Plan your visit
Plan your 2025 Rockynats TrIp
With food, entertainment, nature and adventure, you’ll want to spend more than a weekend in the Rockhampton Region.
Whether you have just the Rockynats weekend or a couple of extra days free, Rockhampton has an abundance of unique, unforgettable experiences.
Plan the ultimate Rockhampton visit in the CBD beside the picturesque Fitzroy River, surrounded by heritage buildings and hinterland views. All this only a stone’s throw away from the Rockynats event precinct and award-winning restaurants and bars. For those hanging around longer, fill a week (or two) by setting your sights further afield to explore everything Rockhampton’s diverse and exciting region has to offer.
There’s no shortage of places to stay in this unique ‘country-meets-culture’ city. Choose from a wide range of accommodation options perfect for Rockynats, from boutique and contemporary hotels and luxury rooms, to budget self-contained apartments and camping. But get in quick! Accommodation close to the CBD can sell out fast leading up to Rockynats.
GOT SOME EXTRA DAYS TO EXPLORE?
With beautiful April weather, and non-stop entertainment at Rockynats, Rockhampton is the perfect place for an extended visit.
You can head to the Explore Rockhampton website for a full list of things to enjoy in Rockhampton, but to get you started, here are some of our picks for the perfect Rockynats weekend:
- Buy a three day Platinum pass. This not only gets you into every precinct but you can also enjoy exclusive seating with the best views, and unlimited access to the Rockynats water taxi for a convenient and fun way to get between our North and South zones. Alternatively, you can use the Rockynats program to work out how many days you want to attend. Make sure to plan enough time to catch all of the action!
- Go fishing. Yes you read that correctly! In Rockhampton you can go fishing right in the CBD and surrounding areas. Bring your boat and launch from a number of boat ramps, or charter a fishing boat and have the locals show you the best spots for Barramundi and King Threadfin.
- Take in the scenery - on foot or on two wheels. Rockhampton’s Mount Archer has incredible views from the award-winning elevated treetop boardwalk (see if you can spot the smoke from the Burnout Precinct), or head down the mountain on one of our 33 mountain biking trails.
- Spend an afternoon at the Zoo and Botanic Gardens. Perfect for kids (and kids at heart) is the iconic Rockhampton Zoo. Say hello to our playful otters, cheeky meerkats, strong chimpanzees and fierce crocodiles. Right next to the Zoo is Rockhampton’s stunning 33 hectares of botanic gardens featuring the Murray Lagoon known for turtles and pelicans, a huge, freshly updated playground surrounded by 150-year-old Banyan Fig trees, and the tranquil Japanese garden.
- Be inspired at the Rockhampton Museum of Art. Showcasing some of the best local and national talent, Rockhampton’s Museum of Art is a breathtaking experience and a great way to slow down over the Easter weekend.
- Go cafe hopping or indulge at dinner. If you’re a fan of brunch, you will be spoilt for choice with a wide variety of cafes featuring specialty coffee and menus ranging from trendy to classic. But if dinner is more your speed, you can take your pick of award winning restaurants or homely local pubs.
- Take a sunset cruise or go sky high. For a unique view of Rockhampton, consider a relaxing sunset cruise down the Fitzroy River.
What to do in Rockhampton if you have a week or more
Come for Rockynats, and stay for the rich diversity of food, entertainment, culture and adventure. Experience the thrill of nature's playground as you hike through rugged Aussie landscapes, cast your line into the Fitzroy River, conquer trails on a mountain bike adventure or discover another world in the Capricorn Caves. Families will find endless fun with a variety of parks and gardens, farm stays, Mount Hay’s Gemstone Park or the iconic Rockhampton Heritage Village. In the evening take your pick between award winning restaurants or cozy local pubs serving up delicious dishes accompanied by live music. Rockhampton has everything you need for the perfect holiday away.
Best accommodation for Rockynats
CBD Hotels
Find yourself in the heart of the action in the CBD, with your accommodation just a short stroll from the all the main events of Rockynats as well as countless dining options. If strolling isn’t your speed, then you can zip effortlessly through the streets on trendy e-scooters available throughout the CBD. With an array of choices for most budgets, find the perfect place to unwind and recharge amidst the bustling energy of Rockynats. Learn more about Rockhampton's CBD hotels at Explore Rockhampton.
Camping and caravan parks
If you prefer an outdoor experience, Rockhampton has a range of camping and caravan parks that cater to all preferences. Our top pick for camping is the official Rockynats campground located conveniently in the CBD. Not only will you be in the company of entrants and other car enthusiasts, you are guaranteed to be just a short walk from all the Rockynats action. For those seeking other options, there are numerous other camping and caravan parks available including a popular caravan park near the beautiful Fitzroy River, or camping out at Gracemere. Many of the campgrounds and caravan parks are entrant-friendly, meaning you can keep your vehicle close over the Rockynats weekend. Learn more about Rockhampton Region's camping and caravan parks at Explore Rockhampton.
Motels
Get the authentic road-trip experience and stay alongside many of the entrants, with the chance to eye off their cars right outside your front door. Motels in Rockhampton offer a range of amenities from restaurants downstairs, to family-friendly venues with a pool. For any entrant looking for a place to stay, motels are the most entrant-friendly accommodation allowing you to park your vehicle right outside. Learn more about Rockhampton Region's hotels at Explore Rockhampton.