ROCKHAMPTON
Rockhampton, the Beef Capital of Australia is located on the Tropic of Capricorn and is the gateway to the Coast and the Outback. Founded in 1853, the majesty of Rockhampton's historical architecture has captured the hearts of visitors for decades. Many fine public and private buildings, including the Customs House, old Post Office, Cathedrals, banks, business houses and homes, are constant reminders of the city with an exciting background.
The listing of Quay Street facing the river as an historic streetscape that is unique in Australia. Rising out of Rockhampton's north-eastern suburbs, Mt Archer National Park provides magnificent views of the city, and showcases a spectacular range of native Australian flora and fauna. Frazer Park at the summit of Mt Archer is approximately 604 meters above sea level.
Six bull statues representing the main breeds of the area are situated throughout Rockhampton in recognition of Rockhampton's Beef Capital of Australia title. Gracemere Saleyards, on the outskirts of Rockhampton, handle the largest throughput of export beef cattle in Queensland, and is the largest stud-selling venue in the Southern Hemisphere. Public are welcome.
Rockhampton Heritage Village is an active township museum where visitors can experience Rockhampton's rich and colourful history. You could also visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre, set in some 30 acres of natural bushland on Ancient Tribal Sites.
Just 23 kilometres north of Rockhampton on Highway One is Capricorn Caverns, magnificent limestone caves. Rockhampton Botanic Gardens are regarded as one of the best provincial gardens in Australia. Recently heritage-listed, the Rockhampton Gardens are 130 years old. Located within the Botanic Gardens, the Rockhampton Zoo is home to a diverse range of animals.
The Capricorn Coast is exciting, diverse and breathtakingly beautiful. Visitors to the Coast enjoy golden days and balmy, moonlit evenings with the brilliant sunsets and scents of the tropics as well as the crispness of a temperate climate.
The Coast is under the Tropic of Capricorn, for which it is named, and it sweeps along the Pacific Ocean at Central Queensland just a 30 minute drive from Rockhampton, and only 600 kilometres from Brisbane. You can still enjoy a beach to yourself at the Capricorn Coast with views of Great and North Keppel Islands and the many smaller islands, which act as stepping-stones to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
Great Keppel Island is a popular island to visitors and is accessible by a 30-minute ferry ride. Two ferry services operate daily out of Keppel Bay Marina and Rosslyn Bay. Yeppoon is the Coast's major town, which has retained its village style appeal, yet offers a variety of wonderful restaurants, accommodation and shops. Lammermoor, Kinka, Mullambin and Kemp beaches, Cooee Bay and the Causeway Lake, all line the Capricorn Coast offering many pleasures, wonderful accommodation and so much beauty you will never want to leave.
