ROCKHAMPTON - QUEENSLAND - 4700
Population: 60,000
Height above sea level: 15m.
Latitude: -23.
; Longitude: 150.3200
Location: 640km north of Brisbane
Highway: Bruce Hwy (1) 
Nearest Major Town: Rockhampton
Nearest Airport: Rockhampton
Touring Area: Capricorn Coast
Rockhampton Botanic Gardens - Courtesy of Tourism Queensland
Rockhampton is located on both the Fitzroy River and the Tropic of Capricorn. It calls itself the 'Beef Capital of Australia' but is more recognised as a tourist centre for its proximity to the central area of the Great Barrier Reef.
The discovery of gold at nearby Canoona in 1858 led to growth in the area and today Rockhampton is a thriving centre of more than 60,000 people who live a sunny outdoor lifestye in a well established and architecturally charming city.
Renowned for the colour of its flowering bougainvilleas and bauhinias, there are several of the original stone buildings and churches to see and visit, including the National Trust classified ANZ Bank (1864) and the Customs House (1901).
A Heritage Walk map is available from the Tourist Information centre.
Nearby islands include Great Keppel Island, North West Island and Heron Island. Tours can be organised through the Information Centre. Around Rockhampton, the Capricorn Scenic Loop tourist drive takes takes in many of the sights. The Carnarvon National Park of some 28,000 hectares is located 175km south west and comprises deep gorges amongst rugged ranges with forest and lots of aboriginal artwork.
To the west, the Blackdown Tableland National Park has waterfalls, rock pools and allocated camping areas, to the north is the Dreamtime Cultural Centre which is the largest in Australia.
Rockhampton has plenty to entertain you for a few days as you tour the Great Barrier Reef.
PLACES OF INTEREST:
  • ANZ Bank (1864), Quay St
  • Customs House (1901), Quay St
  • Botanic Gardens (koala park, aviary, Japanese garden)
  • Cliff Kershaw Gardens, Bruce Hwy
  • The Barrage on the Fitzroy River in Savage St
  • The Tropic of Capricorn Spire, Curtis Park
  • Archer Park Station & Steam Train Museum
  • Capricorn Caves
  • Double Head National Park
  • Dreamtime Cultural Park
  • Heritage Trail
  • Koorana Crocodile Farm
  • Old Glenmore Homestead (1858)
  • Rockhampton Art Gallery
    ACCOMMODATION & SERVICES:
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    INFORMATION CENTRE:
    Capricorn Region Tourist Information Centre
    Capricorn Spire, Gladstone Rd. Rockhampton. QLD 4700
    Ph: 07 4927 2055
    HOW TO GET THERE:
    By car along the Bruce Hwy.
  • Airport
  • Coach or Rail

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    © Copyright Peter W. Wilkins