Rockhampton sits astride Queensland’s largest and most picturesque river, the Fitzroy. The magnificent Berserker Ranges and Mt Archer provide an imposing backdrop to this city. Rockhampton, known as the Beef Capital of Australia, is different things to different people, and a gateway to adventure. Rockhampton is located on the Tropic of Capricorn and is approximately 40 kilometres drive inland from the Capricorn Coast on the Pacific Ocean.

While in Rockhampton you will have to visit the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens and Zoo. They are more than 130 years old, and are uniquely nestled at the edge of native wetlands.  Walk through the Japanese Gardens, view the displays of tropical plants, feed the ducks on the lagoon and visit the Zoo.

The Kershaw Gardens and waterfall represent an Australian natural bush environment, dedicated to native plants.

Visit the Lakes Creek bird observatory and count the number of different species from the platform over the lagoon.

Rising out of Rockhampton’s northeastern suburbs, Mt Archer National Park provides magnificent views of the city, and showcases a spectacular range of native Australia flora and fauna.  Frazer Park at the summit of Mt Archer is approximately 604 metres above sea level.  Sunsets from the top of Mt Archer are spectacular, with the golden hues from the setting sun bathing the city as it becomes a mass of twinkling lights.

From the Mt Archer lookout to the north, you will see Mount Etna, which is famous around the world as home of one of the few remaining colonies of the “Little bent wing bat”.  It is a huge colony numbering several million.

It is a short drive from Rockhampton to various national parks with easy access and walking tracks to discover the “Real Australia”.