RockhamptonThings to do

Things to do in Rockhampton

  1. A

    Rockhampton City Art Gallery

    An eclectic and satisfying snippet of Australian artwork is on display at Rockhampton City Art Gallery. Sir Russell Drysdale, Sir Sidney Nolan and Albert Namatjira are part of the fine permanent collection, as are some impressive contemporary Indigenous painters. Check with the gallery for the latest temporary exhibition, for which there is usually a charge.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Great Western Hotel

    Looking like a spaghetti-western film set, this 116-year-old pub is home to Rocky's cowboys and -gals. Out back there's a rodeo arena where every Wednesday (which is also two-for-one meal night in the bistro) and Friday night you can watch poor brave fools try to ride bucking bulls and broncos. DJs and occasional live acts also feature on Friday night.

    reviewed

  3. Dreamtime Cultural Centre

    The Dreamtime Cultural Centre is an easily accessible insight into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and history. The excellent 90-minute tours are hands on (boomerangs!) and appeal to all ages. It’s about 7km north of the centre.

    reviewed

  4. Botanic Gardens

    Rockhampton’s wonderful Botanic Gardens is an oasis of Japanese gardens, lagoons and immaculate lawns. There is good access for those with disabilities, a kiosk, an attractive picnic area and a small zoo with koalas and a walk-through aviary.

    reviewed

  5. C

    Bush Inn Bar & Grill

    The Bush Inn, in the crumbling but super-atmospheric old Criterion Hotel, serves some of the best pub food in town and is very popular with locals. There are huge steaks, slabs of barramundi, chicken dishes and pizzas on the menu.

    reviewed

  6. D

    Criterion Hotel

    Easily Rockhampton's favourite pub, the Criterion resonates with a good-time feel in its front bar and in the Bush Inn Bar & Grill. There's live music Wednesday to Saturday nights.

    reviewed

  7. E

    Rock Salt by the River

    A bit of a tourist trap, but nonetheless ideally situated by the river and starring the most mouth-watering seafood platter for two ($85), which is better suited to four!

    reviewed

  8. F

    Heritage Nightclub

    When the pubs are shut, try this revamped club down by the river. It’s got raised leather booths, a heaving dance floor and a number of enticing bars.

    reviewed

  9. G

    Mavericks

    Attached to the Great Western Hotel, Mavericks sells quality belt buckles, Akubra hats, stockman whips and other countrified regalia.

    reviewed

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  11. Saigon Saigon

    This two-storey bamboo hut near the corner with Denham St overlooks the Fitzroy River and serves pan-Asian food with local ingredients like kangaroo and crocodile served in a sizzling steamboat (pre-order required for these exotic treats). If you're not up for reptile, try the crispy chicken or the king prawns.

    reviewed

  12. H

    Pacino's

    This stylish Italian restaurant oozes Mediterranean warmth with its stone floors, wooden tables and potted fig trees.

    reviewed

  13. I

    Heritage Hotel

    This grand old pub with iron-lattice balconies has a stylish cocktail lounge with river views and outdoor tables. After-work drinks can linger on to dinner in the tavern (meals $7 to $21), where the extensive menu includes pizzas, burgers and lamb shank pie as well as the ubiquitous steak.

    reviewed

  14. Cassidy's

    One of Rocky's finest, this licensed dining room features modern Australian versions of kangaroo, steak, lamb and seafood. Sit inside or on the terrace overlooking the river.

    reviewed