Stop, Shop and Explore Rockhampton

Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo

Rockhampton to Botanic Gardens 10kms

This is the best way to start your visit to Rockhampton.

Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo are the top two must do’ for the Rockhampton Region and offer a really great day to spend with your family.

Rockhampton Zoo is nestled within the Botanic Gardens and adjacent to the Murray Lagoon in Rockhampton. At the Zoo you will discover more than 70 species of native animals from across Australia, exotic animals from around the world, tropical rainforests and outback Australia exhibits. We also have a new baby chimp that is a must see while you are here.

Continue your morning with a stroll through the Botanic Gardens finishing it off with morning tea at the Gardens Tea Room.

Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo to Dreamtime Cultural Centre

Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo to Dreamtime Cultural Centre

Step into the Dreamtime, 12 hectares of beautiful landscaped gardens that allows you to delve into the culture of our traditional owners the Darambal Tribe.

The property is attractively landscaped on the northern side of Limestone Creek with native plants, trees and a large waterfall. The waterfall provides a stunning backdrop for any function, whilst the gardens are part of an interpretive walk available to visitors.

It is recognised that the original occupants of the land were the Darambal Tribe who have now almost disappeared. The choice of this particular piece of land is therefore appropriate as it still contains the traditional “ceremonial rings” of the Darambal Tribe.

Guided Tours are available.

Rockhampton Art Gallery

Rockhampton Dreamtime Cultural Centre to Rockhampton Art Gallery

Rockhampton Art Gallery is a truly immersive art experience. Providing a diverse exhibition program throughout the year, with displays from the best regional contemporary art collection in Australia that is owned by Rockhampton Art Gallery.

The Gallery’s permanent collection tracks Australia’s modernist movement and with artworks by luminaries such as Charles Blackman, Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan, Russell Drysdale, John Brack and Fred Williams amounts to one of the most significant collections in regional Australia.

A diverse exhibition program runs throughout the year with displays drawn from the Gallery’s permanent collection, in-house curated projects and touring exhibitions from international, national, state and regional galleries.

For a truly immersive art experience, Rockhampton Art Gallery offers innovative education and public programs to visitors of all ages, from toddlers to lifelong learners, and a must-visit gift shop for artisan made giftware.

Lunch in the CBD

Rockhampton Art Gallery to Rockhampton CBD 1km

Start in the heart of Rockhampton in the CBD for lunch at one of many restaurants and cafes. Options include dining in an old warehouse that has been redeveloped into one of the hotspots in town, a café who knows that goats can get giddy, to a traditional Italian restaurant located on the riverbank.

Our local picks include:

• Giddy Goat
• Headricks Lane
• Jolt Cafe
• Coffee Society
• Two Professors
• Criterion Hotel
• Heritage Hotel
• The Ranch

Talk a walk along side the newly revitalised Riverside Precinct. Home to many of Queensland’s best maintained and finest heritage buildings. With water jets, new adventure playground, interpretative signage , cooling landscape features, unique activity areas for the young and young at heart and new public art that celebrates the local community – Riverside is the new meeting place in the region.

CBD Heritage Walk

Wander through and head to Quay Street, one of the most iconic historical streets in Australia. Spend time exploring the newly revitalised Riverbank Precinct and devolve into the history of the buildings.

Buildings include the Harbour Board Building, Walter Reid, Avonleigh Chambers, Goldsborough Mort Building, Mount Morgan Mining Company, Heritage Hotel, Customs House, Evans and Hern, Royal Bank of Queensland, Queensland National Bank Building, Trustee Chambers and more.

So much history to tell.