Rockhampton is situated on the banks of the Fitzroy River just north of the Tropic of Capricorn in Queensland, Australia. The Darumbal Aborigines are native to the area but European settlement began when brothers Charles and William Archer first arrived in 1854 in search of grazing land.

Grazing is a dominant industry in the area to this day and is why the town is known as the Beef Capital of Queensland. Statues depicting the main breeds of bull that drive the local economy have been placed at various locations throughout town including the city gateways.

The central business district is home to a large number of government and corporate office buildings that serve the central portion of the state. The high concentration of old buildings is balanced by streets lined with elegant trees. A walking tour through the town center highlights 35 buildings of historical significance including the Customs House, Heritage Tavern and the Supreme Court structure. Colonial architecture is evident throughout the town with structures dating back to pioneer days.

With an average of more than three hundred sunny days per year, Rockhampton is a popular tourist destination for those who enjoy the great outdoors. Mount Archer National Park features a wide variety of native plants and animals. Frazier Park occupies the summit with its breathtaking views of the city.

The Cliff Kershaw Gardens opened in 1988 and is notable as the place where the rubbish yard used to be located. Garden highlights include an imitation waterfall constructed adjacent to the highway that is dramatically lit at night. The lush plant life throughout is native to Central Queensland.

Olsens Capricorn Caves are just outside the northern limits and are recognized as the oldest tourist attraction in Queensland. The spectacular limestone caverns were discovered in 1882 by a Norwegian immigrant named John Olsen and opened to public tours in 1884.

A visit to Rockhampton Heritage Village will transport you back in time as you experience the daily life of villagers who lived there between 1850 and 1950. Guides in period dress lead tours through the town, often in carriages drawn by horses and various vintage vehicles. Woodcutting and blacksmithing demonstrations give a taste of ancient trades that were so essential to daily life. There is even an opportunity to attend class at the village schoolhouse.

Dreamtime Cultural Centre is situated on an ancient tribal site originally occupied by the Darambal Aborigines and features traditional tribal ceremonial rings. The centre’s main building, a large waterfall and native flora occupy space on the northern creek banks. The Torres Strait Islander’s Complex lies to the south of the main building with its giant dugong and huts indigenous to the area. A guided tour explains the ancient beliefs and lifestyle experienced by the native people. Other activities and entertainment include boomerang lessons, didgeridoo performances and traditional dance demonstrations. Replica ceremonial sites, rock art, gunyahs and ancient burial sites can be found at The Aboriginal Traditional site. Self guided tours available include a display of sandstone cave recreations and a native plant tour.

Recognized as the gateway to the Capricorn Coast, the historic town of Rockhampton offers a relaxing getaway to subtropical climate.