 patrons each year and is a ‘bucket list’ destination where visitors can experience the unique atmosphere of the Hotel itself and the bull riding and music arena. The Great Western Hotel has featured in numerous tourism TV programs in Australia and abroad. Plus every Wednesday and Friday night there is live bull riding which is very popular with locals and tourists visiting the region.

The Saleyards Distillery is a boutique Distillery & Brewery based in Rockhampton. An Australian & family owned business, the Saleyards Distillery prides itself on high quality spirits and is fast becoming a vibrant tourist attraction for Spirit lovers from near and far. It's also home to Billy Goat’s Gin, Capricorn Rum, Clovendoe Vodka & Botanical concentrates. Located in the historic Saleyards Hotel, dating back to 1885. We invite you to come on a tour to see how the spirits are made and sample our range of delicious, award winning spirits. https://saleyardsdistillery.com/

Nestled within the Botanic Gardens, Rockhampton Zoo has been at its present site since 1925. While the animal section at that time consisted of monkeys, cassowary, possums, guinea pigs and pea fowl, today you can discover more than 60 species of Australian and exotic animals. Whether it is chimpanzees and cassowaries, dingoes and otters, or crocodiles and koalas, there are an array of fascinating animals to meet and observe in their carefully recreated habitats. Local tip: Time your visit with one of the many daily feeding sessions throughout the Zoo for a more up close and personal experience.

The Rockhampton Riverside Precinct is a combination of natural beauty and rich and majestic heritage that has been redeveloped into a community meeting and celebration space the equal of any in Australia. Be sure to check out the cooling landscape features, unique activity areas for the young and young at heart and the Adventure Playground with the kids!

Kershaw Gardens has been described as Rockhampton’s big back yard for all people to enjoy. These magnificent gardens stretch one kilometre parallel to the Bruce Highway and provide an attractive, peaceful setting within North Rockhampton. Enjoy the spacious parklands with walking tracks, play areas for the kids and spectacular photo opportunities including a magnificent waterfall. This is THE PLACE to stop if you have children! Since 1988, the Gardens has undertaken a number of significant changes, but none more so than the redevelopment of the Central section which was finalised in the winter 2018. Built for families, parties, small events and outdoor activities the central section of the Kershaw Gardens is a must do. Don't miss: Wyatt's Wonder Web: Originally designed for New York’s Central Park, Wyatt’s Wonder Web includes five levels of play for kids and adults too. Standing at nine metres high, climb through various obstacles including climbing ropes, ladders and tunnels.

Immerse yourself in Rockhampton's treetop boardwalk! Nurim Circuit is a must for your Rockhampton bucket list. Extending 25 metres off the side of Mount Archer, the 500 metre flat boardwalk offers spectacular views of the city and the mighty Fitzroy River. Take your time taking in the views and checking out the interpretive signage of the local Darumbal culture. The boardwalk is particularly popular with locals and tourists alike wanting to catch the spectacular sunrises and sunsets so don't forget your camera! If you're a budding photographer or would like to pick up on some tips and tricks to shooting a sunset from Nurim Circuit, check out our blog 'Mastering that Sunset Shoot'. If you're a fitness fanatic, check out the many hiking and bushwalking trails throughout the national park or hit up the mountain biking trails at the First Turkey Mountain Bike Park.

Stockland Rockhampton is one of the largest shopping centres in the Central Queensland region, located on the corner of Yaamba Road and Bruce Highway, North Rockhampton. Anchored by 4 major stores; Coles, Kmart, Woolworths and Big W, there are also over 170 specialty stores including JB Hi-Fi, Harris Scarfe, Birch Carroll & Coyle & H&M. The indoor/outdoor dining precinct which opened in 2016 hosts eateries such as Rozzis, Burger Urge, Guzman y Gomez, Schnitz, Max Brenner & Gelatissimo.